Aug 18 Show: The Scout Leaders of the Grand Canyon Council talk about the Scout Oath and its Mission.

Brian Sussman talks with Grand Canyon Council Scout leaders Kurt Johnson and Collin Reed about the importance of the Scout Oath and its mission.

The Scouts are the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®”

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

The Scout Law has 12 points. Each is a goal for every Scout. A Scout tries to live up to the Law every day. It is not always easy to do, but a Scout always tries.

A Scout is:

TRUSTWORTHY. Tell the truth and keep promises. People can depend on you.

LOYAL. Show that you care about your family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and country.

HELPFUL. Volunteer to help others without expecting a reward.

FRIENDLY. Be a friend to everyone, even people who are very different from you.

COURTEOUS. Be polite to everyone and always use good manners.

KIND. Treat others as you want to be treated. Never harm or kill any living thing without good reason.

OBEDIENT. Follow the rules of your family, school, and pack. Obey the laws of your community and country.

CHEERFUL. Look for the bright side of life. Cheerfully do tasks that come your way. Try to help others be happy.

THRIFTY. Work to pay your own way. Try not to be wasteful. Use time, food, supplies, and natural resources wisely.

BRAVE. Face difficult situations even when you feel afraid. Do what you think is right despite what others might be doing or saying.

CLEAN. Keep your body and mind fit. Help keep your home and community clean.

REVERENT. Be reverent toward God. Be faithful in your religious duties. Respect the beliefs of others.

The Grand Canyon Council is an independent nonprofit organization chartered by the Boy Scouts of America to deliver youth programs throughout most of central and northern Arizona. In Scouting you’ll develop new skills, try new hobbies, make friends, learn teamwork, experience the outdoors, and serve your community—all while having fun and discovering more about the world.

Learn more at GrandCanyonBSA.org

ABOUT: Collin Reed, Marketing Director, Grand Canyon Council, BSA

Collin Reed serves as Marketing Director of the Grand Canyon Council, BSA and works closely with executive leadership to execute and assist the Council’s strategic plan for Scouting throughout Arizona. Reed has nearly two decades experience merging traditional and digital media, telling thoughtful and compelling stories. Prior to joining GCC, Reed served as the Executive Director for non-profit organization, Youth Financial Literacy Foundation. Reed grew up Scouting and was a Cub Scout in  Ahwatukee/Phoenix Pack 278.

ABOUT Kurt R. Johnson, Ponderosa District Commissioner, Grand Canyon Council, BSA

Kurt Johnson currently serves as the Ponderosa District Commissioner, Grand Canyon Council, supporting 39 Packs, Troops and Crews.  His Scouting awards include the Scouter’s Key, Commissioner’s Key, Commissioner’s Arrowhead, Commissioner’s Award of Excellence in Unit Service, NCAC Outstanding Commissioner Award, George Mason District Award of Merit, Bachelors and Masters Degree of Commissioner Science and Silver Beaver Award.

Kurt began his Scouting career in the San Fernando Valley Council in Los Angeles, CA as a Cub Scout, passing through Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, Lion and Webelos before achieving Arrow of Light. 

Bridging to Boy Scouts, he achieved Order of the Arrow Brotherhood and Life Scout before going on to college.  Upon graduating from Arizona State University with three Life, Social Science and Teaching Bachelors degrees he was commissioned an Ensign in the US Navy. 

During his 25-year career, he served in the Navy and Navy Reserve working in the Naval Operational Intelligence and Imagery Intelligence fields. After completing his Master’s Degree, served as a Professor and the Deputy Director of the Joint Military Intelligence College retiring as a Commander, twice receiving the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.  Continuing in Federal Service as a Senior Analyst in the Imagery Intelligence field he retired at the end of December 2017 with 40 years total service, having received the Meritorious and Distinguished Civilian Service Medals.

Kurt’s community volunteer work included 20 years supporting his independent charismatic Christian church, Whole Word Fellowship, in Oakton, VA as an Ordained Elder/Bishop, Presbytery Secretary, Corporate Director and Administrative/Financial Manager.  After retiring and moving to Sedona, AZ he currently serves on the Board of the Canyon Trails Cowboy Church in West Sedona.