Why: The Rover Scout Programme is based on the principles of Scouting and contributes to achieve the purpose of Scouting: “...to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.” 2 How: The Rover Scout Programme also has one fundamental dimension which determines how it is carried out: the Scout Method. The fact that Scouting’s method is referred to as the Scout Method (capital “M”) is because it is composed of several different educational tools. These are: a law and promise, learning by doing, a team system, a symbolic framework, personal progression, nature and adult support. Taken individually, many of these educational tools are used in other forms of education - working in teams on projects, for example. In Scouting, however, these different tools are referred to as elements of the Scout Method – as each one is only one part of the whole. The fact that all of these elements form a whole and are used as a system is what makes Scouting unique.3 What: The Rover Scout Programme encompasses all activities that young adults in Rover Scouting take part in: camping and outdoor activities, community service and development projects, games, ceremonies, the Scouts of the World Award, etc. All of these must have one thing in common: they must be attractive, challenging and relevant to young adults. These Rover Scout Guidelines are divided in three main sections: “WHY”, “HOW” and “WHAT”. (See Figure 1 below)
ROVER SCOUT PROGRAMME
WHY
HOW
the reason why it is done
Purpose and aims of the Rover Scout Programme Based on the characteristics and needs of young adults
WHAT
how it is done
TEAM SYSTEM
LEARNING BY DOING
Adapted to each culture and each generation
what young adults do in the Rover Scout section
SYMBOLIC FRAMEWORK
PERSONAL PROGRESSION
LAW & PROMISE
ADULT SUPPORT
Activities in the Rover Scout section The four areas of work The Scouts of the World Award
NATURE
Resources The Scout Method in the Rover Scout Programme
Figure 1. The Scout Method in the Rover Scout Programme In the chapters of these guidelines the different elements of the “Why” (purpose and aims), the “How” (Scout Method) and the “What” (activities) are adapted to the Rover Scout Programme, as follows:
Section 1 - “WHY” Chapter 1 - Purpose and aims of the Rover Scout section Providing young adults with opportunities to undertake their personal development through the six areas of growth. Helping the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Chapter 2 - Who are the Rover Scouts: Characteristics and needs of young adults The Rover Scout Programme must be based on the characteristics and needs of young adults and the fundamental elements of Scouting. Each NSO must find the most suitable method to take in consideration the characteristics of their own young people when building the Rover Scout Programme.
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