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Scouting Aims

The aims of the scouting movement is to develop good citizenship among boys by forming their character, training them in the habits of observation, obedience and self-reliance. In the process inculcating loyalty and consideration for others; teaching them to serve the public and skills useful to themselves; promoting their physical, mental and spiritual development.

Clarification on the above mentioned aims:

1. Habits of observation

• Being alert and aware of what happens around him.

2. Obedience

• Self-disciplined and know when and how to behave appropriately.

3. Self-reliance

• Ability to look after oneself and not to become a burden to others under various situation, eventually learning to help and look after others.

4. Loyalty

• Being sincere and faithful to the nation and scout movement.

5. Consideration

• Think about the people around oneself and around the world, giving thought to what his actions can contribute to effects which can affect them.

Scouting aims to produce good citizens through character building. It also aims to help each scout develop to the fullest of his potential with specific references to his physical, mental, moral, emotional and spiritual developments. These aims are interrelated and actually compliment each other in this total "growth experience" of a scout.

Clarification on the above mentioned aims:

1. CITIZENSHIP

• In general, it means the scout's relationship to others. In scouting he will learn of the obligations he has towards others, to the society/country he lives in, to the government that presides over that society/country, and to the international/world community of which he and his country is a part of.

• It is also the recognition of the needs of others, knowing one's place among others and the roles he plays, understanding and working for the common good under the law.

• Through scouting's unique unit programmes and the patrol system, the scout will be drawn into relationships with others, learning to live with groups of different people, and with rules based on the common good. Below are some pointers to a successful citizenship programme.

1. He knows his heritage and is proud of it.

2. He understands the different people around him and their cultures, language, race, and heritage.

3. He knows of the different religions of people in his environment and believes in the right to their religious beliefs.

4. He respects the human rights.

5. He demonstrates concern in the interests of others.

6. He understand the ethnic and social situation in his surroundings.

7. He is aware of community organisations and what they do.

8. He understand to certain degree the social, economic and governmental systems.

9. He contributes to the improvement of the environment he lives in.

10. He understands and can use the skills of leadership to lead and produce good results.

11. He wisely uses property belonging to himself or others.

12. He explores vocational and hobby possibilities for himself.

1. Character building

• Character may be defined as who the boy is; his personal qualities, values, and outlook on life. These qualities show his behaviour.

• Examples of good traits are:

1. He is confident and not conceited about himself.

2. He is honest with himself and others.

3. His personal appearance and general actions show that he respects himself.

4. He can take care of himself in emergencies.

5. He shows imagination and resourcefulness in solving problems.

6. He is courageous in difficult times.

7. He can plan and use logic to meet unfamiliar situations.

2. PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

• We usually think of development in the physical sense, but in scouting, we do not intend to restrict ourselves to this. Being fit generally means to be ready to meet life's challenges and not all of these are physically demanding. An old saying goes, "One needs to develop a healthy mind in a healthy body".

• These development is further broken down into Physical Development, Mental Development, Moral Development, and Emotional Development, which will be explained below.

1. PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

• Scouting has many vigorous activities engaged in both indoors and outdoors, the ability the boys have to cope with these physical demands reveals their physical development.

• Some of the outcomes which we aim for are:

1. He knows and practises good health rules, and has good health habits.

2. His physical development is shown in his strength, build, stamina, and endurance.

3. He has good physical coordination.

4. He keeps his weight within healthy limits.

2. MENTAL DEVELOPMENT

• This concerns the mind and not the body or emotions, it is about the use of one's mental ability. A brilliant boy may waste his brain power. A retarded boy may achieve far beyond his apparent ability. One who is mentally fit will be able to make good use of his intelligence.

• This may be shown as:

1. Being alert

2. Being responsive

3. Retaining and using of resources and knowledge.

4. Using good judgment, thinking logically, making sound decisions.

5. Solving problems creatively.

6. Inquisitive.

7. Able to discern truth and false.

8. Able to think for himself.

9. Have a questioning approach to problems.

3. MORAL DEVELOPMENT

• Morality is a difficult aspect of one's development due to the limitless moral contradictions in life that constantly challenges us. One's morality is dependent on one's upbringing and background. Despite this, scouts must be prepared to act correctly when faced with a moral decision.

• These can be seen when he,

1. Has confidence and believes in himself and his beliefs.

2. Has respect for others' views that may differ from his own.

3. Has compassion for others' feelings and needs.

4. Has consideration for others' rights with regards to his own actions.

5. Accepts others as equals in worth and dignity.

4. EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• The scouting programme helps boys to understand themselves and to maintain emotional balance. It prepares them to withstand the emotional changes and crises they face in life.

• Evidence of their preparedness will show as:

1. Adaptability - being able to adjust to the changes in his environment and situations.

2. Self-discipline - having self-control.

3. Respect for oneself.

4. Constructive and enthusiastic attitudes.

5. Able to accept failures and disappointments and to learn from them.