Demonstrate Scout sign, salute, handshake

The Scout sign, salute, and handshake are universal customs shared by millions of Scouts around the world. These three gestures identify you as a member of the global Scouting movement and provide an orderly way to communicate and show respect.

The Scout Sign

How to Make the Sign

• Raise your right hand with the upper arm held horizontally at shoulder height and forearm vertical.
• Hold your palm facing forward.
• Press your thumb over the nail of your little finger.
• Hold the three middle fingers together, pointing straight upward.

What It Symbolizes

• The Three Raised Fingers: Represent the three distinct promises of the Scout Oath: Duty to God and Country, Duty to Others, and Duty to Self (physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight).
• The Thumb Clasping the Little Finger: Represents the bond that unites all Scouts worldwide, and reminds us that the strong must protect and assist the weak.

When to Use It

• Whenever you recite the Scout Oath, Scout Law, or Outdoor Code.
• When joining in the Scout rank investiture ceremony.
• Calling for Attention (“Signs Up”): Whenever a leader or Scout raises the Scout sign, every other Scout who sees it must immediately stop talking, raise their own Scout sign, and pay attention. In Scouting, meetings become quiet without anyone needing to shout.

The Scout Salute

How to Make the Salute

• Form the three-finger Scout sign with your right hand.
• Bring your hand up smoothly to your head until the tip of your forefinger touches the brim or visor of your hat.
• If you are not wearing a hat (or are indoors unhatted), touch the tip of your forefinger to the outer edge of your right eyebrow.
• Hold your palm slightly tilted toward your face, upper arm parallel to the floor, and keep your body standing at attention.

When to Use It

• When saluting the United States flag during the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, or troop flag raising and lowering ceremonies (when in full Scout uniform).
• When reporting formally to an adult leader or the Senior Patrol Leader during an opening ceremony or Court of Honor.

The Scout Handshake

How to Give the Handshake

• Extend your left hand instead of your right.
• Clasp the other Scout’s left hand firmly with an ordinary, warm handshake grip.

Origin and Symbolism

Scouting founder Lord Baden-Powell learned this tradition during his service in West Africa from King Prempeh of the Ashanti nation. In traditional warfare, warriors held heavy shields in their left hands and spears in their right hands.

To shake hands with the left hand, a warrior had to drop their protective shield, demonstrating complete trust, friendship, and vulnerability with the other person. Furthermore, the left hand is closest to the human heart.

When to Use It

• Whenever you greet or say goodbye to a fellow Scout or adult leader.
• When receiving a rank badge or merit badge during a Court of Honor.