The stated objectives of the BSA are referred to as “Aims of Scouting”: character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Each of the programs of the BSA pursues these aims through methods that are designed to be appropriate for the age and maturity of the participants. One of these methods is the establishment of ideals. These are statements of goals against which each youth can measure and improve himself.
The Scout Motto
Be Prepared
The Scout Slogan
Do a Good Turn Daily
The Scout Oath
On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
The Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
The Outdoor Code
As an American, I will do my best to be clean in my outdoor manners, be careful with fire, be considerate in the outdoors, and be conservation-minded.
The BSA Scout Oath and Law have remained unchanged since they were first developed in 1910.