SCOUT SPIRIT And DUTY TO GOD
SCOUT SPIRIT
Throughout a boy's involvement in the Scouting program, he is expected to show positive Scout Spirit. Cub Scouts are expected to subscribe to and follow the Cub Scout Promise and the Law of the Pack. Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts are expected to subscribe to and follow the Boy Scout Oath and the Scout Law. They are rated on their Scout Spirit at each Scoutmaster Conference prior to rank advancement.
Scout Spirit is living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in everyday life. The Scout must believe in and be willing to recite the Oath and Law, and he must follow what they say in his daily living.
DUTY TO GOD
A Scout is not required to subscribe to any particular religion, nor even to belong to a church. He is, however, expected to believe in a supreme being, to be reverent in that belief, to be faithful in his religious duties and to respect the beliefs of others. The Boy Scouts of America does not define what constitutes belief in God or the practice of religion. Participation in the religious activities of a church, synagogue or other religious organization of the boy's choice is encouraged, but not required.
If a boy does say that he belongs to a particular religious organization, then his Duty to God should be measured according to the standards of that group. He is, likewise, expected to respect the religious beliefs of his fellow Scouts.
RESOURCES
Boy Scouts of America Bylaws, Article IX, Section 1, Clause 1, p. 3.
Advancement Policies and Procedures Committee Guide Publication 33088.
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