The Trailman Oath

The Trailman Oath is recited at the beginning of each meeting and at each gathering our our troop.  It is the shared commitment to traditional biblical values that binds all Trailmen.

The Oath

On my honor, I will do my best

To serve God and my country;

To respect authority;

To be a good steward of creation;

And to treat others as I want to be treated.

Parents might want to review with their son the meaning behind the Trailman Oath— and why it's an important part of our troop life.  We expect our boys to not only memorize this oath— but live it out— inside and outside of our troop meetings.

Some key points to remember:

• OATH-  An oath is a way of telling everyone how you want to live and what you are  going to do.
• "On my honor..."  - On my honor means that you really mean what you are about to say and that you promise to do it.
• "...I will do my best..."  - When you do your best, it means that you will try as hard as you can until you can't try anymore.  We ask our Trailmen to do their best!
• "...to serve God..." - Serving God means that you obey what He tells you to do. The Bible is where we find what God wants us to do and not to do.
• "...and (to serve) my country;"  - Serving your country means that you obey the laws (rules) like the speed limits and stop signs.  It also means that you help others in your community.
• "...to respect authority..." - Respecting authority means that you listen, obey, and are kind to the people that are in charge- like parents, teachers, policemen, leaders, etc.
• "...to be a good steward of creation;..."  - Being a good steward of creation means that you take care of the world that God made for us like it is a treasure.  You do this by not littering, always trying to make things better, and using the things that God gives you wisely (not wasting anything.)
• "...and to treat others as I want to be treated." - This means that you should think about how you want other people to talk to you and act towards you.  Then you should talk to other people the same way and act the same way towards them.

After memorizing the Trailmen oath— each Trailman will need to recite this oath in-front of the troop during a troop meeting to become eligible for his joining award.

Questions?  See your Troopmaster, or Trail Guide.