Youth Program Review
A Reflection From Stage 4 Camp Attendees
The journey of YPR Stage 4 began when I filled out the application and contemplated if I should click send. I thought to myself, “I can do this and I can make a difference.” So I clicked the send button and it began from there…
The camp at Gilwell Park, Gembrook (Victoria), was the first step of Stage 4 for the Youth Program Review. It was amazing to meet so many people from all over Australia who had been brought together for one goal, to create One Program, which will strengthen scouting in Australia for years to come.
The YPR Coordinating Team expertly created a team of 30 individuals from different states, sections, roles, ages and diverse skills. There were 16 young people within the team, truly reflecting the Youth Led aspect of the Scout Method. The Youth are tomorrow’s leaders and their opinions and thoughts are vital to the success of this Youth Program Review. It was amazing that regardless of your background in Scouting, you and your views were accepted by everyone and heard by all. That’s what made this experience so much better!
Initially, we all let ourselves thanks to Debbie Neilsen who, through an interactive presentation, discussed the merits of the Myers Briggs approach, which helped us to understand others strengths and weaknesses and how we can all work succinctly as one team to create One Program.
We got to know each other through fun activities and ‘cheesy’ daily jokes, courtesy of Chiefy, which put us in the mood for expressing ourselves and thinking outside of the box.
Marc, from Canada, inspired us with what they have achieved so far in the development of the Canadian Path, the new program being progressively rolled out by Scouts Canada, and we learned about how the Irish have approached a similar review of their program a few years ago.
These presentations and discussions opened up a plethora of new opportunities and ways of thinking which we can adopt and adapt to suit the youth of Australia today and in the future.
We were reminded of the work done in the other stages of YPR and discussed the recommendations following the Stage 3 research, which all left us itching to get stuck into building on this work to create concepts and vision for the future.
There were some concerns about the fact we were split into small section teams – ‘how are we to create One scouting program by working separately’, especially since the essence of the YPR is to eliminate the silo effect, which is currently so evident, when we are working in ‘silo’s’ ourselves? There were also a few teething problems once we started working within our Section teams, mainly caused by doubts in the abilities of ourselves, such as ‘why was I put into this particular age section?’ and ‘what can I contribute?’
However, members (particularly the youth) blossomed over the week, everyone added vital contributions to our concepts, and through collaboration with Team Leaders and the teams, the final presentations on the last day were cohesive and symbolised One Program, so any doubts raised in the initial days surrounding silo’s and capabilities were dissolved.
We attended Tree Top Adventures as an offsite activity during the week, which was an excellent reminder of Baden-Powell’s reasoning behind the Scout Method, highlighting the importance of adventure in nature, showing the values of teamwork and positive praise, personal progression and learning by doing.
The exciting concepts which have been initialised will be built on over the next few months into One Program to truly capture the Adventure of Scouting!
Article written by Logan Smith & Lynda Aldridge
Logan is a Venturer in Tasmania, and a member of Team D, looking into the program for the 15-17 year old.
Lynda is a former Joey Scout Leader and current Scout Leader in Brisbane and is leading Team A, looking into the program for the 6-7 year old.
“Reflecting on what an amazing and busy week it has been. I spent the week with so many inspirational people at the YPR conference, I cannot wait to see where all those amazing ideas take us, and I look forward to what the rest of this year brings!” Adele
“I am so proud to know I have my input into the new scouting Australia. I have learnt heaps, had lots of fun, made new friends and help change the shape of scouting Australia. I am so lucky and grateful I was chosen to be a part of the YPR team and am proud of everyone’s efforts and commitment.” Nikita
“I have had a great week with all my new found friends at the YPR stage 4 briefing camp. I have come away inspired and looking forward to the work we have ahead of us.” Peter
“It was an inspiration to hear other people’s views and especially know that my views were heard too, I believe everyone who attended that camp made a significant impact to the YPR S4. YPR Stage 4 has been one of the highlights in my scouting life, and I’m sure all of the other people who attended as well.” Logan
