Purpose, Principles & Method
Unity requires all members of a movement to adhere to the fundamental elements defined as being the basis for its existence. The Fundamentals of Scouting are the Purpose of Scouting (including Mission), the Principles of Scouting and the Scout Method.
PURPOSE of Scouting
Scouting provides young people, of all ages, gender and ability, with challenging and adventurous opportunities so they may grow and develop in the five areas of personal growth outlined in the Purpose of Scouting
The Purpose of Scouting is to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.
Scouting is non-formal education and complements the formal education of young people. Scouting aims to assist with the development of the whole person. The Mission of Scouting supports this.
The Mission of Scouting is to contribute to the education of young people through a value system based on the Scout Promise & Law to help build a better world where people are self-fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in society.
PRINCIPLES of Scouting
Scouting is based on three broad Principles that represent the movement’s fundamental beliefs. They are known as Duty to God, Duty to Others and Duty to Self. All Scouts commit to a code of living as expressed in the Australian Scout Promise and Law, which embodies the Principles of Scouting.
Duty to God – Adherence to spiritual principles, loyalty to the religion that expresses them and acceptance of the duties resulting therefrom.
Duty to Others – Loyalty to one’s country in harmony with the promotion of local, national and international peace, understanding and cooperation.
Participation in the development of society with recognition and respect for the dignity of humanity and for the integrity of the natural world.
Duty to Self – Responsibility for the development of oneself.
Scouts Australia has a definition of Spirituality that suits the needs of the program and makes a link between Duty to God and spiritual development.
Spirituality refers to the feelings or beliefs of a person regarding their purpose in life, connection to others and place in the world around them. These spiritual feelings or beliefs may change as a person develops and guide their actions throughout their life.
Scout METHOD
The Scout Method has eight elements that support the development of young people. The Method is unique to Scouting and Scouting is unique because of the way in which the Method educates and develops young people. The Method is the same across all age sections, providing for continuous development.