A Scout Is Thrifty

Thrifty is the ninth point of the Scout Law. A Scout is thrifty. This means a Scout uses resources carefully. This includes money, time, and the things we use every day. Scouts do not waste what they have.

Being thrifty helps a Scout be ready. When we save, we can handle problems better. We can help others too. A Scout should not spend money just to spend it. A Scout thinks before buying something. Ask yourself, “Do I really need this?”

Thrifty also means taking care of what we already have. A Scout does not throw away good items. Fix it if you can. Use it again if it still works. Donate it if someone else can use it. Do not waste water, electricity, or food. These things cost money and take energy to make.

Scouts also save for the future. Maybe you are saving for Scout camp. Maybe you want to help pay for your own gear. That is being thrifty. It shows respect for your family’s money and the planet’s resources. It’s a good habit that will help you all your life.

Cub Scouts learn to be thrifty in small but important ways. Even at a young age, they can understand the idea of saving money and not wasting things. Being thrifty means using what we have wisely. It also means planning ahead. Cub Scouts can start learning these habits now.

At a den meeting, you might talk about ways to reuse supplies. For example, instead of buying new jars for a craft, use empty peanut butter jars. You can also collect paper from home that has blank backs for drawing or games. This teaches Cub Scouts not to throw away things that can still be used.

Cub Scouts can also learn to care for their gear. Show them how to roll up a sleeping bag the right way. Talk about why it’s important to put caps back on markers. When they take care of their things, they last longer. This is part of being thrifty too.

Some Cub Scouts might earn money for Scout activities. They can do extra jobs at home like taking out the trash or pulling weeds. They can save that money in a jar or bank. Help them set a goal, like saving for a Cub Scout T-shirt or camp fee. They learn that saving takes time and effort.

Service projects are another good way to teach thrifty habits. A pack might collect food for a pantry. Or they could hold a clothing drive. These projects show that helping others is part of using resources well. A Scout is thrifty and also helpful.

Cub Scouts also learn not to waste food. At a pack picnic, leaders can remind Scouts to only take what they will eat. This helps them think about how food costs money and effort to make. Wasting food is not thrifty.

Pack meetings are a good place to talk about these things. Keep it fun and simple. Use games or skits to show how Scouts can be thrifty. Over time, they will start to make better choices on their own.

In Scouts BSA, being thrifty becomes even more important. Scouts take on more responsibility. They start planning their own trips and buying their own gear. This is a great time to learn how to use money and supplies wisely.

When a troop goes camping, being thrifty means planning meals that are affordable and not wasteful. Scouts should only pack what they need. They should take care of their gear so it lasts. If a tent has a small rip, fix it. If a backpack is still good, don’t buy a new one. Take care of what you have.

Scouts also learn to save for things they want. Maybe they want to go to summer camp or a high adventure base. They can earn money by mowing lawns, babysitting, or doing other small jobs. Then they can budget what they earn. This teaches the value of hard work and saving.

Fundraisers are another part of being thrifty. When Scouts sell popcorn or other items, they are raising money to help pay their own way. It also teaches them to set goals and talk to others. This helps the troop and teaches good skills.

Being thrifty is not just about money. It also means using your time well. Scouts should come to meetings prepared. They should help clean up quickly after activities. Wasting time is like wasting money. Use time to learn, help, and grow.

Thrifty Scouts also protect the environment. They recycle. They don’t waste water. They leave campsites better than they found them. Using natural resources wisely is part of being thrifty.

Older Scouts can lead by example. They can show younger Scouts how to repair gear, pack smart, and save for camp. These lessons will help them now and later in life. A Scout who is thrifty is ready for the future.

Venturers are older and have more freedom. They also have more chances to practice being thrifty. Many Venturers drive, have jobs, or pay for more of their own activities. This is a good time to learn how to manage money, time, and resources.

Planning a crew activity takes teamwork and budgeting. Venturers decide where to go and what to do. They figure out how much it will cost. They look for ways to save. Maybe they camp instead of staying in cabins. Maybe they bring their own food instead of eating out. These are thrifty choices.

Some Venturers have jobs. They earn money and learn to save. A good goal is to set aside part of each paycheck for future activities. A Venturer might save for a new backpack or for a trip to Philmont. This teaches good habits and personal responsibility.

Thrifty Venturers also take care of what they own. They clean and store gear properly. They fix what can be fixed. They share tools and supplies when possible. This saves money and helps the whole crew.

Time is also a resource. Venturers balance school, work, and crew activities. Being on time and being prepared shows respect for others. Good time management is part of being thrifty.

Thrifty habits help the environment too. Venturers use refillable bottles, not single-use plastics. They recycle. They plan meals to reduce waste. This is good for nature and helps the crew save money.

Older Venturers can teach younger ones how to budget, plan, and save. They can lead by example. Being thrifty is not just a rule. It’s a way to build a better future.

Adult leaders play an important part in teaching Scouts to be thrifty. At every level—Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing—leaders guide youth to make smart choices. They set the example and provide support.

In Cub Scouts, leaders show what being thrifty looks like. They plan activities that reuse supplies. They talk about saving money and not wasting things. They help families find low-cost ways to be involved. Cub Scouts watch their leaders. When leaders use materials wisely and avoid waste, Cub Scouts learn to do the same.

In Scouts BSA, leaders help Scouts plan and budget. They don’t do it for them, but they guide the process. They ask questions like, “Can we make this trip more affordable?” or “Is there a way to borrow this item instead of buying it?” They remind Scouts to take care of their gear. They also talk about earning money for activities. This teaches Scouts to work toward goals.

In Venturing, adults support youth-led planning. Venturers make more of the decisions. Advisors help them think through the cost of trips and activities. They talk about saving, budgeting, and using time wisely. Advisors don’t take over—they guide and encourage. They also set a good example by being thrifty themselves.

At all levels, adult leaders help youth see the big picture. Being thrifty is not just about money. It’s about using everything well—time, supplies, and effort. It’s about not wasting what we have. Leaders should praise smart choices and talk about what worked and what didn’t.

When adult leaders live the Scout Law, Scouts notice. A leader who fixes gear instead of buying new, or who brings a refillable bottle to camp, shows what it means to be thrifty. These simple choices help Scouts build lifelong habits.

Scouting works best when adults and youth work together. Thrifty habits start small. With support and good examples, Scouts grow into responsible, resourceful adults.

The Scout Law

Being thrifty is one of the twelve points of the Scout Law. It teaches Scouts to save money, use resources wisely, and avoid waste. Scouts learn to take care of their gear, help their families by saving for activities, and protect the environment by using less.

To explore all the points of the Scout Law, including being thrifty, visit this resource: Scout Law. It includes simple explanations and ideas for helping Scouts understand each part of the Law.

Scout Law Video: A Guiding Principle for Life

What does it mean to be thrifty in Scouting?

Being thrifty means using your money, time, and gear wisely. It means not wasting things. Scouts take care of what they have and save for what they need.

How can Cub Scouts be thrifty?

Cub Scouts can be thrifty by using supplies more than once, not wasting food, and saving money for pack events. They can help at home to earn a little money and save it for Scout gear or outings.

How do Scouts BSA members show they are thrifty?

Scouts BSA members plan their trips and think about cost. They take care of their equipment and try not to waste food, water, or other supplies. They can earn money and save for Scout camp or other goals.

How can Venturers be thrifty?

Venturers make trip plans and manage budgets. They may have jobs and save part of their income. They also take good care of gear and share with others when they can.

Why is being thrifty part of the Scout Law?

Thrifty Scouts learn to be prepared for the future. They save money and resources. They also help others by not being wasteful. This builds good habits for life.

What can adult leaders do to teach being thrifty?

Leaders can set the example. They should plan simple activities, reuse supplies, and guide Scouts in budgeting. They remind Scouts to care for gear and avoid waste.

How does being thrifty help the environment?

Being thrifty means using only what you need. Scouts who are thrifty don’t waste water, food, or supplies. This helps protect natural resources.

Can fundraisers teach Scouts to be thrifty?

Yes. Fundraisers help Scouts learn how to earn money. They learn to save and set goals. This teaches the value of hard work and careful spending.

A Scout is thrifty. This means Scouts use their money, time, and supplies wisely. They do not waste what they have. They save for what they need and take care of what they own. Thrifty Scouts are ready for the future and able to help others.

In Cub Scouts, being thrifty can be as simple as reusing supplies, saving coins in a jar, or helping with a food drive. At this age, they start learning not to waste and to take care of their things.

In Scouts BSA, youth learn how to budget and plan. They save for camp and fundraisers. They learn to fix gear instead of buying new. They learn how to make smart choices with their time and money.

In Venturing, older youth manage real money and time. They plan trips, work jobs, and balance school and crew activities. Adult leaders help all age groups by setting good examples and guiding choices. Thrifty habits last a lifetime.