Achievement Pathways
Exciting Improvements Are Coming Soon
From September 2026, changes to the Achievement Pathways will make delivering the program easier and more impactful.
The Achievement Pathways are at the heart of how we recognise personal progression for every Scout. Each young person’s journey is unique as the Achievement Pathways enable Scouts to challenge themselves through a wide range of experiences, including Milestones, Outdoor Adventure Skills, and Special Interest Areas.
Last year, Scouts Australia undertook extensive consultation as part of Key Move 1 of our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. We heard from approximately 4,484 youth members and adult volunteers, providing a clear and comprehensive picture of experiences with the Achievement Pathways.
This consultation has drivena focused design process – building on what works, refining what doesn’t, and delivering meaningful improvements that make the program more adventurous, fun, challenging, and inclusive. In March, we shared a summary of the key themes from the consultation.
Most recently, we tested some of the concepts at the Youth Town Halls, where a cohort of youth members from all sections and across Australia helped sharpen the final details. Their enthusiasm, ideas, and feedback have played a vital role in shaping the changes – thank you to everyone who contributed!
Now, we’re almost ready to launch a set of improvements to the Achievement Pathways, which have been designed carefully and collaboratively over the last five months. The improvements will be launched in time for the start of Term 4, equipping Units with everything you need to know to implement them in your programs.
Areas for improvement
The improvements will address a number of challenges in delivering the Achievement Pathways:
- Intro to Scouting and Intro to Section will be refreshed with reduced content and a greater focus on learning by doing
- Milestones will be simplified and it will be easier for Units to understand what’s required
- Special Interest Areas will be more accessible, with better structure to help young people get started on new projects
- In the Outdoor Adventure Skills, there will be less complexity and more context across a range of key I-Statements
- The Outdoor Adventure Skills progressions required for peak awards will also be refined and clarified
These pain points were identified by Units across age sections and in different states/territories. We’ll share the specific improvements once everything’s ready in September – look out for the full announcement!
Resources and support
A huge amount of work is currently underway behind the scenes to prepare for the rollout of the Achievement Pathways improvements. Our focus is on having everything in place before the launch, so Units are fully supported and ready to go from the outset.
Program resources are being updated and enhanced to reflect the changes and be more engaging for volunteers and young people. Our program resources site will be redesigned so it’s easier to navigate, find what you’re looking for, and access program support.
In August, we will deliver preparation and training with Branch teams, providing the knowledge and confidence to effectively support their Groups. Once the improvements are launched in September 2026, there’ll be further information opportunities for Youth Program Leaders and Unit Councils.
We are so excited to share more about the Achievement Pathways improvements later this year! The improvements will make our program more youth-centred, empowering, and supported than ever. If you have any question, please email nick.molnar@scouts.com.au.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Why are we making changes to the program?
The Achievement Pathways improvements reflect the World Organization of the Scout Movement’s expectation that National Scout Organisations, such as Scouts Australia, regularly evaluate their programs to allow for adjustments. Seven years on from the launch of our current program, it was timely to undertake a targeted review.
Will there be lots of changes?
No, the improvements address specific elements of the Achievements Pathways where problems were identified through consultation. The changes are designed to be small, but meaningful.
Who designed the Achievement Pathways improvements?
Following input from young people and volunteers across Scouts Australia, solutions were developed by the National Youth Program Team, including representatives from all Branches. They worked in partnership with the Key Move 1 working groups, which bring together Venturer Scouts, Rover Scouts, volunteers in a range of Scouting roles, and staff. The National Operations Committee approved the Achievement Pathways improvements and decided the implementation plan.
Is this a new youth program?
No, this is about strengthening the current program to make it easier to deliver, clearer to understand, and more impactful for every Scout. The Achievement Pathways are the program’s personal progression framework and only one element of the Scout program. The activities your Unit does and the fundamentals of Scouting, such as the Scout Method and SPICES, aren’t changing.
When will Leaders be told what the improvements are?
There will be thorough communication in late September 2026 to outline what the improvements are and how to incorporate them in your Unit program. Supporting resources will go live and training opportunities will be announced at the same time.
