As the parent of a potential scout you may find the information on this page and the information located within the scout badge book of particular interest.

An organsiation which has thrived for 100 years must hold some special qualities.

 

THE AIMS AND METHODS


AIM:
Rule 102  The aim of the Association 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:
                  (a) developing their character;
                  (b) training them in citizenship;
                  (c) developing their spiritual, social, intellectual, and physical qualities;

Rule103  PRINCIPLES
              The Scout Movement 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.

METHOD:
Rule 104  The Scout Method is a system of progressive self-education through:
                   * a Promise and Law.
                   * learning by doing.
                   * membership of small groups (e.g. the patrol) involving, under adult guidance, progressive
                      discovery and acceptance of responsibility and training towards self-government directed
                      towards the development of character and the acquisition of competence, self-reliance,
                      dependability and capacities both to co-operate and to lead.
                   * progressive and stimulating programmes of varied activities based on the interests of the
                      participants, including games, useful skills, and services to the community, taking place
                      largely in an outdoor setting in contact with nature.

GENERAL INFORMATION
The organisation of the Scout Movement in South Africa, the procedures to be followed and the requirements of the Cub, Scout and Rover programmes are set out in Policy, Organisation and Rules, The Cub Badge Book, and The Scout Badge Book (which you are reading). Where 'Rules' are referred to in the text, these are given as they appear in Policy. Organisation and Rules.


TRAINING PROGRAMMES
In order to achieve the Aim of the Movement, the Methods are adapted in the Cub, Scout and Rover training programmes to cater for the characteristics, interests, and degree of mental and physical maturity of boys of different age-groups. The programmes are designed to cover the following areas of growth in the individual:
           - Life skills Living with nature
           - Body and Mind Service
           - Social Faith and Life
           - Scoutcraft


While the programme is designed at every stage to prepare the boys, girls and young adults for the next advancement step, in the Cub, Scout and Rover branches the programmes are designed independently of each other.

 

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It is often very difficult to explain the benefits of scouting to someone who has not experienced it first hand.

Scoutcraft and Interest Bagdes are awarded for profieciency in particular fields of interest or scouting related skills, for example there are such badges as: Air Navigator, Athlete, Cameraman, Canoeist, Horseman, Pioneer, Wave rider, Musician and Master-at-arms. In total there are 16 scoutcraft and 91 interest badges. Scoutcraft badges are of a lower difficulty level as compared to interest and are in some cases directly linked to particular interest badges, i.e. you would need the scoutcraft before you could get the interest badge in a particular field.

Advancement badges work differently and are there for a different purpose. The advancement badge system would be the "career" track of scouting if such a thing existed. They are more difficult to achieve and requirements are orientated towards serious life skills rather than interests. Advancement badges focus on leadership, social, organisational and practical skills development. (See Badge book pages 14-23.[or right click and "save target as" to peruse at your leisure])

Rather than seek to replace other extra mural activities, I believe, the scouting system encourages diversity in ones life and, I feel, this is reflected in the badge system. Whether offering recognition for ones existing interest or encouraging the growth of an interest or generating a new interest, achieving badge awards, if for nothing else, broadens ones experiences.

  

For More information please read "What is scouting" (right click - "save target as" to download)

and visit www.scouting.org.za
   
 

Examples of Advnacement Badges requirements:

Pathfinder: 20 requirements

Requirement No. 5 - Lay and light a fire and use it to cook a raw ingredient to serve as a meal for you. Explain the dangers of fires and the necessary precautions to prevent an accident.

 

Adventurer: 20 Requirements

Requirement No. 19 - Take part in a community service project, assist other scouts to complete their service projects or continue a service project started by another scout.

 

First Class: 19 Requirements

Requirements No. 10 - Plan for and lead a Patrol of at least three other Scouts of lower advancement level than you, on an
overnight cross-country hike of not less than 20 km. Half of the distance may be on water, animal or bicycle. The hike must be approved and evaluated by the DC (district commissioner) or his nominee, who may be the Troop Scouter. A written log is to be submitted to the evaluator within 21 days after the hike. The hike may only qualify one Scout. This must be the last item before the PGA. (Personal growth agreement/assessment)

 

Explorer: 15 Requirements

Requirement No. 8 - Using an imaginative and adventurous scenario, plan, organise and lead a backwoodsman camp of not
less than 24 hours, away from the Scout meeting place, in which younger Scouts are instructed in
survival skills.

 

Springbok: 12 Requirements

Requirement No. 2 - With the prior approval of your concept by the AAC (assitant area commissioner) Scout Programme or his nominee, build a 1:20 scale model of a proposed construction project, discuss its purposes and advantages with your examiner, train Scouts and lead them in the building of the project. This may include the construction of a community facility.

 

To view full details please review the scout badge book, or right click the link and "save target as" to download