Scouting Values

Research shows, "83 percent of men who were Scouts agree that the values they learned in Scouting continue to be very important to them today" — helping improve their relationships, their work and family lives, and the values by which they live. (Harris Interactive, 2005, p.5)

A Scout Is...

• TRUSTWORTHY- A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.
  • The majority of Scouts agreed that Scouting has taught them always to be honest (75%) and to be a leader (76%).


• LOYAL-A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.
  • Eighty-eight percent of Scouts are proud to live in the USA and 83 percent say spending time with family is important to them.


• HELPFUL-A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.
  • Eight out of 10 Scouts surveyed believed that helping others should come before their own self-interest.


• FRIENDLY-A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.
  • Eighty percent of Scouts say that Scouting has taught them to treat others with respect and (78%) to get along with others.


• COURTEOUS-A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.
  • Almost nine of 10 Scouts (87%) believe older people should be treated with respect.


• KIND-A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.
  • Most Scouts agree (78%) Scouting has taught them to care of other people, while 43 percent say their skills in helping other people in need are “excellent.”


• 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 disobey them.
  • Boys in Scouting five years or more are more likely than boys who have never been in Scouts to reject peer pressure to hang out with youth they know commit delinquent acts.


• CHEERFUL-A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
  • Overall, Scouts are happy with their schools (78%) and their neighborhoods (79%). In addition, since Scouting builds high ideals in youth, Scouts are less satisfied than non-scouts with the state of the world today.


• THRIFTY-A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
  • More than eight out of 10 Scouts (82%) say that saving money for the future is a priority.


• BRAVE-A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.
  • Eighty percent of Scouts say Scouting has taught them to have confidence in themselves, and 51 percent rate their self-confidence as “excellent.”


• CLEAN-A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.
  • Nearly eighty percent of Scouts (79%) agree that Scouting has taught them to take better care of the environment and that Scouting has increased their interest in physical fitness.


• REVERENT-A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
  • Scouting experience also influences religious service attendance. Eighty-three percent of men who were Scouts five or more years say attending religious services together as a family is “very important,” versus 77% of men who had never been Scouts.

Read more: Values of Scouts - A Study of Ethics and Character by Harris Interactive