The Scout Laws are the moral guidance of our behaviour. They are encouraging us to improve ourselfes and to be a responsible part of our society. Depending on the Scouts age the laws differ in complexity.

Click on a law to get a detailed description. Move on to the promise   >

Meaning in practice

The Scout is polite and corteous.





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The Scout has overcome many challenges on journeys and camps and therefore remains calm and friendly even in difficult or stressful situations. In camp life he has learned to sometimes put his own concerns and desires behind the ones of the others and is characterized by a high social competence, influenced by the many positive experiences within his group.

In case of errors and conflicts, the Scout behaves solution-oriented and is actively working on the improvement of a situation rather than accusing others for their mistakes or beginning disputes. He tries to understand his opponent and deescalates the situation.

So the Scout always remains positive and accommodating. He does not feel offended by criticism but uses the opportunity to keep working on himself.

Promise




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Every Scout became one due to his Scout Promise. It is a traditional initiation ritual to join the worldwide Scout Movement. Usually it’s done solemnly and in private with only other Scouts attendant. An appropriate event would be, for example, at night round a huge bonfire after we sung our Bundeslied (that is like an anthem of the BPS). Sometimes the promise is initiated by a quite night walk, lighten only by torchlight. Some Troops will use this opportunity to remind all participants of the different Scout laws, because part of the promise is to keep these laws. Finally the soon-to-be Scout enters the middle of the circle of familiar faces and speaks the words listed below, depending on his age. After that he gets his neckerchief conferred by an older scout, so all Scouts of the world will notice him as one of them. The promise will be renewed from time to time, if a new age bracket is reached.

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Wölflinge
(7 to 10 years)
I want to hear the word of God and live by it
I want to help anytime and do my best.
I want to keep the law of the Wölflinge.
Jungpfadfinder
(10 to 13 years)
I want to hear the word of God and live by it.
I want to help anytime and do my best.
I want to keep the law of the Jungpfadfinder.
Scouts
(13 to 17 years)
In reliance upon God, I promise:
I want to hear the word of God and live by it.
I want to help my fellow men anytime and act
responsible in the community where I live.
I want to keep the Scout Law.
So you see, Scouting is not only fun,
but it also requires a lot from you,
and I know I can trust you to do everything you possibly can to keep your Scout Promise.

- Lord Baden-Powell, Chief Scout of the World