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.
The Beaver Scout Promise
There are a number of variations of the Beaver Scout Promise to reflect the range of faiths, beliefs and attitudes, and nationalities, in the UK within Scouting.
Beaver Scout Promise: Atheist, Agnostic or no faith
I promise to do my best,
to be kind and helpful,
and to love our world.
Beaver Scout Promise: Buddhist
I promise to do my best to be kind and helpful and to act with love towards everyone.
Beaver Scout Promise: Christian
I promise to do my best,
to be kind and helpful,
and to love God.
Beaver Scout Promise: Hindu
Variant 1
I promise to do my best,
to be kind and helpful,
and to love God.
Variant 2
I promise to do my best,
to be kind and helpful,
and to love my Dharma.
There are many different approaches to Hinduism. Some Hindus will accept „God‟ but others do not agree with the concept of an omnipotent God and therefore will prefer to use “my Dharma” (meaning “the divine force which directs my life‟)
Scouting is available to all faiths and must therefore take account of the different religious obligations of its Members (scouts.org.uk)
Beaver Scout Promise: Humanist
I promise to do my best and to be kind and helpful and to love our world.
Beaver Scout Promise: Jewish
I promise to do my best and to be kind and helpful and to love God
Beaver Scout Promise: Muslim
Variant 1
I promise to do my best,
to be kind and helpful
and to love God.
Variant 2
I promise to do my best,
to be kind and helpful
and to love Allah.
There are many different approaches to Islam.
Scouting is available to all faiths and must therefore take account of the different religious obligations of its Members (scouts.org.uk)
Many will accept the term “God” (meaning “Allah”), some Muslims may prefer to use their term “Allah”.
Beaver Scout Promise: Sikh
I promise to do my best and to be kind and helpful and to love Waheguru.
Beaver Scout: Core Promise
I promise to do my best,
to be kind and helpful,
and to love God.
Further information about the Promise in Scouting can be found here.
The Beaver Scout Law
There is no formal Beaver Scout Law. The concepts expressed in the Scout Law are to be presented to Beaver Scouts through games, storytelling and other informal activities.
The Beaver Scout Motto
Be prepared
Why is the Promise important?
The Promise is a simple way to help young people and adults keep the Fundamentals of Scouting in mind. 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.
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.
Incorporating multiple versions at Promise renewals
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.
Who makes the decision about which Promise to take?
The adult, or young person should be provided with all the Promise wording options and given time to consider their choice carefully.
Depending upon the age of the young person, discussions about the choice of Promise may include parents or carers. Ultimately, the chose of Promise is the individuals.
