The Scout Method has eight elements that support the
development of young people. The Scout Method is
unique to Scouting and Scouting is unique because of this
Method, and the way in which it educates and develops
young people. The Method is the same across all Sections,
providing for continuous development.
Community Involvement
This means the Section supports active exploration
of each member’s commitment and responsibility
to their community and the wider world. The Section is
dedicated to being of service, and positive and visible
The Scout Method
members of the community.
Learning by Doing
This means the Section is learning through
practical experiences and activities on a regular
basis. Scouting events, regular weekly nights and Patrol
activities should not be a classroom, even though education
is occurring.
Nature and the Outdoors Promise and Law
Scouting believes that the The Promise and Law are Scouting
outdoors is the primary and values that underpin all activities
most effective setting for learning and and interactions. They are integral for the
encourages a two-way relationship between continued success of the Section over time,
the individual and the natural world. Each and provide for bonding, camaraderie
Section should spend a significant portion of and self-reflection. Promise and Law help
their program outdoors, exposed to nature. individuals understand their place in their
community and the world.
Patrol System
The Patrol System is integral Symbolic Framework
to Scouting. It provides a way The Symbolic Framework is a
to develop interpersonal and leadership structure of themes and symbols
skills in young people, through teamwork, that facilitate awareness and development
responsibility and belonging. Virtually all during an individual’s personal journey. It is
Scouting activities occur in Patrols, and it important that the Symbolic Framework is
is incredibly important that Sections use utilised for a Section to be coordinated with
this system to reach goals and overcome other Sections and aspects of Scouting.
obstacles.
Youth Leading,
Personal Progression Adults Supporting
Personal Progression is a ”Youth Leading, Adults
learning journey that focuses Supporting” reinforces that Scouting is
on challenging the individual to do their a youth movement, guided by adults.
best through a wide range of experiences. Youth Sections are increasingly self-
Sections must focus on ensuring that managing. The Scout Method and ”Youth
each individual is striving to reach their Leading, Adults Supporting” provide ample
best possible goals, and the Section must opportunities for youth members to develop
support each individual during this process. as unique individuals as their strengths and
weaknesses allow.
January 2018 – Version 1.0