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 >
Jungpfadfinder
(a young Scout: 10 to 13 years) Further information >
Scouts, Rover and Leader
(13 to 17 years and above) Further information >
Meaning in practice
The Jungpfadfinder protects the nature.
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As a part of it he is allowed to use the nature and, for example, collect apples or blackberries in order to eat them. But he will never collect everything, instead he will leave a decent amount to the wildlife. The Jungpfadfinder will not harm or even kill any animal, even a small bug, just for fun. However, he may kill a midge to protect himself from stings.
Nature conservation does also mean to behave in a proper way, so the Jungpfadfinder will not be louder as necessary while being in a forest. There will always be enough firewood on the ground, so he does not need to cut down living trees.
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.
I want to help anytime and do my best.
I want to keep the law of the Wölflinge.
I want to help anytime and do my best.
I want to keep the law of the Jungpfadfinder.
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.
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