Youth programme of Scouting

The Youth Programme

The Scout movement strives towards the fulfilment of its aim through a goal-oriented and progressive education of children and young people, that includes the educational objectives, the Scout method and the youth programme. The educational objectives specify the aim of Scouting, which is then reached by using the Scout method and implementing the programme activities.

The educational objectives

The educational objectives of the Guides and Scouts of Finland minutely define the aim of the education of children and young people by the means of the Scout method and the youth programme. The educational objectives concretise the aim of Scouting and are linked to time, society and culture.

The general educational objectives

Scouting is a multifaceted leisure activity that strives to support individual growth while taking personal characteristics and stages of development into consideration. The aim of the youth programme is to educate individuals into acting responsibly and actively in relation to themselves, to other people, to society and to the environment. Scouting teaches knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that are of use for living a balanced and fulfilling life.

Relation to self

A Scout develops him/herself as a human being. (S)he takes care of him/herself and his/her personal wellbeing by adapting a healthy way of living. A Scout strives towards living a multifaceted and balanced life. Scouting provides tools for developing one’s identity, philosophy of life and relation to spiritual dimension. A Scout develops an understanding of right and wrong as well as ability and willingness to work for those issues (s)he perceives as important. A Scout has courage to throw him/herself into new and various situations, and (s)he uses his/her creativity. (S)he plays, uses his/her imagination and finds sensible solutions to various difficult situations. A Scout takes action. A Scout is able to provide feedback and to learn from that which (s)he receives him/herself. (S)he harbours a hopeful and goal-oriented attitude towards his/her future.

Relation to other people

A Scout helps and takes care of other people, even when that is not in line with his/her own immediate advantage. (S)he understands that cooperation with others is beneficiary. A Scout appreciates diversity and understands that people and their conceptions of the world may vary. A Scout is able to work with different kinds of people. (S)he is able to express his/her feelings and opinions in a manner appropriate to the situation at hand. A Scout is upright and honest. The exercise and promotion of justice is important to a Scout.

Relation to society

A Scout is able to act in society, to explore issues of everyday life and influence them. (S)he is able to take on various, either leading or subordinate, roles in different organisations and communities. A Scout understands official and unofficial decision-making structures.
A Scout develops his/her leadership and influencing skills, such as taking initiative, responsibility, systematic action, setting objectives and organisational ability. A Scout is interested in dealing with common issues. (S)he notices incongruities and takes action in order to correct them. A Scout wants to be part of society and his/her communities. A Scout knows and exercises his/her own culture while also appreciating and being interested in other cultures. A Scout perceives him/herself as part of humanity and feels global responsibility.

Relation to the environment

A Scout is able to move and operate in different environments. (S)he respects and is familiar with nature. A Scout enjoys spending time in nature and considers him/herself as part of it. A Scout is also interested in the welfare, cleanliness and comfort of his/her living and working environments. (S)he takes an interest in the preservation of the environment for future generations in accordance with the principles of sustainable development.

The Scout Method

The Scout method is a collection of tools used by the movement in order to reach its educational objectives and thus fulfil the aim of Scouting. The Finnish Scout method is based on the Scout methods of WAGGGS and WOSM.

The Scout method consists of

• Commitment to the values of Scouting
  The Scout Promise, Ideals and Motto describe the values of Scouting. By acknowledging them, a Scout commits him/herself to the values of Scouting.

• Symbolism
  Symbolism includes objects, contents and ways of working that have a commonly understood meaning. Symbolism links children and young people to their own group, their local group, and the global Scout movement.

• Personal progression
  In Scouting, each individual is entrusted with suitably challenging tasks. The programme, appropriately adapted to the needs of each age section, promotes growth and development.

• The Patrol system
  Scouting activities take place in peer groups, in which responsibility is shared and decisions are made together. In these small groups, children and young people learn to operate as members of a group.

• Learning by doing
  For children and young people, learning by doing is the natural way of learning. In Scouting, learning takes place through doing and experiencing.

• A good deed every day
  In Scouting, children and young people learn to take responsibility for themselves and for others. Activities aiming at the wellbeing of others serve communities and create a sense of togetherness.

• Activities in nature
  In Scouting, children and young people operate in nature, a working and learning environment that provides unforgettable experiences.

• Adult support
  In Scouting, children, young people and adults work together. The adults support the growth and participation of the children and young people, and provide possibilities to influence.