Scout Salute and Scout Sign
As a Scout, you will be using the Scout sign and salute, carrying it out correctly and smartly. You should understand the origin and significance of the use of the "left handshake".
The Scout salute
The Scout salute is a sign of respect and friendship. Whenever you are in uniform and see others wearing a scout badge or uniform always try to be the first to give a smart salute.
Bring your hand up smartly in a wide outward sweep and hold it at your forehead or hat brim for a second or two with the palm forward then bring your hand down by the shortest route back to your side.
The three fingers of the scout salute remind you of the three parts of your Scout Promise (Duty to God and Country; Help Others; Obey the Scout Law), as do the three parts of the World Scout Badge, which you will wear on your pocket. B-P adapted the badge from the north point sign on maps and compasses, because he believed Scouts should also "point in the right direction".
The Scout sign
The Scout sign is made to the shoulder by the whole troop when a Scout is being invested or when repeating the Promise. It is not used at any other time.
