We know about the Scout promise (or oath), but what about the promises made to Scouts?
The 11th edition of he Scout Handbook begins with these promises:
Scouting promises you the great outdoors. As a scout you can learn how to camp and hike without a trace and how to take care of the land. You’ll study wildlife up close and learn about nature all around you. There are plenty of skills for you to master and you can teach others what you have learned. Everyone helping everyone else – that’s Scouting too.
Scouting promises you friendship. Members of the Troop you join might be boys you already know and you will meet many other Scouts along the way. Some could become lifelong friends.
Scouting promises you opportunities to work towards the Eagle Scout rank. You will set positive goals for yourself and then follow clear routes to achieve them.
Scouting promises you tools to help you make the most of your family, your community, and your nation. the good deeds you preform every day will improve the lives of those around you. You will be prepared to help others in time of need.
Scouting promises you experiences and duties that will help you mature into a strong, wise adult. The Scout oath and the Scout Law can guide you while you are a Scout and throughout your life.
Adventure, learning, challenge, responsibility – the promise of Scouting is all his and more.
As Scoutmasters our job is to keep these simple promises by focusing the youth leadership of the Troop and Patrol on the goals they represent. Every activity, every policy, every effort we undertake should stand up to the question ‘does what we are doing fulfill these promises?’
We read this page aloud at our Patrol Leader’s Council Meetings regularly as a reminder of what we are working towards.