Scout Law

Since the publication of "Scouting for Boys" in 1908, all Scouts and Guides around the world have taken a Scout Promise or oath to live up to ideals of the movement, and subscribed to a Scout Law. The wording of the promise and law have varied slightly over time and from Scouting organization to Scouting Organization.

History

When writing "Scouting for Boys", General Baden-Powell drew inspiration from the work of Ernest Thompson Seton, who founded the Woodcraft Indians in 1902 and later became instrumental in spreading Scouting throughout North America. Baden-Powell also drew inspiration for the Scout Law from the Bushido code of the Japanese Samurai, laws of honor of the American Indians, the code of chivalry or European knights, and the Zulu fighters he had fought against.cite book | first = Michael | last = Rosenthal | title = Baden-Powell and the Origins of the Boy Scout Movement | year = 1986 | publisher = Collins | pages = page 111 |location = London] Like Seton, Baden-Powell chose to use a set of affirmative laws, in contrast to Old Testament-like prohibitions.cite book | first = Robert | last = Baden-Powell | authorlink = Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell | title = Scouting for Boys | year = 2005 | publisher = Oxford | pages = page 361]

The original Scout law appeared with the publication of "Scouting for Boys" in 1908 and is as follows (sic, capitalization, numbering, etc by Baden-Powell):cite book | first = Lieut.-General R. S. S. | last = Baden-Powell, C.B., F.R.G.S. |authorlink = Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell | title = Scouting for Boys | edition = Part I | year = 1908 | publisher = Horace Cox | location = Windsor House, Bream's Buildings, London E.C. | pages = page 49] cite web | url = http://www.netpages.free-online.co.uk/sha/law.htm | title = The British Boy Scouts Pledge and Law an historical survey | publisher = Scout History Association | accessdate = 2006-05-22] cite web | url = http://www.gutenberg.net/catalog/world/authrec?fk_authors=2144 | title = Young Knights of the Empire | publisher = Gutenberg project]

These were written for the Scouts in the whole world, yet of course firstly focused on Scouting in the United Kingdom. As other groups started up Scouting organizations (often in other countries), each modified the laws, for instance 'loyal to the King' would be replaced by the equivalent text appropriate for each country.

During the years, Baden-Powell himself edited the text numerous times, notably in 1911 adding:
*A SCOUT IS CLEAN IN THOUGHT, WORD AND DEED. Decent Scouts look down upon silly youths who talk dirt, and they do not let themselves give way to temptation, either to talk it or to do anything dirty. A Scout is pure, and clean-minded, and manly.

Australia

Scouts Australia

#A Scout is trustworthy
#A Scout is loyal
#A Scout is helpful
#A Scout is friendly
#A Scout is cheerful
#A Scout is considerate
#A Scout is thrifty
#A Scout is courageous
#A Scout is respectful
#A Scout cares for the environment

Guides Australia

#A Guide is loyal and can be trusted.
#A Guide is helpful.
#A Guide is polite and considerate.
#A Guide is friendly and a sister to all Guides.
#A Guide is kind to animals and respects all living things.
#A Guide is obedient.
#A Guide has courage and is cheerful in all difficulties.
#A Guide makes good use of her time.
#A Guide takes care of her own possessions and those of other people.
#A Guide is self-controlled in all she thinks, says and does.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh Scouts

#A Scout's honour is to be trusted.
#A Scout is a friend to all.
#A Scout is courteous and obedient.
#A Scout is kind to animals.
#A Scout is cheerful at all times.
#A Scout is thrifty.
#A Scout is clean in thought,word and deed.

Brazil

Federação de Bandeirantes do Brasil

A Guide...
# - Is trustworthy.
# - Is loyal and respects truth.
# - Helps others on all occasion.
# – Esteems and cherishes friendship.
# - Is kind and courteous.
# - Sees God in creation and protects nature.
# - Knows how to obey.
# - Faces all difficulties cheerfully.
# - Uses resources wisely.
# - Acts, thinks, and is coherent with moral values.

União dos Escoteiros do Brasil

# O Escoteiro tem uma só palavra; sua honra vale mais do que a própria vida. "A Scout is to be trusted; his honor is of greater value than his life."
# O Escoteiro é leal. "A Scout is loyal."
# O Escoteiro está sempre alerta para ajudar o próximo e pratica diariamente uma boa ação. "A Scout is always prepared to help his fellow man and practices a good turn every day."
# O Escoteiro é amigo de todos e irmão dos demais Escoteiros. "A Scout is a friend to everybody and a brother to every other Scout."
# O Escoteiro é cortês. "A Scout is courteous."
# O Escoteiro é bom para os animais e as plantas. "A Scout is good to animals and plants."
# O Escoteiro é obediente e disciplinado. "A Scout is obedient and orderly."
# O Escoteiro é alegre e sorri nas dificuldades. "A Scout is happy and smiles in difficulties."
# O Escoteiro é econômico e respeita o bem alheio. "A Scout is thrifty and respects the property of others."
# O Escoteiro é limpo de corpo e alma.
"A Scout is clean on body and soul."

Canada

Scouts Canada

:A Scout is :Helpful and trustworthy, :Kind and cheerful, :Considerate and clean, :And wise in the use of all resources.

= Girl Guides of Canada/Guides du Canada =

The Guiding Law challenges me to:
# be honest and trustworthy
# use my resources wisely
# respect myself and others
# recognize and use my talents and abilities
# protect our common environment
# live with courage and strength
# share in the sisterhood of Guiding

=Chile=

#The Scout places his honor in being worthy of trust.
#The Scout is loyal.
#The Scout is useful and helps others, without thinking of compensation.
#The Scout shares with everyone.
#The Scout is courteous and gentlemanly.
#The Scout cares for nature and finds God in it
#The Scout is obedient and does nothing half way.
#The Scout is optimistic.
#The Scout is thrifty.
#The Scout is clean and pure in thought, word and deed.

=Colombia=

#El scout cifra su honor en ser digno de confianza
#El scout es leal
#El scout ayuda a los demas sin importar mayor recompenza
#El scout es amigo de todos y hermano de otro scout sin importar distincion de raza, credo o posicion social
#El scout es cortes y caballeroso
#El scout ama la naturaleza como obra de Dios y preocura su conservacion y progreso
#El scout obedece sin replica alguna y no hace nada a medias
#El scout rie y canta en sus dificultades
#El scout es ahorrativo y cuidadoso del bien ageno
#El scout es puro de pensamiento, palabra y obra

Costa Rica

Asociación de Guías y Scouts de Costa Rica

# A Scout shows his honour by being worthy of trust.
# A Scout is loyal to God, his nation, his parents, his bosses, and his subordinates.
# A Scout is useful and helps others without thinking of rewards.
# A Scout is everybody's friend and brother/sister of all Scouts, without distinction of creed, race, nationality, or social class.
# A Scout is courteous and well mannered.
# A Scout sees God's work in nature. He or she protects animals and plants.
# A Scout obeys rationally and does things in an orderly and complete manner.
# A Scout smiles and sings through difficult times.
# A Scout is economic, hard-working, and careful of others' well being. (The original Spanish phrase, "cuidadoso del bien ajeno", can also mean "being careful/respectful of others' properties".)
# A Scout is clean and healthy; pure in his thoughts, words, and actions.

Croatia

Savez izviđača Hrvatske

#Izviđač je dobar prijatelj, vedar i društven. "A Scout is a good friend, cheerful and sociable.
#Izviđač poštuje roditelje i starije, a pomaže mlađima i slabijima. "A Scout respects parents and elders, and helps younger and weaker.
#Izviđač stalno uči i primjenjuje stečena znanja. "A scout learns all the time and implements achieved knowledges.
#Izviđač je koristan član zajednice u kojoj živi. "A scout is a constructive part of the community.
#Izviđač je čestit, uljudan i nesebičan. "A scout is honorable, courteous and unselfish.
#Izviđač je vrijedan, istrajan i cijeni rad. "A scout is diligent, persistent and appreciates work.
#Izviđač voli prirodu, upoznaje ju i čuva. "A scout loves the Nature, knows it and protects it.
#Izviđač odgovorno izvršava zajedničke odluke. "A scout responsibly obeys collective decisions.
#Izviđač cijeni i razvija duhovne i kulturne vrijednosti. "A scout appreciates and develops spiritual and cultural values.
#Izviđač skrbi o svom zdravlju i tjelesnoj sposobnosti i kloni se štetnih navika. "A scout cares for his/her health and fitness and stays away from harmful habits.
#Izviđač čuva čast i ugled svoje udruge i cijelog izviđačkog pokreta. "A scout cares for honor and reputation of his/her group and the whole scout movement.
#Izviđaču je čast da mu vjeruju. "A Scout's honour is to be trusted.

=Czech Republic=

# Skaut je pravdomluvný "A Scout speaks the truth"
# Skaut je věrný a oddaný "A Scout can be trusted and is loyal"
# Skaut je prospěšný a pomáhá jiným "A Scout is useful to society and helps others"
# Skaut je přítelem všech lidí dobré vůle a bratrem každého skauta "A Scout is a friend to all people of good will and a brother/sister to all Scouts and Guides"
# Skaut je zdvořilý "A Scout is courteous"
# Skaut je ochráncem přírody a cenných výtvorů lidských "A Scout protects nature and valuable human products"
# Skaut je poslušný rodičů, představených a vůdců "A Scout obeys his/her parents, superiors and Scout/Guide leaders"
# Skaut je veselé mysli "A Scout is of cheerful mind"
# Skaut je hospodárný "A Scout is thrifty"
# Skaut je čistý v myšlenkách, slovech i skutcích "A Scout is pure in thought, word and deeds"

Guatemala

Asociación de Scouts de Guatemala

# El / La Scout cifra su honor en ser digno de confianza.
# El / La Scout es patriota y leal.
# El / La Scout es útil y ayuda a los demás sin pensar en recompensa.
# El / La Scout es amigo/a de todos y hermano/a de cualquier Scout, sin distinción de raza, credo, clase social, o nacionalidad.
# El / La Scout es cortés y caballeroso/ (para las Muchachas Scouts:) y actúa con nobleza.
# El / La Scout ve en la naturaleza la obra de Dios; protege a los animales y las plantas.
# El / La Scout es obediente y hace las cosas en orden y completas.
# El / La Scout sonríe y canta en sus dificultades.
# El / La Scout es económico/a, trabajador/a, y cuidadoso/a del bien ajeno.
# El / La Scout es limpio/a y sano/a, puro/a en pensamiento, palabra, y acción.

(English translation:)
# The Scout bases his/her honour on being trustworthy.
# The Scout is patriotic and loyal.
# The Scout is useful and helps others without thinking of a reward.
# The Scout is a friend to everyone and a brother to every Scout, without distinction of race, creed, social class, or nationality.
# The Scout is courteous and chivalrous.
# The Scout sees in nature the work of God; he protects animals and plants.
# The Scout is obedient and does things in order and completely.
# The Scout smiles and sings in his difficulties.
# The Scout is thrifty, hard-working, and careful of others' well-being/goods.
# The Scout is clean and healthy, pure in thought, word, and deed.

= Hungary =

# A Scout is upright and always tells the truth.
# A Scout does his/her duties to God, his/her Country and his/her fellow people.
# A Scout helps whenever he/she can.
# A Scout is a brother/sister to all Scouts.
# A Scout is gentle with others, but strict to him/herself.
# A Scout loves nature, is kind to animals and takes care of plants.
# A Scout obeys his superiors willingly and wholeheartedly
# A Scout is cheerful and considerate.
# A Scout is thrifty.
# A Scout is clean in body and soul

= Iceland =

*A Scout is helpful
*A Scout is cheerful
*A Scout is loyal
*A Scout is a friend of the nature
*A Scout is considerate
*A Scout is modest
*A Scout is cooperative
*A Scout is thrifty
*A Scout is respectful
*A Scout is independent

= India =

#A Scout/Guide is Trustworthy
#A Scout/Guide is Loyal
#A Scout/Guide is a friend to all and a brother/sister to every other Scout/Guide.
#A Scout/Guide is courteous
#A Scout/Guide is a friend to animals and loves nature.
#A Scout/Guide is disciplined and helps protect public property.
#A Scout/Guide is courageous.
#A Scout/Guide is thrifty.
#A Scout/Guide is pure in thought, word and deed.
#A Scout/Guide obeys the order.

= Indonesia =

#Believe in God the Almighty
#Preserve nature and love each other
#Be an affable and knightly patriot
#Be obedient and collegial
#Help others with compliance and resilience
#Be diligent, skilled and cheerful
#Be provident and simple
#Exercise discipline, be brave and faithful
#Be accountable and trustworthy
#Have purity in mind, word and act

Ireland

=Gasóga na hÉireann/Scouting Ireland=

#A Scout is to be trusted.
#A Scout is loyal.
#A Scout is helpful and considerate to all.
#A Scout has courage in all difficulties.
#A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property.
#A Scout has respect for self and others.
#A Scout respects nature and the environment

Former Associations

Scouting Ireland (CSI)

#A Scout is loyal
#A Scout is trustworthy
#A Scout is helpful
#A Scout is friendly
#A Scout is courteous
#A Scout is kind
#A Scout is obedient
#A Scout is cheerful
#A Scout is thrifty
#A Scout is brave
#A Scout is pure in thought, word and deed
#A Scout does all for the glory of God [ The Scout Badgebook, 3rd revision 1997. National Scout Team (Ireland). Scouting Ireland (CSI) ]

Italy

Scouting for Boys

This is how the original Scout Law was translated in the Italian edition of "Scouting for Boys" "(Scautismo per Ragazzi)". Every association in Italy made its own version of the Scout Law, keeping the original spirit.

# L'onore di uno Scout è di essere creduto.
"A Scout's honour is to be trusted."
# Lo Scout è fedele: al Re, alla Patria, ai suoi Capi, ai suoi genitori, ai suoi datori di lavoro e ai suoi sottoposti.
"A Scout is loyal to the King, his country, his officers, his parents, his employers, and those under him."
# Il dovere di uno Scout è di essere utile e aiutare gli altri.
"A Scout's duty is to be useful and to help others."
# Lo Scout è amico di tutti e fratello di ogni altro Scout, a prescindere dalla classe sociale di appartenenza.
"A Scout is a friend to all, and a brother to every other Scout, no matter to what social class the other belongs."
# Lo Scout è cortese.
"A Scout is courteous."
# Lo Scout è un amico per gli animali.
"A Scout is a friend to animals."
# Lo Scout ubbidisce agli ordini dei suoi genitori, del Capo Pattuglia o del suo Capo senza replicare.
"A Scout obeys orders of his parents, patrol leader or Scoutmaster without question."
# Lo Scout sorride e fischietta in tutte le difficoltà.
"A Scout smiles and whistles under all difficulties."
# Lo Scout è economo.
"A Scout is thrifty."
# Lo Scout è pulito nel pensiero, nella parola e nell'azione.
"A Scout is clean in thought, word and deed."

Japan

Scout Association of Japan

#A Scout is faithful.
#A Scout is friendly.
#A Scout is courteous.
#A Scout is kind.
#A Scout is cheerful.
#A Scout is thrifty.
#A Scout is courageous.
#A Scout is thankful.

Girl Scouts of Japan

#I am cheerful and courageous at all times.
#I respect all living things.
#I am a friend to all, and a sister to every Girl Scout.
#I am courteous
#I use time and resources wisely.
#I think and act on my own.
#I am responsible for what I say and do.
#I try to be sincere.

Malaysia

Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia

(translated from Malay):
# A Scout is to be trusted and has self dignity.
# A Scout is loyal towards the King and other Rajas, towards the Scout Masters, parents, employers and those below him.
# A Scout is to make himself useful and helpful at all times.
# A Scout is a friend to scouts around the world and the people around him/her.
# A Scout is good and kind and will always do good.
# A Scout is good and kind to animals.
# A Scout always follow his parents' and Scout Masters' orders without question.
# A Scout is always patient and smiles during difficulties.
# A Scout is thrifty.
# A Scout is pure of thought, word and action.

Persatuan Pandu Puteri Malaysia

(translated from Malay):
# A Guide's honour is to be trusted.
# A Guide is loyal.
# A Guides's duty is to be useful and help others.
# A Guide is friend to all and a sister to every other guide.
# A Guide is courteous.
# A Guide is a friend to animals and care for all living things.
# A Guide obey orders.
# A Guide smiles and sings under all difficulties.
# A Guide is thrifty.
# A Guide is pure in thought, word and in deed.

Malta

The Scouts Association of Malta

# A Scout's honour is to be trusted.
# A Scout is loyal and obedient.
# A Scout's duty is to be useful and to help others.
# A Scout is a friend to all.
# A Scout is courteous, kind and considerate.
# A Scout is cheerful in adversity.
# A Scout makes good use of one's time and avoids waste, and damage to, property and the environment.
# A Scout is clean in word, thought and deed.

=Netherlands=

:A scout ventures out into the world:together with others to explore the world around him / her:and to make it a better place to live in.:He / she is honest, loyal and will persevere.:He / She is thrifty and plain:and cares for nature. He / She respects him / herself and others

=Norway=

#A Scout is open to God and His word;
#A Scout accepts responsibility for him/herself and others;
#A Scout is helpful and considerate;
#A Scout is a good friend;
#A Scout is honest and trustworthy;
#A Scout knows the Nature and protects it;
#A Scout thinks and acts independently, and tries to understand other people;
#A Scout does his/her best in difficulties and troubles;
#A Scout is thrifty;
#A Scout works for peace and understanding between people.

Poland

#A Scout/Guide conscientiously fulfils the duties stemming from the Scout and Guide Promise.
#A Scout's/Guide's word is to be trusted like that of Zawisza the Knight.
#A Scout/Guide is useful and helps others.
#A Scout/Guide is a friend to everybody and a brother/sister to every other Scout/Guide.
#A Scout/Guide acts chivalrously.
#A Scout/Guide loves Nature and tries to get to know it.
#A Scout/Guide is well disciplined and obedient to his/her parents and superiors.
#A Scout/Guide is always cheerful.
#A Scout/Guide is thrifty and generous.
#A Scout/Guide is pure in thought, in word and in deed; he/she does not smoke or drink alcohol.

=Portugal =

#A Scout speaks the truth and his word is holy.
#A Scout is loyal.
#A Scout is trustworthy.
#A Scout is a friend to everybody and a brother to other Scouts.
#A Scout is courteous.
#A Scout is kind to animals and good to plants.
#A Scout is obedient and well disciplined.
#A Scout is joyful and smiles in times of difficulties.
#A Scout is thrifty and respects the possessions of others.
#A Scout is pure in thought, word and deeds.

Singapore

The Singapore Scout Association

#A Scout is to be trusted
#A Scout is loyal
#A Scout makes friends, establishes and maintain harmonious relations
#A Scout is disciplined and considerate
#A Scout has courage in all difficulties.

Girl Guides Singapore

#A Guide is loyal and can be trusted
#A Guide is useful and helps others
#A Guide is polite, considerate and respects her elders
#A Guide is friendly and a sister to all Guides
#A Guide is kind to all living things
#A Guide is obedient
#A Guide has courage and is cheerful in all difficulties
#A Guide takes care of her own possessions and those of other people
#A Guide is thrifty and diligent
#A Guide is self-disciplined in what she thinks, says and does

Slovenia

Zveza Tabornikov Slovenije

#A Scout is trustworthy
#A Scout is loyal
#A Scout is friendly
#A Scout is prepared to help
#A Scout is disciplinized
#A Scout is cheerful
#A Scout is courageous
#A Scout is noble
#A Scout is respectful
#A Scout is eager for knowledge
#A Scout is thrifty
#A Scout lives healthy

= South Africa =

#A Scout's honour is to be trusted
#A Scout is loyal
#A Scout's duty is to be useful and to help others.
#A Scout is a friend to all and a brother to every other Scout
#A Scout is courteous
#A Scout is a friend to animals
#A Scout obeys orders
#A Scout smiles and whistles under all difficulties
#A Scout is thrifty
#A Scout is clean in thought, word and deed

=Sweden=

#En scout söker sin tro och respekterar andras "A scout seeks his own belief and respects others"'
#En scout är ärlig och pålitlig. "A Scout is honest and trustworthy."
#En scout är vänlig och hjälpsam. "A Scout is friendly and helpful."
#En scout visar hänsyn och är en god kamrat. "A scout is considerate and a good companion."
#En scout möter svårigheter med gott humör. "A scout overcomes difficulties in a good mood."
#En scout lär känna och vårdar naturen. "A Scout learns to know and protects the Nature."
#En scout känner ansvar för sig själv och andra. "A Scout accepts responsibility for herself/himself and others."

=Switzerland=

Guides and Scouts, we wish:
# To be honest and sincere
# To listen to and respect others
# To rejoice in all that is beautiful and give joy to others
# To be thoughtful and helpful
# To share
# To choose to the best of our abilities and to commit ourselves
# To protect nature and respect life
# To face difficulties with confidencecite web |title=Swiss Guide and Scout Movement-The Promise and Law |url=http://www.pbs.ch/en/aboutus/promiselaw |publisher=Swiss Guide and Scout Movement |accessdate=2007-08-19]

United Kingdom (UK)

#A Scout is to be trusted.
#A Scout is loyal.
#A Scout is friendly and considerate.
#A Scout belongs to the worldwide family of Scouts.
#A Scout has courage in all difficulties.
#A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property.
#A Scout has self-respect and respect for others.

Girlguiding UK

#A Guide is honest, reliable and can be trusted.
#A Guide is helpful and uses her time and abilities wisely.
#A Guide faces challenge and learns from her experiences.
#A Guide is a good friend and a sister to all Guides.
#A Guide is polite and considerate.
#A Guide respects all living things and takes care of the world around her.

Baden-Powell Scouts' Association

#A Scouts' honour is to be trusted.
#A Scout is loyal to The Queen, His Country, His Scouters, His Parents, His Employers and to those under Him.
#A Scouts' duty is to be useful and help others.
#A Scout is a friend to all, and a brother to every other Scout, no matter to what Country, Class or Creed the other may belong.
#A Scout is courteous.
#A Scout is a friend to animals.
#A Scout obeys orders of his parents, Patrol Leader, or Scout Master without question.
#A Scout smiles and whistles under all difficulties.
#A Scout is thrifty.
#A Scout is clean in thought, word and deed.

United States of America

Boy Scouts of America (BSA)

The BSA's initial Scout Law was virtually identical to that of Britain's and was first adopted on July 9, 1910. This version steadily changed until August 1, 1911 when the BSA's Scout Law took its current form. [cite journal|last=Scott| first=David C.| year=2007| title=The Origins of the Scout Law| journal=International Scouting Collectors Association Journal (ISCA Journal) | volume=7| issue=3| pages=22–26]

:A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

Girl Scouts of the USA

I will do my best to behonest and fair,friendly and helpful,considerate and caring,courageous and strong, andresponsible for what I say and do,and torespect myself and others,respect authority,use resources wisely,make the world a better place, andbe a sister to every Girl Scout.

ee also

*Scouting
*World Organization of the Scout Movement
*World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts

References