Method and purpose of Scouting
Scouting is and education for life, fun with a purpose, a Worldwide Movement, and a code of living.
What is Scouting...
Education for Life
Scouting complements school, sports and the family, filling needs not met by either. Scouting develops self-knowledge and the need to explore, to discover, and to want to know. Scouts discover the world beyond the classroom, tapping the skills of others to learn and to become well-rounded people. There is an old Latin quote by Seneca that translates to: "We learn, not for school, but for life." Whilst a good schooling education is very important, we should not forget about other important education such as Scouts.
Fun with a Purpose
Through recreation, Scouting achieves its purpose of helping young people develop physically, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. Scouting is all about building confidence and self-esteem, learning important life skills and leadership skills, team building, outdoor adventure, education, and fun! Scouts learn how to make good choices and to take responsibility for their actions so that they are prepared for their adult life as independent persons.
A Worldwide Movement
There are Scout associations and branches in more than 216 countries and territories. Scouting has never stopped growing since its founding in 1907. Today there are more than 25 million Scouts. While Scouting is adapted to local needs and culture, its Purpose, Principles, and Method are the same world wide.
A Code of Living
Scouting's Principles describe a simple code of living to which all Scouts make a personal commitment through the Scout Promise and Law. Scouting helps Scouts learn how to carry out their commitment in everyday life. This approach to life has three dimensions:
- A Spiritual Dimension — A commitment to seek the spiritual (not necessarily religious) value of life beyond the material world.
- A Social Dimension — Participating in the development of society, and respecting the dignity of others and the integrity of the natural world. Promoting local, national, and international peace, understanding, and cooperation.
- A Personal Dimension — Developing a sense of personal responsibility and stimulating the desire for responsible self-expression.
The Scout Method
Scouting's purpose is achieved by the use of the Scout Method, which is a system of progressive self-education through:
- A Promise and Law — Making a personal commitment.
- Learning by doing — Active participation with others. Opportunities for new experiences.
- Membership of small groups — In patrols to develop leadership, group skills, and individual responsibility.
- Progressive and stimulating programs — Progressive activities based on the interests of young people. Activities in contact with nature, a rich learning environment where simplicity, creativity, and discovery come together to provide adventure and challenge.
The Scout Method is practiced by creating a meaningful educational experience for young people. It should be used in a way that is consistent with the Scout Movement’s Purpose and Principles. It is further described in a relevant policy adopted and reviewed from time to time by the World Scout Conference.
Aim
The Aim of SCOUTS South Africa is to contribute to the development of boys, girls and young adults in achieving their full potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities by:
- Developing their character;
- Training them in citizenship;
- Developing their spiritual, social, intellectual and physical qualities.
Principles
SCOUTS South Africa is based on the following principles:
- Duty to God: Adherence to spiritual principles, loyalty to the religion that expresses them and acceptance of the duties resulting there from.
- Duty to others: Loyalty to one's country in harmony with the promotion of local, national and international peace, understanding and co-operation. Participation in the development of society with recognition and respect for the dignity of one's fellows and for the integrity of the natural world.
- Duty to self: Responsibility for the development of oneself.
Commitment
Scouting is a commitment, to others and to yourself. You will be able to gain huge benefit from Scouting, but only by actively participating. You should aim to attend all weekly Scout meetings as well as Patrol and Troop activities on weekends. Similar to team sport, you need to be able to feel part of the team, meet regularly and put in practise to reap the benefits.