SCOUTING-THE SPIRIT OF INTERNATIONAL
BROTHERHOOD
Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a world wide youth movement with the stated aim of supporting young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, that they may play constructive roles in society.Scouting was founded by Lieutenant General lord Robert Baden Powell in 1907. The movement employs the Scout method, a program of informal education with an emphasis on practical outdoor activities, including camping, woodcraft, aquatics, hiking, backpacking, and sports. Another widely recognized movement characteristic is the Scout uniform, by intent hiding all differences of social standing in a country and making for equality, with neckerchief and campaign hat or comparable head wear.
In 2011, Scouting and Guiding together had over 41 million members worldwide. The two largest umbrella organizations are the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), for boys-only and co-educational organizations, and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), primarily for girls-only organizations but also accepting co-educational organizations.
Important elements of traditional Scouting have their origins in Baden-Powell's experiences in education and military training. He was a 50-year-old retired army general when he founded Scouting, and his revolutionary ideas inspired thousands of young people, from all parts of society, to get involved in activities that most had never contemplated. Comparable organizations in the English-speaking world are the Boys' Brigade and the non-militaristic Woodcraft Folk, however, they never matched the development and growth of Scouting.
Scouting is taught using the Scout method, which incorporates an informal educational system that emphasizes practical activities in the outdoors. Programs exist for Scouts ranging in age from 6 to 25 (though age limits vary slightly by country), and program specifics target Scouts in a manner appropriate to their age.
Common ways to implement the Scout method include having Scouts spending time together in small groups with shared experiences, rituals, and activities, and emphasizing good citizenship and decision-making by young people in an age-appropriate manner. Weekly meetings often take place in local centres known as Scout dens. Cultivating a love and appreciation of the outdoors and outdoor activities is a key element. Primary activities include camping, woodcraft, aquatics, hiking, backpacking, and sports.
Camping is most often arranged at the unit level, such as one Scout troop, but there are periodic camps (known in the US as "camporees") and "jamborees". Camps occur a few times a year and may involve several groups from a local area or region camping together for a weekend. The events usually have a theme, such as pioneering. World Scout Moots are gatherings, originally for Rover Scouts, but mainly focused on Scout Leaders. Jamborees are large national or international events held every four years, during which thousands of Scouts camp together for one or two weeks. Activities at these events will include games, scoutcraft competitions, badge, pin or patch trading, aquatics, woodcarving, archery and activities related to the theme of the event.
In some countries a highlight of the year for Scouts is spending at least a week in the summer engaging in an outdoor activity. This can be a camping, hiking, sailing, or other trip with the unit, or a summer camp with broader participation (at the council, state, or provincial level). Scouts attending a summer camp work on merit badges, advancement, and perfecting scoutcraft skills. Summer camps can operate specialty programs for older Scouts, such as sailing, backpacking, canoeing and whitewater, caving, and fishing.
At an international level Scouting perceives one of its roles as the promotion of international harmony and peace. Various initiatives are in train towards achieving this aim including the development of activities that benefit the wider community, challenge prejudice and encourage tolerance of diversity.
Scouting and Guiding movements are generally divided into sections by age or school grade, allowing activities to be tailored to the maturity of the group's members. These age divisions have varied over time as they adapt to the local culture and environment.
Scouting was originally developed for adolescents—youths between the ages of 11 and 17. In most member organizations, this age group composes the Scout or Guide section. Programs were developed to meet the needs of young children (generally ages 6 to 10) and young adults (originally 18 and older, and later up to 25). Scouts and Guides were later split into "junior" and "senior" sections in many member organizations, and some organizations dropped the young adults' section. The exact age ranges for programs vary by country and association.
The national programs for younger children include Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Brownies, Daisies, Rainbow Guides, Beaver Scouts, Joey Scouts, Keas, and Teddies. Programs for post-adolescents and young adults include the Senior Section, Rover Scouts, Senior Scouts, Venture Scouts, Explorer Scouts, and the Scout Network. Many organizations also have a program for members with special needs. This is usually known as Extension Scouting, but sometimes has other names, such as Scout link. The Scout Method has been adapted to specific programs such as Air Scouts, Sea Scouts, Rider Guides and Scouting bands .
In many countries, Scouting is organized into neighborhood Scout Groups, or Districts, which contain one or more sections. Under the umbrella of the Scout Group, sections are divided according to age, each having their own terminology and leadership structure.
MEETING REAL NEEDS
Scouts are involved in a vast number of issues facing the communities where they live. Scouts
work with others in the community to achieve mutual objectives. They work with friends,
neighbours, community leaders and other organisations. Many work on projects of bilateral
cooperation between Scouts in developing and industrialised countries.
OPEN TO ALL
Scouting is open to all, regardless of race or creed, in accordance with the purpose, principles and
method conceived by its founder Robert Baden-Powell.
FUN, WITH A PURPOSE
Through recreation, Scouting achieves its purpose to help young people develop physically,
intellectually, socially and spiritually.
EDUCATION FOR LIFE
Scouting complements the school and the family, filling the needs not met by either. Scouting
develops self-knowledge, the need to explore, to discover, to want to know. Scouts discover the
world beyond the classroom, tapping the skills of others to learn, and passing that knowledge on to
others.
Voluntary
Scouts and leaders must choose to join Scouting.
Non-partisan, Non-governmental
Scouting does not and must not represent any political party or organisation. Nonetheless, Scouts
are encouraged to make a constructive contribution to their community, society and country.
Adult Involvement
- A chance to help young people.
- A way to improve the understanding between generations.
- In their service, adult leaders get valuable training and experience, adding to their personal
development.
A MOVEMENT FOR YOUTH
Scouting is a Movement…on the move. Scouting is constantly evolving and adapting according to
local conditions and serving according to local needs.
INTERNATIONAL
- There are recognised National Scout Organizations and branches in more than 161
countries.
- Scouting has never stopped growing since its founding in 1907.
- Today there are more than 30 million members- boys and girls.
- Scouting has doubled its membership in the last 20 years and much of its growth is in
developing countries.
A METHOD
Making A Personal Commitment
- To a simple code of living: the Scout Promise and Law
Learning By Doing
- Active participation, with others.
Working In Small Groups
- In patrols to develop leadership, group skills, and individual responsibility.
Stimulating Programmes
- Progressive activities based on the interests of young people.
- Activities in contact with nature, a rich learning environment where simplicity, creativity,
and discovery come together to provide adventure and challenge.
A CODE OF LIVING
A Spiritual Dimension
- A commitment to seek the spiritual value of life beyond the material world.
A Social Dimension
- Participating in the development of society, respecting the dignity of others and the
integrity of the natural world. Promoting local, national and international peace,
understanding and cooperation.
A Personal Dimension
- Developing a sense of personal responsibility and stimulating the desire for responsible
self-expression.
SCOUTS ARE INVOLVED IN…
- Agriculture and food production
- Emergency and humanitarian aid
- Clean drinking water
- Literacy
- Renewable energies
- Street children
- The acquisition of life skills
- Professional training
- Sanitation
- Integration of people with disabilities
- Fighting against child labour
- Support for migrants and indigenous communities
- Prevention and fight against AIDS
- Drug prevention
- Child protection
- Rehabilitation of child soldiers
- Child and adolescent health
In 2011, Scouting and Guiding together had over 41 million members worldwide. The two largest umbrella organizations are the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), for boys-only and co-educational organizations, and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), primarily for girls-only organizations but also accepting co-educational organizations.
Important elements of traditional Scouting have their origins in Baden-Powell's experiences in education and military training. He was a 50-year-old retired army general when he founded Scouting, and his revolutionary ideas inspired thousands of young people, from all parts of society, to get involved in activities that most had never contemplated. Comparable organizations in the English-speaking world are the Boys' Brigade and the non-militaristic Woodcraft Folk, however, they never matched the development and growth of Scouting.
Scouting is taught using the Scout method, which incorporates an informal educational system that emphasizes practical activities in the outdoors. Programs exist for Scouts ranging in age from 6 to 25 (though age limits vary slightly by country), and program specifics target Scouts in a manner appropriate to their age.
Common ways to implement the Scout method include having Scouts spending time together in small groups with shared experiences, rituals, and activities, and emphasizing good citizenship and decision-making by young people in an age-appropriate manner. Weekly meetings often take place in local centres known as Scout dens. Cultivating a love and appreciation of the outdoors and outdoor activities is a key element. Primary activities include camping, woodcraft, aquatics, hiking, backpacking, and sports.
Camping is most often arranged at the unit level, such as one Scout troop, but there are periodic camps (known in the US as "camporees") and "jamborees". Camps occur a few times a year and may involve several groups from a local area or region camping together for a weekend. The events usually have a theme, such as pioneering. World Scout Moots are gatherings, originally for Rover Scouts, but mainly focused on Scout Leaders. Jamborees are large national or international events held every four years, during which thousands of Scouts camp together for one or two weeks. Activities at these events will include games, scoutcraft competitions, badge, pin or patch trading, aquatics, woodcarving, archery and activities related to the theme of the event.
In some countries a highlight of the year for Scouts is spending at least a week in the summer engaging in an outdoor activity. This can be a camping, hiking, sailing, or other trip with the unit, or a summer camp with broader participation (at the council, state, or provincial level). Scouts attending a summer camp work on merit badges, advancement, and perfecting scoutcraft skills. Summer camps can operate specialty programs for older Scouts, such as sailing, backpacking, canoeing and whitewater, caving, and fishing.
At an international level Scouting perceives one of its roles as the promotion of international harmony and peace. Various initiatives are in train towards achieving this aim including the development of activities that benefit the wider community, challenge prejudice and encourage tolerance of diversity.
Scouting and Guiding movements are generally divided into sections by age or school grade, allowing activities to be tailored to the maturity of the group's members. These age divisions have varied over time as they adapt to the local culture and environment.
Scouting was originally developed for adolescents—youths between the ages of 11 and 17. In most member organizations, this age group composes the Scout or Guide section. Programs were developed to meet the needs of young children (generally ages 6 to 10) and young adults (originally 18 and older, and later up to 25). Scouts and Guides were later split into "junior" and "senior" sections in many member organizations, and some organizations dropped the young adults' section. The exact age ranges for programs vary by country and association.
The national programs for younger children include Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Brownies, Daisies, Rainbow Guides, Beaver Scouts, Joey Scouts, Keas, and Teddies. Programs for post-adolescents and young adults include the Senior Section, Rover Scouts, Senior Scouts, Venture Scouts, Explorer Scouts, and the Scout Network. Many organizations also have a program for members with special needs. This is usually known as Extension Scouting, but sometimes has other names, such as Scout link. The Scout Method has been adapted to specific programs such as Air Scouts, Sea Scouts, Rider Guides and Scouting bands .
In many countries, Scouting is organized into neighborhood Scout Groups, or Districts, which contain one or more sections. Under the umbrella of the Scout Group, sections are divided according to age, each having their own terminology and leadership structure.
MEETING REAL NEEDS
Scouts are involved in a vast number of issues facing the communities where they live. Scouts
work with others in the community to achieve mutual objectives. They work with friends,
neighbours, community leaders and other organisations. Many work on projects of bilateral
cooperation between Scouts in developing and industrialised countries.
OPEN TO ALL
Scouting is open to all, regardless of race or creed, in accordance with the purpose, principles and
method conceived by its founder Robert Baden-Powell.
FUN, WITH A PURPOSE
Through recreation, Scouting achieves its purpose to help young people develop physically,
intellectually, socially and spiritually.
EDUCATION FOR LIFE
Scouting complements the school and the family, filling the needs not met by either. Scouting
develops self-knowledge, the need to explore, to discover, to want to know. Scouts discover the
world beyond the classroom, tapping the skills of others to learn, and passing that knowledge on to
others.
Voluntary
Scouts and leaders must choose to join Scouting.
Non-partisan, Non-governmental
Scouting does not and must not represent any political party or organisation. Nonetheless, Scouts
are encouraged to make a constructive contribution to their community, society and country.
Adult Involvement
- A chance to help young people.
- A way to improve the understanding between generations.
- In their service, adult leaders get valuable training and experience, adding to their personal
development.
A MOVEMENT FOR YOUTH
Scouting is a Movement…on the move. Scouting is constantly evolving and adapting according to
local conditions and serving according to local needs.
INTERNATIONAL
- There are recognised National Scout Organizations and branches in more than 161
countries.
- Scouting has never stopped growing since its founding in 1907.
- Today there are more than 30 million members- boys and girls.
- Scouting has doubled its membership in the last 20 years and much of its growth is in
developing countries.
A METHOD
Making A Personal Commitment
- To a simple code of living: the Scout Promise and Law
Learning By Doing
- Active participation, with others.
Working In Small Groups
- In patrols to develop leadership, group skills, and individual responsibility.
Stimulating Programmes
- Progressive activities based on the interests of young people.
- Activities in contact with nature, a rich learning environment where simplicity, creativity,
and discovery come together to provide adventure and challenge.
A CODE OF LIVING
A Spiritual Dimension
- A commitment to seek the spiritual value of life beyond the material world.
A Social Dimension
- Participating in the development of society, respecting the dignity of others and the
integrity of the natural world. Promoting local, national and international peace,
understanding and cooperation.
A Personal Dimension
- Developing a sense of personal responsibility and stimulating the desire for responsible
self-expression.
SCOUTS ARE INVOLVED IN…
- Agriculture and food production
- Emergency and humanitarian aid
- Clean drinking water
- Literacy
- Renewable energies
- Street children
- The acquisition of life skills
- Professional training
- Sanitation
- Integration of people with disabilities
- Fighting against child labour
- Support for migrants and indigenous communities
- Prevention and fight against AIDS
- Drug prevention
- Child protection
- Rehabilitation of child soldiers
- Child and adolescent health
A Worldwide Youth Force
A YOUTH MOVEMENT
- Scouting proposes activities which young people themselves take part in designing
- Young people learn to live and work together. They are involved in decision-making,
accepting responsibility, developing cooperation and leadership.
AN EDUCATIONAL MOVEMENT
- Scouting’s educational proposal is a long-term process. It seeks to develop behaviour and
personalities that benefit the whole of society throughout life.
- It complements school and family life, filling needs not met by either. Scouting develops
self-knowledge.
- Adults’ role is to help young people, and improve understanding between generations. In
their service, leaders get valuable training and experience, adding to their own personal
development.
A SOCIAL FORCE
- Scouting develops a sense of personal responsibility for one’s own development.
- Scouts and leaders are volunteers and choose to join Scouting.
- Scouting seeks the spiritual value of life beyond the material world.
- The Scout Movement is independent and governed by its own democratic decision-making
processes.
- While constructively involved in society, Scouting is a non-partisan movement, which does
not identify with any political party.
SCOUTING'S MISSION IS...
To contribute to the education of young people through a value system based on the Scout Promise
and Law, and to help build a better world where people are self-fulfilled as individuals and play a
constructive role in society. This is achieved by:
- Involving them throughout their formative years in a non-formal educational process
- Using a specific method that makes each individual the principal agent of his or her
development as a self-reliant, supportive, responsible and committed person
- Assisting them to establish a value system based upon spiritual, social and personal
principles as expressed in the Promise and Law.
THE WORLD ORGANIZATION OF THE SCOUT MOVEMENT
The World Organization of the Scout Movement is a worldwide, non-profit and non-partisan
organisation of over 30 millions members, male and female, operating through a network of local
groups supported by National Scout Organizations in 161 countries.
Its governing body is the World Conference, which meets every three years, and its executive is
the World Committee composed of elected volunteers.
MEMBERSHIP
There are more than 30 million Scouts, youth and adults, boys and girls, in 161 countries.
THE WORLD SCOUT BUREAU
The Organization’s secretariat is the World Scout Bureau, which has its headquarters in Geneva and
offices in six regions: Africa (Nairobi), Arab (Cairo), Asia-Pacific (Manila), Eurasia (Kiev), Europe
(Geneva and Brussels) and Interamerica (Panama City).
FUNDING
The Organization is funded by fees from National Scout Organizations, based on their membership
and adjusted according to each country’s per capita income. Other resources come from active
collaboration with foundations, corporations, agencies and individuals.The World Scout Foundation actively solicits and receives contributions, which are invested in a capital (endowment) fund in order to produce a regular income that can benefit World Scouting. The Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation is H.M. The King of Sweden. The World
Baden-Powell Fellowship is composed of individual and corporate donors who are committed to supporting the development of Scouting Worldwide
- Scouting proposes activities which young people themselves take part in designing
- Young people learn to live and work together. They are involved in decision-making,
accepting responsibility, developing cooperation and leadership.
AN EDUCATIONAL MOVEMENT
- Scouting’s educational proposal is a long-term process. It seeks to develop behaviour and
personalities that benefit the whole of society throughout life.
- It complements school and family life, filling needs not met by either. Scouting develops
self-knowledge.
- Adults’ role is to help young people, and improve understanding between generations. In
their service, leaders get valuable training and experience, adding to their own personal
development.
A SOCIAL FORCE
- Scouting develops a sense of personal responsibility for one’s own development.
- Scouts and leaders are volunteers and choose to join Scouting.
- Scouting seeks the spiritual value of life beyond the material world.
- The Scout Movement is independent and governed by its own democratic decision-making
processes.
- While constructively involved in society, Scouting is a non-partisan movement, which does
not identify with any political party.
SCOUTING'S MISSION IS...
To contribute to the education of young people through a value system based on the Scout Promise
and Law, and to help build a better world where people are self-fulfilled as individuals and play a
constructive role in society. This is achieved by:
- Involving them throughout their formative years in a non-formal educational process
- Using a specific method that makes each individual the principal agent of his or her
development as a self-reliant, supportive, responsible and committed person
- Assisting them to establish a value system based upon spiritual, social and personal
principles as expressed in the Promise and Law.
THE WORLD ORGANIZATION OF THE SCOUT MOVEMENT
The World Organization of the Scout Movement is a worldwide, non-profit and non-partisan
organisation of over 30 millions members, male and female, operating through a network of local
groups supported by National Scout Organizations in 161 countries.
Its governing body is the World Conference, which meets every three years, and its executive is
the World Committee composed of elected volunteers.
MEMBERSHIP
There are more than 30 million Scouts, youth and adults, boys and girls, in 161 countries.
THE WORLD SCOUT BUREAU
The Organization’s secretariat is the World Scout Bureau, which has its headquarters in Geneva and
offices in six regions: Africa (Nairobi), Arab (Cairo), Asia-Pacific (Manila), Eurasia (Kiev), Europe
(Geneva and Brussels) and Interamerica (Panama City).
FUNDING
The Organization is funded by fees from National Scout Organizations, based on their membership
and adjusted according to each country’s per capita income. Other resources come from active
collaboration with foundations, corporations, agencies and individuals.The World Scout Foundation actively solicits and receives contributions, which are invested in a capital (endowment) fund in order to produce a regular income that can benefit World Scouting. The Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation is H.M. The King of Sweden. The World
Baden-Powell Fellowship is composed of individual and corporate donors who are committed to supporting the development of Scouting Worldwide