Scout method

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The Scout method is the principal method by which all Scouting organizations operate their units. These organisations include those affiliated to the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and the World Federation of Independent Scouts (WFIS). Other youth organisations may follow the Scout method closely or in part. The World Organization of the Scout Movement describes the Scouting movement as "...a voluntary nonpolitical educational movement for young people open to all without distinction of origin, race or creed, in accordance with the purpose, principles and method conceived by the Founder and stated below..."^[1]

Contents 1 Goals 2 Principles 3 Method 4 Rationale behind the Scout method 5 The Scout Law 6 See also 7 References

[edit] Goals

It is the goal of the Scouting movement "to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities." ^[1]

[edit] Principles

The principles of the Scouting movement describe a code of behavior that applies to all members and characterizes the movement. WOSM designates the following three basic principles as obligations:

• Duty to God (or a higher power)
• Duty to others
• Duty to self^[2]

[edit] Method

The Scout method, which aids the Scouting movement to achieve its goals and fulfill its principles, is a progressive system comprised of the following elements:

• Voluntary membership of a group which, guided by adults, is increasingly self-governing in its successive age groups.
• Commitment to a code of living as expressed in the Scout promise (Oath) and Scout Law, the meaning of which is expanded as the member grows towards maturity.
• The provision of a wide range of attractive, constructive and challenging activities, including opportunities for adventure and exploration both indoors and outdoors.
• The provision of opportunities for leadership and responsibility. Learning by doing. Encouragement of activities in small groups.
• An award scheme, which encourages participation in its full range of activities and provides recognition and group achievements.

[edit] Rationale behind the Scout method

The Scout Law embodies the joint values of the Scouting movement all over the world which binds all Scouting associations together. The emphasis on "Learning by doing" provides experiences and hands on orientation as a practical method of learning and confidence building. Small groups build unity and a close-knit fraternal atmosphere to develop responsibility, character, self-reliance and self-confidence, reliability, and readiness; which eventually leads to collaboration and leadership. A program of progressive and attractive varying activities expands a Scouts' horizons and bonds the Scout even more to the group. Activities and games develop dexterities and provides a fun way to develop skills. In an outdoor setting, these also provide contact with nature and the environment.

These principles are equally applicable to boy and girl Scouting.

Common ways to implement the Scout method include:

• Regular hours spent in firm groups
• Development of joint ritual
• Common uniform
• Tenting together
• Camping, hiking, backpacking, and other activities done together in the outdoors
• Domestic and international travel in a group, especially when encountering other Scout groups
• Equal participation of all in decision-making processes at the youth level
• Service to the community and developing good citizenship
• Cultivating a love of the outdoors
• Scoutcraft

[edit] The Scout Law

The Scout Law is a code of living based on Scouting’s principles. It is a personal code of living in that it serves as a reference, guiding the way in which each member of the movement lives his or her life today, and guiding the direction of development for tomorrow. It is also a collective code of living in that it is the basis on which the Scout unit functions. The Scout Law is therefore at the heart of the Scout method.^[1]

The concept of doing a "Good Turn" is key component of all Scouting movements. In many Scouting associations it is embodied in their Scout oath, law, motto, or slogan; such as the Boy Scouts of America's (BSA) Scout Slogan, which is Do a Good Turn Daily.

[edit] See also

• Scout Spirit

[edit] References