More than 30 promise renewal ceremonies will take place in communities across the State, with each member reaffirming the set of values which Scouts pledge to live their lives by. 

Chief Commissioner of Scouts NSW, Mr Neville Tomkins OAM JP says that while scouting has continued to evolve to meet the needs of young people in Australian society, it retains many of the traditions established over a century ago, including promise renewal ceremonies which see members recommit to the set of shared values bonding all Scouts across Australia.

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“All Scouting members promise to live by the same Scout Promise and Law,” Mr Tomkins said.

“The Scout Promise guides us to be open to the many different beliefs in the world, to appreciate the impact we each make to our community, our country and world, and in turn, to understand and respect how the world can impact our lives.

“Alongside the promise, every Scout agrees to live by the values in the Scout Law –  be respectful, do what is right, and believe in myself. 

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“By reaffirming our promise on the 110th year of Australian scouting, we are reminded of our commitment to the movement and how the promise is reflected in our everyday lives.” 

This year marks a double celebration for Scouts in New South Wales, where the organisation is celebrating a seven-year high in total membership.

Mr Tomkins says the achievement follows recent growth in youth and adult membership across the State, and highlights increasing awareness of the benefits of scouting for children, young people and local communities.  

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“The contribution from our members has a remarkable and positive impact on the lives of young people across NSW,” Mr Tomkins said. 

“We estimate the economic benefit to our local communities through scouting is more than $10 million each year.”

Scouts is one of the largest and longest running youth development organisations in the world, with over a billion young people having experienced scouting since it was established in the United Kingdom in 1907.