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

Origin of the World Scouting Symbol

"Fleur-de-Lis"

In Scouting's early years, critics accused Baden-Powell of trying to turn boys into soldiers, holding up as evidence the Scout symbol, which they called "a spear-head, the emblem of battle and bloodshed". The Founder quickly replied, The crest is the "Fleur-de-Lis", a lily, the emblem of peace and purity.

In truth, he had chosen as Scouting's emblem the sign for the North Point, universally shown on maps, charts and compass cards, because "it points in the right direction (and upwards), turning neither to the right nor left, since these lead backward again..." Lady Baden-Powell added later, "It shows the true way to go."

Baden-Powell explained the origins of this sign. In the Middle Ages, mariner Flavio Gioja designed it to make the seaman's compass more reliable. In Italian, North was "Tramontana". Gioja used a capital "T" to mark it, and in deference to King Charles of Naples, whose crest was the Fleur-de-Lis, combined the letter with that emblem.

To explain the meaning of the Scout emblem, Baden-Powell said, "The two stars on the two side arms stand for the two eyes of the Wolf Cub having been opened before he became a Scout... The three points of the Fleur-de-Lis remind the Scout of the three points of the Scout's Promise..."

In the World Scout emblem, the Fleur-de-Lis is surrounded by a circle of rope tied with a reef knot to symbolize the strength and unity of the world brotherhood of Scouting: "Even as one cannot undo a reef knot, no matter how hard one pulls on it, so as it expands, the movement remains united."

The three tips of the Fleur-de-Lis represent the three main parts of the Scout promise: duty to God, obedience to the Scout Law, and service to others. The two five-point stars stand for truth and knowledge, and the 10 points on the stars remind us of the 10 points of the Scout law. The ring holding the emblem together represents the bond of brotherhood.

The symbol is white on a royal purple background, colors Baden-Powell chose because, in heraldry, white stands for purity and purple for leadership and helping others.

Since Scouting began, over 200 million Scouts have worn the Scout symbol, making it one of the more highly recognized emblems in the world. Today, over 150 World Scouting countries and territories, more than 16 million members continue to wear it with pride.

BE PREPARED

A Scout prepares for whatever
comes his way by learning all he can.
He keeps himself strong, healthy, 
and ready to meet the challenges of life.

A Scout is TRUSTWORTHY.  A Scout tells the truth.  He keeps his promises.  Honesty is a part of his code of conduct.  People can always depend on him.

A Scout is LOYAL.  A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, nation, and world community.

A Scout is HELPFUL.  A Scout is concerned about other people.   He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward.

A Scout is FRIENDLY.  A Scout is a friend to all.  He is a brother to other Scouts.  He seeks to understand others.  He respects those with ideas and customs that are different from his own.

A Scout is COURTEOUS.  A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position.  He knows that good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

A Scout is KIND.  A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle.  He treats others as he wants to be treated.  He does not harm or kill anything without reason.

A Scout is OBEDIENT.  A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop.  He obeys the laws of his community and country.  
If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changes in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

A Scout is CHEERFUL.  A Scout looks for the bright side of life.  He cheerfully does tasks that come his way.  He tries to make others happy.

A Scout is THRIFTY.  A Scout works to pay his way and to help others.  He saves for the future.  He protects and conserves natural resources.   He carefully uses time and property.

A Scout is BRAVE.  A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid.  He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him.

A Scout is CLEAN. A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean.   He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals.  He helps keep his home and community clean.

A Scout is REVERENT.  A Scout is reverent toward God.   He is faithful in his religious duties.  He respects the beliefs of others.

DO A GOOD TURN DAILY.

Good Turns are helpful acts of kindness done quietly,
without boasting, and expecting reward of pay.
Doing at least one Good Turn every day
is a normal part of a Scout's life.