THE SCOUT LAW

A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

Scouts (ages 11-17)

Scouting America units are called Troops. Troops are made of Patrols, a tight-knit team of five to eight members. Each member is called a Scout. The uniformed adult leader of a Scouting America Troop is called a Scoutmaster. Troops are led by Scouts who are elected by the members of the Troop with adults providing guidance and supervision.

• Scouts earn Merit Badges: With Merit Badges, you can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers as you earn merit badges. There are more than 135 merit badges, and any Scout may earn any of these at any time.

• Eagle Scouts: Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in Scouting America.

A study conducted by Baylor University, Merit Beyond the Badges, found that Eagle Scouts are more likely than people who have never been in Scouting to:

• Have higher levels of planning and preparation skills, be goal-oriented, and network with others

• Be in a leadership position at their place of employment or local community

• Report having closer relationships with family and friends

• Volunteer for religious and nonreligious organizations

• Donate money to charitable groups

• Work with others to improve their neighborhoods

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.