What is Scouting

SCOUTING IS...

EDUCATION FOR LIFE
Scouting complements the school and the family, filling needs not met by either. Scouting develops self knowledge, the need to explore, to discover, to want to know.
Scouts discover the world beyond the classroom, tapping the skills of others to learn, and passing that knowledge on to others.

A MOVEMENT FOR YOUTH
Scouting is a Movement... on the move. Evolving and adapting everywhere according to local conditions, serving according to local needs.

INTERNATIONAL
There are recognized Scout organizations and branches in more than 216 countries and territories.

GROWING
Scouting has never stopped growing since its founding in 1907. Today there are more than 25 million members - boys and girls. Scouting has doubled its membership in the last 20 years. Much of the growth is in developing countries.

OPEN TO ALL
Scouting is open to all, regardless of race or creed, in accordance with the purpose, principles and method conceived by its founder Robert Baden-Powell.

FUN, WITH A PURPOSE
Through recreation, Scouting achieves its purpose to help young people develop physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually.

ALSO A CHALLENGE FOR ADULTS
A chance to help young people. A way to improve the understanding between generations. In their service, adult leaders get valuable training and experience, adding to their personal development.

VOLUNTARY
Scouts and leaders must choose to join Scouting.

NON-POLITICAL, NON-GOVERNMENTAL
Scouting does not and must not represent any political party or organization. Nonetheless, Scouts are encouraged to make a constructive contribution to their community, society and country.

SCOUTING IS... A METHOD:

MAKING A PERSONAL COMMITMENT - to a simple code of living: the Scout Promise and Law.

LEARNING BY DOING - active participation, with others.

WORKING IN SMALL GROUPS - in patrols to develop leadership, group skills, and individual responsibility.

STIMULATING PROGRAMMES - 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.

SCOUTING IS... A CODE OF LIVING:

A SPIRITUAL DIMENSION - a commitment to seek the spiritual value of life beyond the material world.

A SOCIAL DIMENSION - participating in the development of society, 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.

SCOUTS ARE INVOLVED

MEETING REAL NEEDS
Scouts are involved in a vast number of issues facing the communities where they live.
Scouts work with others in the community to achieve mutual objectives. They work with friends, neighbours, community leaders and other organizations.

Many work on projects of bilateral cooperation between Scouts in developing and industrialized countries.

SCOUTS ARE INVOLVED IN...

child health
drug abuse prevention
clean water and sanitation
appropriate technology
low-cost housing
literacy
peace education
life skills training
children at risk
integration of the handicapped
family life education
rights of children
food production and agriculture
environmental conservation and education
renewable energies
reforestation
job skills training
youth unemployment
immigrant communities
education about development issues