The scouting movement was founded in England during the summer of 1908 by British war hero Lord Baden-Powell to help boys build character, and to become responsible citizens who are physically fit, mentally awake, and morally straight. The movement spread rapidly around the world, and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was incorporated in the United States on February 8, 1910, and chartered by Congress in 1916 to pursue the scouting ideals. Today, the Boy Scouts of America serves over 5 million youth.

Boy Scouts get away from it all by camping, hiking, and fishing in the great outdoors! Scouts get together in troops to try out new experiences, to gain leadership skills, and to learn about nature. Boy Scouting is available to boys 11 through 17 years old, or to Cub Scouts who have earned their Arrow of Light Award and completed fifth grade.

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.

Note that the Boy Scout Oath has traditionally been considered to have three promises. Those three promises are delineated by the semicolons in the Oath, which divide it into three clauses. The three promises of the Scout Oath are, therefore:

• Duty to God and country,
• Duty to other people, and
• Duty to self

DUTY TO GOD AND COUNTRY: Your family and religious leaders teach you to know and serve God. By following these teachings, you do your duty to God.

Men and women of the past worked to make America great, and many gave their lives for their country. By being a good family member and a good citizen, by working for your country's good and obeying its laws, you do your duty to your country. Obeying the Scout Law means living by its 12 points.

DUTY TO OTHER PEOPLE: Many people need help. A cheery smile and a helping hand make life easier for others. By doing a Good Turn daily and helping when you're needed, you prove yourself a Scout and do your part to make this a better world.

DUTY TO SELF: Keeping yourself physically strong means taking care of your body. Eat the right foods and build your strength. Staying mentally awake means learn all you can, be curious, and ask questions. Being morally straight means to live your life with honesty, to be clean in your speech and actions, and to be a person of strong character.

Be Prepared!

Do a Good Turn Daily!

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.