Scout Promise

As a values-based movement, we all make ‘The Promise’ on an oath that helps us to be our best.

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. 

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.

You may also, if desired, replace the words ‘duty to The King’ with ‘duty to the country in which I am now living’.

The Scout Promise

The Core Scout Promise

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.

Promise Variations

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.

The Scout Promise 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.

The Scout Promise 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.

The Scout Promise 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.

The Scout Promise 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.

The Scout Promise 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.

The Scout Promise 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.

The Scout Promise 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 world-wide 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 Cub Scout Motto

Be prepared