Promise & Law

Every Scout – from Beavers all the way up to a Leader receiving their Wood Badge – makes a Promise in front of their group at their investment. The Scout Promise represents all the values of Scouting and all Scouts should learn in it in good time for their investment.

On this page, we display the Christian Promise and the secular Promise for each section. There are many other Promises available that members of other faiths can make but are not included on this page to save space. Those who might wish to make an alternative Promise are invited to speak to their Leaders before doing so to ensure they make the correct one.

The Promise (Christian)

Scout Promise

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 Promise (Secular)

Scouts are not obligated to hold a religion to join the movement. Atheists, humanists, and those with no affirmed faith are encouraged to join us. Such Scouts can choose to make the following alternative Promise.

Scout Promise

On my honour

I promise that I will do my best

To do my duty to God and to the Queen

To help other people

And to keep the Scout Law 

The Scout Law

The Cubs and Scouts have a set of laws their Promises have them keep to. There is one Cub law:

Cub Scouts always do their best

Think of others before themselves

And do a good turn every day

And seven Scout Laws which every Scout will find in their pocketbook – but they should always be able to remember them when asked!

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.