Scouts is open to everyone; we don’t identify exclusively with one faith. As an inclusive and values based movement, we support our members to engage with spirituality in an exciting and meaningful way. Celebrating and understanding differences, including differences in faiths and beliefs, is an important part of the educational and developmental side of Scouts.
Anyone who shares our fundamental values can be a Scout. Every Scout is unique, but they find common ground in their shared Scout values and make a commitment to them through the Scout Promise and Law.
It’s important that Scouts is inclusive, so there are variations of the Promise to reflect the range of Scouts’ faiths and beliefs. The different versions of the Promise can be said together at the same time.
For members who are Atheist or of no faith background
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 members who are Buddhist
On my honour,
I promise that I will do my best
to seek refuge in the Triple Gem, to do my duty to The King,
to act with compassion towards all life
and to keep the Scout Law.
For members who are Christian
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 members who are Hindu
On my honour,
I promise that I will do my best
to follow my dharma and do my duty to The King,
to act with compassion towards all life
and to keep the Scout Law.
For members who are Humanist
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 members who are Jewish
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 members who are Muslim
In the name of Allah, the most beneficent and the most merciful,
I promise that I will do my best
to do my duty to Allah and then to The King,
to help other people
and to keep the Scout Law.
For members who are Sikh
On my honour,
I promise that I will do my best
to do my duty to Waheguru 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 chose of Promise is the individuals.
