Scouts is for boys and girls, aged from 10 to 14 years, to enjoy learning life skills and Scouting values in a safe, fun and youth-driven environment.
As members work their way through the higher age groups on the Scouting pathway, they’re gradually given more responsibility for themselves and others.
The activities and badges become more challenging as well. Camping for Scouts can mean a new level of self-sufficiency, and adventures can demand a greater level of risk management.
Patrol Activities are at the heart of the program. Scouts are encouraged to Plan, Do and Review activities that interest them on the way to achieving their all-important Pioneer Badge, Explorer Badge or Adventurer Badge.
The whole activity, including cost and transport arrangements, is planned with their Patrols and presented to their Unit Council for approval. Examples might include a canoeing day, a sailing course or a geocaching adventure. Afterwards, the activity is reviewed and the Unit Council decides whether to give the Patrol Activity Badge.
Scouting is youth-led and adult-supported. Leaders are often scratching their heads in amazement at the wonderful ideas that youth members come up with!
Let’s not forget one other huge event that has all of us scratching our heads! Somehow, every three years, we pull off a minor miracle by running the Australian Scout Jamboree. Thousands of Scouts camp out together for ten days of activities, based in a purpose-built tent-city with its own newspaper and radio station. Plus there are visits from Cub Scouts and day trips away from the Jamboree site.
The AJ2022 is being planned for January 2022 in Elmore Victoria. Twelve thousand Scouts are expected to take part, plus an extra 8,000 visitors over the course of the event. This experience is a highlight for any Scout, and a huge logistical challenge for those who pull it together.
Life in Scouts is never boring!