Special Interests
Discover Scout Special Interest Areas and how youth design projects around adventure, creativity, service, and skills.
Requirements
Special Interest Areas encourage Scouts to try new things and pursue existing interests. Members choose a defined project option or the 'your own idea' option in one of the six areas, then set a goal that interests and challenges them personally.
The Goal
Complete 6 Projects
- Across at least 3 different areas
- Minimum 8 hours per project
- Plan, Do, Review process required
Choose a project option
Each Special Interest Area now has defined project options. Choose one of those options, or choose the your own idea option, then build a goal and project around it.
Unit Council approval
Two Unit Council members can approve either a proposed project or a completed project.
The Six Areas
STEM & Innovation
Explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Develop innovative solutions to problems or learn new technical skills.
Environment
Projects focused on sustainability, conservation, and understanding the natural world around us.
Creative Flare
Express yourself through arts, performance, design, or literature. Push your creative boundaries.
Growth & Development
Personal challenges aimed at improving physical or mental well-being, learning a new language, or developing life skills.
Better World
Community service, advocacy, and projects that actively contribute to peace, justice, and social equity.
Adventure & Sport
Pursuits involving physical exertion, skill, and often risk, in an outdoor or sporting environment.
Local inspiration
These examples can help start a conversation, but they are not the national project-option list. Use the current program resources when choosing the formal option for a project.
Code a Game
STEM & Innovation: Learn to code a simple game or website.
Reduce Hall Waste
Environment: Investigate and implement ways to reduce waste at your Scout hall.
Create a Short Film
Creative Flare: Plan, shoot, and edit a short film about your Patrol.
Camp Cooking
Growth & Development: Prepare and cook a meal for your Unit on a camp.
Organise a Unit Clean Up
Better World: Plan and lead a clean-up day at a local park or around your hall.
Train for a Run
Adventure & Sport: Train for and complete a 5km run.