Aims, Principles and Goals of Scouting

AIM OF SCOUTING
The aim of Scouting is to encourage the physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual development of young people so that they take a constructive place in society as responsible citizens, and as a member of their local, national and international communities.

PRINCIPLES
The principles of Scouting are that Scouts should serve God, act in consideration of the needs of others and develop and use their abilities to the betterment of themselves and their families and the community in which they live.

ASSOCIATION GOALS
The following Goals have been set for the Scout Movement in Australia:

• To provide challenging accredited programs to the youth of Australia, which are recognised and valued by the community and by government.
• To promote Scouting to the community on the basis of the high quality and relevance of its methodology and programs.
• To have an increasingly male and female membership which reflects the social and cultural mix of the community.
• To carefully select and train adult leaders on the basis of standards that are recognisable and measurable.
• To have the community recognise, support and value the role of Scouting and its activities.
• To be recognised by the community as being responsive to community youth issues.
• To be recognised and consulted as a major contributor to establishing priorities and determining policies on community youth issues.
• To have a high profile portraying a quality way of life.
• To acquire and maintain adequate human, physical, and financial resources, which are used to the best advantage of Scouting and the community.
• To provide opportunities for its members to participate in international activities.
• To provide maximum support for the development of World Scouting particularly in the Asia Pacific region.

VALUES OF SCOUTING
The Scout Association of Australia recognises:

• The importance of individuals developing a sense of personal identity and self worth which leads to a responsibility for oneself and one’s actions as a citizen.
• That young people are able and willing to take responsibility and contribute to society.
• The rights and responsibility of individuals to regulate their own health.
• The importance of adults providing suitable role models for young people.
• The importance of not exposing young people to harm or exploitation.
• The importance of individuals and the community adopting a lifestyle that allows ecologically sustainable development through preventing environmental overload, environmental degradation and resource depletion.
• The importance of respect for and equity in dealings with all people, irrespective of culture, gender, religion or impairment.
• The importance of mutual support and help between members of a community to maximise the quality of life for all.
• The importance of the development of understanding between individuals as a contribution to peace between nations.
• The importance of gainful employment in contributing to the sense of dignity and self worth of the individual.