Scouts
Scouting is a world-wide Movement. There’s an exciting programme lined up, with plenty of outdoor adventure on offer. Activities such as hiking, camping, and pioneering will all provide fun with good friends in a healthy and stimulating environment. There’s plenty of fun for the parents too.
Over 250 million others have been Scouts since Robert Baden-Powell started the Scout Movement in 1907. Today there are more than 16 million members in over 150 countries and territories. About 60 000 are members of the South African Scout Association (SASA).
Scout's Promise
On my honour I promise that I will do my best -
To do my duty to God, and my Country;
To help other people at all times;
To obey the Scout Law.
The Scout's Law
1. A Scout’s honour is to be trusted.
2. A Scout is loyal.
3. A Scout’s duty is to be useful and to help others,
4. A Scout is a friend to all and a brother (or sister) to every other Scout.
5. A Scout is courteous.
6. A Scout is a friend to animals.
7. A Scout obeys orders.
8. A Scout smiles and whistles under all difficulties.
9. A Scout is thrifty.
10. A Scout is clean in thought, word, and deed
The SCOUT MOTTO is “BE PREPARED”
The Scout Programme endorses 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
One of the fundamental aspects of Scouts is the progressive badge system, including Advancement Badges and Interest Badges. The Advancement
Badges provide the core to develop a Scout up to the level of the Top Award.
The METHOD underlying these activities involves:
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 earning environment where simplicity, creativity, and discovery come together to provide adventure and challenge.
The highest Scout Advancement Badge is the Springbok Scout Badge. The requirements for each badge are contained in handbooks called The Scout Trail (for Scouts up to First Class) and The Scout Target. In addition to listing the requirements for each badge, these handbooks also explain
how to complete the requirements for each activity.
Interest Badges cover a wide range of activities designed to broaden a Scouts outside interests. These badges can be earned at any stage and include sports, hobbies, useful skills etc. In addition, Challenge Awards (e.g. Bushman’s Thong) are available to Scouts, to offer optional challenges to the enthusiast.