What is Scouting?

As a young scout at the beginning of your journey, you might have many different ideas about what Scouting could be:

• Is it a hobby club where a Scoutmaster takes you camping and teaches you knots?
• A system of ranks and badges, where the goal is earn rewards and prestige?
• An army brigade of sergeants drilling discipline into their recruits?
• A kind of school, having a certain standard of curriculum and examination?

In truth, it is none of these things.

Scouting is a game, played by scouts, with the mentorship of a Scoutmaster, in which elder “brothers and sisters” can bring their younger “siblings” along on an adventure towards independence, leadership, and character.

Its strongest appeal is through the learning of Woodcraft- the practice of the outdoorsman- camping, hiking, knot-tying, cooking, first aid, fire-building, and more. These things aren’t classes taught by a Scoutmaster, rather, you’ll learn by action and experience, with the guidance of older scouts.

The ranks and badges are offered to you not as rewards, but as challenges. Take on these challenges, and you will learn, grow, and become the master of your powers.

This troop is run and led by scouts, in groups called “patrols”. The running of a patrol is an effort undertaken by its own members. Someday soon, you will be leading this troop.

Over your time in Scouting, you will progress; from a participant, to a team-mate, to a teacher, to a leader.

As you set about your work (practicing Woodcraft, earning ranks, and running your troop) there will be setbacks. You will make mistakes, and sometimes, things won’t go as planned. These are the times when you will learn the most.

All of these things make up the cheerful, rowdy, and adventurous game of Scouting.