INTRODUCTION TO SCOUTING

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The Introduction to Scouting needs to be completed when someone joins the Movement for the first time or when they join Scouting again after having a break.

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This covers some of the key understandings and knowledge sharing opportunities about Scouting more broadly.

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Once the Introduction to Scouting is completed, you are eligible to wear the World Scout badge and Australian Scout (flag) badge. These are awarded in the investiture ceremony.

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The World Organization

Who founded Scouting?

• Lord Robert Baden-Powell founded Scouting in 1907, following an experimental camp held at Brownsea Island in August 1907. Brownsea Island is located in a harbour off the south-western coast of England. The camp and the content of his book Scouting for Boys were based on the skills he had observed and developed during his time in the military.

• Baden-Powell had risen through the ranks of the British Army and received fame for his role in the Siege of Mafeking during the Boer War. It was during this time that he had used young boys to assist the troops in their success.

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What does Scouting look like at a global level?

• The World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM) is comprised of over 160 National Scouting Organisations (NSO) or Associations, representing over 40 million members globally. Each NSO runs its own program and has variants on the core statements, but all members are united by the principles of Scouting, (Duty to self, Duty to Others and Duty to spiritual beliefs) and the use of a Promise and Law inspired by the original materials developed by Baden-Powell.

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Scouting in Australia

When did Scouting commence in Australia?

• Scouting commenced in Australia in 1907 and was formally established in 1908 when the first Scouting handbook was published.

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What is the structure of Scouting in Australia?

• Scouts Australia is made up of eight Branches – one for each state and territory. Globally, we are represented by Scouts Australia, although we have nine Chief Commissioners with each Branch operating semi-independently of its neighbours. Within each Branch, there may be a number of Districts and/or Regions.

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Our Scout Group

Are there key pieces of information about your Scout Group which should be shared? Think about:

• When was your Group established?

• What is the significance of the group scarf?

• Is there any other important symbolism for Scouting in the area?

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The Scout Method

What is the Scout Method?

• The Scout Method is ‘how’ we do Scouting. There are eight elements which you should be able to identify in all that we do. They are community involvement, learning by doing, nature and the outdoors, patrol system, personal progression, promise and law, symbolic framework and youth leading, adults supporting. You won’t always be able to identify each of these elements in your activities and experiences, but you should be including most of them in almost everything you do.

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SPICES

What are the SPICES?

• SPICES stand for Social, Physical, Intellectual, Character, Emotional and Spiritual development. These are the 6 areas in which you should develop through your time in the program. Whilst Scouting is equally about fun, this is the part of Scouting that helps us develop into responsible and active citizens.

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Promise and Law

Symbols, Traditions and Ceremonies

Scouting has a number of traditions, symbols and ceremonies that you may experience during your time in the movement. Whilst none are any more or less important than any other, some of the symbols you will see most regularly are:

• Scarf – this symbolises that you are a member of the Scouting movement. Every member of our movement, no matter their location, wears a scarf.

• Scout sign / three-finger salute – this is representative of the principles of Scouting: duty to my spiritual beliefs, duty to others and duty to self. We use the scout sign when making the Promise and at investitures, and we use the salute with the flag. The salute is a sign of respect, so may also be used in other situations.

• Left handshake – this tradition has carried through from the African tribes, where it was a mark of trust and respect to put your shield down and shake hands, rather than putting your weapon down. This is a unique Scouting tradition, however, as you travel internationally you will find that not all countries adhere to this tradition.

• Flag – many scouting events begin and end with a recognition of the flag. This may include saluting the flag, ‘breaking’ the flag (where a rolled flag is unrolled whilst in the air) or lowering the flag (where the flag is taken down from the flag pole). These are all completed as signs of respect.

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Plan>Do>Review>

What is this process?

• Plan>Do>Review> is a tool used in the Scouting Program to engage youth members in developing and running an active program in which everyone can individually develop and enjoy.

How does this impact what we do?

• By being involved in a process like Plan>Do>Review>, we learn the values of working together to achieve a common goal, listening to others’ opinions, sharing knowledge and skills, and celebrating achievements together. Involving us in planning our program helps youth and adults to learn to work together, and to develop skills like creative problem solving, leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.

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Personal Progression

What does this mean?

• Personal progression describes the individual development that each of us undergo as Scouts. We won’t all develop at the same pace or at the same time, and neither will we always learn the same things from the one experience, but that is exactly why it is called personal progression!

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How do I monitor my progression?

• With the help of your Patrol and adults, you will be able to actively reflect on your Scouting experiences and keep track of your progression. Some of this may occur in our record books, other aspects might be through the use of other tools and resources available to us. Most of the time, we may not recognise for ourselves how much we have developed or progressed until we stop to reflect. This is all part of the ‘review’ process in Plan>Do>Review>.

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What role does the Unit have in my progression?

• The Unit will help you reflect on your development and progression. In the case of Peak Awards (the highest award for each section), the Unit has the responsibility to confirm you have completed all that you have said you have done. Additionally, they will help you work through the different aspects of the program and Peak Award, as many of these things others will also be working on.

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Investiture

What is this about?

• Your investiture is the time when you become a full Scouting member. This is where you will affirm your Promise, and receive your scarf and badges.

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When does this occur?

• Your investiture will occur on a nominated night by our section. You might get to invite family and special friends to attend, and it will usually occur once you have demonstrated you are committed to Scouting through your attendance at a few nights.