Lesson Overview

In this lesson, learners will explore the second point of the Scout Law: "A Scout is Loyal." We will move beyond just defining the word and look at how loyalty works in real-life situations, using the Scouting method of "learning by doing."

Learning Objectives

• Define: Explain what loyalty means in the context of family, friends, and community.
• Identify: Recognize the difference between "blind loyalty" and "principled loyalty."
• Apply: Demonstrate loyalty through a trust-based physical challenge and a creative "Code of Honor."

Materials Needed

• A blindfold (a Scout neckerchief or a clean scarf works perfectly)
• Paper and colored markers
• A few household "obstacles" (chairs, pillows, or boxes)
• "Loyalty Scenario Cards" (can be hand-written on index cards)

I. The Hook: The "Blind Lead" (10 Minutes)

The Activity: Create a simple obstacle course in the room using pillows or chairs. The student must be blindfolded. The teacher/parent must guide them through the course using only verbal instructions.

The Discussion: After the activity, ask the following:

• How did it feel to rely entirely on someone else's voice?
• What would have happened if I had intentionally guided you into a chair?
• The Connection: This is the foundation of loyalty. Loyalty is about trust and reliability. It means people can count on you to have their back, especially when things get "foggy" or difficult.

II. Content: What Does "A Scout is Loyal" Mean? (15 Minutes)

I Do: Modeling the Concept

In Scouting, being loyal means being "true." Explain the three directions of loyalty:

1. Upward Loyalty: Being true to your leaders, your country, and your personal beliefs.
2. Sideways Loyalty: Being true to your friends, your "patrol" (your team), and your family.
3. Downward Loyalty: If you are a leader, being true to the people you are looking after.

Key Talking Point: Loyalty doesn't mean following someone into doing something wrong. If a friend asks you to lie for them, being loyal to the truth is more important than being loyal to their mistake. That is called "Principled Loyalty."

We Do: Sorting Scenarios

Present the following situations and discuss whether they show loyalty:

• Scenario A: Your best friend is being teased at lunch. You don't join in, but you don't say anything either. Is this loyal? (Discussion: Loyalty often requires standing up for someone.)
• Scenario B: Your sports team is losing every game. You keep showing up to practice and working hard anyway. Is this loyal? (Discussion: Yes, loyalty to the team is about commitment, not just winning.)
• Scenario C: A friend tells you a secret that involves them being in danger. You tell a trusted adult. Is this disloyal? (Discussion: No! True loyalty means wanting what is best for the person, which means keeping them safe.)

III. Active Practice: The Loyalty Shield (20 Minutes)

You Do: Creative Application

Scouts often use symbols to represent their values. The student will design a "Loyalty Shield."

1. Divide a piece of paper into four quadrants.
2. Quadrant 1: Draw a symbol of someone you are loyal to (e.g., a family crest, a friend’s initials).
3. Quadrant 2: Write one "Loyalty Rule" (e.g., "I will never speak badly of my friends behind their backs").
4. Quadrant 3: Draw a "Loyalty Animal" (e.g., a dog, a wolf pack, or an elephant) and explain why that animal represents the trait.
5. Quadrant 4: Write a "Motto" for yourself regarding loyalty.

IV. Conclusion & Recap (5 Minutes)

Summarize: Loyalty is more than just being a friend; it’s a commitment to be reliable and true to your values and your "team," even when it's not the easy thing to do.

Check for Understanding: Ask the student:

• "If you had to explain 'Loyalty' to a younger Scout in just one sentence, what would you say?"
• "What is one way you can show loyalty to your family this week?"

Assessment & Success Criteria

Success Criteria: The student is successful if they can:

• Define loyalty as "being true and reliable."
• Correctively identify that "principled loyalty" means choosing the right thing over a bad influence.
• Complete a "Loyalty Shield" with at least one personal rule of conduct.

Formative Assessment: Observation of the "Blind Lead" activity (did they trust the leader?) and participation in the Scenario Sorting discussion.

Adaptability & Differentiation

• For Advanced Learners: Research a historical figure known for their loyalty (such as Hachiko the dog or a historical figure like George Washington's Culper Spy Ring) and present a 1-minute summary.
• For Kinesthetic/Active Focus: Instead of drawing a shield, build a "Loyalty Fort" or structure using items in the room. Each "brick" must represent a person or value they are loyal to.
• Group Context: If doing this with a group/patrol, play "Human Knot." To untangle, they must communicate and stay "loyal" to the group by not letting go of hands.