Scouts is for young people aged between 10.5 and 15 years. At this point in their lives Scouts show great enthusiasm for activities that give them a sense of achievement and follow their special interests with intensity. Trained Leaders use these characteristics to help make Scouting an experience in which young people gain character-developing qualities while having fun. During their years in Scouts they aim to earn a series of Badges, which give them knowledge of basic Scouting skills and mark achievements in areas such as citizenship, campcraft, air and water activities and improving the environment.
Patrol System
This is the basis of the Scout Section and the principal means by which young people are trained to become responsible citizens. Lord Baden-Powell, the Founder of Scouting, recognised that young people delight at forming themselves into small gangs or cliques each under its own leader whether for work, fun, or mischief. He made use of this natural organisation and called it the Patrol System.
Boys and Girls are formed into stable Patrols of four to eight members. A Patrol Leader is appointed as head of the Patrol and is responsible for the training and development of the Patrol, setting and achievement of goals, fostering the group life of the Patrol, and the well- being and advancement of the Patrol to name but a few.
The Patrol Leader also chooses an Assistant Patrol Leader subject to the approval of the Unit Council and Scout Leader. The Assistant Patrol Leader takes the place of the Patrol Leader when they are absent and otherwise assists in running the Patrol.
The value in the Patrol is that it provides:
A Unit is a group of Scouts who meet together on a regular basis.
Unit Council
The Unit Council is composed of the Patrol Leaders of the Unit who meet regularly in the presence of the Scout Leader. The Unit Council is responsible for the broad programme planning, routine Unit management and for the policies and operations of the Unit, which are within the capacity of the experience of Scouts. It is also responsible for the expenditure of Unit funds. Training of Patrol Leaders is also partly carried out through the Unit Council.
Meetings
As well as regular Unit meetings, Patrol meetings entirely on their own are encouraged and may take place at private homes and as expeditions.
Ceremonies
A Scout meeting commences with a Flag Parade or Flag Break. At the end of the meeting there is a Flag down or Flag Parade, notices, award of badges and then the Troop is dismissed. If someone is becoming a Scout for the first time an investiture will take place at the opening ceremony.
Patrol System
This is the basis of the Scout Section and the principal means by which young people are trained to become responsible citizens. Lord Baden-Powell, the Founder of Scouting, recognised that young people delight at forming themselves into small gangs or cliques each under its own leader whether for work, fun, or mischief. He made use of this natural organisation and called it the Patrol System.
Boys and Girls are formed into stable Patrols of four to eight members. A Patrol Leader is appointed as head of the Patrol and is responsible for the training and development of the Patrol, setting and achievement of goals, fostering the group life of the Patrol, and the well- being and advancement of the Patrol to name but a few.
The Patrol Leader also chooses an Assistant Patrol Leader subject to the approval of the Unit Council and Scout Leader. The Assistant Patrol Leader takes the place of the Patrol Leader when they are absent and otherwise assists in running the Patrol.
The value in the Patrol is that it provides:
- The basic unit for activities and training
- Opportunities for leadership experience for the Patrol Leader
- Opportunities for the Patrol members to gain leadership training through observation of the Patrol Leader and by accepting responsibilities within the Patrol
- The opportunity to belong to and work in an autonomous group within the overall structure of the Unit
- A secure environment in which members can test their physical, social, and mental abilities
- Opportunities for practising and expressing concern for others
- The opportunity to manage and administer Patrol property, finance, and other resources
A Unit is a group of Scouts who meet together on a regular basis.
Unit Council
The Unit Council is composed of the Patrol Leaders of the Unit who meet regularly in the presence of the Scout Leader. The Unit Council is responsible for the broad programme planning, routine Unit management and for the policies and operations of the Unit, which are within the capacity of the experience of Scouts. It is also responsible for the expenditure of Unit funds. Training of Patrol Leaders is also partly carried out through the Unit Council.
Meetings
As well as regular Unit meetings, Patrol meetings entirely on their own are encouraged and may take place at private homes and as expeditions.
Ceremonies
A Scout meeting commences with a Flag Parade or Flag Break. At the end of the meeting there is a Flag down or Flag Parade, notices, award of badges and then the Troop is dismissed. If someone is becoming a Scout for the first time an investiture will take place at the opening ceremony.