Scouting Ireland has just completed a huge programme of renewal and redevelopment over the past 5-6 years. This has taken the ideals, principles and traditions of Scouting and made them into a practical Scouting that is also appealing and exciting for the young people of today.
We have developed and designed brand new, age specific, publications that will appeal and be reactionary to different age ranges. We are focusing on Personal Development and a clear and progressive Adventure Skills structure – rather than a traditional ‘merit badge’ system
This process has given us a unified Association backed by a ONE Programme from Beaver Scouts 6 years of age right through to Rover Scouts 20 years of age.
ONE Programme for all
The principle means that each section of Scouting delivers the programme in a similar way. Small groups are present in all Sections. Handbooks are designed to appeal to the age range of the Section by presenting the concepts to young people in appropriate language and images.
The Scout Method
The Scout Method is how we deliver the Programme to young people. The Method is comprised of 8 equally important parts, and when collectively implemented make Scouting what it is. It is through the use of the Scout Method that Scouting achieves its aims in developing young people.
The Aim of Scouting
The Aim of Scouting is to develop young people Socially, Physically, Intellectually, Character, Emotionally, Spiritually. These elements are called the SPICES and are deeply integrated into the programme experience via the Scout Method, Personal Progress Awards and Programme designed by young people.
The Personal Journey
The Programme, that the young people have designed with the help and assistance of Scouters follows a simple process; PLAN, DO, REVIEW.
Programmes are planned, activities executed, and the whole process is reviewed. The review process is important as it allows young people to learn by doing, reflect on their new knowledge, and carry it through to the next Programme step. This allows them to see their own progress, and move towards future discoveries and experiences. Along with the Progress badges that a young person gets from following their personal journey in Scouting they also have the opportunity of doing complementary badges; Adventure Skills, Special Interest Badges and Nautical badges.
Adventure Skills
Adventure Skills Badges require a young person to achieve a detailed set standard in a particular Adventure Skill. The requirements are progressive, and ultimately pave the way to outside recognition by a governing body of a chosen skill. There are currently nine Adventure Skills Badges.
Special Interest Badges
Special interest badges are open-ended badges that reflect the interests of the young person undertaking them. Any subject is possible. The requirements are designed by the young person in consultation and agreement with their Scouters. Badge requirements are designed to allow exploration of the subject, develop and improve skills, and put the new knowledge into practice, preferably as a practical project which will benefit others.
The Role of the Adult Scouter
The role of the Scouter is one of assisting, supporting, facilitating and motivating. The Scouter is a role model, rather than a boss. Younger age ranges will require more facilitation and direction but this should be reversed in older age ranges to one of ‘mentor or coach’. The Scouter needs to be aware of the young people in their Section, and understand ‘where they are’ in relation to their development as young people. Scouters will assist in reviewing activities and help young people to reflect on their experiences and personal journey through Scouting.
This page has been copied by kind permission of Scouting Ireland. Further information is available on their website www.scouts.ie.