What is the Promise?

When young people decide to join us, they make a Promise to try and stick by their Scout values, using words that feel meaningful and appropriate for them.

Welcoming new members is a big celebration within the group. Young people chat through the different versions of the Promise and what they mean, before deciding which one best suits them.

Typically, this happens a few weeks into their Scout experience, once the young person has had time to settle in.

When they’re ready, they recite their chosen Promise at an event known as an ‘Investiture Ceremony’. Investitures are important special occasions. Young people might also want to invite their nearest and dearest along to watch them make their Promise, so they can cheer them on from the sidelines.

Once they’ve made the Promise, young people become official members of the section and of the worldwide Scout family.