Boy Scout Vespers

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Boy Scout Vespers or Scout Vespers is a traditional Scouting song. The tune is that of "O Tannenbaum/O, Christmas Tree". The song is usually sung at the end of the evening campfire, often as people are filing out of the fire circle. Often it will be sung by alternating singing the lyrics and humming the tune. The song is occasionally followed by a spoken benediction such as, "May the great Master of all Scouts be with us till' we meet again". There is also a parody version for use during web camping trips called "Scout Wetspers".

Lyrics

The original Scout verse is well-known in many countries. There are also additional country-specific verses. Some additional verses are specific to a particular program section and are referred to by a corresponding name, such as "Cub Vespers". Here is the original verse:

Softly falls the light of day,
As our campfire fades away.
Silently each Scout should ask,
"Have I done my daily task?
Have I kept my honor bright?
Can I guiltless sleep tonight?
Have I done and have I dared,
Everything to Be Prepared?"

Canada

These section-specific verses were written by the 3rd Aurora Borealis Venturers and Nomad Rovers of South Lake Simcoe District, Ontario, during a canoe trip in Algonquin Provincial Park:

Softly falls the light of day,
As our campfire fades away,
Silently each Beaver asks,
Have I done my daily task?
Did I give the world my care,
Remembering to smile and share?
Beavers turn to God in prayer,
Knowing He will always care.

Softly falls the light of day,
As our campfire fades away,
Silently each Cub shall ask,
Have I done my daily task?
Have I kept my Cub laws too,
Taught to me by Old Baloo?
Have I tried to do my best?
God grant me a quiet rest.

Softly falls the light of day,
As our campfire fades away,
Silently each Venturer asks,
Have I done my daily task?
Have I kept my challenge true?
Side by side, we'll see it through,
Have I turned to God today?
Let Him help show us the way.

Softly falls the light of day,
As our campfire fades away,
Silently each Rover asks,
Have I done my daily task?
Have I served my fellow man,
Guided by our Founder's hand?
Rovers try to do their best;
God will help them with the rest.

United States

This second verse is occasionally added to the original:

Listen Lord, oh listen Lord,
As I whisper soft and low.
Bless my mom and bless my dad,
These are things that they should know.
I will keep my honor bright,
The Oath and Law will be my guide.
And Mom and Dad this you should know,
Deep in my heart I love you so.

United Kingdom

This is the UK Cub Scout version:

Softly falls the light of day,
While our campfire fades away,
Silently each Cub should ask,
Have I done my daily task?
For my country done my best?
Prayed to God before I rest?
Helped a friend along the way?
Have I done my best today?