What is Scouting?
Learn about the Scout Method, our values, and the Promise and Law that underpin everything we do in the global Scouting movement.
A Global Movement
Scouting is a non-formal type of education. Young people learn new skills and responsible independence through the Scout Method. Although our programs are continually updated to remain contemporary, the Scout Method has stood the test of time.
The Scout Method
Scouting isn’t just camping – it’s a holistic development framework built around eight key elements:
- Learning by Doing: Young people learn best through practical experiences, not theory.
- Patrol System: Leadership and social skills are developed through teamwork and a sense of belonging in small groups.
- Nature and the Outdoors: The outdoors is our main location for learning. This encourages a two-way relationship between the individual and the natural world.
- Community Involvement: Scouts of all ages actively explore and learn about their responsibility to their community and the wider world.
- Personal Progression: The learning journey focuses on challenging each individual to do their best through a range of experiences.
- The Australian Scout Promise and Law: A simple set of common values that underpin all Scouting activities and interactions.
- Youth Leading, Adults Supporting: As they progress, young people are increasingly self-managing, with help from volunteer adult Leaders.
- Symbolic Framework: A theme or story (like the Jungle Book for Cubs) that helps capture the imagination.
Scout Values
Scouting is a values-based organisation. The Australian Scout Promise and the Australian Scout Law underpin this. Every member makes the Scout Promise when they first join, and at major milestones in their journey.
The Australian Scout Promise
Members choose which version they wish to make:
| Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|
| On my honour, I promise to do my best, | On my honour, I promise that I will do my best, |
| To be true to my spiritual beliefs, | To do my duty to my God, and |
| To contribute to my community and our world, | To the King of Australia, |
| To help other people, | To help other people, |
| And to live by the Scout Law. | And to live by the Scout Law. |
Australian Scout Law
- Be Respectful: Be friendly and considerate; Care for others and the environment
- Do What is Right: Be trustworthy, honest, and fair; Use resources wisely
- Believe in Myself: Learn from my experiences; Face challenges with courage
[!NOTE] The information and images on these pages are republished from Scouts Victoria’s Parent and Caregiver Guide with permission.