The Scout Law: Brave

November 10, 2025

The Scout Law is the roadmap for building character for every scout that begins their scouting journey. “A Scout is Brave,” stands out as a call to face challenges with courage, a value that fortified America’s spirit throughout our nation’s amazing history. The inspiring stories of people who developed the frontier, our nation’s founders, dozens of Nobel prize winners, inventers, great men and women of the military, and people of faith who fought for truth, justice, and freedom could fill countless volumes of books.

A study was done to discover where most people die on a jet that goes down? Where do you think they found most people’s bodies? The answer may surprise you. They are still strapped in to their seats. When a tough situation came up they froze. That is the most common thing that people do. You can train yourself not to freeze. How? That is what Scouting, USA offers teenagers through high adventure, advancement, and leadership development.

On a canoe trip our troop got caught by a flash flood. We were scattered into different groups until the help of local rescue people and the hand of God brought the whole troop together without harm. One pair of scouts was stuck on the cliff side of the raging waters. They had learned how to maneuver in white water with their feet pointing downstream. They made a plan to work together to cross the river, and then bravely executed the plan to perfection. They both agreed they had been taught what to do in dangerous situations, and trusted their training.

Bravery means standing firm in the face of fear, whether it’s physical danger, moral dilemmas, or personal trials. Today, with uncertainty and pressure to conform, bravery always feels vital, but sometimes seems rare. It’s about taking risks to do what’s right, speaking truth, standing up for others, or facing personal struggles, even when it costs us comfort or approval.

Turning Point USA founder, Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on September 10, 2025, often spoke about the “courage crisis” in today’s society. He was speaking specifically of moral courage or bravery. He believed this is the strength to do what is right regardless of the consequences, and such bravery has become increasingly rare. He believed that without courage, no other virtue can stand, as it is essential for upholding values like kindness, honesty, and justice. Kirk’s reflections highlight that true courage involves standing for truth and integrity, even when it is unpopular or risky.

Scripture affirms this value. In Joshua 1:9, God commands Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Jesus showed ultimate bravery, facing the cross for our sake. In John 12:27-28 Jesus is praying about His impending death, and asks if it is His Father’s will for him to die. He comes out of His prayer with conviction saying, “Father, save me from this hour? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!”

Psalm 91:5-6 reminds us that life is hard, and it is not always fair. We will face the terror of the night, enemy arrows, pestilence, and plague. There are many more horrors of life we can face, but the words of verse one ring powerfully when we consider the greatest challenges of our life, as the Psalmist writes, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

Having a guide to live by, like The Scout Law, can have a huge impact on one’s life, as well as the lives of the people around you. A book called Running Toward Danger: Real Life Scouting Action Stories of Heroism, Valor and Guts by Michael S. Malone, recounts 170 of the most exciting rescues by Boy Scouts. They have saved people from burning buildings, rescued rafters from drowning in Class IV rapids, and, in one shockingly true story, fought off a shark that was attacking a friend. It is estimated that 3 to 5 million people are alive today in the U.S. because they, or one of their parents or grandparents, had their life saved by a Boy Scout,” scout volunteer David Scott has calculated.

Do you see yourself as brave? When did you last face a challenge with courage, even when it was hard? Who in your life models bravery? How does their example inspire you? How could more bravery in our nation make us stronger today? In America’s past, pioneers, soldiers, and citizens showed courage, often born of their faith in God to make America a great nation. May God inspire each of us to live more bravely, that our lives may glorify Him.