The Secret of the Scout Youth Program
For 57 million young people in 172 countries who are scouts, the Purpose of the Scout Movement is very clear – to contribute to the education of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities. Our Youth Program is based around these tenets.
The Scouting experience is complementary to formal education, and contributes to the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, character and spiritual development of each young person (SPICES). Our youth program is organised around five age-based Sections. This helps cater to the changing developmental needs of our young people, promotes personal progression, ensures young people are at the centre of their Scouting journey, and builds a supportive environment. As your child grows and progresses through Scouting, it is the support received from peers that is a key contributor.
As young people get older, they will become more independent and able to work with youth members from across other age sections. All activities in Scouting are implemented using The Scout Method, a framework consisting of eight equally important elements-community involvement; nature and the outdoors; learning-by-doing; the patrol system; youth leading, adults supporting; personal progression, symbolic framework or the Promise and Law, young people are empowered to set goals and collaborate to achieve them.
By participating in regular weekly activities scouts gain their Milestones through participating, assisting and leading some activities. They can also pursue Special Interest Areas and apply Outdoor Skills. This builds from the 5 year old Joey Scout to the 25 year old Rover. They all engage in their own personal program as they progress on their journey. Major events at a local, regional and global level enable young people to learn about others. Can you imagine the experiences gained by these 45 thousand Scouts including 550 Australian youth who were part of the 24th World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia, USA? The next World Scout Jamboree is in Korea in 2025.
