Since the publication of
Scouting for Boys in 1908, all
Scouts and
Girl Guides around the world have taken a Scout (or Guide) promise or oath to live up to ideals of the movement, and subscribed to a
Scout Law. The wording of the
Scout Promise (or Oath) and Scout Law have varied slightly over time and from country to country. Some national organization promises are given below. Although most Scouting and Guiding organizations use the word "promise", a few such as the
Boy Scouts of America tend to use "oath" instead. Typically, Scouts and Guides will make the
three-fingered Scout Sign when reciting the promise.