This I Believe

WC 206

This I Believe

By Jack Rawlins

I joined the Boy Scouts of America when I was twelve. The Scouts’ Oath, Law and Motto have served me well for sixty eight years. Together they have helped guide my personal, family, service, academic and business life.

Often I’ve tweaked, adjusted and sometimes disobeyed them; but they remained a frame of reference that shaped and guided what I believe.

Boy Scout Oath or Promise

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.

Boy Scout Law

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

Boy Scout Motto

Be Prepared!

This, too, I believe: I am not a candidate for Saint Hood. I want my epithet to read, He worked hard; he played hard; and most of the time tried to do what was right.