Program Made Easy
Program Made Easy is a collection of ready-to-use Scout programs designed to support Units and volunteers that need a kick-start with their activity planning. Each program provides a complete, balanced term of activity frameworks across the four Challenge Areas – taking the guesswork out of program planning so leaders can focus on delivering great Scouting experiences from day one.
Program Made Easy: First Term
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What is Program Made Easy?
Program Made Easy is a collection of ready-to-use Scout programs designed to support Units and volunteers that need a kick-start with their activity planning. Each program provides a balanced term of activity frameworks across the four Challenge Areas.
These frameworks will get you 80% of the way there, but preparation is still required to deliver a quality program. Think of it as your blueprint: the structure and ideas are ready to go, but you’ll need to add the final details and personal touches that bring each night to life for your Unit.
Who is this for?
Program Made Easy is designed for volunteers or Units who need a structured starting point for their program planning. Whether you’re a brand new volunteer finding your feet, stepping into an existing group that needs a refresh, or simply looking for a reliable framework to build from, these programs give you the confidence to deliver engaging, balanced Scouting without starting from scratch.
How to use these resources
Each program is designed to cover a full term of unit meetings, with weekly activity frameworks organised for each section. Program Made Easy is designed to be picked up at any point in the year – simply start with First Term and work through sequentially, regardless of when you begin. Use these frameworks as your foundation for planning each night, and adapt activities to fit your local environment, available resources, and the specific needs of your unit. These programs work best when you make them your own.
Some Considerations
Program Made Easy isn’t a minute-by-minute script or a replacement for your leadership and creativity. These frameworks don’t include detailed risk assessments, specific equipment lists, or step-by-step activity instructions – that preparation is still your responsibility as the adult volunteer. Think of this as your program skeleton: strong structure provided, but you’ll need to add the flesh and bring it to life for your unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Program Made Easy replace youth-led program planning?
No, Program Made Easy is designed to supplement and support a Unit Council’s program planning. Units can use the resources as ideas and inspiration for their activities, to increase their confidence in designing great programs, and/or to boost their thinking about how to incorporate the Achievement Pathways. If using Program Made Easy, adult volunteers should work with their youth members to choose and adapt activities to suit their Unit.
Are the activities in Program Made Easy designed to be led by adults?
Youth leadership in Scouts follows a continuum, with adult volunteers doing more of the leading in Joey Scouts compared to Rover Scouts, for example. Adults also need to consider their Unit’s needs and stages of development so they can provide the right amount of support. Youth members can use Program Made Easy’s activity plans to facilitate and adapt activities for their Unit. The resources offer suggestions for leading and assisting, which should form part of the planning and delivery for each activity.
How can I adapt Program Made Easy for my Unit?
Unit Councils are best placed to understand the interests, development journeys, and individual needs for their Units. You can pick and choose which activities to include in your program, make them more or less challenging to suit your youth members, and support young people leading and assisting to put their spin on their activities.
Adjustments may be needed to support accessibility, behaviour, communication, or sensory needs. Ensuring every young person can participate meaningfully makes Scouting inclusive for everyone. Throughout the booklets, there are also a number of spaces for you to write your own notes about important things you want to remember or the adaptations you want to make to an activity.
Which program do I start with?
Each age section will have four terms’ worth of program inspiration by the end of 2026. If using Program Made Easy, start with the first term resource, which focuses primarily on settling the Unit into the program, building Unit culture, and introducing basic outdoor safety and skills through fun and hands-on activities. The following terms will continue to build on this foundation of programming, continuing to expand the opportunities for growth, achievement, and challenge.
How do I run the outdoor activities safely?
Program Made Easy introduces foundational Outdoor Adventure Skills in simple, age-appropriate ways. When taking part in any outdoor activity in Scouts, it is vital that relevant safety measures are followed, including:
- Maintaining appropriate adult supervision
- Checking equipment before use
- Understanding boundaries and safe areas
- Considering weather, environment, and age-appropriateness
- Completing risk assessments where required
- Ensuring all activities follow your Branch’s policies