The Adventure Begins
Scout Method
The Scout Method has eight elements that support the development of young people. The Scout Method is unique to Scouting and Scouting is unique because of this Method, and the way in which it educates and develops young people. The Scout Method is the same across all Sections, providing for continuous development.
The Scouts Australia Scout Method includes:
Community Involvement
This means the Section supports active exploration of each member’s commitment and responsibility to their community and the wider world. The Section is dedicated to being of service, and positive and visible members of the community.
Learning by Doing
This means the Section is learning through practical experiences and activities on a regular basis. Scouting events, regular weekly nights and Patrol activities should not be a classroom, even though education is occurring.
Nature and the Outdoors
Scouting believes that the outdoors is the primary and most effective setting for learning and encourages a two-way relationship between the individual and the natural world. Each Section should spend a significant portion of their program outdoors, exposed to nature.
Promise and Law
The Promise and Law are Scouting values that underpin all activities and interactions. They are integral for the continued success of the Section over time, and provide for bonding, camaraderie and self-reflection. Promise and Law help individuals understand their place in their community and the world.
Patrol System
The Patrol System is integral to Scouting. It provides a way to develop interpersonal and leadership skills in young people, through teamwork, responsibility and belonging. Virtually all Scouting activities occur in Patrols, and it is incredibly important that Sections use this system to reach goals and overcome obstacles.
Symbolic Framework
The Symbolic Framework is a structure of themes and symbols that facilitate awareness and development during an individual’s personal journey. It is important that the Symbolic Framework is utilised for a Section to be coordinated with other Sections and aspects of Scouting.
Personal Progression
Personal Progression is a learning journey that focuses on challenging the individual to do their best through a wide range of experiences. Sections must focus on ensuring that each individual is striving to reach their best possible goals, and the Section must support each individual during this process.
Youth Leading, Adults Supporting
”Youth Leading, Adults Supporting” reinforces that Scouting is a youth movement, guided by adults. Youth Sections are increasingly self-managing. The Scout Method and ”Youth Leading, Adults Supporting” provide ample opportunities for youth members to develop as unique individuals as their strengths and weaknesses allow.
To support embedding the Scout Method in your program, two sets of Reflective Scout Method Flash Cards have been developed and are available for download.
Also available for download to support ongoing discussion, reflection and development is a table containing additional descriptions of the Scout Method in action in each Section.
Update: Individual resources have been made available for download.
You can download all the Scout Method resources here.
All Resources
Table
Flash Cards
Fact Sheet
