The Scout Association is an inclusive, values-based Movement that supports its Members in engaging with spirituality in an exciting and meaningful way. The Scout Association is open and does not identify with any one faith exclusively. Membership is open to all individuals who share our fundamental values and are willing to make a commitment to them, as expressed in the Promise and Law.
The Scout Promise
There are several variations of the Scout Promise to reflect the diverse range of faiths, beliefs, and attitudes, as well as nationalities, within Scouting in the UK. This promise is said by Scout, Explorer Scouts, Network and Adult Volunteers.
For Buddhists
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 Christians and Jews
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
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 Humanists, Atheists or those 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 Muslims
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 Sikhs
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.
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.