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Who said Scouts was boring?!!
Check out what Australian Scouts
really get up to!
So...what
is Scouting?
Scouting
is a worldwide movement that has shaped the development of youth and
adults for nearly 100 years. Scouts are in every part of our community,
and Scouts is the biggest and most successful youth organisation in
Australia. More than 16,000 thousand boys, girls, and adults in New
South Wales from wide cultural or religious backgrounds or with an
intellectual or physical disability enjoy an almost unlimited range of
activities.
The aim of Scouting is to encourage the physical, intellectual, social,
and spiritual development of young people so they may play a
constructive role in society as responsible citizens and as members of
their local and international communities. This aim is achieved through
a strong and active program that inspires young people to do their best
and to always be prepared.
If
you'd like to know a bit more about the history of Scouting, go here.
Why
join Scouts?
Scouting
is fun!
Scouting is definitely fun, and it also
prepares young people for life in the adult world by teaching
responsibility for their own actions and progress. These achievements
lay a solid foundation for the success of our future Australian
leaders. But don’t tell the kids they’re learning… they think they’re
just having fun!
No matter the age of the participant, Scouts provides fun and exciting
programs that promote active learning. Whether the young boys and girls
are canoeing, camping, visiting museums or helping their local
community, the activity is sure to teach them about themselves and the
world around them.
Scouting is Adventurous!
Each year, all sections of Scouts learn to
share responsibilities and to live with each other through adventures
set in the outdoors. Camping, abseiling, caving, horseback riding,
fishing, rock climbing and diving are just a few of the exciting
experiences that a Scout may have achieved in his or her time as a
youth member.
Scouting is Challenging!
Scouts challenge their minds as well as
their bodies. Not everyone looks for the outdoor buzz all the time, so
Scouts have challenging activities linked with the internet and amateur
radio, performance arts such as singing, dancing, and acting and awards
linked to citizenship, community service and personal spiritual
development.
Scouting is Commitment!
Scouting makes a direct and positive impact
on the community by teaching positive values and leadership skills to
youth. Every year, Scouts and their leaders contribute thousands of
volunteer hours to their local communities. Sharing time with the aged
in the local community, helping with Clean Up Australia Day, Harmony
Day and planting trees to help with the Murray-Darling River Rescue are
just a few examples of the commitment Scouts make to their communities.
Scouting is Inclusive!
We encourage the integration of
children with special needs – physical and mental disabilities or
medical conditions - into regular Scout Groups. We also have many Scout
Groups that have formed within existing religious or cultural
communities in NSW. Scouting really is for everyone!
Scouting in Global!
There are over 28 million Scouts in 155 countries – and joining Scouts
Australia NSW connects you to them all. International opportunities
include joining the Jamboree of the Air (JOTA), the Jamboree of the
Internet (JOTI), making a Pen-Pal, attending a World Jamboree or a
World Scout Association event.
How does it work?
Scouting achieves its aim through a system
of progressive self education, known as the Scout Method, the principal
elements of which are:
- Voluntary membership of a
uniformed group which, guided by adults, and is increasingly self
governed in its successive age groups.
- Commitment to a code of living as
expressed in the Scout Promise and Scout Law, the meaning of which is
expanded as the members grow towards maturity.
- The provision of a wide range of
fun, 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 activity in small
groups.
- An award scheme which encourages
participation in its full range of activities and provides recognition
of individual achievements.
- A commitment to helping youth from
the adult Leaders.
Joining
Scouts
Costs
Membership
If
you are joining Scouts for the first there is a one-time joining fee of
$20 plus an annual or quarterly membership fee, which includes personal
accident and public liability insurance cover. Each Scout Group is
responsible for its own Scouting financial program so it’s best to
check with you local group for their membership and subscription costs.
Uniform
A
shirt and belt is all that makes up the basic Scout uniform. These
items can be purchased from Snowgum stores or through second hand
clothing pools run by many local Scout Groups. Pants are to light
coloured as outlined in the uniform policy. Scarves and badges
are
provided at no cost by the local Scout Group.
Equipment
Your
local Scout Group will either own or have access to a large range of
camping and adventure equipment such as tents, ropes, canoes, and
cooking gear. The cost of this equipment is met through local
fundraising and your membership subscription. Depending on your age
group and which section you belong to, you will need a certain amount
of personal camping equipment. Your leader can recommend what is
required for your child. You may find that you already have much of
what you need.
What we offer...
Mittagong
Scouts has a long and proud history. In fact it's been around since
1925, making it one of the oldest in Australia. Currently, we have
positions available for Joeys, Cubs and Scouts. We also have a Southern
Highlands Venturer's unit for older children.
How to Join
Easy! Simply come to the hall on Wednesday (Cubs), Thursday (Joeys) or
Friday (this is a Scout night and we are currently combining with
Bowral and meeting at their hall) and
speak with one of our Leaders or fill out the contact form on this site
and we'll get back in touch with you shortly.
You
can try Scouting FREE for up to 4 weeks, allowing your child to try
different activities before they decide if they want to join. Simply
dress your child in casual clothing, with enclosed shoes (no thongs or
sandles). You are welcome to stay and watch especially if you have
younger children (e.g. Joey, Cub). You may even get to even help out
with the activities!
We look forward to seeing you.
Information Courtesy of
http://www.nsw.scouts.com.au/
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