Scouts

1st Ramsey Scouts

Scouting is for boys and girls aged between 10½ and 14 years, who want to make friends and develop their widening interests in ways that are both educational and fun. It is ideal for young people who want a break from the usual after school routine of homework, games and TV.

With the emphasis on adventurous activities, action and involvement, Scouting means more than just camping. Hiking, rock climbing, gliding, sailing, pioneering, canoeing, parascending, abseiling, First Aid, motor mechanics, electronics, amateur radio and photography are just some of the things they do.

Their uniform of activity trousers, with teal green polo or long sleeved shirt, reflects their adventurous lifestyle. Each Scout Troop consists of small groups (usually called Patrols) of six to eight young people, one of whom is the Patrol Leader. The PL's share responsibility with the adult Leader for maintaining standards and training within the Troop. All Scouts are encouraged to take part in the decision-making process and regular Forums provide the chance for them to help in planning Troop activities.

Outdoor activities feature prominently in the Scout Troop. The highlight for most is the annual summer camp or expedition, and much of the rest of the year is devoted to preparing for this. Even in winter there may be Patrol hikes or weekend camps. Map reading, camp cooking, First Aid and other skills can be practised at any time of the year.

Scout Promise

On my honour,
I promise that I will do my best
to do my duty to God and the King,
to help other people
and to keep the Scout Law.
(Other versions are available)

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 Cub Scout Promise for members who are Hindu

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

On my honour
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.

As part of this requirement of the Membership Award, Scouts will also learn and understand the Motto, Sign, Salute, and Handshake. For more information on any of these, check out the ‘Prepared’ resource (available from Scout Store).

Before they make their Promise, it’s important that a Scout understands what they’re promising, and that they’re comfortable with the Promise they’re making. Visual resources can help young people with learning or communication difficulties to understand and take part in ceremonies such as Investiture. A visual story about making the Promise is available to download from the Scout website.

Scouts should also choose when and where they make their Promise. Some might do it during a regular meeting, but other people might be Invested during a trip to an unusual location, a camp, or a holiday ­for an even more unique experience.

It’s often nice to have parents and carers watch their Scout make their Promise, so you can join in celebrating this important step.

Scout Law

A Scout is to be trusted.
A Scout is loyal.
A Scout is friendly and considerate.
A Scout belongs to the world-wide family of Scouts.
A Scout has courage under all difficulties.
A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property.
A Scout has self-respect and respect for others.

Where do my badges go?