FROM THE GREAT
CENTRAL FIRE 

First recorded by Ernest Thompson Seton, a founding father of the American camping movement, the Law of the Woods is the timeless code of ethics that unites the Ogichi Daa Kwe community.

 
 

The Law of The Woods

 

From the Great Central Fire, I light this, THE LAMP OF BEAUTY.

From it are these three rays:
BE CLEAN — Both yourself and the place you live in.
BE STRONG — Understand and respect your body. It is the Temple of the Spirit.
PROTECT ALL HARMLESS WILDLIFE — And be ever ready to fight the wildfire in the woods.

 

From the Great Central Fire, I light this, THE LAMP OF Truth.

From it are these three rays:
SPEAK TRUE — Word of honor is sacred.
PLAY FAIR — Foul play is treachery.
BE REVERENT — Worship a greater spirit and respect all worship by others.

 

From the Great Central Fire, I light this, THE LAMP OF fortitude.

From it are these three rays:
BE BRAVE — Courage is the noblest of all attainments.
LISTEN — It is harder to listen than speak, but in the hour of conflict it is stronger.
BE HUMBLE — Humility is the first law in the woods.

 

From the Great Central Fire, I light this, THE Flaming LAMP OF LOVE.

From it are these three rays:
BE KIND — Do at least one act of unbargaining service each day.
BE HELPFUL — Do your share of the work.
BE JOYFUL — Seek the joy of being alive.