Star Troop
The Star Award Recognition Programme is a Troop management and self-assessment tool that is also used to recognise Troops who are meeting the Aims of SCOUTS South Africa. The Scout methods used, in particular the Patrol System, are the tools that differentiate Scouting from any other youth organization.
The Star Awards also serve as an essential tool for Troop Scouters, District Commissioners (DCs) and Support Team Members (STMs) to identify areas where support is needed in the various disciplines of the Scout Troop.
Award levels
- Participation Award: 1 to 4 disciplines achieved
- Bronze Award: 5 to 8 disciplines achieved
- Silver Award: 9 to 12 disciplines achieved
- Gold Award: 13 to 15 disciplines achieved
The Star Troop assessment expects Troops to achieve at least a Silver Award, signifying a solid performance in meeting basic standards. Bronze indicates room for improvement, while the Gold Award signifies exceeding expectations, reflecting a comprehensive commitment to Scouting principles, outdoor exploration, and active participation in the broader Scouting community. We encourage all Scout Troops to GO for Gold!!
Gold Award requirements
The following mandatory criteria are required to earn a Star Troop GOLD Award:
- #4 Star Patrol Award;
- THREE of the following:
- #6 Operation First Class;
- #7 Scoutcraft/Interest Badges;
- #8 Advancement,
- #12 National Challenge Participation
Requirements
Please refer to the Star Patrol and Star Troop Award guidelines for the latest requirements and guidelines for completing the Star Troop Award assessment form.
- Number of Scouts: Number of scouts in the Troop. (12+)
- Recruitment: Number of scouts recruited during the year (4+)
- Retention: % of scouts on last year's census who would be under 18 and have remained in the Troop at this year's census: (75%+)
- Star Patrol Award: Submission of Star Patrol assessment by ALL Patrols in the Troop. (100%+)
% of Patrols that achieved Bronze Star Patrol award (or higher). (50%+) - Court of Honour: The number of Court of Honour meetings attended by each of the Patrol Leaders in the evaluation year (4+)
- Operation First Class: The number of Scouts in the Troop who have achieved the First Class Advancement Level or higher. (based on Troop size)
- Scoutcraft/Interest Badges: % of Scouts that have gained at least one Interest or Scoutcraft badge during the year: (65%+)
- Advancement: Percentage of scouts that have advanced during the period of review to a new level; Membership, Traveller, Discoverer, First Class or Springbok during the year: (50%+)
- Outdoors: Number of outdoor activities (away from the Troop meeting place) held the year of review, e.g. hike, day trip, special wide games etc: (4+)
- Troop Camping: Number of nights that all patrols have camped together as a Troop away from their Troop meeting place: (2+)
- Troop Participation: Number of District or Regional activities attended by the Troop during the year: (2+)
- National Challenge: % of Scouts that have completed the National Challenge: (50%+)
- Troop Records: All Adult Leaders in the Scout Troop have profiles registered on Scouts.Digital. (100%)
- Communication: Troop Notice Board, Group Website / Social Media updated regularly, regular electronic communication to parents, and/or Group / Troop newsletter. (Yes/No)
- Moments That Matter The Troop Scouter must hold an annual Moments that Matter discussion with and Assistant Troop Scouters and Adult Helpers to reflect on the year and individual Adult Leader performance. (Yes/No)