The Values Learned in Boy Scouts Last a Lifetime
By C. Frederick Wehba, Boy Scouts of America Board Member
The Boy Scouts of America is a fantastic organization working to develop young boys ages 11-17 into physically and mentally fit, strong valued American citizens. In the world we live in today, the importance of Boy Scouts has never been clearer.
"American values and ethics are believed to be in a state of flux," according to research done by Harris Interactive for the Boy Scouts of America, Youth and Family Research Center. "Today, Americans face a bewildering range of lifestyle options, with complex and unprecedented decisions to make. With corporate ethics being questioned and the media reporting unethical individual acts, one wonders what values are important to Americans today."1
The study found that men who were Scouts in their youth for five or more years were more satisfied with work and family life and placed a greater value on family relationships and lifelong friendships. They earned higher incomes, achieved greater education levels and attended religious services more often than men who were never scouts.
Most men who were Scouts in their youth told the researchers that Scouting has been a positive influence in their lives. They said they gained self-confidence, leadership and social skills and determination as a result of their Scouting experiences.
"Fifty-four percent of men say that they were in a Boy Scout program as a youth, with most having been a Cub Scout or a Boy Scout," the Harris study said. "Former Scouts, especially those who were Scouts five or more years, attribute the program with their developing positive character traits such as being a good team player, always being honest, taking better care of the environment, respecting the life and property of others, having pride in their country, respecting the elderly, and having confidence in their abilities."
The opportunities to try new things, be of service to others and learn self-confidence and ethical standards created a foundation that served them well throughout their lives, former Scouts told the Harris researchers.2
"These opportunities not only help them when they are young, but carry forward into their adult lives, improving their relationships, their work lives, their family lives, and the values by which they live," the study said. "In fact, 83 percent of men who were Scouts agree that the values they learned in Scouting continue to be very important to them today, with 63 percent who were Scouts five or more years strongly agreeing with this statement."
This site is dedicated to sharing information about the Boy Scouts program and its importance to young boys today. If you are interested in registering your son/grandson/relative today, visit the Boy Scouts of America's website.
2. Values of Scouts: A Study of Ethics and Character, May 2005
Scout Oath, Motto, Slogan, & Law
Scout Oath (or Promise)
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.
Scout Motto
Be Prepared
Scout Slogan
Do a Good Turn Daily
Scout Law
TRUSTWORTHY - A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.
LOYAL - A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.
HELPFUL - A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CHEERFUL - A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
THRIFTY - A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
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 or threaten him.
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.
REVERENT - A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.