The Three Principles of World Scouting
The Scout program, enjoyed by both youth and adult volunteers, is based on three broad Principles, which represent the Movement’s fundamental beliefs.
They are known as Duty to God, Duty to Others, and Duty to Self. All Scouts commit to a code of living as expressed in the Australian Scout Promise and Law, which embodies the three Principles. These Principles are detailed below:
Duty To God
This Principle refers to the spiritual values of life. It is described by the World Organization of the Scout Movement as “adherence to spiritual principles, loyalty to the religion that expresses them, and acceptance of duties resulting therefrom.”
Scouts Australia defines spirituality as:
Spirituality refers to the feelings or beliefs of a person regarding their purpose in life, connection to others and place in the world around them. These spiritual feelings or beliefs may change as a person develops and guide their actions throughout their life.
Duty To Others
This Principle refers to participation in the development of society, recognition and respect for others and the natural world, and the promotion of peace, understanding, and cooperation. This Principle is also embodied in the World Movement’s tagline “Creating a Better World”, and is globally enacted by all Scouts as Messengers of Peace.
Duty to Self
This Principle refers to the responsibility for the care and development of oneself. Scouts have a commitment to improving themselves in all areas of their lives.
Learn more about these fundamentals using The Adventure Begins Resources.
