This completed once when a person
joins the scout movement. It covers
how the organization came into being.
What its core objectives are.
Scouts Australia is a branch of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), which is a global
organization that supports and promotes Scouting worldwide. WOSM was founded in 1920 and is headquartered
in Geneva, Switzerland. It has over 170 member organizations, representing more than 50 million Scouts in
over 220 countries and territories around the world.
Scouts Australia is one of the largest youth organizations in Australia, with over 100,000 members across
the country. It is a non-profit organization that is run by volunteers and is open to all young people aged
6 to 25 years old.
The organization is divided into different sections based on age, including Joey Scouts (ages 6-8), Cub Scouts
(ages 8-11), Scouts (ages 11-14), Venturer Scouts (ages 14-18), and Rover Scouts (ages 18-25). Each section has
its own program and activities that are designed to meet the needs and interests of young people at different stages
of their development.
The Scout Promise and Law are the fundamental principles that guide the behavior and actions of Scouts around the world.
They are a set of values and commitments that Scouts make to themselves, their communities, and the world.
Scout Promise
On my honour, I promise that I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country, to help other people, and to
obey the Scout Law.
Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy.
A Scout is loyal.
A Scout is friendly and considerate.
A Scout is a brother to all Scouts.
A Scout is courteous.
A Scout is kind.
A Scout is obedient.
A Scout has courage in all difficulties.
A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property.
A Scout has self-respect and respect for others.
The Scout Promise and Law are designed to promote values such as honesty, loyalty, kindness, courage, and respect for others.
They encourage Scouts to be responsible citizens who contribute positively to their communities and the world.
The specific wording of the Scout Promise and Law may vary slightly between different countries and organizations, but the core
principles remain the same. In addition to the Promise and Law, many Scouting organizations also have additional values or
principles that they promote, such as environmental stewardship, community service, and leadership development.
Introduction to Section
This is specific for each section a scout
joins during their time with the organization.
There is a lot of common information between
each section however as the scouts become older
the content is expanded to address additional
concepts that the member will need to understand.
(Click on the icon below to read specfic information for each section)
> > ONE PROGRAM > >
The Scouts One Program unites all sections of Scouts Australia-Joey Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturer
Scouts, and Rover Scouts-into a single, continuous journey. Instead of each section having its own
structures and terminology, the program uses consistent methods, language, and resources. This creates
familiar experiences across sections, so when members progress, the focus is on new adventures and
friendships rather than learning new systems. Core elements like the Scout Method, patrol system,
symbolic framework, and achievement pathways are used throughout, with each section retaining its own
identity through names and mottos such as Discover Adventure (Joeys) and Beyond the Horizon (Rovers).
Developed through extensive co-design with youth and adults, the program is logical, easy to understand,
and efficient in resource use, while also aligning with World Scouting terminology. It reduces duplication
in training and materials, improves collaboration across sections, and ensures a smoother transition between
age groups. Currently in its implementation phase, the program will be reviewed nationally every 5-10 years,
with early feedback showing positive adoption of the unified approach.
The Program
Milestones
Milestones are generally achieved by taking part
in the program run at the unit. Each milestone
consists of completing a prescribed number of
Participates, Assist and Leads.
Participate
Be actively engaged in a Challenge Area related
activity and review your own learning.
Assist
You should support the planning, doing and reviewing
of a Challenge Area-related event (such as a Unit
night or camp), by taking on tasks from a Project
Patrol Leader, or running an activity at the event.
Lead
Plan and lead the program for a Challenge Area-related
event (such as a set of Unit nights or camp, or Challenge
Area based Project Patrol), including arranging multiple
activities planning logistics, risk assessments and most
of the general organisation with support from the Unit
and adult Leaders.
The Outdoor Adventurous Skills (OAS) component of the Scout program provides a structured pathway for youth members to
engage in and lead various outdoor activities throughout their Scouting journey. OAS activities are designed to be
adventurous and challenging, promoting skill development and leadership.
The OAS is divided into nine streams, which include three core areas and six specialist areas. The core areas-Bushwalking,
Bushcraft, and Camping-encompass traditional Scouting activities that are commonly practiced across all Australian Scout
Groups. These activities are foundational to the Scouting experience and are accessible to all members.
In addition to the core areas, there are six specialist areas: Alpine, Aquatic, Boating, Cycling, Paddling, and Vertical.
These specialist areas cater to more specific interests and may be influenced by geographical factors or the preferences
of particular Scout groups. They offer deeper exploration and skill development in activities that might not be
universally favoured but provide diverse opportunities for those with specific interests.
Through participation in OAS, Scouts are encouraged to develop their skills progressively, taking on increasing levels of
responsibility and leadership within their outdoor adventures.
Requirements for each section
Joey Scouts - Stage 1 in core Skills (Bushcraft, Bushwalking and Camping)
Cub Scouts - Stage 3 in core Skills and 8 progressions in total
Scouts - Stage 5 in core Skills and 10 progressions in total
Venturer Scouts - Stage 5 in core Skills and 12 progressions in total 4 need to be at stage 4 or higher
The Special Interest Areas (SIA) component of the Scout program encourages youth members to explore new activities and
deepen their existing interests through a structured process. This framework follows a Plan > Do > Review > cycle for
each project or activity, where Scouts set personal goals and receive support throughout their journey. With six Special
Interest Areas to choose from, Scouts are inspired to come up with their own challenges and projects. While some Scouts
may easily generate ideas, others might need assistance, with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals providing
a helpful starting point.
Each Special Interest Area is designed to be adaptable to the varying skill levels of individual Scouts, ensuring that
projects are appropriately challenging for their age and abilities. This personalized approach helps keep the young
person at the centre of their Scouting journey. The Unit leadership team (Unit Council) plays a crucial role in ensuring
that Scouts are sufficiently challenged and can make meaningful progress. The goal is for each Scout to be adequately
supported and pushed to achieve a reasonable level based on their capabilities.
For more specialized or complex projects, Scouts might need guidance from a project mentor or subject matter expert.
These experts provide varying degrees of support throughout the Plan > Do > Review > process, particularly when the
project involves intricate plans or significant risks. Examples of such projects include mechanics, learning a musical
instrument, or computer coding. This mentorship ensures that Scouts can tackle ambitious projects successfully while
learning valuable skills and knowledge.
The completion of a Special Interest Area project is marked by a thorough review phase, where Scouts reflect on their
achievements and learning experiences with assistance from their Patrol Leader, Unit Leader, adult Leader, or project
mentor. This reflection helps Scouts recognize their personal development, even if they haven't fully met their initial
goals. The celebration of these achievements includes a badge presentation, focusing on the Scout's individual progress
rather than the badge itself. This emphasis on personal growth underscores the true value of the SIA component in the
Scout program.
Requirements for each section
Joey Scouts - 6 Activities across at least two areas each 2 hours in duration
Cub Scouts - 6 Activities across at least two areas each 4 hours in duration
Scouts - 6 Activities across at least three areas each 8 hours in duration
Venturer Scouts - 6 Activities across at least three areas each 12 hours in duration
As youth members progress through the Scouting program, the requirements for adventurous journeys
evolve to match their growing capabilities and interests. The best journey ideas come from the
youth themselves, with adult leaders providing support and guidance.
These journeys can involve various human or nature-powered activities such as bushwalking,
canoeing, cross-country skiing, cycling, kayaking, and sailing, among others. The aim is for
youth members to have fun, face challenges, enjoy adventures, and feel included. Journeys are
undertaken with a Patrol, which can include members from the same or different Sections, such
as Scouts inviting Venturer Scouts.
The journeys must not involve cars, trains, airplanes, or four-wheel driving, and the travel
time to the starting and ending points is not included in the journey's duration. The focus
of these journeys is on applying skills, enjoying nature, and achieving a recognized outcome,
emphasizing learning and personal growth throughout the experience.
Requirements for each section
Joey Scouts - a 3 hour journey
Cub Scouts - a 4 hour journey
Scouts - a 3 day, 2 night journey
Venturer Scouts and Rover Scouts - a 4 day, 3 night journey
Leadership and personal development are central to the Scouting program, emphasizing growth as an
individual and as a community member. Personal Development Courses provide Scouts with the opportunity
to interact and learn with peers who are on similar developmental paths. These courses foster an
environment where Scouts can develop crucial personal and leadership skills, become active citizens,
and learn new ways of thinking and approaching challenges. They also offer a platform for Scouts to
confirm their learning from experiences, share insights with peers, and reflect on their individual
leadership journeys.
The courses are designed to assist Scouts in various aspects of personal and leadership development.
Participants are guided to enhance their problem-solving abilities, improve communication skills,
manage tasks efficiently, and develop effective leadership strategies. Additionally, these courses
emphasize the importance of planning and community involvement, ensuring that Scouts not only grow
as leaders but also as proactive and engaged citizens. This holistic approach ensures that Scouts
are well-equipped with a diverse skill set necessary for personal and professional success.
Personal Development Courses in Scouting can take several forms. They might be internal section courses
specifically designed for the Scout's current section, extension courses that build on prior knowledge
and skills, or external courses offered by organizations outside of Scouting. This variety ensures that
Scouts have access to a broad range of learning experiences, tailored to their developmental needs and
interests. Whether through internal or external means, these courses provide valuable opportunities for
Scouts to expand their horizons and deepen their understanding of leadership and personal development.
Each course covers various essential concepts that are integral to effective leadership and personal
growth. Topics such as problem-solving, communication, task management, leadership, planning, and
community involvement are explored in depth. By engaging with these subjects, Scouts gain practical
skills and theoretical knowledge that help them navigate and excel in their personal and professional
lives. The comprehensive nature of these courses ensures that Scouts leave with a well-rounded
understanding of what it means to be a leader and an active, contributing member of their community.
Personal Reflection
The goal of the Milestone Personal Reflection is to help Scouts and their mentors recognize the
personal growth that has taken place through participating in, assisting with, and leading
activities as part of completing an Achievement Pathways Milestone.
The peak award is the highest achievement in each age section of the Achievement Pathways, designed
to challenge Scouts and recognize their accomplishments. Scouts do not need to have been in a
previous section or earned previous peak awards to pursue it. They can choose to aim for the
peak award at any point, but it's advisable to decide early to ensure sufficient time to complete
all elements. Scouts already engaged in the program and actively participating, assisting, and
leading in Challenge Area activities can decide to pursue the peak award later in their journey.
Additional Awards
Scout Journey Milestones
Walkabout Award
The Scout Walkabout Award recognizes the total number of kilometers covered on outdoor Scouting activities using human
power. This youth member-only award can be earned at various incremental points throughout a Scout's journey, starting
from 10 kilometers and going up to 500 kilometers. The award is displayed on the right sleeve of the uniform, with only
the highest award achieved being worn at a time.
Camper Award
The Scout Camper Award recognizes the total number of nights spent camping on Scouting activities. This youth member-only
award can be earned at various incremental points throughout a Scout's journey, starting from 10 nights and going up to
100 nights. The award is displayed on the right sleeve of the uniform, with only the highest award achieved being worn
at a time.
Landcare
The Landcare Award encourages Scout youth members to participate in environmental activities within their local community
in collaboration with a local Landcare group. This award can be earned multiple times, corresponding to different sections
of the youth member's Scouting journey.
The Their Service - Our Heritage award
Introduced by Scouts Australia in 2000, aims to raise awareness about veterans among
youth members. This annual award can be earned once per year, starting on ANZAC Day (25th April).
Requirements:
Three activities are required to be completed by the youth member throughout the year. These can include but are not limited to:
Take part in an ANZAC Day march or ceremony
Take part in Remembrance Day
Invite a Veteran to a Unit meeting to talk to the Unit
Visit a Veterans Home or the local RSL
Maintain your local Memorial
Visit a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Activities can be done individually or as part of a group, and must directly relate to the service of Australia's veterans.
Older youth members may take on more leadership in organizing these activities.
State Emergency Service
The State Emergency Service Awareness Badge was initially introduced into Western Australia in 2017. In 2019, this badge became available
for all youth members in Australia to complete. It aims to raise awareness of the role the State Emergency Service has within the community
and build emergency resilience and preparedness in our youth members.
It is a youth member only award.
Requirements
Joey Scouts
Visit a SES Unit or have a SES Unit visit the Joey Scout Unit
Demonstrate storm readiness at home by making a survival kit
Choose a game and/or an activity that relates to what the SES can do
Learn to use some hand tools
Cub Scouts
Visit a SES Unit or have a SES Unit visit the Cub Scout Unit
Learn and discuss what the SES does. Present your findings in whatever way you like (e.g. a poster, video, report)
Research and report on storm readiness
Make a survival kit for home
Demonstrate skills in using some hand tools
Learn new knots that are specific to SES operations
Participate or assist in a game and/or an activity with your Patrol or Unit
Scouts
Visit a SES Unit or have a SES Unit visit the Scout Unit
Demonstrate getting your home storm ready and document it in a way that you can present it to your Unit
Learn and demonstrate skills in using some hand and power tools
Learn new knots that are specific to SES operations
Research and report on what the SES does and the role it plays in the community
Participate in at least three mock emergencies
Assist or lead a game and/or activity for your Patrol or Unit
Venturer Scouts
Join a SES Unit or SES Cadets for a minimum of six months, or:
Visit a SES Unit, have a SES Unit visit the Venturer Unit or attend an SES information night
Learn and demonstrate skills in using hand tools and some power tools
Demonstrate building a sandbag wall
Research and report on mental health for emergency volunteers
Participate, assist or lead at least three mock emergencies
Lead a game and/or activity for the Unit
Language Emblem
Introduction
The language emblem encompasses two different streams - the Language Badge and the I Can Sign Badge.
Appropriately qualified adult members of Scouts Australia can also wear the relevant badge on their uniform.
Language Badge
A youth member may qualify to wear a Language Badge by completing tasks that demonstrate their ability in any language
other than English. The youth member will need to nominate an appropriately qualified subject matter expert to guide
and support them through this process.
I Can Sign Badge
A youth member may qualify to wear an I Can Sign Badge by completing tasks that demonstrate their ability in any approved
sign language (e.g., AUSLAN, British Sign Language) or the Paget Gorman sign system. The youth member will need to
nominate an appropriately qualified subject matter expert to guide and support them through this process.
Requirements
Joey Scouts
Language
Carry out a conversation for five minutes in the language of choice.
Write a letter of at least 50 words to the subject matter expert.
Translate, in your own time and with the help of a dictionary, an easy passage from a book or magazine.
I Can Sign
Carry out a simple conversation in sign language for five minutes.
Demonstrate a basic ability to use finger spelling (e.g., spell name and some basic words) and to "read back" in
that mode.
After reading an easy passage from a book or periodical, re-tell that passage in sign language. You may use a
sign language dictionary to assist.
Cub Scouts
Language
Carry out a conversation for five to ten minutes in the language of choice.
Write a letter of at least 100 words to the subject matter expert.
Translate, in your own time and with the help of a dictionary, an easy passage from a book or magazine.
I Can Sign
Carry out a simple conversation in sign language for five to ten minutes.
Demonstrate a basic ability to use finger spelling (e.g., spell name and some basic words) and to
"read back" in that mode.
After reading an easy passage from a book or periodical, re-tell that passage in sign language.
You may use a sign language dictionary to assist.
Scouts
Language
Carry out a conversation for ten minutes in the language of choice.
Write a letter of at least 200 words to the subject matter expert.
Translate, in your own time and with the help of a dictionary, an easy passage from a book or magazine.
I Can Sign
Carry out a simple conversation in sign language for ten minutes.
Demonstrate an ability to use finger spelling and to "read back" in that mode.
After reading an easy passage from a book or periodical, re-tell that passage in sign language. You may use a
sign language dictionary to assist.
Venturers
Language
Carry out a conversation for fifteen minutes in the language of choice. This conversation should introduce some
basic Scout vocabulary (e.g., Scout, patrol, camp, tent, etc.).
Write a letter of at least 300 words on a simple Scout topic to the subject matter expert.
Read aloud intelligibly and give an approximate translation (without the help of a dictionary) of a paragraph of
average difficulty from a book, newspaper, or periodical.
I Can Sign
Carry out a simple conversation in sign language for fifteen minutes.
Demonstrate an ability to use finger spelling and to "read back" in that mode.
After reading an easy passage from a book or periodical, re-tell that passage in sign language. You may use a
sign language dictionary to assist.
