New Scout Study Guide

The Scout Rank

Troop 301 - Mesa AZ

To earn the first rank of Scouts BSA, here are the things you will need to memorize. Troop 301 has put this quick reference study guide to help you get started on your scouting trail.

Scout Motto

Be prepared.

Scout Slogan

Do a Good Turn Daily.

Scout Sign

Give the Scout sign each time you recite the Scout Oath and Law.

When a Scout or Scouter raises the Scout sign, all Scouts should make the sign also and come to silent attention

Scout Handshake

The Scout handshake is made by extending your left hand to another Scout (the hand nearest your heart) and firmly grasping his left hand. The fingers do not interlock.

Scout Salute

The Scout salute shows respect. Use it to salute the United States flag or another Scout leader or Scout.

Form the Scout sign with your right hand and then bring that hand upward until your forefinger touches the brim of your hat or right eyebrow. The palm of your hand should not show.

Scout Oath

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.

Outdoor Code

As an American, I will do my best to

Be clean in my outdoor manners,
Be careful with fire,
Be considerate in the outdoors, and
Be conservation-minded.

Scout Law

A Scout is:

Trustworthy
Loyal
Helpful
Friendly
Courteous
Kind
Obedient
Cheerful
Thrifty
Brave
Clean
and Reverent.

The Pledge of Allegiance

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

First Class Badge

The badge is shaped like the north point on an old compass. The design resembles an arrowhead or a trefoil—a flower with three leaves. It is also known by the French name “fleur-de-lis”, which means lily or iris flower. It is the basic shape of the badges used by Scout organizations in other countries, also.

The shape of the Scout badge means that a Scout can point the right way in life as does a compass in the field.
The three points of the trefoil stand for the three parts of the Scout Oath.
There are two stars on the badge. They symbolize truth and knowledge.
The eagle and shield stand for freedom and a Scout's readiness to defend that freedom.
The scroll bearing the Scout motto is turned up at the ends as a reminder that a Scout smiles as he does his duty.
The knot at the bottom of the scroll represents the Scout slogan, "Do a Good Turn Daily".

How to tie basic knots

Square Knot

The square knot is also known as a joining knot because it can join together two ropes and it is the first knot Scouts learn in the BSA. To tie a square knot, hold one rope end in each hand. Pass the right end over and under the rope in your left hand and pull it snug. Next, pass the rope now in your left hand over and under the one now in your right, and pull it snug.

Remember, right over left, left over right.

Two Half Hitches

Also known by the name double half hitch, this knot is an overhand knot followed by a half hitch. It can be tied around a ring, dock, post, tree, etc. It is commonly used in mooring and general utility. It is helpful in moving large objects, for example, logs.

Taut-line

It is a non-slipping, adjustable loop knot hitch. It is also known by the names adjustable hitch, tent-line hitch, tent hitch and rigger’s hitch. It slides freely but jams under load making line adjustments simple.

Ready to review?

Let you Patrol leader know you are ready. They will review with you and sign you off on the Scout Rank requirements.
Once you 100% complete, you can sign-up for a Scoutmaster conference on Tuesday nights. See one of the adult leaders with any questions.

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