Every Scout is unique, but they find common ground in their shared Scout values, and make a promise to stick by them.
Making a promise when you join the Troop is a way of celebrating these values. Every time a new Scout decides to join, they chat through their promise with their leader before saying it out loud in front of their fellow Scouts.
The process usually takes place once you’ve had a few weeks to settle in, and is known as being ‘invested’ into Scouts. Usually, the promise ceremony happens in a place you’ve chosen, or in a memorable place that means a lot to the group.
It could be held in your usual meeting place, or it could happen around the campfire, or it could happen on a boat sailing the seven seas. Regardless, it’s a big celebration for all involved, and it’s not uncommon for family and friends to join your fellow Scouts as they cheer you on.
Scouts choose the promise that best suits them.
The below promises are for Scouts, Explorer Scouts, the Scout Network and adults.
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 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.
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.
Making the Promise using Makaton
Makaton is a language programme that uses symbols, signs, and speech to enable people to communicate, while encouraging language development. It’s especially used by people who find communication difficult, for example, some people with learning disabilities.
Please note that this resource still references The Queen. Updated versions referencing The King will be available soon.
A similar ceremony – known as a Moving On ceremony – usually happens once you reach the end of your time at Scouts. It’s an opportunity to celebrate all you’ve achieved and conquered and enjoyed – including that time you moved mountains, and laughed so hard on camp you spurted lemonade out of your nose. It’s also a chance to properly say goodbye, and send you on your merry way.
