Steven Millar

N I C (Scouts)

028 2587 1315

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Get in Shape for 2008

A new Century of Scouting is about to start – are we prepared?  One of the reasons why Scouting was successful in the past 100 years was the ability of those involved to change in order to reflect the needs and interests of young people and society in general.  This process will continue and the Leadership we provide will be a fundamental element in the ongoing development of the movement and the young people in it.

Balanced Programme Revised

Since the Balanced Programme was launched in 2002, ongoing consultation and feedback have resulted in a number of changes being taken on board.  These will take effect from 1st February 2008.  More information and detail is included in the Scout supplement of December/January Scouting magazine and on websites.  The main changes impacting on the Scout Section are outlined below.

Programme Zones

There are still 6 Programme Zones but the names have been amended slightly to harmonise them with the Beaver and Cub Sections.

Awards

A new Promise Challenge has been added to reflect the importance and underlying principles of Scouting.  The requirements for some of the Challenge Awards have been amended and more alternatives introduced.  There is now at least one Challenge Award from each Programme Zone and for a Scout to gain the Chief Scout’s Award they must now gain eight Challenge Awards.  The Personal Challenge has been dropped.  To reflect the new Awards and their requirements, a new Scout Record Book will be published.

Participation Awards

These badges have been redesigned so that previous ones do not have to be removed when a new one is awarded. The smaller more colourful designs allow Scouts to wear the highest badge earned in the previous Section and to add to it year on year until they leave that Section.

Activity Badges

The Activity Badges were reviewed in 2006 and all the requirements are on the website www.scouts.org.uk/scoutbase  A number of badges were withdrawn, four new ones added and others revised.  Details will also be included in a new resource written for young people called the Scout Badge Book.  It will be available early in 2008.

Partnership Awards

The Group Awards were thought to be low on practical content and unrealistic in terms of time commitment but worthwhile.  They have been simplified and given a new name to better reflect the needs of Explorer Section.

Publications

The new supporting resources will be produced in bound book form and will be cheaper.  These include new Scout Record Book, Scout Badge Book, Troop Essentials, The Troop Programme and Troop Programme Plus.  They should be available after January 2008.

Chief Scouts Awards

It was extremely gratifying to read the large number of applications from throughout Northern Ireland, from Scouts planning to attend the Chief Scout’s Award presentation in Craigavon Civic Centre on 4th January.  What better way to kick off a new century of Scouting.  The Awards provide substantial evidence of the good work being done by Leadership teams throughout Northern Ireland, to deliver balanced programmes that attract and retain young people, providing progression opportunities to Explorer Scouts. 

Wishing all Leaders and Scouts a Happy New Year.