What to do when Scouts — or Scouters — use foul language

A Scout is Clean, but what if his mouth isn’t?

Dirty words can soil the reputation of any Scout (or Scouter), but a swift response from you can make the guilty party think twice next time.

But what is that perfect reaction? How do you ban bad language in your pack, troop, team, or crew?

The solutions below will help you decide. I swear!

Dealing with swearing Scouts

Do your ever hear some “choice” words from your Scouts? Here are some proven solutions from our Facebook friends:

  • “I use the phrase ‘pick another word’ quite a bit. That doesn’t apply to the truly foul language, but it does get used when they choose the words stupid, shut up, or any derogatory terms that would offend. For the truly foul language, we try to stick with ‘there are 150,000 words in the English language, so pick one that makes you sound smarter.'” — Marcey M.
  • “I simply say ‘Different Word.’ I can’t remember a time when the Scout didn’t stop and correct himself. It must be working because I was having an issue backing up the Scout trailer one trip and slipped with a ‘Da**.’ I heard three Scouts, in unision, from the back of the truck say ‘Different Word.‘” — Chuck T.
  • “Everything Stops! The language-challenged youth are reminded of the younger scouts who look up to them and that they lead by example. If they can’t manage, the are (as we say) invited to seek success elsewhere.” — Michael J.
  • “There is a code of ethics that the Scout reads and signs before they join the troop. Foul language is in the code of ethics. There is a three-strikes-you’re-out rule. So far this really hasn’t been an issue.” — Jose B.
  • “My father always said that ‘The use of profanity indicates a poor education and a limited vocabulary.’ That usually gets the point across to kids and adults who then start thinking that cursing marks them as ‘stupid’ instead of ‘cool.'” — Gary W.

Handling foul-mouthed Scouters

What happens when it’s a fellow adult leader using four-letter words? Our Facebook friends weighed in on that question, too:

  • “I treat it the same way I would as if a Scout said it. Why should adults be treated differently? If it is not appropriate, then it is not appropriate. Plus, Scouts benefit when they see adults held to the same standards they are.” — Aaron D.
  • “I told the new guy (a former service member) that we do not use that language here. I added I understand how service members speak having been one and that I have to work hard to not use it myself.” — Ed B.
  • “We hear it all the time. We try to not use this type of language at Scout meetings and various outings. We need to keep in mind where we are. Sometimes it just comes out. Be aware!” — John L.
  • “We ask the offending person to recite the Scout Law and when they get to the article of the Scout Law that closely fits the problem then we stop them and ask them to explain what that tenet means and how it applies to what they have done or the incident they are going through. Works very well.” — Chris R.
  • “Remind them that they need to be Scout-like with their language at all times. Even when Scouts are in tents they can hear everything.” — Sherry H.

More tips from our archives

Scouting magazine covered this topic in our January-February 2011 issue. Eleven Scouters offered their proven strategies, including “swear jars” and leading by example. Read the complete story here.

What do you think?

Is foul language a problem in your unit? What’s your solution? Leave your thought below.


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.