Chapter 1: Fundamentals - The Scout Association

Chapter 1Fundamentals of ScoutingChapter ContentsThe Purpose of ScoutingThe Values of ScoutingThe Scout MethodThe Scout PromiseThe Scout LawRule 1.1The Cub Scout PromiseThe Cub Scout LawThe Beaver Scout PromiseThe Beaver Scout LawVariations to the wording of thePromisesThe Purpose of ScoutingScouting exists to actively engage and supportyoung people in their personal development,empowering them to make a positivecontribution to society.The Values of ScoutingAs Scouts we are guided by these values:Integrity - We act with integrity; we are honest,trustworthy and loyal.Respect - We have self-respect and respect forothers.Care - We support others and take care of theworld in which we live.Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs andattitudes.Co-operation - We make a positive difference;we co-operate with others and make friends.The Scout MethodScouting takes place when young people, inpartnership with adults, work together based onthe values of Scouting and:enjoy what they are doing and have funtake part in activities indoors andoutdoorslearn by doingshare in spiritual reflectiontake responsibility and make choicesundertake new and challenging activitiesmake and live by their Promise.The Scout Promise(for Scouts, Explorer Scouts, the Scout Networkand adults)On my honour,I promise that I will do my bestto do my duty to God and to The Queen,to help other peopleand to keep the Scout Law.The Scout Law1. 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 ofScouts.5. A Scout has courage in all difficulties.6. A Scout makes good use of time and iscareful of possessions and property.7. A Scout has self-respect and respect forothers.The Cub Scout PromiseI promise that I will do my bestto do my duty to God and to The Queen,to help other peopleand to keep the Cub Scout Law.The Cub Scout LawCub Scouts always do their best,think of others before themselvesand do a good turn every day.The Beaver Scout PromiseI promise to do my bestto be kind and helpfuland to love God.The Beaver Scout LawThere is no formal Beaver Scout Law. Theconcepts expressed in the Scout Law are to bepresented to Beaver Scouts through games,storytelling and other informal activities.Rule 1.1: Variations to the wording of thePromisesa. Scouting is open to all faiths and musttherefore take account of the differentreligious obligations of its Members whileupholding the essential spirit of the Promise.b. In each Promise the phrase 'Duty to God' or,in the case of Beaver Scouts, 'to love God',The Scout Association - Policy, Organisation and Rules – April 2013 Chapter 1 Page 1

is suitable for most faiths (includingChristians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims andSikhs).c. Hindus may use either the words 'myDharma' or 'God'.d. Muslims may use the word 'Allah' in place of'God'.e. Buddhists should use only the words 'myDharma'.f. Muslims may use the phrase ‘In the name ofAllah, the Most Beneficent, the MostMerciful’ in place of ‘On my honour’ whenmaking the Promise.g. Where some other form of wording isrequired for a member of a particular faith orreligion advice should be sought fromHeadquarters.h. Similarly it is accepted that foreign residentswho may become Members of theAssociation owe allegiance to their owncountry.i. To meet these circumstances the phrase'duty to The Queen' should be replaced bythe phrase 'duty to the country in which I amnow living'.j. In the case of Beaver Scouts, Cub Scoutsand Scouts the decision as to whichpermitted form of wording should be used inany particular case will be made by theGroup Scout Leader in consultation with theparents of the young person concerned.k. In the case of Explorer Scouts, ScoutNetwork members and adults the decisionas to which permitted form of wordingshould be used in any particular case will bemade by the District or CountyCommissioner as appropriate in consultationwith the person concerned.The Scout Association - Policy, Organisation and Rules – April 2013 Chapter 1 Page 2