Between March 2002 and December 2003 the programme passed through a transition period from the previous programme to the present. Below are some questions posed during this period, with answers.
What is the Scout Section All About Now ?
Where is the Programme emphasis now?
The emphasis now is on a Balanced Programme. Yes, there are still awards and badges - BUT, what matters most now is that Scouts get the opportunity to participate in a balanced programme of activities.
The changes in the programme for Scouts brings it in line with the rest of the Association's provision for children and young people. Scouts, just as Cub Scouts, Beaver Scouts, Explorer Scouts and members of the Scout Network, will have the opportunity to gain some Activity Badges and some Challenges leading to a Top Award - the Chief Scouts Gold Award. However, in line with the emphasis on a balanced programme, Scouts will be awarded a Participation Badge showing that they have taken part in a balanced programme of activities over a period of time, usually a year.
What is a Balanced Programme?
A balanced programme is one that, over a given period of time draws an appropriate number of activities from all the Programme Zones. It will explore and use the full range of methods and demonstrates the underlying ways of working.
It is recommended that a troop spend roughly 50% of its programme time working within the Scoutcraft and Adventure Zone and roughly 10% on each of the other Zones.
Therefore, the balanced programme consists of three elements:
- The Programme Zones for Scouts;
- The Methods of Working for Scouts;
- The Underlying Ways of Working For Scouts.
The three elements are explained in full under the heading "Balanced programme" in these sectional pages of ScoutBase UK. Please refer to them.
What are The Awards
Scouts have a range of awards to gain in the programme, they are :
| The Challenges | The Top Award | Activity Badges | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Outdoor Plus Adventure Expedition Creative Global Community Fitness Personal |
The Chief Scouts Gold Award | Aviation Skills Aeronautics Air Spotter Air Researcher Administrator Athlete Angler Astronomer Camper Camp Cook Camp Site Service Canoeist Conservation Community Cyclist Caver Climber Dragon Boating Dinghy Sailor |
Emergency Aid Equestrian Electronics Fire Safety Forester Guide Heritage Hiker Hill Walker Interpreter Life Saver Librarian My Faith Martial Arts Master At Arms Mechanic Meteorologist Navigator Naturalist |
Nautical Skills Orienteer Physical Recreation Public Relations Pioneer Power Coxwain Puller Quartermaster Racing Helm Radio Communicator Skater Sports Enthusiast Smallholder Snow Sports Survival Skills Water Sports Writer Global Conservation |
In addition, Scouts may also gain a number of other awards :
Staged Activity Badges
Available To All Young Members
- IT
- Musician
- Swimmer
- Nights Away
Group Awards
(Achieved Through Working with at least two Sections Together)
- Faith
- Environment
- International
Details of the requirements for all these awards can be found in The Library on ScoutBase UK or in Troop essentials, one of a number of new publications to support the Scout Section.
What is the purpose of the Moving on Award?
The 'Moving on Award' has been designed to improve the links between Scouts and Explorer Scouts and recognises that they are already Members of the Movement, not 'new'. This award should, preferably, be presented at the young person's Investiture into the Explorer Scout Unit. The Investiture should take place on the young person's first official meeting as an Explorer Scout after the linking process has been completed.
What needs to be considered when a Scout is approaching the age for Explorer Scouting?
It will be important for you to consider a number of things:
- When is it appropriate for the young person to transfer to Explorer Scouts ?
- What options are available to the Scout in becoming an Explorer Scout? - is there a Unit attached to your Group ? do they wish to become a young leader ?
- Have you contacted the District Explorer Scout Administrator before a Scout has reached their 13th birthday ?
- Are you familiar with the Explorer Scout ways of operation ?
What publications are available To Support the Scout section
Headquarters has produced a range of materials to support the programme, some of which are outlined below: These are explained in full under the heading "Resources" in these sectional pages of Scoutbase. Please refer to them.
- Scouting essentials... the handbook for every adult in Scouting
- Troop essentials
- Troop programmes
- Record Cards
- Certificates
- The Matrix... Young Persons Resource
- Scouts Go Green... Support for the Environment Group Award
- Factsheets
- Scouting magazine
