Program Pulse
Program Pulse is a user-friendly tool that helps your Unit identify your program’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Program Pulse is designed to help Units take programming to the next level. It ensures a quality Scouting experience for youth members. A quality program is adventurous, fun, challenging, and inclusive for every young person.
About Program Pulse
Program Pulse will only take youth members around 10 minutes to complete during a Unit Council. Some Units may find that it leads to a longer discussion. It should be done twice each year. This helps you track and identify areas to focus on during the next program cycle.
We know that an engaging Unit program, run well, keeps young people coming back for more. It helps them get the most out of Scouts. This includes running great activities that spark growth and adventure. It means supporting young people to take ownership of their program. It means championing the Achievement Pathways to develop skills and confidence.
For support using Program Pulse, simply email youth.program.support@scouts.com.au or contact your Branch program team.
How to Use Program Pulse
Step 1: Gather your Unit Council or complete as a whole Unit discussion. Adult volunteers should support Joey Scouts and Cub Scouts.
Step 2: Complete the self-assessment through the button above.
Step 3: Select the option that best describes your Unit based on your last program cycle (4-6 months). Be open and honest.
Step 4: Discuss areas for improvement and set goals to strengthen them.
Step 5: Submit online to receive an automated email with personalised resources and guidance. Your results will be automatically shared with your local program support team who may follow up as required.
How Program Pulse Supports Your Unit
Based on your responses, you’ll receive a personalised report with resources to take your program to the next level. This creates more engaging experiences for young people. It empowers them to achieve their full potential through Scouts.
This isn’t about judging ‘good’ or ‘bad’. It’s a process to help deliver the best possible program. Every Unit is unique and faces different challenges. Program Pulse helps you know how your Unit is performing and plan for improvement.
The Scout Method
The Scout Method is the educational approach unique to Scouting. The Method should be clear in all that we do – this is a good way of making sure what we are doing really can be defined as Scouting.
Eight elements make up the Scout Method, and these elements form the subheadings in Program Pulse. While no single element is more important than another, some elements will feature more strongly through different activities and experiences.
Use of the Scout Method should be made apparent to youth members. It’s important that Scouts are aware of how their adventures are contributing to their development.
Why We Created Program Pulse
Why Program Pulse was created
Program Pulse has been developed as part of Key Move 1 of Scouts Australia’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, which aims to make delivering our youth program easier and more impactful. Program Pulse provides a user-friendly benchmarking resource to enable Units and supporters to assess and improve the quality of program delivery.
The tool was developed by youth members and adult volunteers who understand what makes a successful Unit program. It was trialled across all age sections to ensure it meets the diverse needs of Units.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Program Pulse take to complete?
Around 10 minutes for most Units. Some may spend longer discussing their responses.
How often should we complete Program Pulse?
Twice each year in Term 2 and 4. This helps you track progress and plan for the next program cycle.
Who should complete Program Pulse?
Your Unit Council is ideal. Alternatively, you can complete it as a whole Unit discussion. Adult volunteers should support Joey Scouts and Cub Scouts.
Can we complete it as a leadership team instead of with youth members?
Program Pulse works best when youth members are involved. Their perspective is essential for an accurate assessment.
What happens after we submit our responses?
You’ll receive an automated email with a personalised report. This includes resources and guidance tailored to your Unit’s needs.
What if our Unit scores low in some areas?
That’s okay! Program Pulse isn’t about judging ‘good’ or ‘bad’. It’s a tool to identify where you can improve and get support to do so.
Can we use Program Pulse for Group-level assessment?
Program Pulse is designed for individual Units. However, Groups can encourage all Units to complete it and share insights together.
Does completing Program Pulse meet any requirements?
While not mandatory, it’s a valuable tool that supports quality program delivery. Some Branches may encourage or track its use.