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   >

Wölflinge

(this is how our very young Scouts are called: 7 to 10 years) Further information   >

1. The Wölfling follows the experienced and older ones.

What does that mean in practice?   >

2. The Wölfling helps as much as he can.

What does that mean in practice?   >

Jungpfadfinder

(a young Scout: 10 to 13 years) Further information   >

1. The Jungpfadfinder tells the truth.

You can rely on his words.

What does that mean in practice?   >

2. The Jungpfadfinder is loyal.

He sticks by his friends.

What does that mean in practice?   >

3. The Jungpfadfinder is helpful.

He helps as much as he can.

What does that mean in practice?   >

4. The Jungpfadfinder is polite.

He keeps his temper.

What does that mean in practice?   >

5. The Jungpfadfinder is dutiful.

He preferes teamwork within his patrol.

What does that mean in practice?   >

6. The Jungpfadfinder is frugal.

He is content with his belongings and enjoys sharing.

What does that mean in practice?   >

7. The Jungpfadfinder protects the nature.

He preserves Gods creation.

What does that mean in practice?   >

Scouts, Rover and Leader

(13 to 17 years and above) Further information   >

1. The Scout tells the truth.

You can always rely on his words.

What does that mean in practice?   >

2. The Scout is loyal.

He sticks to his friends.

What does that mean in practice?   >

3. The Scout is helpful.

He always tries to understand others and stands against injustice.

What does that mean in practice?   >

4. The Scout is kind to everyone.

He doesn't care about nationality, skin color or theire believes; he is friend of all Scouts of the world.

What does that mean in practice?   >

5. The Scout is polite and courteous.

He keeps his temper and enjoys sharing.

What does that mean in practice?   >

6. The Scout protects plants and animals.

He knows his responsibility to Gods creation.

What does that mean in practice?   >

7. The Scout is dutiful.

He acts with responsibility and is able to take criticism.

What does that mean in practice?   >

8. The Scout does not avoid difficulties.

He goes about them without hesitation.

What does that mean in practice?   >

9. The Scout is frugal.

He is content with his belongings.

What does that mean in practice?   >

10. The Scouts thoughts, words and doings are pure.

He treats everything that can harm his body or mind temperately.

What does that mean in practice?   >

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.