
A Scout is courteous. This means being polite and respectful to others. It is one of the twelve points of the Scout Law. It helps Scouts treat everyone with kindness.
Being courteous is about using good manners. Saying “please” and “thank you” is one way. Holding the door for someone is another. Small acts of courtesy help people feel respected.
Scouts are courteous to everyone. This includes friends, teachers, family, and strangers. It does not matter how old someone is. It does not matter where they come from. All people should be treated with respect.
When Scouts are courteous, they help make the world a better place. People get along better. There are fewer arguments. Being polite helps build trust. It shows that a Scout cares about others.
Cub Scouts begin learning how to be courteous at a young age. Even Lions and Tigers can understand what it means to be polite. They learn to say kind words and to listen when someone is speaking. These small actions show respect.
In the Cub Scout program, Scouts are often in groups. They need to work together to play games, do crafts, and go on hikes. Being courteous helps everyone have fun. For example, taking turns during a game is being courteous. Helping a friend clean up after a project is also courteous.
Leaders and parents teach Cub Scouts to be polite at meetings and on trips. Saying “please” and “thank you” is one way to show respect. Saying “excuse me” when interrupting is another. When Cub Scouts practice these habits, they learn to think about others.
Cub Scouts also show courtesy at home. They can help set the table. They can speak kindly to brothers and sisters. They can thank their parents. These actions may seem small, but they build good habits.
Courteous Cub Scouts also learn how to treat people who are different from them. They are taught that everyone should be treated kindly. No matter what someone looks like or where they come from, a Scout is still polite and respectful.
During service projects, Cub Scouts show they care. Picking up trash at a park or making cards for a nursing home shows they are courteous. They are giving time to help others. This is a big part of being a good Scout.
Learning to be courteous in Cub Scouts helps boys grow into respectful young men. These lessons stay with them as they get older. They build character and help Scouts be good friends and leaders.
In Cub Scouting, courtesy is more than just manners. It is part of the Scout Law. And it starts with simple, kind actions.
In Scouts BSA, being courteous is part of daily life. Scouts work together in patrols. They go camping, cook meals, and plan activities. These things go better when everyone is polite and respectful.
A courteous Scout listens to others. In a patrol meeting, everyone should get a turn to speak. No one likes being ignored or interrupted. Taking time to listen shows that you care about your patrol members.
On campouts, Scouts share gear, food, and chores. A courteous Scout does their part. They don’t complain about doing dishes or setting up tents. They offer to help others without being asked. This makes campouts smoother and more fun for everyone.
Courteous Scouts treat leaders and adults with respect. This means following instructions, saying “thank you,” and speaking in a kind tone. It also means showing respect to other Scouts, even when they disagree.
Sometimes, Scouts help younger members learn skills. A courteous Scout teaches without being rude or bossy. They are patient and kind. This helps everyone learn better and enjoy the activity.
Scouts also meet people from other troops and places. Being courteous helps them make new friends. It also shows good character. A Scout who is polite stands out in a good way.
In service projects, being courteous matters too. When helping at a food bank or community event, a polite Scout gives a good name to Scouting. They show others that Scouts care about people.
Scouts BSA is a place to grow and lead. Being courteous helps Scouts work well with others and earn trust. It makes the troop stronger and more welcoming.
In the Venturing program, young people work together on high adventure and service. They also plan their own activities. Being courteous helps the crew get along and succeed as a team.
Venturers come from different schools, backgrounds, and beliefs. A courteous Venturer listens and respects all opinions. Even when people disagree, they can still be polite. This keeps meetings and trips friendly and welcoming.
During outdoor adventures, Venturers depend on each other. A courteous Venturer helps carry gear, shares supplies, and watches out for others. They also use kind words, even when things are hard or stressful.
Venturers also work with adults and other groups. A courteous attitude helps them build good relationships. Saying “thank you,” showing up on time, and helping clean up are all simple ways to show respect.
Leadership is a big part of Venturing. Courteous leaders guide others without being rude. They listen and support their crew. They give praise and help fix problems in a calm way.
Service is important in Venturing too. When helping in the community, a courteous Venturer shows they care. They are polite to those they serve and to the people they work with.
Being courteous in Venturing builds trust and friendship. It makes the crew stronger. It also helps Venturers grow into respectful adults who lead by example.
Adult leaders play a big part in teaching Scouts to be courteous. At every level—Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing—leaders set the tone. Scouts watch what adults do and learn from their example.
In Cub Scouts, leaders teach simple manners. They remind Cub Scouts to say “please” and “thank you.” They praise polite behavior and gently correct rude actions. Young Scouts learn by copying what they see.
In Scouts BSA, leaders guide older youth in working together. They talk about respect and kindness. When Scouts argue or forget to be polite, leaders help them fix the problem. They also model how to be courteous in meetings and on trips.
In Venturing, adults take more of a coaching role. Crews make more decisions on their own. Still, leaders show how to listen, respect different views, and stay calm under stress. Their example helps Venturers learn to lead with courtesy.
Leaders also help Scouts understand why being courteous matters. They explain how it helps build trust, solve problems, and keep groups strong. These lessons help Scouts grow into respectful adults.
Courteous adult leaders make it easier for Scouts to learn and grow. Their words and actions create a safe and kind space. When Scouts see adults being polite and respectful, they are more likely to do the same.
Good leaders know that character is taught by example. Being courteous every day helps Scouts see what it means to live the Scout Law.

Saying “thank you” is a simple but powerful way to be courteous. In Scouting, showing gratitude helps build respect and kindness. Scouts can write thank you notes to leaders, parents, or anyone who helps them. This small act teaches respect and thoughtfulness.
Helping Scouts write thank you notes gives them a chance to practice being polite. It also helps them see the good in others. Use this printable thank you note template to guide them. It’s a great way to teach the meaning of “A Scout is courteous.”
Using good phone manners is part of being courteous in Scouting. Scouts often need to call leaders or counselors. Knowing what to say and how to say it helps them be respectful and clear. A courteous Scout speaks kindly, listens, and uses polite words like “please” and “thank you.”
Scouts of all ages can learn these simple phone rules. This helps them feel more confident and shows they care about others. Teaching phone etiquette is another way to help Scouts live the Scout Law. See the full guide here: Phone Etiquette
Being a courteous Scout means listening when someone else is speaking. Respectful listening shows that you care about what others say. It also helps meetings go smoothly and helps everyone feel heard.
Scouts can use simple tools like a “talking feather” and write down questions to help stay focused. These tips help teach self-control and kindness. Learn more ideas for teaching listening skills here: Respectful Listening
Good manners at the table are part of being courteous. The Good Manners Napkins activity helps Cub Scouts remember to say “please,” “thank you,” and other polite words. It turns learning table manners into a fun craft they can use every day.
Making and using these napkins helps Scouts build habits of respect and kindness. It’s a simple way to teach that a courteous Scout shows good manners at mealtime too. Learn how to make them here: Good Manners Napkins

Being courteous in Scouting includes showing respect for the outdoors. The Outdoor Code teaches Scouts to be considerate of nature and other people. This means staying quiet on trails, cleaning up trash, and leaving places better than you found them.
Scouts who follow the Outdoor Code are courteous to others who use the land. They protect the environment so everyone can enjoy it. Learn more about how to be a respectful Scout outdoors here: The Outdoor Code

Being courteous in sports means playing fair and treating others with respect. Good sportsmanship is part of the Scout Law. A courteous Scout follows the rules, plays with honesty, and is polite to teammates, opponents, and officials.
Whether you win or lose, showing respect and kindness makes the game better for everyone. Scouts who are courteous help build a positive and fun environment. Learn more here: Good Sportsmanship
This respect ceremony is a great way to teach Cub Scouts about being courteous. Each letter in the word “Respect” stands for something important, like kindness, peace, and trust. Scouts learn that being courteous means caring about others and the world around them.
Using this ceremony at a meeting helps set a positive tone. It reminds everyone to treat others with respect and to live by the Scout Law. Learn how to lead this activity here: Respect Ceremony for Cub Scouts
The Magic Words Ceremony reminds Scouts that simple words like “please” and “thank you” are powerful. These words show that a Scout is courteous. Using them every day helps Scouts build good habits and show respect to others.
This ceremony is a fun way to end a meeting and reinforce the importance of manners. It teaches Scouts that kind words, along with kind actions, make a big difference. See the full ceremony here: Magic Words Ceremony

The Thank You Ceremony helps Cub Scouts learn to be courteous by showing gratitude. Each Scout shares a message that spells out “Thank You.” These messages highlight respect for teachers, friends, and opportunities to serve.
This simple ceremony teaches that polite words matter. It helps Scouts practice being thankful and respectful in a fun and meaningful way. See the full ceremony here: Thank You Ceremony

Being courteous in Scouting means showing respect for people and places. Leave No Trace helps Scouts do this by teaching them to care for nature. Scouts who follow these rules protect land, animals, and water while enjoying the outdoors.
Courteous Scouts leave campsites clean, stay on trails, and are kind to others on the path. These small actions show they care about the world around them. Learn more here: Leave No Trace Principles

Being courteous is one of the twelve points of the Scout Law. A courteous Scout uses good manners and treats others with respect. This includes saying kind words, listening without interrupting, and showing care for others.
The Scout Law helps Scouts live with honesty, kindness, and respect every day. Courteous behavior builds strong friendships and helps make the world a better place. Learn more here: The Scout Law
What does it mean to be courteous in Scouting?
Being courteous means being polite and respectful to others. It means using kind words, good manners, and treating everyone with care.
Why is being courteous important in Scouting?
It helps Scouts work well together. It makes meetings, trips, and service projects better for everyone. A courteous Scout shows respect and builds trust.
How can Cub Scouts learn to be courteous?
Cub Scouts learn by watching leaders and older Scouts. They practice simple manners like saying “please” and “thank you,” taking turns, and helping others.
What are some ways Scouts BSA members show they are courteous?
They listen when others talk, help with group tasks, and speak kindly. They show respect to leaders, other Scouts, and everyone they meet.
Do Venturers still need to be courteous?
Yes. Courteous behavior helps crews work well together. It builds strong teams and respectful leaders.
How can leaders teach Scouts to be courteous?
Leaders teach by example. They speak kindly, listen well, and show respect. They also talk about why being courteous matters.
Can service projects help Scouts learn to be courteous?
Yes. Service teaches Scouts to care about others. Being polite and respectful during service shows they are courteous and thoughtful.
Being courteous is one of the twelve points of the Scout Law. It means being polite, kind, and respectful to others. A courteous Scout uses good manners and treats everyone with care, no matter who they are.
In Cub Scouts, being courteous starts with simple things. Saying “please” and “thank you” is a good start. Helping others, waiting your turn, and listening when someone talks are all ways Cub Scouts learn to be polite. Leaders and parents help by showing good manners too.
In Scouts BSA, courteous behavior helps the troop work well together. Scouts learn to respect leaders, help other Scouts, and share tasks on campouts. They also learn to listen to different opinions without being rude.
In Venturing, being courteous helps older youth lead and work as a team. Venturers come from many backgrounds, so being polite and respectful keeps the group strong. Courteous Venturers are kind, calm, and helpful, even during hard tasks or tough decisions.
Adult leaders have an important role in teaching this. They model courteous behavior every day. They show Scouts how to use kind words, listen well, and treat others with respect. Scouts learn from what they see.
Being courteous helps Scouts make friends, solve problems, and be good leaders. It is more than just good manners—it is about showing care for others in all parts of life.