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.

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Meaning in practice

The Scout is frugal.





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The Scout has already spent a lot of time in nature and was only with the essentials on a journey. That's why he appreciates his belongings and perceives even everyday things like warm water not as self-evident. The result is a contentment which has no room for greed and envy. That is why it goes without saying that a Scout never steals anything.

This does not mean that he rests on his previous successes, because the Scout is not idly, but strives for continuous improvement not only for himself, but for the whole community.

Nor does it mean that a Scout spends his money immediately for odds. On the contrary, he is very thrifty in order to not be dependent on others in bad times or to help his fellow man out in emergencies.

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