The Foundation of Scouting
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.
Scout Law: A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
Scout Mission: The mission of Scouting America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Why Scouting?
For over a century, since its inception in 1910, Scouting America has empowered Southeast Georgia’s youth by blending educational activities with enduring values that shape our future community leaders. Serving over 5,000 youth annually across 22 counties, our diverse programs develop essential life skills like leadership, ethics, and citizenship, fostering a more responsible society. Through our five districts and supported by local resources, Coastal Georgia Scouting provides a proven, values-based path for youth to reach their full potential.
Scouting provides youth with programs and activities that allow them to:
- Try new things
- Provide service to others
- Build self-confidence
- Reinforce ethical standards
While various activities and youth groups teach basic skills and promote teamwork, Scouting goes beyond that and encourages youth to achieve a deeper appreciation for service to others in their community.
Scouting is Fun with Purpose
Scouting cultivates a strong sense of individual worth in young people, creating a supportive environment where they know they matter, regardless of who wins or loses. Beyond that, our programs instill personal responsibility and high self-esteem, equipping youth to confidently make ethical choices and resist negative peer pressure. By blending educational activities, enduring values, and engaging experiences, we’ve consistently shaped future leaders in our community. For over a century, Scouting has demonstrated that investing in youth directly contributes to a more responsible, and productive society.
Prepared for Life®
Scouting, with programs for young men and women, helps meet these six essential needs of the young people growing up in our society:
- Mentoring
- Lifelong Learning
- Faith Traditions
- Serving Others
- Healthy Living
- Building Character
Mentoring
Young people thrive with positive adult mentors. Scouting provides structured, one-on-one interaction with carefully screened, selected, and trained leaders. Positive relationships with adults – community leaders, religious figures, and parents – provide invaluable role models. These mentors offer dedicated attention, constructive guidance, and support to foster the skills and confidence necessary for success.
Lifelong Learning
Scouting offers structured programs that empower young people to develop new skills and embrace continuous growth. We provide a foundation for discovery, knowledge sharing, and practical application. Beyond academic skills, Scouting actively contributes to workforce development by introducing youth to various professions and trades, fostering career exploration and personal development.
Faith Traditions
We acknowledge that faith can become an important part of a child’s identity. Each of the major faiths breeds hope, optimism, compassion, and a belief in a better tomorrow. Scouting encourages each young person to begin a spiritual journey through the practice of his or her faith tradition. One of the key tenets of Scouting is “duty to God.” While Scouting does not define religious belief for its members, it has been adopted by and works with youth programs of all major faiths.
Serving Others
Young people learn valuable life lessons through service. Scouting provides practical opportunities to give back. “Do a Good Turn Daily” is a core Scouting precept. We encourage our youth to recognize and respond to the needs of others. Scouting works through neighborhoods, volunteer organizations, and faith-based organizations to cultivate an appreciation for service and a commitment to making a positive impact.
Healthy Living
Physical and mental fitness are essential for a successful life. Scouting cultivates this through engaging outdoor activities like hiking, camping, swimming, climbing, and conservation. We complement this with vital safety skills, including first aid, lifesaving, and safety programs. We also promote mental well-being through drug abuse awareness and prevention programs. Scouting empowers young people to lead healthy, active lives.
Building Character
It is vital for young people to understand and live by strong values. Scouting teaches not just right from wrong, but fostering specific virtues like honor and courage. Through the Scout Oath and Scout Law, and engaging character-building activities, we equip our youth to apply these values in their daily lives, ensuring they know how to be good and do good.
