The UK Scout Association is considering an alternative oath for atheists.
The 105-year-old movement is launching a consultation to see if members would back a Scout Promise for those who feel unable to pledge a “duty to God”.
Versions of the oath already exist for the Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist faiths, but this is the first time such an adaptation has been considered.
In March, the National Secular Society said atheist children and potential Scout leaders were being put off.
Membership of the Scouts has increased from 444,936 in 2005 to 525,364 this year.
But the movement needs more volunteers – it says that at present there are over 35,000 young people on waiting lists.
More than 50 groups catering for young people drawn mainly from Muslim, Hindu and Sikh communities have opened in the last 10 years.
The Scout Association says its existing promise, which also contains a vow of allegiance to the Queen, would continue to be used alongside any new version.
Current alternative wordings
Hindus can say “My Dharma” instead of “God”
Muslims can say “Allah” and the phrase “In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent”
Buddhists can say “My Dharma”
Non UK citizens can replace the phrase “duty to The Queen” with “duty to the country in which I am now living”