The Meaning of the Scout Law

The Boy Scout Law has 12 points

Excerpted from page 47-54, Boy Scout Handbook, 11th Edition

A Scout is Trustworthy - A Scout tells the truth. He is honest, and he keeps his promises. People can depend on him.

A Scout is Loyal - A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation.

A Scout is Helpful - A Scout cares about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward.

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 beliefs and customs are different from his own.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A Scout is Thrifty - A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

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.

A Scout is Clean - A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He chooses the company of those who live by high standards. He helps keep his home and community clean.

A Scout is Reverent - A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

Extreme Weather

Some of us have earned the weather belt loop.  This year we are going to be talking about severe weather and what to do in a weather emergency.  There are many different kinds of extreme weather conditions.  Some can happen in our area and some are unlikely to happen in our area.  

The Boy Scout Motto is "Be Prepared".  Lord Baden-Powell was once asked, "what should scouts be prepared for.  He replied, "oh, any old thing". Today, scouts want to be prepared for just that, anything.  One such thing is extreme weather.  In our area that is most commonly thunderstorms and snowstorms.  It is important to be ready for the uncommon weather too, such as tornadoes. We should also be ready for the things that accompany extreme weather like power outages and water shortages.

Our government has a website to help you prep for weather related emergencies.

In some parts of our country extreme weather can result in evacuation.  In our area we may be stuck inside for a few days after an unusual snowfall or be without electricity for a while.  In these situations its important to be prepared.

Pocket Knife Safety

Having your Whittling Chip is an earned privilege from the pack and having a pocket knife is an earned privilege from your parents. There are a few places (like a scout event) that its OK to have a pocketknife. There are lots of places that its never OK to have a pocketknife with you. If you want to have a pocketknife with you, always ask if its OK. 

DO: 

Keep the blades closed except when you are using them
Cut away from yourself. 

Keep your knife sharp and clean. A sharp blade is easier to control than a dull one; a clean blade will last longer. 

Close the blades before you pass a knife to someone else. 

DON'T 

Carry a knife with the blade open. 

Cut toward yourself. If the blade slips, you may be injured. 

Pound on a knife handle or blade with another tool. The knife may break.
Throw a knife. 

Pry with the point of a cutting blade. It can snap off. 

Put a knife in a fire. New knife blades are hardened, or tempered, with just the right amount of heat. Reheating them may ruin the temper and weaken the knife. 

Caring for your pocketknife

Most pocketknives are made of a strong steel alloy that won’t rust. However, dirt and lint can collect inside, and ordinary use will dull the blades.

Sharpening

Sharpen your knife with a whetstone or a knife sharpener. Whetstones require a certain amount of skill to get your knife sharp. A knife sharpener can quickly and properly sharpen your blade. The best knife sharpener is always the one that works best for you.

Remember the Pocket Knife Pledge

I will treat my pocketknife with the respect due a useful tool.
I will always close my pocketknife and put it away when not in use.
I will not use my pocketknife when it might injure someone near me.
I promise never to throw my pocketknife for any reason.
I will use my pocketknife in a safe manner at all times.