450,000 YOUNG PEOPLE AFFECTED BY CHANGE
22nd February 2002
Details of the revamped and re-vitalised activity and training programme for the 450,000 young people both male and female in the UK Scout Movement are being launched at a series of 'Roadshows' in February, March and April 2002.
Seven years ago Scouting started a total review of its programme for young people. The outcome of this consultation with over 30,000 people is being revealed to County Scouting representatives so that they can organise local launches for the Leaders from 9,500 UK Scout Groups.
The new programme is based on revised age ranges - extending up to 25 years old - together with major changes to the challenges, Awards and activities essential if the largest co-educational youth Movement in the UK is to meet the changing aspirations and expectations of young people today. Two new Sections are being introduced Explorer Scouts for the 14-18 year olds and for the 18 -25 year age range the Scout Network.
Extensive research has shown that modern youngsters need to belong as a family member, within their peer group, in the local community and in society at large. They have a need for learning and discovery about themselves as individuals, about others and the world around them. If they are to achieve their full potential they need to be helped to manage their own development, cope with the pressures of life and society and develop a sense of self-worth, and purpose.
The new Scout programme provides all of these in an attractive, fulfilling and fun package based on young people enjoying themselves by 'learning through doing' and taking responsibility for themselves and others in ways appropriate to their age and ability. Proven methods that have led to Scouting becoming the world's largest youth Movement.
Local Scout Groups have until December 2003 to move over to the new programme so that the 100,000 adult Leaders in the Movement have time to understand and adopt the significant changes being introduced.
In addition to the local briefings, workshops and training opportunities, the new programme is supported by over 40 specially written publications and other resources as well as extensive material available on ScoutBaseUK the official web-site for Members (www.scoutbase.org.uk).
"With social and work pressures on adults increasing it is difficult to recruit adults to come forward and work with young people ", said a Spokesman. " For this reason it has been important to ensure that the new programme is easier and more flexible to operate because although the demands to join Scouting remain unabated, growth is consistently restricted due to the difficulties of finding enough adult volunteers."
When a young person of any age joins Scouting they will be helped to understand what the Movement offers and the commitment they are undertaking when they make the Scout Promise. As they progress through the different Sections of the Movement they will tackle a number of themed and personal challenges and also have the opportunity achieve a range of top Awards and ultimately the Queen's Scout Award. The new programme also offers close links into the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme for 14-25 year old Members.
The last time significant changes of this magnitude were adopted in the UK Scout Movement was in 1965.
For further information check out: http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/pri/
