Scouting is open to people of all faiths and of none.
That’s why we have different variations of our Promise: so that everyone’s included and can say a set of words that means something to them.
The Scout Association is an inclusive and values based Movement which supports its Members to engage with spirituality in an exciting and meaningful way. The Scout Association is an open Association and does not identify with one faith exclusively. Membership is open to all those individuals who share our fundamental values, and are willing to make a commitment to them, expressed by the Promise and Law.
The Scout Promise
There are a number of variations of the Scout Promise to reflect the range of faiths, beliefs and attitudes, and nationalities, in the UK within Scouting.
For Christians, Jews and Sikhs
On my honour,
I promise that I will do my best
to do my duty to God
and to the King,
to help other people
and to keep the Scout Law.
For Hindus and Buddhists
On my honour,
I promise that I will do my best
to do my duty to my Dharma
and to the King,
to help other people
and to keep the Scout Law.
For humanists, atheists and those with no defined faith
On my honour,
I promise that I will do my best
to uphold our Scout values,
to do my duty to the King,
to help other people
and to keep the Scout Law.
For Muslims
In the name of Allah,
the Most Beneficial
and the Most Merciful,
I promise that I will do my best
to do my duty to Allah
and to the King,
to help other people
and to keep the Scout Law.
The Scout Law:
1. A Scout is to be trusted.
2. A Scout is loyal.
3. A Scout is friendly and considerate.
4. A Scout belongs to the worldwide family of Scouts.
5. A Scout has courage in all difficulties.
6. A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property.
7. A Scout has self-respect and respect for others.
The Scout Motto:
Be Prepared
Why is the Promise important?
The Promise is a simple way to help young people and adults keep the Fundamentals of Scouting in mind. The Promise is the commitment made by all Members as they join Scouting, promising to share the values of Scouting. It is therefore vital that every Member considers the Promise, and discusses its meaning before making the Promise and being invested into Scouting.
There are a number of variations of the Promise to reflect the range of faiths, beliefs and attitudes; and nationalities in the UK within Scouting. Each version is written to be appropriate to the broad level of understanding of each of the age groups within the Movement. We believe that this approach is inclusive. Celebrating and understanding difference, including difference in faiths and beliefs, is an important aspect of the educational and developmental side of Scouting.
Incorporating multiple versions at Promise renewals
It has been good practice for many years to invite Members to renew their Promise ‘in their own words’ and it is important that this is always incorporated into Promise events. The different versions of the Promise can be said together in unison.
Who makes the decision about which Promise to take?
The adult, or young person should be provided with all the Promise wording options and given time to consider their choice carefully.
Depending upon the age of the young person, discussions about the choice of Promise may include parents or carers. Ultimately, the choice of Promise is the individuals.
