Home Advancement General What is "Scout Spirit"?
What is "Scout Spirit"? PDF Print E-mail

Every rank in Boy Scouts has a requirement for "Scout Spirit". Unlike knot tying or first aid, Scout Spirit is a nebulous, abstract concept that seems to defy definition. The requirement "Demonstrate Scout Spirit by living the Scout Oath and the Scout Law in your everyday life" is one of requirements most frequently asked-about by Scoutmasters.

The degree to which Scout Spirit applies varies by rank. Following is a Scoutmaster's "Cheat Sheet" from www.hatborotroop81.org attributed to C. Baelz.

 

Second Class
· Do you participate in lots of troop activities regularly (better than 50%, and better than 75% for Troop Officers and Patrol Leaders)?
· Do you come to "work" activities like service projects and meetings, as well as fun nights?
· Do you try not to complain or put other people down, even when you feel bad or you have to do a task like cleanup?
· Are you willing to try new things, and keep trying even when you don't succeed at first?
· Do you pay attention when we need you to, and know when to stop what you're doing to help out?
· Do you come prepared for campouts? Do you keep track of your stuff, or lose it a lot?
· Do you never bully, harass, or joke around with other Scouts unless they are willing & happy participants?

First Class
· A first class Scout Spirit Scout must never complain about weather, or work, or cleanup, and must never gripe or "whine" when a leader makes a decision they do not like.
· A Scout must never criticize others harshly, or make fun of other Scouts whose skills aren't as good.
· Do you handle normal personal tasks and patrol tasks (cooking, camp setup and tear down, getting water, etc.) without being asked?
· Do you keep an eye on others in the troop and help them out - like pickup their garbage, or quietly returning stuff they forgot or left out, so that the Scoutmaster doesn't get it?
· Do you sometimes lend a hand teaching new Scouts some of the basics (and you can do it without yelling)?
· Are you starting to help out your patrol leader & troop by offering ideas for events, and helping to organize and call people when needed?
· Do you listen & learn well when a Scoutmaster or more advanced Scout tries to teach you something, or do you play "know-it-all"?
· Do you show Scout Spirit at home and in school?
· Do you also meet the requirements for Second Class?

Star
· For Star rank, you have to serve in a troop leadership position. Did you serve well and help out the troop, or did you miss meetings, show up unprepared, not get things done, etc.?
· Are you starting to show the kind of leadership a First Class Scout should know? Do you help organize other Scouts to get things done at campouts (like put up dining flies, set up campfires, etc.?
· Do you watch out for other Scouts and make sure they're doing OK - on the trail, in camp, etc.?
· Can you be relied on to finish what you start?
· Are you always ready to assist and be helpful when you see something that needs doing, or do you just "hang out" with your buddies?
· Do you show respect for other Troop Leaders as you would like them to respect you when you're leading?
· Do you also meet the requirements for First Class and Second Class?

Life
· As a troop leader (even if you don't hold an office), do you actively take up leadership when you see something that needs doing?
· Can you organize & coordinate other Scouts of all ages (without yelling)?
· Are you a major player in the "behind-the-scenes" work that makes the troop run - organizing equipment, making camping arrangements, setting up activities for the PLC?
· Are you a good, patient teacher and example to younger Scouts?
· Are you involved in your school or in the community as a volunteer?
· Do you also meet the requirements for Star, First Class and Second Class?

Eagle
· Do you participate actively in all troop activities?
· Do all the adults and Scouts treat you almost as if you were another Scoutmaster?
· Are you involved in your school and community as a leader?
· Do you also meet the requirements for Life, Star, First Class and Second Class?