{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EMaking your promise \u2013 whether you\u0027re a young member or volunteer \u2013 is a very special moment in your Scouts journey.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Promise is a simple way to help young people and adults celebrate their shared Scout values. Every Scout promises to stick by these values when they become a member.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe encourage everyone to think about how they want to celebrate their commitment, and all members get a badge to remember making their promise.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EWhat\u2019s a Promise ceremony or Investiture?\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s important that everyone has the chance to think about their Promise and understand what it means, before they make it. You make your Promise for the first time during a special ceremony we call an Investiture, and your Promise can be renewed at any time.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAn Investiture or Promise ceremony is a special celebration where someone is welcomed to Scouts, makes their Scout Promise, receives their Scout scarf. Making your Promise means you become a member of your Scout section, as well as the worldwide Scout family.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EInvestitures are important and special ceremonies, but this doesn\u2019t mean they have to be strict or scary!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere\u2019s no single way to run an Investiture. As long as your ceremony covers the main components, which are the welcome, making the Promise, and presenting the Scout scarf, it\u2019s up to you where you do it, what you say, and what else you do.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EPlanning to make your Promise\u003C/h3\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EScouts can choose to make their Promise whenever they are ready.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis may be longer for some people than others and that\u2019s OK.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EUsually, most Scouts make their Promise at the end or just after their first term in Scouts, such as after 6 to 8 weeks. This helps to make sure people feel more settled and confident around their new friends.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"When to make your Promise"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen you invite someone to make or renew their Promise, just ask them to do it \u2018in their own words\u2019.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s especially important to remember this when lots of people are saying their Promise together, for example, at an event.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe different versions of the Promise can be said together at the same time.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s up to the person making the Promise which version they say. They should be able to look at all of the options and consider their choice carefully.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDepending on the age of the young person, they may want to chat to their parents or carers as they make their decision.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Choosing which Promise to say"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EYou might want to ask young people what they\u2019d like their Scout Investiture to look like, where it should take place and when.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThey could also plan a Promise party with anyone taking part and making their Promise helping to plan a different part of it.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Letting young people decide what to do"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EBefore the Investiture begins, make sure that any scarves are rolled, certificates are filled in, and badges are ready to go.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECertificates, badges and Scout scarves can be ordered from\u00A0\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://shop.scouts.org.uk/?gad_source=1\u0026amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAmZGrBhAnEiwAo9qHibIYmripP7HoiiUjWGbsIDM0ISvCArj7E6Fpag1KVpARpZm_pRjHdxoCzWgQAvD_BwE\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Scout Store\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?gad_source=1\u0026amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAmZGrBhAnEiwAo9qHibIYmripP7HoiiUjWGbsIDM0ISvCArj7E6Fpag1KVpARpZm_pRjHdxoCzWgQAvD_BwE\u0022\u003EScout Store\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECertificates can also be downloaded or ordered from the\u00A0\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://scoutsbrand.org.uk/auth/login\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Scouts Brand Centre\u0022\u003EScout Brand Centre\u003C/a\u003E.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou may want to put them in presentation bags or envelopes to keep them safe and make them easier to take home. You could also write a card to welcome people.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Getting badges, neckers and certificates ready"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EMake sure the Scout has had time to think about their Promise \u2013 and check in with how they\u2019re feeling, too.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf anyone\u2019s feeling nervous, it might help to run through what to expect one more time or have a practice to show people what to do.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou may want to create a visual reference to show people what will happen or give them plenty of notice of how it may be different to a normal meeting.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Check in with people and have a practice"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EYou can make reasonable adjustments to the Scout Promise and Investiture, so everyone can feel involved and included in a way that\u2019s comfortable for them. For example, some people may prefer to:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Emake their Promise quietly by themselves with a volunteer to one side during a normal meeting, always following the Yellow Card.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ekeep it as a close to your normal meeting schedule as possible\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Esay the Promise repeated back one line at a time, with a volunteer saying the lines they need to repeat first.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Emake their Promise in Makaton or British Sign Language.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Emake their Promise as a group or with a friend, rather than saying it by themselves.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ehave a practice or a visual resource to help them know what to do or say.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Emake their Promise with the whole group saying it along with them.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Esay their Promise without their parents or carers watching.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFind out more about \u003Ca href=\u0022#\u0022 title=\u0022Reasonable adjustments\u0022\u003Emaking reasonable adjustments\u003C/a\u003E in Scouts.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Making reasonable adjustments when making a Promise"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EYou may want to invite parents, carers and others, such as District Volunteers, to the Promise ceremony or Investiture.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERemember to give people plenty of notice and welcome them into the meeting.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Inviting parents, carers and others"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EMaking a Scout Promise is a brilliant memory for all involved. Your Scout Group or those attending, such as parents and carers, may want to take photographs or videos of any Scouts making their Promise.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAdult volunteers may want to take photos or videos to later share with parents and carers, so they can watch or enjoy the moment on the day.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou could set up a Promise making area in the meeting space to make sure only the individual making the Promise can be photographed or videoed, as allowed. Always make sure to check who can be seen in the background of any photos or videos, too.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETake a look at our \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/supporting-life-issues-and-young-people/digital-safeguarding/photography-video-and-audio-recording-at-scout-events/\u0022 title=\u0022Photography, video and audio recording at Scout events\u0022\u003Ephotography, audio and video guidelines\u003C/a\u003E to keep everyone safe. Always follow \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-things-locally/data-protection-and-record-management/gdpr-toolkit/\u0022 title=\u0022GDPR Toolkit\u0022\u003EGDPR\u003C/a\u003Eand \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/about-us/policy/data-retention-policy/\u0022 title=\u0022Data Retention Policy\u0022\u003Edata retention\u003C/a\u003E policies.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Taking photographs or videos"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ESome people provide food and drinks for the Promise ceremony, such as a special cake.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlways check for allergies, eating problems or dietary requirements, then adjust the food and drink items or recipes as needed. This may include make sure there\u2019s no cross-contamination during food storage, preparation and serving.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECheck if there are any items of food (or packaging) that people can\u2019t touch or be near to, or if there are items that people might not be comfortable using in the activity.\u202F\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf someone has severe allergies, such as nuts, you may need to take extra measures, such as letting other people know not to bring that item or have additional signage.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Providing food and drinks"}]},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/20284/a-young-scout-is-having-help-tying-his-neckermin.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"A young person is wearing a necker while an adult ties it for them","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EIdeas for Promise ceremonies and Investitures\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat an Investiture looks and feels like is up to you. Some people have old traditions that have been handed down, and others enjoy inventing new traditions with their Section.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere isn\u2019t one way to get it right, as long as you include the main features, which are The Welcome, Scout Promise, and presenting the Scout Scarf.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA Promise ceremony or Investiture is a great chance for everyone in your Group to create something special and meaningful together.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome ideas for where you can make your Promise include:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAt your meeting place, during a special meeting or celebration\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDuring a campfire\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAt a sleepover or camp\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAt a jamboree event\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDuring an adventurous activity, such as on a kayak or at the top of a climbing wall\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EWhat to include when making your Promise\u003C/h3\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThere are lots of different ways to welcome a new Scout to your section.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou might use a song, a rhyme, or a prop, such as a flag or a cuddly toy.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA friend or another Scout who\u2019s already been invested might help welcome them, for example by introducing them to a volunteer or to other Scouts.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome people salute the rest of the section, high five, or shake hands.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou might make a tunnel with people forming an archway with their arms for those making their Promise to walk under.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s all up to you \u2013 why not ask the Scout what they think?\u003C/p\u003E","label":"The Welcome"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAnother important part of the Investiture is the Scout making their Promise.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt doesn\u2019t matter which variation they choose, and how people make their Promise can look different, too.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome people might say it line by line with a friend (or volunteer), others might sign, or say it on their own.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Saying your Promise"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EScouts should be given their Scout scarf during their Investiture. When moving to a new section in a Group, some people give up their scarf at the start of the meeting to have it presented again later \u2013 you don\u2019t have to do this, but you can if you want to.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPeople may also receive a certificate, Promise card and badges. They should receive the Membership Award, local area badges, Group name tape, and any Section name tape, if you have one.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf they\u2019ve moved up from a previous section, these badges will be taken from their previous uniform. If they haven\u2019t already got it, this is also a great time to give them their Moving On Award.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Presenting the Scout scarf, certificate and badges"}]},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/19338/cubs-making-promise.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"A group of Cubs making their Promise together in a field.","caption":"","link":null}]},{"items":[{"type":"Image top","cta":"Discover our Scout Promise","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe Promise is a simple way to help young people and adults celebrate their shared Scout values.\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"The Scout Promise","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/the-scout-promise/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#003982","title":"The Scout Promise","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Image top","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EPlan a special moment to welcome new Squirrels to your Drey (and the worldwide Scout family) and for them to make their Promise.\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Investing a Squirrel","id":null,"url":"/activities/investing-a-squirrel/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#ca1a10","title":"Investing a Squirrel","image":"/media/19163/squirrels-making-promise.jpg?cc=0,0,0,0.15631026355260347\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dadf67f4f5dcb0","imageFocus":"","imageId":34752,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Image top","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWelcoming a new Beaver to the Colony (and the worldwide Scout family) is an exciting time, especially for the person making their Promise.\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Investing a Beaver","id":null,"url":"/activities/investing-a-beaver/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#0061ce","title":"Investing a Beaver","image":"/media/18275/beaver-running.jpg?cc=0.0000000000000001263187085796,0.09332666714282314,0,0.06298359640978017\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dae19ccf300730","imageFocus":"Centre","imageId":33441,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"Centre","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Image top","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWelcoming a new Cub to the Pack is important \u2013 and everyone\u2019s excited for the first time they make their Promise.\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Investing a Cub","id":null,"url":"/activities/investing-a-cub/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#23a950","title":"Investing a Cub","image":"/media/19340/cubs-promise-2.jpg?cc=0.0000000000000001263187085796,0.06666190510201654,0,0.08964835845058677\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dae34981fed410","imageFocus":"","imageId":34979,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Image top","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWelcoming a new Scout is important. How do you help people make their Promise?\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Investing a Scout","id":null,"url":"/activities/investing-a-scout/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#002f6c","title":"Investing a Scout","image":"/media/jb3cu3dz/scouts-in-uniform-looking-up-at-the-sky.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1da10d42d586590","imageFocus":"","imageId":77641,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Making your promise \u2013 whether you\u0027re a young member or volunteer \u2013 is a very special moment in your Scouts journey.","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"27 November 2023","reviewDate":"01/01/0001","redirectUrl":"","id":77897,"nodeName":"Making your Scout Promise","title":"Making your Scout Promise","type":"contentPage","image":{"url":"/media/19338/cubs-making-promise.jpg?cc=0,0.010815988711668473,0,0.14549427484093502\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1daf55263742390","caption":"Cubs making Promise doing Scout salute","type":"jpg","size":438724,"width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"A group of Cubs making their Promise together in a field."},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Making your Scout Promise","headerSubTitle":"","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[]},"subHeader":"Making your promise \u2013 whether you\u0027re a young member or volunteer \u2013 is a very special moment in your Scouts journey.","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC83Nzg5NyJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/the-scout-promise/making-your-scout-promise/"}