|
The Knights' Code
(In Scout Law order for comparison) |
Woodcraft Law
(In Scout Law order for comparison) |
Scouting for Boys, 1908
fortnight series
(CAPS in original) |
British Boy Scouts Association Scout
Law
(c. 1911) |
BSA Scout Law, 1911 |
BSA Scout
Law, 1972 |
BSA Scout Law, 1990 |
BSA Scout Law, 1999 |
Independent Scouting,
2002 |
Baden-Powell Scouting
USA, 2004 |
| 2) At
whatever you are working try to win honour and a name for honesty.
8) Never break your promise.
|
4. Hold
your word of honor sacred. This is the law of truth, and any one not bound
by this cannot be bound; and truth is wisdom. |
1. A
SCOUT'S HOUOUR IS TO BE TRUSTED. If a scout says "On my honour
it is so," that means that it is so, just as if he had taken a
most solemn oath. Similarly, if a scout officer says to a scout,
"I trust you on your honour to do this," the scout is bound to
carry out the order to the very best of his ability, and to let nothing
interfere with his doing so. If a scout were to break his honour by telling a lie, or by not carrying
out an order exactly when trusted on his honour to do so, he would cease
to be a scout, and must hand over his scout badge, and never be allowed to
wear it again--he loses his life. |
1. A SCOUT's HONOUR IS TO BE TRUSTED. If a
Scout says, "on my honour it is so," that means that it is so,
just as if he had taken a most solemn oath.
Similarly, if a Scout Officer says to a Scout, "I trust you on your
honour to do this," the Scout is bound to carry out the order to the
very best of his ability, and to let nothing interfere with his doing so.
If a Scout were to break his honour by telling a lie, or by not carrying
out an order exactly when trusted on his honour to do so, he may be
directed to hand over his Scout Badge, and never wear it again. He may
also be directed to cease to be a Scout. |
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 to
hand over his Scout Badge. |
1.TRUSTWORTHY.
A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his
code of conduct. People can depend on him. |
1. A Scout
is TRUSTWORTHY. A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is
a part of his code of conduct. People can always depend on him. |
1. A Scout
is trustworthy. A Scout tells the truth. He is honest, and he keeps his
promises. People can depend on him. |
1. A Scout’s honor is to be trusted. |
1. A Scout’s honor is to be trusted.
Scouts are honest and trustworthy.
|
| 6) Be
prepared to fight in the defence of your country.
9) Maintain the honour of your country with your life. |
|
2. A
SCOUT IS LOYAL to the King, and to his officers, and to his country, and
to his employers. He must stick to them through thick and thin
against anyone who is their enemy, or who even talks badly of them. |
2. A SCOUT
is LOYAL TO THE KING, and to his officers, and to his parents, his
country, and his employers. He must stick to them through thick and thin
against anyone who is their enemy or who even talks badly of them. |
2. A SCOUT
is LOYAL. He is loyal to all to whom loyalty is due; his Scout Leader, his
home and parents and country. |
2. LOYAL.
A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation. |
2. A Scout
is LOYAL. A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school,
nation, and world community. |
2. A Scout
is loyal. A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school,
and nation. |
2. A Scout is loyal to his country, his
leaders, his parents, his employers, and those under him. |
2. A Scout is loyal.
Scouts are loyal to anyone to whom loyalty is due.
|
| 3) Defend the poor and
weak. |
11. Be helpful. Do your
share of the work for the glory that the service brings, for the strength
one gets in serving. |
3. A
SCOUT'S DUTY IS TO BE USEFUL AND TO HELP OTHERS. And he is to do his
duty before anything else, even though he gives up his own pleasure, or
comfort, or safety to do it. When in difficulty to know which of two
things to do, he must ask himself, "Which is my duty?" this is,
"Which is best for other people?" --and do that one. He
must Be Prepared at any time to save life, or to help injured
persons. And he must do a good turn to somebody every day. |
3. A
SCOUT'S DUTY IS TO BE USEFUL AND TO HELP OTHERS. And he is to do his
duty before anything else, even though he gives up his own pleasure, or
comfort, or safety to do it. When in difficulty to know which of two
things to do, he must ask himself, "Which is my duty?" this is,
"Which is best for other people?" --and do that one. He
must Be Prepared at any time to save life, or to help injured
persons. And he must do a good turn to somebody every day [SfB]. |
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 to
somebody every day. |
3.
HELPFUL. A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly
for others without pay or reward. |
3. A Scout
is HELPFUL. A Scout is concerned about other people. He willingly
volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward. |
3. A Scout
is helpful. A Scout cares about other people. He willingly volunteers to
help others without expecting payment or reward. |
3. A Scout’s duty is be useful and to help
others. |
3. A Scout’s duty is be useful and to
help others.
Scouts are thoughtful and quick to offer a helping hand to those in
need, and must do a good turn for somebody every day.
|
| |
|
4. A SCOUT IS A FRIEND
TO ALL, AND A BROTHER TO EVERY OTHER SCOUT, NO MATTER TO WHAT SOCIAL CLASS
THE OTHER BELONGS. Thus if a Scout meets another Scout, even though a
stranger to him, he must speak to him, and help him in any way that he
can, either to carry out the duty he is then doing, or by giving him food
or, as far as possible, anything that he may be in want of. A scout must
never be a SNOB. A snob is one who looks down upon another because he is
poorer, or who is poor and resents another because he is rich. A scout
accepts another man as he finds him, and makes the best of him.
"Kim," The boy scout, was called by the Indians "Little
friend of all the world," and that is the name that every scout
should earn for himself. |
4. A SCOUT IS A FRIEND
TO ALL, AND A BROTHER TO EVERY OTHER SCOUT, NO MATTER TO WHAT SOCIAL CLASS
THE OTHER BELONGS. Thus if a Scout meets another Scout, even though a
stranger to him, he must speak to him, and help him in any way that he
can, either to carry out the duty he is then doing, or by giving him food
or, as far as possible, anything that he may be in want of. A Scout must
never be a SNOB. A snob is one who looks down upon another because he is
poorer, or who is poor and resents another because he is rich. A Scout
accepts another man as he finds him, and makes the best of him.
"Kim," The Boy Scout, was called by the Indians "Little
friend of all the world," and that is the name that every Scout
should earn for himself. |
4. A SCOUT
is FRIENDLY. He is a friend to all and a brother to every other Scout. |
4.
FRIENDLY. A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He
seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other
than his own. |
4. A Scout
is FRIENDLY. A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts.
He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs
that are different from his own. |
4. A Scout
is friendly. A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts.
He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects
them even if their customs are different from his own. |
4. A Scout is a friend to all, and a brother to
every other Scout. |
4. A Scout is a friend to all, and a
brother to every other Scout.
Scouts are friendly and treat all other Scouts like brothers or
sisters in the family of Scouting.
|
| 5) Do nothing to hurt
or offend anyone else. |
|
5. A SCOUT IS
COURTEOUS. That is, he is polite to all--but especially to women and
children, and old people and invalids, cripples, etc. And he must not take
any reward for being helpful or courteous. |
5. A SCOUT IS
COURTEOUS. That is, he is polite to all--but especially to women and
children, and old people and invalids, cripples, etc. And he Must not take
any reward for being helpful or courteous. |
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. |
5.
COURTEOUS. A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He
knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together. |
5. A Scout
is COURTEOUS. A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position.
He knows that good manners make it easier for people to get along
together. |
5. A Scout
is courteous. A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position.
He knows that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along. |
5. A Scout is courteous. |
5. A Scout is courteous.
Scouts show courtesy, kindness and respect to others.
|
| |
10. Be kind. Do at
least one act of unbargaining service each day, even as ye would enlarge
the crevice whence a spring runs forth to make its blessings more.
3. Protect all harmless wild life for the joy its beauty gives.
|
6. A SCOUT IS A FRIEND
TO ANIMALS. He should save them as far as possible from pain, and should
not kill any animal unnecessarily, even if it is only a fly--for it is one
of God's creatures. |
6. A SCOUT IS A FRIEND
TO ANIMALS. He should save them as far as possible from pain, and should
not kill any animal unnecessarily, even if it is only a fly--for it is one
of God's creatures. Killing an animal for food or an animal which is
harmful is allowable. |
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. |
6. KIND. A
Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as
he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without
reason. |
6. A Scout
is KIND. A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats
others as he wants to be treated. He does not harm or kill anything
without reason. |
6. A Scout
is kind. A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. He treats others
as he wants to be treated. Without good reason, he does not harm or kill
any living thing. |
6. A Scout is a friend to animals. |
6. A Scout is a friend to animals.
Scouts take special interest in protecting the environment and all
living creatures.
|
| 11) Chivalry requireth
that youth should be trained to perform the most laborious and humble
offices with cheerfulness and grace; and to do good unto others. |
9. Obey. Obedience is
the first duty of the Woodcrafter. Obedience means self-control, which is
the- sum of the law.
8. Be silent while your elders are speaking and otherwise show them
deference. It is harder to keep silence than to speak in the hour of
trial, but in the end it is stronger.
|
7. A SCOUT OBEYS ORDERS
of his patrol leader or Scoutmaster without question. Even if he
gets an order he does not like he must do as soldiers and sailors do, he
must carry it out all the same because it is his duty; and after he has
done it he can come and state any reasons against it, but he must carry
out the order at once. That is discipline. |
7. A SCOUT OBEYS ORDERS
of his parents, patrol leader or Scoutmaster without question. Even if he
gets an order he does not like he must do as soldiers and sailors do, he
must carry it out all the same because it is his duty; and after he has
done it he can come and state any reasons against it, but he must carry
out the order at once. That is discipline. |
7. A SCOUT
IS OBEDIENT. He obeys his parents, Scoutmaster, patrol leader, and all
other duly constituted authorities. |
7.
OBEDIENT. A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He
obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and
laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather
than disobey them. |
7. A Scout
is OBEDIENT. A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop.
He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules
and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner
rather than disobey them. |
7. A Scout
is obedient. A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop.
He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules
and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner
rather than disobeying them. |
7. A Scout obeys orders of his Parents, Patrol
Leader, or Scoutmaster. |
7. A Scout obeys orders.
Scouts follow directions from proper authorities and obey the law.
|
| |
12. Be joyful. Seek the
joy of being alive-for every reasonable gladness that you can get or give,
is treasure that can never be destroyed, and, like the springtime
gladness, doubles, every time with others it is shared. |
8. A SCOUT SMILES AND
WHISTLES under all circumstances. When he gets an order he should obey it
cheerily and readily, not in a slow, hang-dog sort of way. Scouts never
grouse at hardships, nor whine at each other, nor swear when put out. When you just miss a train, or
some one treads
on your favorite corn--not that a scout should have such things as
corns--or
under any annoying circumstances, you should force yourself to smile at
once and then whistle a tune, and you will be all right.
A scout goes about with a smile on and whistling. It cheers him and cheers
other people, especially in times of danger, for he keeps it up then all
the same.
The punishment for swearing or using bad language is for each offence a
mug of cold water to be poured down the offender's sleeve by the other
scouts. |
8. A SCOUT SMILES AND
WHISTLES under all circumstances. When he gets an order he should obey it
cheerily and readily, not in a slow, hang-dog sort of way. Scouts never
grouse at hardships, nor whine at each other, nor swear when put out, but
go on whistling and smiling. When you just miss a train or someone treads
on your favorite corn-not that a Scout should have such things as corns-or
under any annoying circumstances, you should force yourself to smile at
once and then whistle a tune, and you will be all right.
A Scout goes about with a smile on and whistling. It cheers him and cheers
other people, especially in times of danger, for he keeps it up then all
the same.
The punishment for swearing or using bad language is for each offence a
mug of cold water to be poured down the offender's sleeve by the other
Scouts. It was the punishment invented by an old British Scout, Captain
John Smith, three hundred years ago. |
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. |
8.
CHEERFUL. A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does
tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy. |
8. A Scout
is CHEERFUL. A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does
tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy. |
8. A Scout
is cheerful. A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does
tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy. |
8. A Scout smiles and whistles under all
difficulties. |
8. A Scout smiles and whistles under all
difficulties.
Scouts always maintain a cheerful spirit.
|
| |
3b. Conserve the woods
and flowers, and especially be ready to fight wild-fire in forest or in
town. |
9. A SCOUT IS THRIFTY, that is, he saves every penny he can,
and puts it into the bank, so that he may have money to keep himself when
out of work, and thus not make himself a burden to others; or that he may
have money to give away to others when they need it. |
9. A SCOUT IS THRIFTY, that is, he saves every penny he can,
and puts it into the bank, so that he may have money to keep himself when
out of work, and thus not make himself a burden to others; or that he may
have money to give away to others when they need it. |
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. |
9.
THRIFTY. A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for the
future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses
time and property. |
9. A Scout
is THRIFTY. A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for
the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses
time and property. |
9. A Scout
is thrifty. A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for
the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses
time and property. |
9. A Scout is thrifty. |
9. A Scout is thrifty.
Scouts use all resources wisely and responsibly.
|
| 10) Rather die honest
than live shamelessly. |
7. Be brave. Courage is
the noblest of all attainments. Fear is in the foundation of all ill;
unflinchingness is strength. |
|
|
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 coaxing of friends or the jeers or
threats of enemies; and defeat does not down him. |
10. BRAVE.
A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand
for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him. |
10. A
Scout is BRAVE. A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the
courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him
or threaten him. |
10. A Scout is brave. A
Scout can face danger although he is afraid. He has the courage to stand
for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him. |
|
|
| |
1. Be clean, --both
yourself and the place you live in. For there is no perfect beauty without
cleanliness of body, soul and estate. The body is the sacred temple of the
spirit, therefore reverence your body. Cleanliness helps first yourself,
then those around, and those who keep this law are truly in their
country's loving service. |
|
[Added in 1912]
10. A SCOUT IS CLEAN IN THOUGHT, WORD, AND DEED that is, he looks down
upon a silly youth who talks dirt and he does not let himself give way to
temptation either to talk it or to think, or do anything dirty. A Scout is
Pure and clean-minded and manly.
|
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. |
11. CLEAN.
A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those
who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and
community clean. |
11. A
Scout is CLEAN. A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes
around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps
keep his home and community clean. |
11. A Scout is clean. A Scout keeps his body
and mind fit. He chooses the company of those who live by high standards.
He helps keep his home and community clean. |
10. A Scout is clean in thought, word, and
deed. |
10. A Scout is clean in thought, word,
and deed.
Scouts strive to maintain clean and healthy bodies, clean minds,
and to practice clean speech and moral behavior.
|
| |
6. Be reverent. Worship
the Great Spirit, and respect all worship of Him by others, for none have
all the truth and all who reverently worship have claims on our respect. |
|
|
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. |
12.
REVERENT. A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious
duties. He respects the beliefs of others. |
12. A
Scout is REVERENT. A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his
religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others. |
12. A Scout is
reverent. A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious
duties. He respects the beliefs of others. |
|
|
|
The Knights' Code
(In BSA Scout Law order for
comparison)
|
Woodcraft Indians
(In BSA Scout Law order for
comparison)
|
Scouting for Boys, 1908
fortnight series
(CAPS in original) |
British Boy Scouts Association Scout Law
(c. 1911)
|
BSA Scout Law, 1911
|
BSA Scout
Law, 1972
|
BSA Scout Law, 1990
|
BSA Scout Law, 1999
|
WFIS-NA Traditional Scout Law |
|
| Source: Scouting
For Boys |
Source:
Ernest Seton's Birch Bark
Roll, 1927 |
Scouter
Magazine facsimile |
Source:
SMHB,
2nd Ed. |
Source:
SMHB,
2nd Ed. |
Source:
BSA Handbook, 1972 |
Source:
BSA Handbook, 1990 |
Source:
BSA Handbook, 1999 (11th ed.) |
Source: The
Traditional Handbook, 2003. |
BPSA-USA Scout and Senior
Scout Program Manual. |
