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Every person joining The Scout Association does so by making the Promise. This is the most important ceremony in Scouting and is common to Scouts throughout the world. Many Groups incorporate particular traditions into the ceremony to enhance its meaning, but the simplest can often be the most effective. The ceremony must be meaningful for the Scout making the Promise or reaffirming their own Promise, although this does not necessarily mean it must be a formal occasion.

What activities you decide to use will depend on the nature of the disability and the Section with which you are you are working. Below is a list of some ideas you may like to consider.

• Give Members a disposable camera for several weeks and ask then to take pictures that illustrate the Promise and Law.

• Give Members a newspaper and ask them to look for examples of the Scout Law being valued or being broken.

• Select a number of pictures that seem to reflect the Scout Law and Promise. Show them one at a time and see if the Scouts can connect the picture to part of the Promise or one of the Laws.

• Each member is given the name of a member of the Royal Family (this can include the Royal Corgi and the coachman.) Tell an imaginary story about the Royal Family and as each member is mentioned, the Scout with that name, either runs their leg of the relay race, or leaps to their feet and shouts 'Yes Your Majesty!' This activity could be run, either as a relay race, or sitting in a circle, possibly at a campfire.

As with all Scouting activities an understanding of the Promise can be demonstrated and achieved through participation. Here are some examples:

1. Duty to God

   • Take part in a Scouts' Own.
   • Treat others as you would like them to treat you.
   • Join in with Scout Prayers at the beginning or end of the meeting.
   • Contribute a simple prayer to the Group's prayer collection.
   • Choose a prayer, for another to read.
   • Take part in a visit to a different place of worship.
   • Take part in an activity related to a Saint's Day or religious festival.

2. To The Queen

   • Be part of the Flag Ceremony at Troop night or at camp.
   • Know why the Queen is the Patron of Scouting in the UK and find out about the Queen Scout Award.
   • Colour-in and recognise the Union Flag, and those of each country in the UK.
   • Understand why we need laws in our Country, and why we need to obey them.
   • Recognise pictures of the Royal Family.
   • Listen to a story about The Queen or other member of the Royal Family.
   • Learn to sing the National Anthem.

3. Help other people

   • Help another Member in your Group.
   • Help clear away after a meeting.
   • Take part in some voluntary service.
   • Help stage a fund-raising event.
   • Help around the home.
   • Get to know other members of the Group.
   • Do a good turn for someone not in Scouting.

You are probably the best judge of that, but it is recommended that Scouts attend at least four meetings before becoming Invested. In some cases, it may take longer.

There are many ways a young person may express their understanding of the Promise. Which method is chosen will depend on the abilities of the individual Member. You may like to consider some of the following:

1. Read or recite the Promise.

2. Repeat the Promise line by line.

3. Have a Patrol Leader, older Scout, friend or whole Group say it on the Scout's behalf.

4. Sign the Promise, using Makaton, British Sign Language, Sign Along, for example.

5. Use symbols, e.g. Bliss, Compic.

6. Respond to questions, e.g. 'Do you promise to do your best?', answered by a head-shake, sound expression or eye movement.