
There are three parts to our code of conduct:
1. The Scout Promise
2. The Scout Law
3. The Group Behaviour Code
The Scout Promise
NB: There are several versions of the promise, depending on your section (Beavers, Cubs, or Scouts) and your religion (or lack of). This one is the ‘traditional’ UK Scouts promise, most often used as the generic version.
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
A Scout is to be trusted.
A Scout is loyal.
A Scout is friendly and considerate.
A Scout belongs to the worldwide family of Scouts.
A Scout has courage in 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.
The Scout laws mean many things. Below are a few ideas about what they mean within the Group.
A Scout is to be trusted
We trust each Scout to actually mean it when making the Scout Promise. We trust them to be honest, and not to let the Leaders, the Troop, or themselves down.
A Scout is loyal
An old fashioned concept, but an good one. It is about commitment, and a sense of belonging. We expect the Scouts to show loyalty to the Troop and their fellow Scouts – both inside and outside of scouting. Loyalty also extends outside scouting – to family, friends, school, teams, and so on.
A Scout is friendly and considerate
We expect every Scout to be friendly towards every other Scout, and to show consideration for others. It could be as simple as being quiet when asked and obeying the rules in games so we can all have fun.
A scout belongs to the worldwide family of Scouts
This used to be ‘worldwide brotherhood of Scouts’, but has changed for obvious reasons! However, the meaning remains the same. We are all Scouts and we are therefore expected to treat every other Scout with friendship, respect, and tolerance.
A Scout has courage in all difficulties
Scouts might face their fears in all sorts of ways; one example is trying adventurous activities that they are concerned about. They invariably come out the other side with a new experience under their belt and a new level of confidence.
A scout makes good use of his time and is careful of possessions and property.
Mostly obvious. For example, we expect Scouts to look after our property as well as theirs – a lot of the equipment we are lucky enough to have at the Group is very expensive to replace.
A Scout has self-respect and respect for others.
All Scouts should have self respect and would not let themselves down in any way. Respect for others? For other Scouts and the Leaders… Common courtesy is the absolute minimum required. Respect has to be earned – the Leaders have certainly earned it.
The Group Behaviour Code
1. Scouts should turn up on time, in uniform, with scarves neatly ironed and rolled.
2. Scouts should attend regularly, and let your leader know if you can’t attend for any reason.
3. When an adult raises a hand all scouts should stand still, raise one hand, stay quiet, and wait to find out what is to be said.
4. Misbehaviour likely to ruin an activity for everyone else, or adversely affect safety, will be dealt with by removal from the activity and may be followed by a call to the parents to collect their child immediately.
5. Bullying in any form could lead to being asked to leave the Group.
We do sometimes use suspension from the Group as a disciplinary resort. Permanent exclusion from the section will only be used in exceptional circumstances.