The 12 points
- 1. Trustworthy — tells the truth and keeps promises; people can depend on them.
- 2. Loyal — true to family, friends, leaders, school, and country.
- 3. Helpful — helps others without expecting a reward.
- 4. Friendly — a friend to everyone, including those very different from themselves.
- 5. Courteous — polite, with good manners.
- 6. Kind — treats others as they'd want to be treated; doesn't needlessly harm any living thing.
- 7. Obedient — follows family and school rules and obeys community and country laws.
- 8. Cheerful — looks on the bright side and helps others be happy.
- 9. Thrifty — works to pay their way, avoids waste, uses resources wisely.
- 10. Brave — faces difficulty and does what's right even when afraid or alone.
- 11. Clean — keeps body and mind fit and helps keep the community clean.
- 12. Reverent — reverent toward God, faithful in religious duties, and respectful of others' beliefs.
How to live it
- 1Learn all 12 points in order — Trustworthy through Reverent.
- 2Understand each — a short, plain meaning.
- 3Pick one to work on — living the Law is a daily practice.
- 4Apply them — in the troop, at home, at school, and outdoors.
- 5Live the Law and Oath daily — that's Scout spirit.
Notes
- A goal, not a grade — the Law is something a scout tries to live; sincerity is the standard, not perfection.
- "Brave" doesn't mean reckless — it's doing what's right despite fear or peer pressure, not taking dangerous risks.
- "Reverent" respects others' beliefs — inclusivity is built in; never used to pressure or exclude.
Going deeper
- Twelve words, a lifetime. The Scout Law is 12 single words scouts memorize young and aim at for life.
- Reverent, and respectful. The 12th point explicitly includes respecting others' beliefs — Scouting's inclusivity in the Law itself.
- A goal, not a grade. The Law is something a scout tries to live — sincerity is the standard.
Official source
The Scout Oath and Scout Law — Scouting America →The Scout Law is a Scouting America ideal (trademarked). The 12 points are listed as the defined list; the meanings here are paraphrased. Confirm the current official descriptions at the source.