Youth Program Review

As Australian society is rapidly moving forward, we need to continuously consider how Scouting should also evolve, and ensure as many young Australians as possible can feel included in our Movement.

Through talking to our members, we have found a disconnect between the current wording of our Promise and Law, and the experiences of many of our members. In addition, Scouts Australia doesn’t have a consistent Promise and Law that all members take, and strive to live by. Younger sections take an adapted version, contributing to a silo-effect between our sections.

There is a strong feeling amongst many of our members that some of the wording we require our Members to say is not consistent with their beliefs or their current use of language. The end result is we are either losing members, or, some of our members are using words they don’t actually believe in.

For these reasons, we have been looking at the wording and language of the Australian Scout Promise and Law, and how we can put it in a more contemporary Australian context, while still maintaining its key principles. After much research and discussion, we have provided some new wording for a revitalised Promise and Law that we believe young Australians will find easier to commit to, and to follow.

Whatever your own beliefs, we are asking for your considered feedback on our suggested amendments. Our aim is to be inclusive of children, young people, and adults from all backgrounds.

Our research clearly tells us that there is a need for a new approach. The two versions presented to you here have been created through feedback we have received to this point. It is clear that in order to remain the inclusive organisation that we are, Scouts Australia need to change the wording of our Promise and Law. This is why you have been presented with new options rather than our current Promise and Law.

After considering our research, and importantly, your feedback, a final decision will be made by the middle of next year.

Although this is not a vote for either option, your feedback is critical. All feedback will be considered, and the final proposal put to the National Executive Committee, comprising of representatives of each Branch of Scouts Australia, by mid-2016.

Similarly, we are looking for your feedback on the statements defining each of our Principles: Duty to God, Duty to Others, Duty to Self; the definition of Spirituality, and a conceptual resource that has been developed to aid in programming for Spiritual Development.

We need your feedback by 31 December 2015.

Imagine the Possibilities,

Chris “Chiefy” Bates
Chief Commissioner of Australia