Back to Home Page

Sea Scouting Ideals

Standards of American citizenship are based upon the American's Creed and the Pledge of Allegiance. Standards of conduct for all members of the Boy Scouts of America are based on the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. Participation in the Sea Scouting Program is based on the Venturing Code and the Sea Promise. Success, in the program and in your everyday life, will be enhanced by living up to the Scout Motto and the Explorer Slogan.

The American's Creed

I believe in the United States of America
as a Government of the people, by the people, for the people;
whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed;
a democracy in a republic;
a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States;
a perfect Union, one and inseparable;
established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice,
and humanity, for which American patriots sacrificed
their lives and fortunes.

I therefore believe it is my duty to my country
to love it;
to support its Constitution;
to obey its laws;
to respect its flag;
and to defend it against all enemies.

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.

The 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;
and to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

The Scout Law

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

The Venturing Oath

As a Venturer, I promise to do my duty to God,
help strengthen America, to help others,
and to seek truth, fairness, and adventure in our world.

The Venturing Code

As a Venturer -

• I believe that America's strength lies in her trust in God and in the courage and strength of her people.
• I will, therefore, be faithful in my religious duties and will maintain a personal sense of honor in my own life.
• I will treasure my American heritage and will do all I can to preserve and enrich it.
• I will recognize the dignity and worth of my fellow men and will use fair play and goodwill in dealing with them.
• I will acquire the Venturing attitude that seeks the truth in all things and adventure on the frontiers of our changing world.

The Sea Promise

As a Sea Scout, I promise to do my best:

1. To guard against water accidents.
2. To know the location and proper use of the lifesaving devices on every boat I board.
3. To be prepared to render aid to those in need.
4. To seek to preserve the motto of the sea: Women and Children First.
   -OR-
   To let those who are weaker and less able than myself come first.
   (This alternate wording was used between 1987 and 1997.)

The Scout Motto - "Be Prepared".

The Venturing Slogan - "Our best today ... for a better tomorrow."