Scouts is for young people aged between 10½ and 15 years.
At this
point in their lives Scouts show great enthusiasm for activities that
give them a sense of achievement and follow
their special interests with
intensity. Trained Leaders use these characteristics to help make
Scouting an experience in which young people gain character- developing
qualities while having fun. During their years in Scouts they aim to
earn a series of Badges, which give them a knowledge of basic Scouting
skills
and mark achievements in areas such as citizenship, campcraft,
air and water activities and improving the environment.
THE SCOUT PROMISE
There are two versions of the Scout Promise. Individuals taking the
Promise may choose from either of the following:
On my honour
I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to my God and
To the Queen of Australia,
To help other people, and
To live by the Scout Law
On my honour
I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to my God, and
To Australia
To help other people, and
To the live by the Scout Law
THE SCOUT LAW
A Scout is trustworthy
A Scout is loyal
A Scout is helpful
A Scout is friendly
A Scout is cheerful
A Scout is considerate
A Scout is thrifty
A Scout is courageous
A Scout is respectful
A Scout cares for the environment
Patrol System
This is the basis of the Scout Section and the principal means by which
young people are trained to become responsible citizens. Baden-Powell,
the Founder of Scouting, recognised that young people delight at forming
themselves into small gangs or cliques each under its own leader whether
for work, fun or mischief. He made use of this natural organisation and
called it the Patrol System. Boys and Girls are formed into stable
Patrols of four to eight members. A Patrol Leader is appointed as head
of the Patrol and is responsible for the training and development of the
Patrol, setting and achievement of goals, fostering the group life of
the Patrol, and the well- being and advancement of the Patrol to name
but a few. The Patrol Leader also chooses an Assistant Patrol Leader
subject to the approval of the Troop Council and Scout Leader. The
Assistant Patrol Leader takes the place of the Patrol Leader when they
are absent and otherwise assists in running the Patrol.
The value in the Patrol is that it provides:
- The basic unit for activities and training
- Opportunities for leadership experience for the Patrol Leader
- Opportunities for the Patrol members to gain leadership training
through observation of the Patrol Leader and by accepting
responsibilities within the Patrol
- The opportunity to belong to and work in an autonomous group within
the overall structure of the Troop
- A secure environment in which members can test their physical, social
and mental abilities
- Opportunities for practising and expressing concern for others
- The opportunity to manage and administer Patrol property, finance and
other resources
Troops
A Troop is a group of Scouts who meet together on a regular basis. A
Troop is composed of approximately four Patrols and should not contain
more than 36 Scouts.
Troop Council
The Troop Council is composed of the Patrol Leaders of the Troop who
meet regularly in the presence of the Scout Leader. The Troop Council is
responsible for the broad program planning, routine Troop management and
for the policies and operations of the Troop which are within the
capacity of the experience of Scouts. It is also responsible for the
expenditure of Troop funds. Training of Patrol Leaders is also partly
carried out through the Troop Council.
Meetings
As well as regular Troop meetings, Patrol meetings entirely on their own
are encouraged and may take place at private homes and as expeditions.
Troop Council meetings also occur monthly.
Ceremonies
When the complete Troop meets it is generally opened by the Duty Patrol
Leader who calls the Troop to fall in (usually the horseshoe, hollow
square). After the Scouts are in position the Scout Leader takes over
and there is a Flag Parade or Flag Break. This is followed by a roll
call, inspection ( care and cleanliness) and then notices for the night
are given ( Award of Badges). At the end of the meeting there is a Flag
down or Flag Parade, Prayers and then the Troop is dismissed. If someone
is becoming a Scout for the first time an investiture will take place.
SEA AND AIR SCOUTS
Water and Air activities are open to all Scouts, however, there may be
circumstances where separate Troops are established known as Sea Scouts
or Air Scouts.
Sea Scouts
The program of training for Sea Scouts is the same as for other Scouts,
but boating activities of all types play an important part in their
activities and evening meetings will have games with a boating flavour.
Sea Scouts will also take up the majority of Badges concerning water
activities. Some Branches (States/ Territories) have special water
activity centres to teach Scouts how to handle all sorts of craft with
safety.