What Is Scout Spirit?

Living the Scout Oath and Law

Scout spirit is mentioned in several of the requirements for Scouts BSA ranks. But what is Scout spirit and how does a Scout go about demonstrating it?

For the Scouts BSA ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle Scout and for Eagle Palms, a Scout must

“Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. “

For each rank there is some variation of

Tell how you have done your duty to God and how you have lived the (Scout Oath and) Scout Law in your everyday life.

The Boy Scouts of America Mechanics of Advancement says:

The ideals of the Boy Scouts of America are spelled out in the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan. Members incorporating these ideals into their daily lives at home, at school, in their religious life, and in their neighborhoods, for example, are said to have Scout spirit.

Not the Same as School Spirit

This document also makes it clear that this is not the same as school spirit. And Scoutmasters and Boards of Review must be careful in how they measure it:

Evaluating Scout spirit will always be a judgment call, but through getting to know a Scout and by asking probing questions, we can get a feel for it. We can say, however, that we do not measure Scout spirit by counting meetings and outings attended. It is indicated, instead, by the way the Scout lives daily life.

So a Scout may give specific examples of how he has lived the Scout Oath and Law, including outside of Scouting. For example, “I was kind when I invited my classmate to sit at our lunch table.” “I was trustworthy when I was babysitting my siblings.” “I was loyal when I defended my friend when others were talking about her behind her back.”

He or she may also tell about when he has found this challenging and discuss how he can do better in the future. There is an opportunity for growth in admitting that he could have done things differently.

What Do You Think?

What are some of your best examples of Scout spirit? How do you think Scouts demonstrate it? Add your comments below.

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.

The Scout Law

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