Opening Ceremonies with the Scout Oath and Law

It has been my experience that most Scout Troops open in a similar fashion.  They may order it different but for the most part they are the same.  Typically they will all begin with the recitation of the Scout Oath and Law.  Some will follow with the Scout Motto and Slogan or the Outdoor Code.  But regardless of the exact order, at some point they will all include the Scout Oath and Law.

What I noticed while recently visiting other troops is that we all speed through the Oath and Law.  It has become muscle memory and little more than lip service is given.  Validation of this fact was proved when I was able to attend a board of review for an Eagle Scout candidate.  Now being an Eagle Scout candidate, someone who has stood at attention and given the scout sign followed by the recitation of the Scout Oath and Law hundereds if not a thousand times, was asked to do it once more as he entered this Board of Review.

There he was standing at attention in front of 4 adults, who where chosen to conduct this board of review, in complete field uniform with his scout sign held high and proud.  He was asked to repeat the Scout Oath and Law.  He did fine with the Scout Law, just twelve words but on the Scout Oath he kept missing a word or segment.  He couldn't remember.  He was out of his normal environment, the scout hall, along with others standing beside him repeating the same words week after week.  Yes, he was probably a bit nervous, but this should be a simple task for any scout.

Every now and then, we as leaders should probably slow our scouts down at the opening when they begin to recite the Scout Oath and Law.  Let's remind them of what each of those twelve words mean so that as they say them they think to themselves what each word symbolizes along with the Scout Oath.  They need to have meaning, not just be hollow words.  They need to be living and breathing elements in our daily lives and what better way than for them to see it as an example in our own word, thought, and deed?  And we should recognize them (the scouts) when appropriately displayed so then they learn to recognize it in themselves as well.

When I became Scoutmaster, I was given a very old leather covered book with old bindings and partially yellow tarnished pages that has the smell of old libraries.  This book was printed in 1920 and is titled: "Handbook For Scoutmasters.  A Manual of Leadership."  I will share with you what this book says in regards to the Scout Oath and Law.

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

1. A Scout is Trustworthy.  A scout's honor is to be trusted.  If he were to violate his honor by telling a lie, or by cheating, or by not doing exactly a given task, when trusted on his honor, he may be directed hand over his scout badge.
2. S Scout is Loyal.  He is loyal to all to whom loyalty is due; his scout leader, his home, and parents and country.
3. A Scout is Helpful.  He must be prepared at any time to save life, help injured persons and share the home duties.  He must do at least one good turn for somebody every day.
4. A Scout is Friendly.  He is a friend to all and a brother to every other scout.
5. A Scout is Courteous.  He is polite to all, especially to women, children, old people, and the weak and helpless.  He must not take pay for being helpful or courteous.
6. A Scout is Kind.  He is a friend to animals.  He will not kill nor hurt any living creature needlessly, but will strive to save and protect all harmless life.
7. A Scout is Obedient.  He obeys his parents, scoutmaster, patrol leader, and all other duly constituted authorities.
8. A Scout is Cheerful.  He smiles whenever he can.  His obedience to orders is prompt and cheery.  He never shirks nor grumbles at hardships.
9. A Scout is Thrifty.  He does not wantonly destroy property.  He works faithfully, wastes nothing, and makes the best use of his opportunities.  he saves his money so that he may pay his own way, be generous to those in need, and helpful to worthy objects.  he may work for pay but must not receive tips for courtesies or good turns.
10. A Scout is Brave.  He has the courage to face danger in spite of fear and to stand up for the right against the coatings of friends or the jeers or threats of enemies, and defeat does not down him.
11. A Scout is Clean.  He keeps clean in body and thought, stands for clean speech, clean sport, clean habits, and travels with a clean crowd.
12. A Scout is Reverent.  He is reverent toward God.  He is faithful in his religious duties,and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion.