l AUSTRALIA J

THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

GROUP LEADER & GROUP COMMITTEE HANDBOOK

AUSTRALIA

THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

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AN AUSTRALIAN SCOUT PUBLICATION

The Scout Association of Australia expresses its thanks to John Ravenhall for his work in the writing, preparation and compilation of this publication. The Association's thanks is also extended to Kirsty Brown, Rowley Dart, Kenn Gardner, World Bureau and The Scout

Association (UK) for their contributions.

Revision for the Second Edition was prepared by John Ravenhall and Kirsty Brown.

Published by authority of the National Executive Committee

of The Scout Association of Australia

Copyright© The Scout Association of Australia, 1992.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means,

electronic or mechanical, including photocopying recording or by any information storage, mailing or retrieval system, without

written permission of The Scout Association of Australia.

Photographs by courtesy of the NSW Branch, SA Branch, ACT Branch, WA Branch

and Harry Smith

First Edition February 1993 Second Edition August 1996

National Library of Australia Card No. and ISBN 0 949180 62 9 National Scout Catalogue #50201

Printed in Australia by Littlewood Printing Co.

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Contents FOREWORD ................................................................................................................................................................ ?

1. EXPLANATION OF ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................. 9

2. DEFINITIONS ..................................................................................................................................................... 10

3. ORGANISATION CHART ............................................................................................................................ 13

4. THE SCOUT MOVEMENT 4.1 The Origin of the Scout Movement ............................................................................................................. 14 4 2 World Scouting ........................................................................................................................................... 16 4.3 Adults in Scouting - World Scout Strategy ................................................................................................ 21 4.4 Youth Program - the World Program Policy .............................................................................................. 23 4.5 The Scout Association of Australia .............................................................................................................. 25 4.5. 1 Branches ..................................................................................................................................................... 25 4.5.2 Areas ........................................................................................................................................................... 25 4.5.3 Districts ........................................................................................................................................................ 25 4.5.4 Groups ......................................................................................................................................................... 25 4.6 Aim, Principles and Methods of The Scout Association of Australia .......................................................... 25 4.6.1 Aim .............................................................................................................................................................. 26 4.6.2 Principles ..................................................................................................................................................... 26 4.6.3 Methods ....................................................................................................................................................... 26 4.6.4 Program for the Development of Youth ....................................................................................................... 26 4.6.5 Scout Promise and Scout Law .................................................................................................................... 27 4.7 The Policies of The Scout Association of Australia ..................................................................................... 28 4. 7. 1 Duty to God ................................................................................................................................................. 28 4. 7.2 Duty to Others ............................................................................................................................................. 28 4. 7.3 Duty to Self ..................................................... ............................................................................................. 28 4. 7.4 Association Values ...................................................................................................................................... 28 4. 7.5 Code of Conduct ......................................................................................................................................... 29 4.7.6 Finance ........................................................................................................................................................ 30 4.8 The Spirit of Scouting .................................................................................................................................. 30 4.9 Group Performance Targets ........................................................................................................................ 32 4.10 Planning in the Group ................................................................................................................................. 33 4.11 The Group Plan (for the coming year) ........................................................................................................ 33 4.12 National Scout Publications ......................................................................................................................... 33 4 13 Baden-Powell Guild ..................................................................................................................................... 33 4.14 The Scout Fellowship .................................................................................................................................. 34

5. THE SCOUT GROUP 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 5.14.1 5.14.2 5.14.3 5.14.4 5.15 5.16 5.16.1 5.16.2 5.17 5.17.1 5.17.2 5.17.3 5.18

Origin of the Scout Group ........................................................................................................................... 35 Structure of the Group ................................................................................................................................. 36 Group Name ................................................................................................................................................ 37 The Joey Scout Mob ................................................................................................................................... 37 The Cub Scout Pack ................................................................................................................................... 37 The Scout Troop ......................................................................................................................................... 37 The Venturer Unit ........................................................................................................................................ 38 The Rover Crew .......................................................................................................................................... 38 Multiple Sections ......................................................................................................................................... 38 The Group Council ..................................................................................................................................... 39 The Group Committee ................................................................................................................................ .40 Adult Leaders - Certificate of Adult Membership ...................................................................................... 40 Certificate of Adult Leadership ................................................................................................................... .40 Section Leader Responsibilities ................................................................................................................. .41 Joey Scout Leader ..................................................................................................................................... .41 Cub Scout Leader ...................................................................................................................................... .42 Scout Leader .............................................................................................................................................. .43 Venturer Leader .......................................................................................................................................... .45 Adult Training and Development: Wood Badge for Section Leaders .......................................................... 45 Support System for new Leaders - The Personal Leader Adviser (PLA) ................................................. .48 Role of the Personal Leader Adviser ......................................................................................................... .48 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) .......................................................................................................... .49 Helpers and Cub Scout Instructors ............................................................................................................ .49 Joey Scout Helper, Parent Helper and Resource Advisers ....................................................................... .49 Cub Scout Instructor .................................................................................................................................... 50 Scout Helper ................................................................................................................................................ 50 Open and Sponsored Groups ..................................................................................................................... 51

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5.19 5.20 5.21 5.22 5.22.1 5.22.2

Membership ................................................................................................................................................. 52 Transfer of Scouts ....................................................................................................................................... 52 Scouting for the Disabled ............................................................................................................................ 52 Relationships with other organisations ........................................................................................................ 52 Guide/Scout Combined Activities ................................................................................................................ 52 NEPAL Nature Project ................................................................................................................................. 53

6. THE GROUP LEADER 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5

6.5.1 6.5.2 6.6 67 6.8 6.9 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.12.1 6.12.2 6.12.3 6.12.4 6.12.5 6.12.6 6.12.7 6.13 6.14

Qualifications ............................................................................................................................................... 54 Effective Leadership .................................................................................................................................... 54 Functions of the Group Leader ................................................................................................................... 56 Assistant Group Leader ............................................................................................................................... 57 The Group Leader Development Program (leading to the Wood Badge for Group Leaders and Assistant GLs) ............................................................................................................. 57 Certificate in Leader Development .............................................................................................................. 57 Personal Leader Advisers ........................................................................................................................... 57 Uniform ........................................................................................................................................................ 59 Duty to God ................................................................................................................................................. 59 Communications .......................................................................................................................................... 59 Relationship with Group Committee ............................................................................................................ 60 Relationship to Section Leaders ................................................................................................................. 60 Group Leader's Visit to Youth Section Programs ........................................................................................ 60 A Group Leader's Checklist.. ....................................................................................................................... 61 Membership ................................................................................................................................................. 61 Group Committee ........................................................................................................................................ 61 Group Council ............................................................................................................................................. 61 District Help ................................................................................................................................................. 62 Property ....................................................................................................................................................... 62 Smartness ................................................................................................................................................... 62 Development ............................................................................................................................................... 62 Visiting the Family of a New Group Member .............................................................................................. 63 Organisation and Function of the Group Council and Group Committee (chart) ........................................ 65

7. THE GROUP COMMITTEE 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.4.1 7.4.2 7.4.3 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 7.8.1 7.8.2 7.8.3 7.8.4 7.8.5 7.8.6 7.8.7 7.9 7.10 7.10.1 7.10.2 7.10.3 7.11

Composition ................................................................................................................................................. 67 Group Committee Rules .............................................................................................................................. 67 Appointment. ............................................................................................................................................... 67 Meetings ...................................................................................................................................................... 67 Group Committee Meeting .......................................................................................................................... 68 Group Annual General Meeting ................................................................................................................... 69 Planning Your Annual Meeting ................................................................................................................... 69 Duties of the Group Committee ................................................................................................................... 71 Sub-committees ........................................................................................................................................... 73 Membership of The Scout Association of Australia .................................................................................... 73 Group Committee Office Bearers and Duties .............................................................................................. 73 Group Committee President or Chairman ................................................................................................... 73 The Vice President or Vice Chairman ......................................................................................................... 7 4 The Honorary Secretary .............................................................................................................................. 74 The Honorary Treasurer .............................................................................................................................. 75 Other Positions on the Group Committee ................................................................................................... 75 Auditor ......................................................................................................................................................... 76 Trustee ......................................................................................................................................................... 76 Group Committee Member's Code of Conduct ........................................................................................... 77 Group Committee Records ........................................................................................................................ 77 Group Committee Minutes .......................................................................................................................... 77 Finance Books ............................................................................................................................................. 77 Property Records ........................................................................................................................................ 78 The Group Committee Checklist ................................................................................................................. 78

8. GROUP PROPERTY 8.1 Group Headquarters (or Accommodation) .................................................................................................. 79 8.2 Property Vested in the Association .............................................................................................................. 79 8.3 Sponsored Group Equipment/Property ....................................................................................................... 79 8.4 Schedule of Group Property ....................................................................................................................... 79 8.5 Approval of Building Proposals or Building Plans ....................................................................................... 79 8.6 Finance ........................................................................................................................................................ 80 8.7 Sale or Mortgage of Scout Property ............................................................................................................ 80 8.8 Camp Sites .................................................................................................................................................. 80 8.9 Rateability of Land Used for Scout Purposes (or Rates) ............................................................................ 80

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8.10 Use of Property and Loan or Hire ............................................................................................................... 80 8.11 Relationship with Local Council .................................................................................................................. 80 8.12 Property Administration Details ................................................................................................................... 80

9. GROUP PUBLICITY 9.1 Press Publicity ............................................................................................................................................. 81 9.2 Group Magazine .......................................................................................................................................... 83 9.3 Group Shows ............................................................................................................................................... 83 9.4 General Publicity Campaign ........................................................................................................................ 83 9.5 Other Activities ............................................................................................................................................ 84 9.6 Public Relations ........................................................................................................................................... 84

10. RECRUITMENT OF LEADERS 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.3.1 10.3.2 10.4

Sources of Potential Leaders ...................................................................................................................... 85 Qualifications of an Adult Leader ................................................................................................................ 85 Recruitment Methods .................................................................................................................................. 86 The Six Step Method ................................................................................................................................... 86 The Bayview Method ................................................................................................................................... 89 Guidelines for GLs on Interview Procedures with Prospective Leaders ..................................................... 90

11. GROUP RECORDS 11.1 Group Leader's Records ............................................................................................................................. 91 11.2 Waiting List .................................................................................................................................................. 91 11.3 Group Register ............................................................................................................................................ 91 11.4 Indemnity Forms .......................................................................................................................................... 91 11 5 Leader Register ........................................................................................................................................... 92 11.6 Group Council Minutes ................................................................................................................................ 92 11.7 Group Committee Minutes .......................................................................................................................... 92 11.8 Group Log Book .......................................................................................................................................... 92 11.9 Equipment Record ....................................................................................................................................... 92 11.10 Section Records .......................................................................................................................................... 92 11.11 Register ....................................................................................................................................................... 92 11.12 Attendance .................................................................................................................................................. 92 11.13 Training-Youth Program ............................................................................................................................ 93 11.14 Program Book ............................................................................................................................................. 93 11.15 Section Funds ............................................................................................................................................. 93 11.16 Leader's Personal Records ......................................................................................................................... 93 11.17 Census ........................................................................................................................................................ 93

12. GROUP INSURANCE 12.1 Personal Accident lnsurance ....................................................................................................................... 95 12.2 Public Risk Liability lnsurance ..................................................................................................................... 95 12.3 Property - Fire and Burglary ..................................................................................................................... 95 12.4 Motor Vehicles ............................................................................................................................................. 95 12.5 Boats and Trailers ....................................................................................................................................... 96 12.6 Comprehensive Baggage Insurance ........................................................................................................... 96 12. 7 Official Contingents to overseas Events ..................................................................................................... 96

13. GROUP FUNDS FINANCE AND ACCOUNTS 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 13.6.1 13.6.2 13.6.3 13.6.4 13.6.5 13.7 13.8

Organisation ............................................................................................................................................... 97 Administration of Accounts .......................................................................................................................... 97 Annual Accounts .......................................................................................................................................... 98 Stamp Duty .................................................................................................................................................. 98 Sales Tax ..................................................................................................................................................... 98 Fundraising .................................................................................................................................................. 98 Government Grants ..................................................................................................................................... 99 Corporate Funding . ..................................................................................................................................... 99 Lord Baden-Powell Society. ...................................................................................................................... 1 00 Branch Sponsored Fundraising Events ..................................... ................................................................ 100 Fundraising Services/Special Events ........................................................................................................ 100 Tax Deductibility for Donations .................................................................................................................. 100 Finance-Treasurer's Notes ...................................................................................................................... 101

14. THE SCOUT DISTRICT 14.1 District Commissioner ............................................................................................................................... 105 14. 1. 1 The Functions of the DC ........................................................................................................................... 105 14.2 District Association .................................................................................................................................... 106

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14.3 District Organisation .................................................................................................................................. 107 14.4 District Role in Adult Training and Development... .................................................................................... 108

15. NOTES FOR GROUP LEADERS 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.3.1 15.3.2 15.3.3 15.3.4 15.4 15.5 15.6 15 7 15.8 15.9 15.10 15.11 15.11. 1 15.11.2 15 12 15.13 15.14 15.14.1 15.15 15.16 15.17 15.18 15.19 15.20 15.21 15.22 15.23

Alcoholic Drinks Policy .............................................................................................................................. 109 Australian Scout Magazine ........................................................................................................................ 109 Awards ....................................................................................................................................................... 109 Guidelines for Drafting Recommendations for Good Service Awards ....................................................... 11 O Recognition of Service by Leaders ............................................................................................................ 112 Supporter Awards ...................................................................................................................................... 112 Gallantry or Meritorious Conduct Awards .................................................................................................. 112 Bathing ....................................................................................................................................................... 113 Boating ....................................................................................................................................................... 113 Camping .................................................................................................................................................... 113 Ceremonies of the Group .......................................................................................................................... 113 Circulars ..................................................................................................................................................... 114 Community lnvolvement ............................................................................................................................ 114 Copyright ................................................................................................................................................... 116 Overnight Events for Joey Scouts and Cub Scouts .................................................................................. 118 Joey Scout Sleepovers .............................................................................................................................. 118 Cub Scout Pack Holidays .......................................................................................................................... 118 Dates-Calendars ..................................................................................................................................... 118 Drug and Substance Abuse ....................................................................................................................... 119 Environmental Matters ............................................................................................................................... 119 The Australian Scout Environment Charter ....................... ........................................................................ 120 Fire Precautions ........................................................................................................................................ 121 International Trips-Letter of Introduction ................................................................................................. 121 Interstate and overseas Trips .................................................................................................................... 121 Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) ...................................................................................................................... 121 National Flags for Groups, Regal Portraits ............................................................................................... 122 Rock Climbing and Abseiling ..................................................................................................................... 123 Scout Pen Friends .................................................................................................................................... 123 Smoking ..................................................................................................................................................... 123 Training Programs for Adult Leaders ........................................................................................................ 123

16. UNIFORM FOR ADULT LEADERS AND YOUTH MEMBERS .............................................. 124

AUSTRALIAN SCOUT PUBLICATIONS .................................................................................................. 128

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Foreword The Scout Group is the fundamental co-ordination unit for The Scout Association of Australia.

It consists of youth sections made up of one or more of a Joey Scout Mob, Cub Scout Pack, Scout Troop, Venturer Unit and Rover Crew.

These are the operational units of Scouting.

The co-ordinated Scout Group provides a continuity of Youth Program. Young people, participating in the educational and recreational activities progress through programs appropriate to their stages of individual development in each Section.

The Group Leader is the manager of this vital dynamic unit, the co-ordinator and supporter of the Adult Leaders of each youth section and provides the essential link with the Group Committee.

The Group Committee, consisting of parents and supporters of local Scouting, provides the human and material resources to enable the adult Leaders to facilitate the Youth Program.

This handbook provides useful information and methods to assist the Group Leader and Group Committee to perform their functions.

It complements The Australian Policy and Rules of The Scout Association of Australia (P&R) which is a book: "Rules on how to play the game of Scouting".

The Leader Development Program for Leaders of Adults complements and uses this handbook as a major resource. In turn the competencies required to carry out the functions of the Group Leader are recognised, learned and evaluated in the Leader Development Program.

This handbook will be of assistance also to office bearers in Group Committees and Scout Districts which support the Groups.

There are some variations and procedures in different Branches of The Scout Association of Australia due to differences in State and Territory laws and regulations. Branches issue their own manuals or policy and administration statements to provide for these differences.

The Association is most grateful to Mr K. J. Brewster for his work in compiling the original edition of The Australian Handbook for Group Leaders and Group Committees (1978) on which this book was based.

This edition incorporates relevant National policy decisions made up to and including 1995, as well as reflecting the philosophy that the Scout Group is the Scout Movement operating in the local community and the structure and functions of District and Branch organisations exist to support the Group.

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THE SCOUT BADGE AND PERSONAL GROWTH AREAS

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Explanation of Abbreviations AAC ..................................................................................................................... Assistant Area Commissioner AC ....................................................................................................................................... Area Commissioner ACSL .................................................................................................................... Assistant Cub Scout Leader Act L {B, A, R or D) ............................................................. Activity Leader (Branch, Area, Region or District) ADC ................................................................................................................. Assistant District Commissioner AGL .............................................................................................................................. Assistant Group Leader AJSL ..................................................................................................................... Assistant Joey Scout Leader ALT .............................................................................................................................. Assistant Leader Trainer APL ............................................................................................................................... Assistant Patrol Leader ARC .............................................................................................................. Assistant Regional Commissioner ASL ............................................................................................................................... Assistant Scout Leader AVL ........................................................................................................................... Assistant Venturer Leader BHQ ................................................................................................................................. Branch Headquarters CSL ....................................................................................................................................... Cub Scout Leader Cr L ................................................................................................................................................ Crew Leader DA ........................................................................................................................................ District Association DC .................................................................................................................................... District Commissioner DCSL ......................................................................................................................... District Cub Scout Leader DJSL ........................................................................................................................ District Joey Scout Leader DL ................................................................................................................................................ District Leader DRA ................................................................................................................................. District Rover Adviser DSL ................................................................................................................................... District Scout Leader DVL ............................................................................................................................... District Venturer Leader GL ................................................................................................................................................ Group Leader JSL ....................................................................................................................................... Joey Scout Leader LA ............................................................................................................................................... Leader Adviser LOA .......................................................................................................................................... Leader of Adults LOY ........................................................................................................................................... Leader of Youth LT ................................................................................................................................................ Leader Trainer PL ................................................................................................................................................. Patrol Leader P&R ......................................................................................................................................... Policy and Rules RA ................................................................................................................................................ Rover Adviser RC ................................................................................................................................ Regional Commissioner SL ................................................................................................................................................. Scout Leader VL ............................................................................................................................................. Venturer Leader

NB: No abbreviations are listed for the National Secretariat, National Commissioners, Chief Commissioners, Deputy Chief Commissioners and Assistant Chief Commissioners of Branches as, when used, the title is printed in full.

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Definitions

Area - An organisational support level within a Branch to which Branch functions may be devolved.

Branch - The organisational level responsible for the administration and welfare of the Movement within a State or Territory.

Branch Council - The governing body of a Branch.

Branch Executive Committee - A committee appointed by the Branch Council to manage the affairs of the Branch.

Branch Rover Council - The co-ordinating body of the Rover Section in a Branch.

Cub Scout - A youth member of the Cub Scout Section.

Cub Scout Pack - The Section of a Group which admits Cub Scouts.

District - An organisational level accountable to the community for the support and welfare of Scouting within defined boundaries.

District Association - The governing body of a District.

District Executive Committee - A committee appointed by the District Association to manage the affairs of the District.

Formation - An organisational level within the Movement, including a Group, a District, an Area, a Region, a Branch and any other support level within a Branch.

Group - The organisational level which delivers the Scout program in the local community.

Group Committee - A committee which is responsible to the Group Leader for supporting the delivery of Scouting in the Group, and the management of Group funding, property and equipment.

Group Council - A meeting of the Leaders of a Group, chaired by the Group Leader, to plan and co-ordinate Scout training and activities in the Group.

Joey Scout - A youth member of the Joey Scout Section

Joey Scout Mob - The Section of a Group which admits Joey Scouts.

Leader - An adult holding a Certificate of Membership in the Scout Movement.

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leader - An authorised person responsible for leading a specific activity.

National Council - The governing body of The Scout Association of Australia.

National Executive Committee - A committee appointed by the National Council to manage the affairs of The Scout Association of Australia.

National Rover Council - The co-ordinating body for the Rover Section in Australia.

Region - An organisational support level within a Branch to which Branch functions may be devolved.

Rover - A member of the Rover Section.

Rover Crew -The Section for Rovers, in a Group or at any other level.

Section - A Joey Scout Mob, a Cub Scout Pack, a Scout Troop, a Venturer Unit or a Rover Crew.

Scout - A youth member of the Scout Section.

Scout - Includes a Joey Scout, Cub Scout, Scout, Venturer and Rover.

Scout Fellowship - A body of adults who adopt the Scout Promise may be affiliated at any level to provide fellowship and service opportunities for its members.

Scout Movement - includes all formations and members in Australia.

Scout Troop - The Section of a Group which admits Scouts.

The Association - The Scout Association of Australia.

The Scout Association of Australia - A body incorporated by Royal Charter to have full control, in all matters of policy and practice, of the Scout Movement in Australia and its Territories .

Venturer - A youth member of the Venturer Section.

Venturer Unit - The Section of a Group which admits Venturers.

youth member - Includes a Joey Scout, Cub Scout, Scout, Venturer and Rovers.

NOTES:

(1) Except in the case of "Joey Scout", "Cub Scout" and "Mob", "Pack" or where the context otherwise indicates or requires, the above expressions include the corresponding Sea and Air designations.

(2) The masculine includes the feminine and the singular the plural unless the context indicates otherwise, e.g. the designations "Joey Scout", "Cub Scout", "Scout", "Venturer'' and "Rover" where appropriate, include both male and female members of a Mob, Pack, Troop, Unit or Crew.

(3) Except where the context does not admit, "Chairman" includes "Vice-Chairman" and ''Treasurer" and "Secretary" include respectively "Assistant Treasurer" and "Assistant Secretary".

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Organisation Chart

Joey Scout Mob

Ad Hoc Groups

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.:Joey Scout Section Leaders

Cub Scout Pack

Sixes, Sixers and Seconds

Pack Council

Cub Scout Section Leaders

Group Leader Assistant Group Leader

Group Council Group Committee

Scout Troop

Patrols, Patrol Leaders and

Assistant Patrol Leaders

Troop Council

Scout Section Leaders

Group

Venturer Unit

Unit Council Unit Chairman

Unit Council

Venturer Section Leaders

Rover Crew

Rover Crew Crew Leader

Crew Council

Rover Adviser

Organisation between Group and Branch is at the discretion of the Branch Chief Commissioner

Chief Scout Chief Commissioner

Branch Commissioners Branch Council

Chief Scout Chief Commissioner

National Commissioners National Council

Advice

l Advice

Branch Youth Forums ____ ...._ _____ __,

... -... -Branch

National

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Advice ---------

Advice

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National Youth Forums

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Branch Rover Council

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National Rover Council

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The Scout Movement 4.1 THE ORIGIN OF THE MOVEMENT The Scout Movement started when Sir William Smith requested his old friend, then Sir Robert Baden-Powell, to write a series of articles to help the members of the Boys' Brigade of which he was the Commandant. Before putting his ideas on paper, Baden-Powell arranged to conduct an experimental camp and, in 1907, at Brownsea Island in the South of England, he tested out his theories on a practical basis.

Brownsea Island saw the world's first Scout Camp in the summer of 1907

The result of his experiment was a series of yarns now known as Scouting for Boys, first published in six fortnightly parts commencing in January 1908. The first complete edition was published in May of the same year, and was reprinted five times during that year and another five times in 1909. The publication of these yarns and lectures by B-P caused the spontaneous formation of Scouting Patrols which united into Troops, finding themselves leaders known as Scoutmasters. The growth of the Troops was phenomenal and Baden­Powell found himself with a full-time occupation organising the newborn Movement.

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At first the Movement catered for boys of about 11 years and older, but it was soon found that the younger brothers wanted to have a part in this new game. Starting in 1914, experiments were carried out to find some way of allowing these younger boys to have a part in the Movement and, in 1916, the Wolf Cub Section was officially formed. In Australia today, the Section for eight to eleven year olds has both girl and boy members and is called Cub Scouting.

After World War 1 , demobilised servicemen who had been Scouts, wanted to rejoin the Movement which they had left at the time of enlistment, so to give them a place, the Rover Section was formed.

It was not until 1945, that, as a result of the Commission into Post-war Scouting, the Senior Scout section came into being officially.

A FEW AUSTRALIAN HIGHLIGHTS

In Australia, Scouting started also in 1908!

Senior Scouting, now Venturing, existed in Australia by 1946.

Each Branch has fascinating historical resources on the development of Scouting in that State or Territory.

The Scout Association of Australia (originally, Australian Boy Scouts Association) was established by Royal Charter on 23 August 1967.

Following the "New Design" for Scouting in 1970, the Senior Scout Section became the Venturer Section and the Five Stage Adult Leader Training Program was introduced. The Venturer and Rover Sections admitted girl members for the first time.

Girls could join Cub Scouts or Scouts, in Australia, from 1988.

1990 saw the introduction of the Joey Scout Section for 6-7 year old girls and boys.

Jamborees are a major highlight in a Scout's life. In Australia, they have been held:

1st Australian Pan-Pacific Jamboree at Frankston, Victoria, in 1934 - 8-P himself attended. 2nd Australasian Jamboree at Bradfield, NSW, in 1938.

3rd Australian/Pan-Pacific at Wonga Park, Victoria, 1948, the year that the 8-P Guild of old Scouts was started in Australia.

4th Australian/Pan-Pacific at Greystanes, NSW, 1952.

5th Australian/Pan-Pacific at Clifford Park, Victoria, 1955156.

6th Australian, Landsdowne, NSW, 1960161.

7th Australian, Dandenong, Victoria, 1964165.

8th Australian, Jindalee, Queensland, 1967/68.

9th Australian, Sydney, NSW, 1970171.

10th Australian, Woodhouse, South Australia, 1973174.

11th Australian, Dandenong, Victoria, 1976177.

12th Australian, Perth, Western Australia, 1979/80. 13th Australian, Ipswich, Queensland, 1982183.

14th Australian, Cataract Scout Park, NSW, 1985186.

16th World Jamboree, Cataract Scout Park, NSW, 1987/88.

15th Australian, Woodhouse, South Australia, 1989/90.

16th Australian, Ballarat, Victoria, 1991 /92.

17th Australian, Perth, Western Australia, 1994/95.

18th Australian, Springfield, Queensland, 1998

At three-year intervals, Australian National Ventures are held for Venturers and National Moots for Rovers.

Two of the last three World Moots were held in Australia:

7th World Rover Moot at Clifford Park, Victoria, 1961162.

8th World Moot, for Rovers and young Leaders, at Gilwell Park, Victoria, 1990/91.

The 9th World Moot was held at a famous Rover camp site: Kanderstag, Switzerland, in July 1992. The Scout Association of New Zealand conducts National Jamborees, Ventures and Regattas also on a three-year cycle. Each New Zealand Jamboree is held in the December/January, twelve months after an Australian one.

In 1995, the Australian Scout population included 105,300 uniformed members, supported by approximately 24,000 lay members. World Scout Membership of about 18,000,000 approximates the total population of Australia!

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AUSTRALIAN JAMBOREES

15th ASIA·PACIFIC /17th AUSTRALIAN * JAMBOREE of

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4.2 WORLD SCOUTING It was Baden-Powell himself who, in 1922, laid the foundation of the international organisation, including the World Scout Bureau, since it was obvious to him early enough that the work of volunteers of quality would be possible only if appropriately selected and well-trained professionals made their jobs possible. An organisation was needed to maintain the unity and integrity of the Movement, to set standards, to help, to safeguard and to assist in a truly international spirit.

World Scouting is an educational Movement for young people, whose purpose is to contribute to their personal and social development. It is a voluntary, non-political Movement which is open to all, and which is based on:

Adherence to spiritual principles; loyalty to the religion that expresses them and acceptance of the duties resultin~1 therefrom. • Loyalty to one's country, in harmony with the

promotion of peace, understanding and cooperation.

• Participation in the development of society, with recognition of and respect tor both the dignity of one's fellow man, and for the inherent right to existence of the natural world.

• Responsibility tor the development of oneself.

•A method of progressive self-education, comprising programs adapted to the various age­groups, and based on:

Promise and Law

Learning by doing Membership in small groups

A scheme for personal progression Activities taking place in contact with nature

Membership of World organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM) is determined by the World Scout Conference. National Scout Associations applying tor membership must satisfy three criteria: •Adherence to the purpose and principles of

World Scouting or in other words, to have a Promise and Law similar to the originals written by B-P.

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• Political independence and freedom from government control.

• Provision of the necessary resources. It a National Association ceases to fulfil these requirements, the Conference may terminate its membership. The World Scout Conference is a general assembly of Scouting, composed of all member Scout organisations. One National Scout organisation is recognised in each country, and is allowed six votes. The World Committee consists of twelve people from twelve different countries, who are elected by the Conference to represent it between the three-yearly meetings.

Each person serves a six-year term, one-third of them retiring at each Conference. Any Warranted Leader is eligible to apply to attend Conferences.

The World Scout Bureau is the secretariat, carrying out the instructions of the Conference and Committee. The Bureau's staff of 36 professionals work out of six offices. The Secretary-General is Dr Jacques Moreillon, based in the Geneva Head Office of the World Bureau

The World Scout Bureau helps Associations improve and broaden their Scouting by conducting Adults in Scouting Seminars, Community Development Seminars and Workshops, by preparing publications, by advising on organisation, financing, communication, etc, and by visits and correspondence. The staff also helps arrange global events such as the four-yearly World Jamborees, and acts as liaison between the World organisation and other International Bodies.

The Bureau operations are financed partly by an annual registration tee from Associations, based on their membership numbers. The remainder comes from contributions and grants from foundations, corporations, agencies and individuals. Several national and international funds enable more affluent Scout organisations to assist Scouts in less-developed countries.

Regional Structure The Scouting World is divided into five regions:

Africa: with an office in Kenya.

Arab: with an office in Egypt.

Asia-Pacific: with an office in Philippines.

European: with an office in Switzerland.

Inter American: with an office in Costa Rica.

Australia is a member of the Asia-Pacific Region. The Region holds Conferences every three years, during the years between World Conferences. Any Leader who has completed Basic Level training is eligible to apply to attend these Conferences. Selection may be necessary it there are too many applicants.

World Function World Jamborees are held every four years, the 16th World Jamboree was held in Australia in 1988, the 17th World Jamboree in Korea in 1991, and the 18th World Jamboree in The Netherlands in 1995. The 19th World Jamboree is being planned for Chile in 1998.

11a•" World Jamboree Holland 11995

The World Scout Emblem The Scout emblem which has been worn by an estimated 250 million Scouts since the Movement was founded and is today still used by 18 million Scouts in 210 countries and territories, is one of the world's best known symbols. But Scouts and members of the public often ask how the emblem originated.

ORIGINAL DESIGN CURRENT DESIGN

Lord Baden-Powell himself gave the answer, "Our badge we took from the 'North Point' used on maps for orienteering them with North". Lady Baden-Powell said later, "It shows the true way to go. So, the emblem helps to remind Scouts to be as true and reliable as a compass in keeping to their Scouting ideals and showing others the way. In Scouting, we take the three tips of the emblem to represent the three main points of the Scout Promise. The two decorative fivepointed stars are

17

taken in some countries to stand for truth and knowledge.

In the World Scout Emblem, the basic motif is encircled by a rope tied with a reef or square knot symbolising the unity and brotherhood of the Movement throughout the world. Even as one cannot undo a reef knot no matter how hard one pulls it, so, as it expands, the Movement remains united.

The colour of the World Scout Badge is a white on a royal purple background. These, too, are symbolic. In heraldry white represents purity and royal purple denotes leadership and helping other people.

History of the design The basic design was in use for centuries before it came to indicate North on a compass. The Chinese are known to have used it as a direction symbol as early as 2000BC. The Larousse Encyclopaedia notes that some Etruscan bronzes and Roman ornaments carried the design, and it has been found on ancient monuments in Egypt and India. Its use as a navigation aid in Europe probably dates from the end of the 13th Century when Marco Polo brought back a compass from Cathay. The Grand Encyclopaedia credits an Italian marine pilot, Flavio Gioja of Amalfi, for drawing it as a North Point on a primitive compass he built. The Encyclopaedia Britannica gives another interesting version of the origin of the design. This is that it derives from the "Wind rose" which is much older that the magnetic compass and first appeared on the charts of Mediterranean sea pilots. The eight main wind directions were shown by Greek letters and the North Wind marked "T" for Tromontana. In time, the ''T" was embellished or combined with an arrowhead so that it was no longer recognisable as "T". The design is much used elsewhere. It appears in ornate versions of heraldic coats of arms, and in many decorative designs. Sometimes it is meant to represent a lance or spearhead, a lily (Fleur de Lys) and even a bee or a toad.

So, today, as the symbol continues to point the way for navigators so, all over the world, it points the way to service and brotherhood for all members of the Scout Movement.

WORLD MEMBERSHIP There are more than 17 million Scouts and Leaders in 140 national Scout organisations in more

than 211 countries and territories. MEMBERS OF THE WORLD ORGANISATION OF THE SCOUT MOVEMENT AND THEIR MEMBERSHIP

66,385 Algeria 1,092 Grenada 32,242 Norway 24,758 Argentina 12,348 Guatemala 10,552 Oman

804 Armenian Scouts 3,470 Guinea 326,753 Pakistan 142,924 Australia 294 Guyana 4,447 Panama Rep

27,528 Austria 10,661 Haiti 4,550 Papua New Guinea 1,313 Bahamas 2,251 Honduras 955 Paraguay 1,845 Bahrain 53,328 Hong Kong 13,593 Peru

426,774 Bangladesh 21,338 Hungary 2,669,580 Philippines 5,189 Barbados 3,234 Iceland 210,000 Poland

118,124 Belgium 2,298,269 India 45,434 Portugal 1, 155 Belize 2,215,823 Indonesia 5,146 Qatar 1,375 Benin

105,515 Iran 5,437 Romania 6,324 Bolivia

12,000 Iraq 18,129 Rwanda 54,818 Ireland

4,979 Botswana 21,920 Israel 278 San Marino, Rep. of 73,271 Brazil 199,695 Italy 19,774 Saudi Arabia

2,665 Brunei 8,947 Jamaica 6,250 Senegal 10, 165 Burkina Faso 252,947 Japan 9,972 Sierra Leone 6,661 Burundi 14,751 Jordan 1,430 Singapore 6,535 Cameroon 155,789 Kenya 6,500 Slovenia

281,310 Canada 1,798 Kiribati 41, 191 South Africa 7,000 Central African Rep. 289,870 Korea, Rep. of 75,920 Spain 2,850 Chad 8,425 Kuwait 54,564 Sri Lanka

67,501 Chile 1,658 Latvia 1,271 St Lucia 97,331 China, Boy Scouts of 9,000 Lebanon 706 St Vincent/ 23,513 Columbia 371 Lesotho The Grenadines

2,200 Comoros 2,509 Liberia 13,550 Sudan 8,925 Costa Rica 12,420 Libya 2,691 Suriname 6,436 C6te-d'-lvoire 1, 199 Liechtenstein 5,006 Swaziland 3,500 Croatia 2,000 Lithuania 147,176 Sweden 4,815 Cyprus 6,082 Luxembourg 60,590 Switzerland

69,417 Denmark 6,545 Madagascar 11,073 Syria 1,100 Dominica 90,006 Malaysia 18,834 Tanzania 3,410 Dominican Rep. 3,288 Maldives 287,829 Thailand 4,524 Ecuador 2,111 Malta 15,759 Togo

1,852 Mauritania 74,740 Egypt 2,033 Mauritius 7,722 Trinidad and Tobago

4,180 El Salvador 58,599 Mexico 30,06t Tunisia 1,016 Estonia 76 Monaco 10,328 Turkey

130 Ethiopia 4,500 Mongolia 66,558 Uganda 6,545 Fiji 12,428 Morocco 5,988 United Arab Emirates

84,878 Finland 1,378 Namibia 659,811 United Kingdom 134,077 France 57,641 Nepal 4,599,588 United States

3,835 Gabon 58,964 Netherlands 3,089 Uruguay 7,862 Gambia 42,878 New Zealand 11,445 Venezuela

162,319 Germany, Fed. Rep. 2,976 Nicaragua 6,601 Yemen Arab Rep. 15,292 Ghana 1,230 Niger 12,070 Yugoslavia 19,979 Greece 48,479 Nigeria 62,842 Zaire

There are 36 countries where Scouting exists (be it embryonic or widespread) but where there is no national Scout organisation which is yet a member of World Organisation of the Scout Movement. These countries are: Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Armenia, Belarus, Bhutan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Kazakhstan, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Moldova, Mozambique, Nauru, Russia, St. Kitts & Nevis, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Tadzhikistan, Tonga, Tuvalu, Ukraine, Vanuatu, Western Samoa.

Membership figures for each country are based on the most recent information provided for official census purposes. These include all registered youth and adult members of national organisations which are members of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement. (Some of these organisations are also members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.)

N.B. The Scout Associations of Czech Republic and Palestine were admitted to the World Organisation at the 34th World Scout Conference, Oslo, July, 1996.

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Some Scouting Promises of other countries Switzerland: I promise to do my best to live according to the Scout Law. I ask God and my friends to help me do so.

Spain: On my honour and with God's grace, I promise to do my best to accomplish my duties towards God and my country, to help other people and observe the Scout Law.

Some Scouting badges of other countries

ALGERIA

SCOUTS CANADA

CANADA

GERMANY

MADAGASCAR

SWEDEN

* /\tS"IU.S~-S

ARMENIA

t :; CHINA

HONG KONG

PAKISTAN

SWITZERLAND

AUSTRIA

COLOMBIA

ITALY

PERU

TURKEY

Finland: I will love my God and my neighbour, my native country and mankind by fulfilling the Scout ideals in my life. Indonesia: On my honour I promise that I will do my best: to do my duty to God and the Republic of Indonesia, and to obey the Panca Sila to help all living beings and be ready to build up the nation and to obey the Scout Law.

BAHRAIN BANGLADESH BRAZIL

EGYPT FINLAND FRANCE

IS RAEL KUWAIT MALAYSIA

PHILIPPINES SAUDI ARABIA SPAIN

UGANDA UNITED KINGDOM YEMEN

N.B. A full colour chart showing all the World Scouting Member Organisations' badges is available from your Scout Commercial Outlets.

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Services provided to Member organisations by the World Organisation In performing its role as secretariat of the World organisation the World Bureau provides many services to Member organisations. Some of the services can be categorised under the following headings. Other services are provided from time to time as requested by World and Regional Conferences and Committees and National Scout organisations:

YOUTH PROGRAM Assisting National Scout organisations in the revision and updating of youth programs. Organising program seminars to enable associations to reach self-sufficiency in program development.

Carrying out research into Scout programs. Promoting Scout programs in rural areas.

ADULT RESOURCES Conducting research and experimentation into training methods and managing adult resources. Running courses and seminars in all aspects of adult training.

Gilwell Park presented to the Movement, 1919

Promoting the World Policies through direct support to associations. Preparing and producing training material. Revising, updating and adding to the Adults in Scouting Strategy and the World Adult Resources Policy.

COMMUNICATIONS Publishing regular world and regional newsletters such as the monthly World Scouting Newsletter. Sending regularly circulars and other information to associations to keep them informed of the latest world and regional developments. Preparing audio-visual presentations.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Running courses on community development activities including: project management, food

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production, health and hygiene, renewable energy sources, literacy, and water.

Publishing material to support community development activities in the field. Establishing links between National Scout Associations for the development of bilateral co-operation programs. Designing, implementing and monitoring community development projects funded by international aid agencies and other organisations. Maintaining contact with international development agencies. Seeking funds to support development projects carried out by National Scout organisations.

CONSERVATION Providing materials to support Association's conservation activities. Helping Associations to adapt and include the World Conservation badge in their program. Maintaining contact with other international agencies concerned with conservation and environmental education.

DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION In industrialised countries supporting and promoting the introduction of development education activities in the Scout program.

EXTENDING SCOUTING TO THE DISABLED Developing and supporting seminars on extending Scouting to young people with disabilities. Providing an interchange of information between Associations on working with the disabled.

MEMBERSHIP OF THE WORLD ORGANISATION

Conducting and then publishing the results of the annual census of WOSM. Reviewing proposed changes to sections of National Scout organisations' constitutions related to the purpose, principles and method of the Scout Movement to ensure their compatibility with the fundamentals of Scouting.

PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT Assisting the infrastructure building process of National Scout Associations to increase their managerial skills, and their capacity to make an integrated plan to cover all sectors of the Association's activities.

PUBLIC RELATIONS Providing public relations support and advice to National Associations. Developing and running public relations and communications seminars. Developing news media relationships.

PUBLICATIONS Preparing and selling publications on a wide range of subjects, including Adult Leader training, program, community development, and World Scouting.

SUPPLY SERVICE Selling official world membership badges. Selling training supplies (beads, waggles, scarves and certificates). Selling a range of items (badges, flags, etc) bearing the World Scout emblem.

WORLD AND REGIONAL CONFERENCES Preparing the agenda of World and Regional Conferences. Working closely with the host Association to prepare for meetings of the World and Regional Conferences.

WORLD EVENTS Playing an active role in the organisation of world and regional Scout forums. Promoting participation in the annual worldwide Jamboree-on-the-Air Scout amateur radio event.

Supervising the organisation of World and Regional Jamborees. Planning and promoting Join-in-Jamboree programs to run concurrently with World Jamborees.

The World Bureau operations are financed from the World organisation budget. The funds come

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partly from an annual registration fee paid by National Scout organisations, based on their membership. Other support comes from foundations, corporations, development agencies, and individuals. Support also comes from the World Scout Foundation, which is building a capital (endowment) fund. Contributions to the Foundation are invested permanently to produce a regular income for the benefit of the World organisation. The Foundation also receives noncapital donations for international Scouting.

4.3 ADULTS IN SCOUTING - WORLD SCOUT STRATEGY

Adults in Scouting is part of the overall strategy of the World organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM) for the 1990s. This global approach to the question of adult leadership has been developed over the past three World Scout Conferences, held in Melbourne, January 1988, Paris in July 1990 and in Bangkok July 1993.

Adults in Scouting is a strategic approach ensuring better use of all human and material resources and offering better challenges to all those involved. Adults in Scouting is a systematic program of adult resources management, to improve the effectiveness, commitment and motivation of the leadership in order to produce better programs for young people and a more efficiently managed organisation. Adults in Scouting covers the entire process of attracting, supporting and developing adult members of the Scout Movement to provide competent leadership for the benefit of young people. Adults in Scouting includes the selection, recruitment, contracting, training, performance appraisal, recognition, promotion, reassignment and retirement of adult members. Adults in Scouting supports the acquisition, use and future development of the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to achieve the goal of the organisation, to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities. Adults in Scouting also provides for the personal growth and development of adults in all positions in the Scout Movement.

The "Adults in Scouting" strategy recognises that a large Variety of Functions are carried out by Adult Leaders in Scouting: .. Training Section Leaders and assistants. .. Group Leaders co-ordinating the activities of

various Sections within the Scout Group. " Administrative and managerial positions

(Commissioners) providing support for Group Leaders and Section Leaders.

"Trainers, who provide formal and informal training opportunities to help other adults to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to carry out their functions to the best of their ability and at an optimal level of performance.

To carry out these functions a Variety of Competencies are needed, either brought to the Movement by the adults recruited, or provided by a flexible leader development program within the Movement or by utilisation of community resources. Competencies are developed in the Scout Movement, to " Deliver effectively the Youth Program. .. Provide personal development which is of benefit

to the individual, for Scouting and in life in the wider world - at home, at work and elsewhere.

Life cycle of an Adult in Scouting The diagram of this concept (illustrated below) includes a number of steps such as recruitment on the basis of the needs of the Association and the aspirations of those who are prepared to

give their time; contracting, on the basis of a clarification of mutual expectations; the setting of clear objectives and time limits; training to acquire or develop the necessary competencies, performance appraisal, on the basis of pre-set objectives; renewal in the job; reassignment to a new job; or retirement, at the end of a term of office. This requires a consistent approach to each individual step as part of continuous process.

Overall, then, Adults in Scouting is a general orientation for the management of adult resources, based upon several ideas: •Adult resources need to be managed. • Managing adult resources is a corporate

responsibility. •Training is only one element in the process. •Training should be on-going. • Principles of management by objectives also

apply to human resources: - people are recruited for a task

- appraised on their performance

- reassigned to a new task

N.B. The implementation of the "Adults in Scouting" strategy is underway in The Scout Association of Australia, embracing the ideas above, including the Leader Development Program for Group Leaders.

The fundamental reference is the publication: Adults in Scouting, published by the World Scout Bureau, Geneva, 1990.

life Cycle of an Adult in Scouting

Organisation and Staffing

Assessment of need and recruitment

Mutual agreement and

appointment

Training, Support and Personal Development

Activities

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Review/ Evaluation

Decision for the future

Reassignment

Retirement

Renewal

4.4 YOUTH PROGRAM - THE WORLD PROGRAM POLICY

The Youth Program in Scouting is the total experience which Scouting offers to a young person. It is more than simply the activities in which Scouts take part.

Through the Youth Program, Scouting provides its members with a process of personal development to help them to become better citizens-of their village or city, their country and the world. The Youth Program comprises the what, how and why of Scouting; the activities themselves (camping, hiking, fishfarming or whatever), carried out in accordance with the Scout method, are simply the means of achieving the end: the purpose of Scouting.

A National Scout Association which sets out to provide a high-quality Scouting experience for its members must consider four inter-related dimensions of Youth Program. All four dimensions are essential; if any one or more of them is missing or deficient, the quality of Scouting offered to Scouts through the Youth Program will not meet the demanding standards young people seek and deserve.

These four elements of Youth Program are:

• A program for each age section comprising activities carried out according to the Scout method and designed to achieve the purpose of Scouting .. Regular and systematic program development to ensure these programs remain up-to-date and in tune with members' interests, while remaining faithful to the fundamental principles and method which are timeless and universal. . An appropriate "delivery network" in the form of an adequate number of trained leaders to make sure the programs of each age section are implemented as they were designed to be and reach the young people who wish to be Scouts.

•A support infrastructure, staffed by qualified and active leaders, to carry out program development and monitor the effectiveness of the program of each age section.

What is the World Program Policy? The World Program Policy is a statement which provides guidelines for the ongoing development of the Youth Program in National Scout Associations.

The World Program Policy includes:

•A definition of Youth Program.

•The process of Youth Program development.

• The relationship between Youth Program development and its delivery.

•The infrastructure necessary to support the development and delivery of the Youth Program.

The World Program Policy is based on the principle of voluntary acceptance by each

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National Scout Association of the need for co-ordinated development of its Youth Program as a continuous process of education of young people of various ages. Thus, the policy encourages a process of adaptation and change ("evolution") to be applied to Youth Program rather than occasional major change (sometimes characterised as "revolution") such as was experienced in some Scout Associations in the 1960s.

The World Program Policy aims to encourage each National Scout Association to establish the necessary infrastructure and allocate the necessary resources to carry out effectively its responsibility for the development and delivery of its Youth Program.

What is Youth Program? - a definition

Youth Program is the totality of what young people do in Scouting (the activities), how it is done (the Scout method) and the reason why it is done (the purpose).

Totality: The Youth Program in Scouting covers the complete span of a young person's experietnce in the Movement. It starts when the youngest member joins the Movement, typically somewhere between the ages of six and eight, and ends when the oldest member leaves, usually between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five. It is a progressive process of education and personal development through largely recreational means. What: The Youth Program encompasses all activities that young people in Scouting take part in: camping and outdoors activities, community service and community development projects,

earning standard and proficiency badges, games, ceremonies, Patrol and Troop meetings, etc. All of these must have one thing in common: they must be attractive and challenging to young people. How: The Youth Program in Scouting has one fundamental dimension which determines how it is carried out: the Scout method. As defined in the Constitution of the World Organisation of the

Scout Movement, the Scout method is a system of progressive self education through: • A Promise and Law. • Learning by doing. • Membership of small groups (for example the

Patrol), involving, under adult guidance, progressive discovery and acceptance of responsibility and training towards self­government directed towards the development of character, and the acquisition of competence, self-reliance, dependability and the capacities both to co-operate and to lead.

• Progressive and stimulating programs of varied activities based on the interests of the participants, including games, useful skills, and services to the community, taking place largely in an outdoor setting in contact with nature.

Why: The Youth Program is based on the principles of Scouting-duty to God, duty to others and duty to self-and is the means to achieving the purpose of Scouting: • To contribute to the development of young

people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.

Process of Youth Program Development Program development is the process of regularly re-appraising and adjusting the Youth Program of a National Scout Association to suit the changing needs and aspirations of young people and their society and thus improve its quality. Youth Program development requires:

• Reflection on the purpose, principles and method of Scouting.

• Analysis of recent trends in the needs and interests of young people and the society in which they live.

• Consideration of the Aim, objectives and priorities of the National Scout Association. Evaluation of practical experience with the current Youth Program.

The Youth Program of an Association should be evaluated regularly. A major review should be carried out at least every 5-10 years. A Youth Program resulting from this process of program development will reflect the unit of Scouting through its purpose and method, which are fundamental; and the diversity and flexibility required to respond to the variety of social, geographical, economic and other situations.

Delivery of Youth Program Youth Program is implemented through a partnership between young people and adult leaders, taking into account the participants' interests, needs and abilities. A high quality Youth Program, which is attractive to young people and is perceived to be relevant to the social reality in

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which it is offered, will also attract adult leaders committed to supporting its implementation. Those responsible for Youth Program and Adult Leader Training in a National Scout Association should, together: • Analyse the role of leaders. • Identify their training and personal development

needs. • Evaluate the effectiveness of that personal

development in terms of its impact on the implementation of the Youth Program.

Responsibility of a National Scout Association The development and delivery of an effective Youth Program which achieves the purpose of Scouting is the responsibility of each National Scout Association. In each Association there should be a National Youth Program Commissioner and appropriate National Program Committees, e.g., National Venturer Program Committee charged with this responsibility as their main task and backed by the necessary financial and human resources.

Adequate specifically designed support materials (handbooks, etc) must be available to support the implementation of the Youth Program.

The National Scout Association should ensure that those responsible for Youth Program and Adult Leader Training co-operate closely.

Responsibility of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement The responsibility of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement in relation to Youth Program is twofold. (1) To promote unity in the Scout Movement

through the Youth Program in National Scout Associations which expresses the fundamentals of Scouting and maintains its specific character.

(2) To stimulate the ongoing development of the Youth Program in National Scout Associations through the provision of information, through the creation of opportunities for exchange of experience and through improved communications between key volunteers and professionals engaged in program development and delivery throughout the world.

N.B. This Youth Program policy is the basis for development and review of Youth Programs in The Scout Association of Australia. The fundamental reference is the publication: Youth Program: The World Program Policy, published by the World Scout Bureau, Geneva, 1990.

4.5 THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

The Scout Association of Australia, an autonomous body established in 1958 and established by Royal Charter granted on 23 August 1967, has full control of the Movement in Australia.

AUSTRALIA

As a member of the World organisation, the Association has full authority to control the Scout Movement in Australia and functions under a constitution and set of by-laws adopted at its inception.

The Association vests its authority in a National Council, which meets annually, and between such meetings this authority is exercised by a National Executive Committee appointed by the Council.

The National Council has power to form Branches of the Association.

4.5.1 Branches The States operate as Branches of the Association under constitutions which provide for Branch Councils of Control to be established. These bodies, in turn, appoint Executive Committees which conduct the affairs of the Branch between meetings of the Council.

Because the Branches existed prior to the formation of the Association in 1958, they also operate under their own Acts of Parliament which authorise the formation of the Branch Council of Control and the Branch Executive Committee.

However, this is allowed for in the Association Rules and does not conflict with the Australian organisation.

These Acts of Parliament confer and impose on the Branch Councils and the Executive Committees certain powers, duties, rights and liabilities; it vests in them all the property of the Association in the Branches; it protects badges, the wearing of uniforms and provides penalties for using the name of the Association without authority.

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4.5.2 Areas/Regions In order to provide for the decentralisation of administration and operation of the Movement, some Branches have set up Areas/Regions complete with manned offices. The Areas/Regions provide flexibility to suit local conditions, support for the Area/Region staff, and relieve Branch Headquarters of details of records and other matters.

4.5.3 Districts Within each Area there is a number of Scout Districts. Sometimes the boundaries of Districts are identical with those of Municipalities, although care is always taken to ensure that the size of the District is such that the District Commissioner's task is compatible with his/her time for the job.

4.5.4 Groups Scout Groups are the fundamental management unit of the Scout Movement, made up of the Youth Training Section units with their Adult Leaders, Group Committee and managed by the Group Leader. See Chapter 5.

4.6 AIM, PRINCIPLES AND METHODS OF THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

The Scout Association of Australia operates a voluntary, non-political educational movement for young people, open to all without distinction of origin, race or creed, in accordance with the purpose, principles and method conceived by the Founder, Lord Baden-Powell.

The Aim and Principles of the Movement are set out in the Policy of the Association.

4.6.1 Aim The Aim of The Scout Association of Australia is to encourage the physical, intellectual, social and spiritual development of young people so that they take a constructive place in society as responsible citizens, and as members of their local, national and international communities.

4.6.3 Principles The Principles of Scouting, as identified by the Founder, are that Scouts should serve God, act in consideration of the needs of others and develop and use their abilities to the betterment of themselves and their families, and the community in which they live. The three Principles are represented by a code of conduct which characterises all members of the Movement, and are referred to as "Duty to God", "Duty to others" and "Duty to self".

4.6.3 Method The Scout Association of Australia achieves its Aim through a system of progressive self education, known as the Scout Method, the principal elements of which are: (1) Voluntary membership of a uniformed group

which, guided by adults, is increasingly self­governing in its successive age groups.

(2) Commitment to a code of living as expressed in the Promise and Law, the meaning of which is expanded as the member grows towards maturity.

(3) The provision of a wide range of attractive, constructive and challenging activities, including opportunities for adventure and exploration both indoors and outdoors.

(4) The provision of opportunities for leadership and responsibility.

(5) Learning by doing. (6) Encouragement of activity in small groups. (7) An award scheme which encourages

participation in its full range of activities and provides recognition of individual achievements.

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4.6.4 Program for the Development of Youth

The Youth Program will: (1) Provide opportunities for personal growth in

the areas of physical, intellectual, spiritual, values and social development; personal and group relationships; community and environmental responsibility.

(2) Develop a sense of achievement among young people through membership in small friendship and interest groupings.

(3) Provide challenging and appealing activities for these groupings, designed to meet the needs and capacities of the members.

(4) Through these activities: - promote health and fitness - promote knowledge of, and experience in,

the local and wider community - promote appreciation of, and experience in,

the out of doors - provide opportunities for, and training in,

community service and environmental education

(5) Provide for, and encourage individual hobbies, interests and skills and, through them, a sense of individual achievement.

4.6.5 Scout Promise and Scout Law The guiding principles of Scouting are contained in a code for living which is called the Scout Promise and Law.

The Scout Promise and the Law (which has ten parts) relate to all Adult Leaders, Rovers, Venturers and Scouts.

Simplified versions have been written for Joey Scouts and Cub Scouts.

THE SCOUT PROMISE On my honour I promise that I will do my best To do my duty to my God, and To the Queen of Australia To help other people, and To live by the Scout Law

THE JOEY SCOUT PROMISE I promise to do my best to love my God and be helpful

THE JOEY SCOUT LAW A Joey Scout cares A Joey Scout shares

THEME OF THE JOEY SCOUT Help other people (HOP)

--

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THE SCOUT LAW A Scout is trustworthy A Scout is loyal A Scout is helpful A Scout is friendly A Scout is cheerful A Scout is considerate A Scout is thrifty A Scout is courageous A Scout is respectful A Scout cares for the environment

THE CUB SCOUT PROMISE On my honour I promise that I will do my best To do my duty to my God, and To the Queen of Australia To help other people, and To live by the Cub Scout Law

THE CUB SCOUT LAW Cub Scouts are loyal and obedient Cub Scouts do not give in to themselves

4.7 THE POLICIES OF THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

In some specific matters the Association lays down a definite policy which must be followed by all members. These matters apply not only to uniformed members of the Association but to any person or group of people acting in the name of, or on behalf of the Movement, for example, Group Committees and District Association.

4.7.1 Duty to God (1) The policy of the Scout Movement, which

includes members of many different forms of religion, is that all members should develop their relationship with the spiritual values of life, by adhering to spiritual principles, through loyalty to the religion that expresses them by acceptance of the duties resulting therefrom.

(2) The educational approach of the Movement includes helping young people to search for the spiritual values of life.

(3) The privilege of adult leadership carries with it the obligation of encouraging the spiritual growth of SCOUTS so that they may gain a deeper understanding of their Duty to God as they progress through the Movement.

(4) The growing spiritual relationship can be encouraged by the regular use of carefully selected prayers for everyday Scouting occasions.

(5) SCOUTS should be encouraged to attend services of their own religion.

(6) A gathering of SCOUTS, known as the Scouts' Own, held for worship and to promote fuller realisation of the Scout Promise and Law, but is supplementary to, and not in substitution for, the religious observances outlined in (1) and (5) above.

4. 7 .2 Duty to Others All members of the Movement have a responsibility to the community, and to their families, by

(1) Contributing to, and accepting responsibility as members of the family unit.

(2) Being loyal to Australia in harmony with the promotion of local, national and international friendship, understanding and co-operation.

(3) Actively participating in the development of the community with recognition and respect for the dignity of other people, and for the preservation of the environment.

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4. 7 .3 Duty to Self All members have a responsibility to ensure that they develop to their full potential as individuals, and that they strengthen their self-respect and self-esteem.

4.7.4 Association Values Given that the Aim of The Scout Association of Australia is to encourage the physical, intellectual, social and spiritual development of young people, it is realised that the future of our society is vested in each successive generation, and the values that they inherit. The Association recognises:

(1) The importance of individuals developing a sense of personal identity and self worth which leads to responsibility for oneself and one's actions as a citizen.

(2) That young people are able and willing to take responsibility and contribute to society.

(3) The rights and responsibility of individuals to regulate their own health.

(4) The importance of adults providing suitable role models for young people.

(5) The importance of not exposing young people to harm or exploitation.

(6) The importance of individuals and the community adopting a lifestyle that allows ecologically sustainable development through preventing environmental overload, environmental degradation and resource depletion.

(7) The importance of respect for and equity in dealings with all people, irrespective of culture, gender, religion or impairment.

(8) The importance of mutual support and help between members of a community to maximise the quality of life for all.

(9) The importance of the development of understanding between individuals as a contribution to peace between nations.

(10) The importance of gainful employment in contributing to the sense of dignity and self worth of the individual.

(11) The importance of harnessing technological innovation to benefit human society.

4.7.s Code of Conduct/Duty of Care

All Adults in Scouting (uniformed and non-uniformed) should recognise and accept their Duty of Care to youth members. Some concepts that are relevant to exercising this Duty of Care are as follows:

(1) Adults in Scouting respect the dignity of themselves and others.

(2) Adults in Scouting demonstrate a high degree of individual responsibility, recognising that at all times their words and actions are an example to other Members of the Movement.

(3) Adults in Scouting act at all times in accordance with Scouting principles, thereby setting a suitable example for all.

(4) Adults in Scouting do not use the Movement to promote their own beliefs, behaviours, or practices where these are not compatible with Scouting principles.

(5) Adults in Scouting act with consideration and good judgement in all interpersonal relationships, both inside and outside Scouting.

(6) Adults in Scouting respect everyone's right to personal privacy at all times. They take special care where sleeping, changing of clothing, bathing and ablutions are associated with any Scouting activity.

(7) Adults in Scouting avoid unaccompanied and unobserved activities with youth members wherever possible. Remember, "in sight - out of hearing".

(8) Adults in Scouting, for their own protection, should avoid potentially compromising situations by ensuring, where reasonably possible, that at least two adults are in attendance whilst supervising and/or accompanying Youth Members. It is recognised that, in certain circumstances, it may be necessary for a Leader or Adult, whilst acting responsibly and exercising their 'Duty of Care', to be alone with a Youth Member.

(9) Adults in Scouting realise that bullying, physical or verbal abuse, neglect, or any other type of abuse is unacceptable conduct by any member of the Movement.

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4.7.6 Finance Apart from any government grants which it may receive, the Association depends on the support of the public and the Movement for the expenses of its Secretariat and staff, and the general organisation and development of the Movement in Australia.

A Balance Sheet and Income and Expenditure Account are published in the Annual Report of the Association. Branches generally support themselves financially, although they may receive assistance from the National Secretariat in special cases or for special purposes.

Groups and Districts are not allowed to issue any form of general appeal for funds, unless permitted, in exceptional circumstances, in the case of Groups, by the DC and DA (or its Executive), in the case of Districts by the AC and Area Council (or its Executive), and in the case of Districts outside Areas, by the Branch Council (or the Branch Executive Committee) and the Chief Commissioner. In giving such permission the appropriate authority must designate the exact area in which the appeal may be made, which must not in any event overstep the boundaries of the unit seeking permission.

FUNDRAISING Fundraising schemes undertaken by members and supporters, whether in support of Scouting or for the benefit of other organisations, must at all times take cognisance of possible effects of such proposed schemes on youth training programs. It is consistent with the principles of the Movement and with the spirit and content of training programs that funds raised by youth members in support of Scouting shall be earned and not solicited. Leaders and Scouts must not allow any methods of fundraising for the Association which are in any way contrary to the law or conflict with P&R, Branch Rules, and the principles expressed therein.

SALES Leaders and Scouts may take part in sales to the public where value is given for money. They may also assist under proper supervision in the selling of programs and other articles at fixed prices providing state and territory laws are not contravened.

Branch Chief Commissioners may approve the participation of Leaders and Scouts in collection of money for other institutions or charities and they may also approve the wearing of uniform on such occasions.

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4.8 THE SPIRIT OF SCOUTING In Scouting we are very often concerned with practical things like ropework, tents, cooking, camping, canoeing, etc., because it is in the use of these things that a Scout becomes resourceful and independent and has opportunities for leadership and initiative. In such practice of Scouting the Scout develops character. The spirit demonstrated while undergoing training is the really important aspect of Scouting. By spirit we mean the Scouts' attitude towards training, their enthusiasm, their unselfish feelings towards others, their grasp of the Scout Promise and Scout Law and by applying them to everyday situations. All this involves a conscious expression of doing their duty to their God, a consideration of other people, and a readiness to study and train themselves so that they will be better able to serve God and their community. Of course a Scout cannot show all of these qualities from the start. The extent to which they do so, will be determined very largely by the type of home from which they come, for young people absorb naturally the spirit and attitudes of those with whom they live and have daily contact. In short, the spirit of Scouting is a spiritual and moral set of qualities, developed from experience in Scouting, the Scout's background.

1. THE SPIRIT OF THE FOUNDER No finer example of the Spirit of Scouting could be found than in the character of Lord Baden-Powell, whose whole life was lived with an amazing spirit of unselfishness and service. He never asked for a standard of performance that he did not live up to himself. Sincerity of purpose, tremendous energy for the things he knew to be right and good, and selfless service for the youth of the world, were among the great personal qualities of our Founder. As a leader he had an unflagging spirit and concern for the welfare of those for whom he was responsible, and a courage which inspired them to greater effort.

2. PRESENTING IT TO THE YOUTH MEMBERS By continual reference to the Promise and Scout Law, using as diverse methods of approach as possible, a leader can keep before the Scouts the Spirit of Scouting. By yarns, games, Unit, Crew, Mob, Troop, Patrol, and Pack good turns, charades in which the Patrols act a story based on the Scout Law, and by analysing the motives of others seen in films, heard in camp-fire yarns, and from book stories, it is not difficult to keep the Scouts thinking about Spirit. A Scout is capable of understanding the idea of sportsmanship, bravery, etc., and if he/she is given a simple and practical basis, can catch the Spirit of Scouting by both teaching and the example of the others in the Mob, Pack, Troop, Unit or Crew.

Properly presented, the program of Scouting makes its own appeal to the Scout. Bushcraft, hiking, camping, cooking for one's self close to nature, and working with others in the Patrol and many other activities-all these things have the effect of producing tremendous enthusiasm and giving the Scout a deep satisfaction. The genius of Scouting lies in the fact that Lord Baden-Powell used these things to appeal to the natural needs of young people, and that he was so right in his judgements of what the young person needs as an aid to the development of his/her character.

Scouting is a game, but a game with a purpose. The spirit of the game is all that really matters. The bad sport, the hasty temper, the dirty trick, have no place in the game of Scouting. The fullest co-operation, happy friendships, and enthusiasm for the welfare of the young people and adults are the basis of the game we are playing.

3. DUTY AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT It does not appear to be fully understood that Scouting is a Movement for young people which develops their relationship with the spiritual values of life and adherence to the spiritual principles through loyalty to a religion. Its religious policy satisfies the requirements of all religions, and the Spirit of Scouting.

The ways of expressing Duty to God must be simple and practical, so that the young person can accept and not wipe it all off as sentimental. Prayers, reading, Church or Temple attendance, should all be encouraged as part of a Scout's duty.

Ways of doing our duty to God include acts of service to old people or other people in need. Good turns should be an important part of life in the Troop.

They are some of the happiest ways of a Scout expressing his/her Duty to their God. (See 4.7.1 Duty to God.)

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4. WORLD-WIDE SPIRIT Then there is the Spirit of International Scouting which is very important. No other Youth Movement has such amazing international ramifications, nor presents such wonderful opportunities to its members to develop this spirit of goodwill between young people of the nations. Scouting has always been a United Nations organisation of its own. Ways must be found to bring home to our Scouts the importance of the international aspects of the Movement, and the use of books and films on Scouting in other countries, correspondence with other Scouts and, above all, visits to Jamborees, are to be encouraged. All help the Scout to realise that the world is not all like the town he/she lives in, the amazing extent of our worldwide Movement and the need for goodwill between the young people of the world.

International Scouting is a very real thing overseas, where shorter distances make visiting simpler than it is for us. Although we are at this disadvantage, there is no reason to neglect the Worldwide Scout Movement, and the wise Leader builds up this Spirit in the youth program. Jamborees are the best known occasions at which Scouts from many countries get together.

5. YOU Finally it is important to remember that the Spirit of your Group starts with you.

Being a Leader calls for great responsibility because we have the task of moulding the lives and the Spirit of our youth members, but it is also a great privilege, and brings its own rewards and compensations. The Spirit of Scouting can bring some of the real satisfaction of life.

The Leader who has served the Movement for many years, who has trained and guided the feet of hundreds of young people, looks back to those whom he/she has helped, remembers those who found the real Spirit of the Game and sees them today worthy men and women and leaders in the community, with the prayer, 'May God accept my work'.

4.9 GROUP PERFORMANCE TARGETS For several years during the 1980s, two national Scout task forces researched, monitored and developed the most effective ways in which the Scout Movement in Australia could utilise its human resources. In the future, clearly defined role descriptions are to be matched by Adult Leaders with the relevant personality and skills. In May and November 1991, the final report of the National Human Resources Task Force was discussed by the National Executive Committee.

A key element of this report dealt with Scout Group performance and assessment of this performance, based on setting of performance targets and the Scout Group measuring its achievement of these targets.

The following principles of performance targets were adopted by the National Executive Committee and indicate the future direction for recognition and measurement of the effectiveness of our human resources.

Performance targets: The guidelines reflect the position to which a Scout Group should aspire. The aim for each Group should be to show progress in the pursuit of improved standards. Factors to be considered in establishing performance targets within each performance are listed below. To ensure successful achievement, goals establishep for the Group must be capable of measurement.

1. MEMBERSHIP Membership targets within each Section. (Recruitment and retention targets.) Availability of training within each of the five Sections, whether available within the Group or with combined units at District or Area level. Establishment of a further Joey Scout Mob, Cub Scout Pack or Scout Troop where appropriate.

2. PROGRAM: (a) Implementation:

Adequate planning. Blend of physical, mental, spiritual and social activities. Balance of indoor and outdoor activity. Enjoyment of activities. Youth interest in activities.

(b) Youth involvement: Adequate opportunity for leadership experience. Operation of Patrol system in the Scout Troop. Youth involvement in decision making. Councils cperating satisfactorily. Youth involvement in program preparation. Youth participation in activities.

(c) Youth Achievement (proficiency): - Performance targets for each member. - Opportunities for each member to achieve minimum proficiency levels.

(d) Citizenship Development: Opportunities for helping others, good turns and service. Exposure to citizen role models and example. Opportunities to participate in the World Wide Scout Movement. Opportunities to care for nature and the environment.

3. ADULT LEADERSHIP: Staffing targets within each Section. Training targets for each Leader. Opportunities for development of Scouting experience outside the Group. Group Council (Leaders) operating successfully.

4. GROUP COMMITTEE: Minimum numerical strength identified and maintained.

- Regular meeting schedule established. - Goals clearly defined including property and finance (budget).

5. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Activities identified to promote Scouting in the local community. Establish relationships with community leaders. Encouragement of community support.

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4.10 PLANNING IN THE GROUP For assistance with the thinking and process of planning, refer to and complete the Group Leader Phase 3 module: "Planning in the Group".

4.11 THE GROUP PLAN (FOR THE COMING YEAR)

One of the functions of the Group Leader is to prepare the Group Plan, in conjunction with the Group Council and Group Committee and obtain the agreement of the District Commissioner for its implementation (See section 6.3).

You will need a copy of "Let's Make a Group Plan" to assist you and your Leaders develop the Group Plan and for your assessment of each Leader's performance.

The Goal-based Plan will include the five elements outlined in section 4.9 above, setting performance targets for:

1. Membership 2. Youth Program 3. Adult Leadership

4. Group Committee 5. Community involvement

Group Goals will be established by the Group Leader for a six or twelve month period, after consultation within the Group with Adult Leaders, the Group Committee and with the District Commissioner. The planning and skills in planning will evolve with the Group but GLs will become accustomed to the process and evaluation of the degree to which the goals have been achieved by the end of the year. This Group Evaluation will also be carried out by the Group Leader, in consultation with the District Commissioner (see section 14.1 ). Self-Evaluation is familiar to Group Leaders from the Leader Development Program modules. This will assist you make the decision for the future every 3 years for each Leader in your Group. The reason for the establishment of group performance targets is to enable Group Leaders and the Group as a whole to gauge the performance of their Group. The principle is the same as that which applies in the youth program award scheme, where young people's achievements are measured against pre­determined objectives.

WHAT IS A GROUP PLAN? It is a tool that assists a Group in organising all of its resources in order to progress from its current condition to its desired future condition.

Improvement in living the values of the Movement, offering attractive programs to youth, preparing competent leaders, having well established

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traditions, managing efficiently, increasing financial resources, strengthening the Group's place in the community, and increasing membership are things that do not happen by accident.

Therefore, a plan must be made. And to make a plan is to confront a situation and improve it through organised action. We must know exactly where we want to go, how to get there, when we want to get there, and who will do the things that must be done in order to get there. We must never forget that the future belongs to those who plan for it.

With the help of the plan, the Group travels a path that goes from its situation today toward the vision it imagines for its future.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS OF A PLAN?

The plan begins by reviewing the current condition of the Group, with the objective of identifying the principal problems which it faces.

Next, goals must be set. A goal is a clear description of the improvement that the Group wants to make.

But setting goals is not enough. It is also necessary to design the specific actions which must be carried out in order to reach the goal, and to set deadlines for completing the actions.

The actions require people who are responsible for making them happen. Therefore, particular people must be assigned the responsibility for making certain that each action is completed by its deadline. This is the only way the plan can be put into action.

Finally, it is necessary to evaluate whether the desired results are being or have been achieved. Evaluations should occur periodically during each year, and especially at the end of each year.

4.12 NATIONAL SCOUT PUBLICATIONS A list of the National publications produced by The Scout Association of Australia appears at the end of this book.

Official Australian Scout books and stationery are published in Sydney, through:

The Scout Association of Australia, Publications and Resources Office, Suite 21, 36-38 East Street, Five Dock, NSW 2046. POBox325, Five Dock, NSW 2046

4.13 BADEN-POWELL GUILD The Baden-Powell Guild is an adult fellowship of former Scouts and Guides and other interested persons inspired with the ideal of maintaining the Scout and Guide "spirit" in everyday life. The object of the Guild is to keep alive among its members, the Scout and Guide Promise and Law;

to carry that spirit into the communities in which they live and work; and to support, as far as practicable, Scouting and Guiding in their communities. The Guild operates through Branches (six members minimum). Former Scouts and Guides and other interested people aged 18 years and over, can join. The social activities of the Guild are - barbecues and family picnics, discos and dances, family camps, progressive dinners, wine bottling nights. The service activities are - community fundraising, working groups for Scout and Guide halls and campsites, assisting the underprivileged in the community, catering for Scouting and Guiding functions, and working on community projects. Enquiries should be directed to Branch Headquarters . 4.14 THE SCOUT FELLOWSHIP

Scouting depends on the thousands of adults who accept responsibility as Leaders. The Scout Movement also needs the backing of men and women prepared to tackle the vital job of supporting those Leaders.

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There are many parents and friends who give help to a particular Scout Group, and Scouting relies heavily on such traditional family support. The Scout Fellowship, however, offers more than just the opportunity to support Scouting, it offers membership of the Scout Association, to persons aged 26 and over. Every member of The Scout Fellowship in Australia is a member of Australian Scouting. The Scout Fellowship is part of the family of the Scout Movement. The key word is "fellowship". The Fellowship is for those men and women who want to contribute to the Movement by giving a helping hand to fellow members. Such help could be at Group, District or Branch level.

WHAT DOES THE FELLOWSHIP DO? The Fellowship supports Scouting. Members may choose to: Attend regular lunches or meetings to keep members informed about Scouting. Offer specialist human resource facilities .

. Act as instructors in specialist subjects. Assist with special projects, e.g., Scoutreach and Scouts with disabilities. Help with the arrangements for visits by Scouts from overseas. Provide career counselling for Venturers and Rovers. "Common Interest" Groups can go camping, sailing, canoeing, abseiling - and have access to Scouting's range of outdoor activities venues. Enquiries about joining the Scout Fellowship should be directed to Branch Headquarters.

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The Scout roup 5.1 ORIGIN OF THE GROUP For a good many years after the commencement of the Scout Movement, each Section operated independently, although in some places there was more or less co-operation between Leaders of each Section in those matters which were of mutual concern.

However, there were inevitable differences of opinion as to who was the senior of the Section Leaders and matters reached such a state that in 1918, Headquarters had to give a ruling that "When a Pack is attached to a Troop, though the Scoutmaster will exercise general supervision, he will delegate the fullest responsibility for the management of the Pack to the Cubmaster." This proved reasonably satisfactory at the time, but in 1919, the Rover Section was formed and had warranted Scouters of its own, who were not always content to accept the Scoutmaster's directions. Finally in November 1926, the following notice appeared in The Scouter in England.

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A proposal involving a great constitutional change has been made and Imperial Headquarters invites general comments thereon: (1) That Rover Leaders holding certain

qualifications be given warrants. (2) That a Troop Council must be formed

wherever three Sections exist and that one of its duties should be to elect a chairman of the meeting who would then be in control of the complete Troop.

It must be remembered that up to now, the Scoutmaster had always been deemed to be head of the complete Troop and had been warranted accordingly. The whole subject was put down for consideration at the International discussions held at Bournemouth in April 1927, at which time the two proposals quoted above found general favour and formed the origin of what is now known as the Group System.

In addition to the original proposals, the position of Group Scoutmaster was created as a separate warrant for the man who was to be in charge of the Group, as it was to be known, as a whole. Today he or she is known as the Group Leader (GL) and is the manager of the Scout Group. See Chapter6.

5.2 STRUCTURE OF THE SCOUT GROUP The Scout Group consists of a number of Sections, the membership of each covering a limited and definite age group. All Sections must be registered with Branch Headquarters in accordance with P&R. Groups do not always have all Sections represented, but they are always known as a Group even if they consist of one Section only.

*JOEY SCOUT

MOB

*CUB SCOUT PACK

*SCOUT TROOP

**VENTURER UNIT

**ROVER CREW

Joey Scout Leader and assistants

helpers

Cub Scout Leader and

assistants

Cub Scout Instructors

Scout Leader and

assistants

Scout Helpers

Venturer Leader and assistants

Rover Adviser

and Crew Leader

A group may consist of one or more of the sections shown.

G R 0 u p

c GROUP LEADER

0 u N c I L

*There may be one or more of the individual Sections, e.g., 2 Club Scout Packs. **These may also be District Units and Crews not attatched to any group.

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G R 0 u p

c 0 M M I T T E E

5.3 GROUP NAME Before deciding on the name for any new Group, the matter should be put before the District Commissioner for agreement.

5.4 THE JOEY SCOUT MOB The Joey Scout Mob is comprised of young children who have had their sixth birthday but who have not reached the eighth birthday. Joey Scouts may advance to the Pack at 7 years and 10 months. Sections are limited to 20 Joey Scouts. It a waiting list exists the Group should consider the formation of an additional Section to meet the needs of the community. There must be at least two Adult Leaders who have completed Basic Training level (at least one of which is female where girls are admitted) for each Joey Scout Mob. The use of Joey Scout helpers over the age of 15 years as well as parent helpers is encouraged. The minimum age for a Joey Scout Leader is 20 and for an Assistant, 18 years. Small groups using an ad-hoc approach rather than permanent structures are used. Leaders use names from the friends of the forest in the Australian bush or Aboriginal names, not Mr or Mrs.

5.5 THE CUB SCOUT PACK The Cub Scout Pack comprises young people who have had their eighth birthday but who have not reached the eleventh birthday. Packs are limited to 24 Cub Scouts of four Sixes except in special circumstances. If a waiting list exists Scout Groups should consider the formation of an additional Pack to meet the need for Cub Scout membership in the community. The Cub Scout sixes are led by a Sixer (two stripes on the left pocket, one on each side of the

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Membership Badge) and a Second (one stripe, on the right side of the Membership Badge). Cub Scout Leaders, like all Leaders in Scouting may be men or women; it is considered that Leaders of both sexes should be involved with each Pack. In a Mixed Membership Cub Scout Pack there will be either a team of male and female Adult Leaders (preferred) or female Adult Leaders only. It a Mixed Membership Cub Scout Pack loses a Adult Leader and the conditions cannot be complied with, every attempt will be made to comply as soon as possible. In the meantime, the Section Leader will obtain assistance from a parent helper to ensure adequate supervision. The minimum age for a Cub Scout Leader is 20 and for an Assistant, 18 years. The use of Cub Scout Instructors is encouraged. Cub Scout Leaders and Assistant Leaders are known by names such as Akela, Baloo and Bagheera. These names are derived from the Jungle Books by Rudyard Kipling from which the training scheme was originally derived. The Leader, while taking the opening and closing ceremonies, is known as Akela.

5.6 THE SCOUT TROOP A Scout Troop comprises not less than two Patrols, each consists of four to eight members of single sex Patrols or mixed Patrols. The Patrol System is the basis of the Scout Section and is the principal means by which young people are trained as responsible citizens. Each Patrol is led by a Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader. Young people may join the Scout Troop from the age of 10112 and can also be transferred from the Cub Scout Pack from this age. Scouts leave to join the Venturer Section, depending on their development between the age of 14 and 15. A Scout in a Troop where there is no Group Venturer Unit can transfer to a Venturer Unit elsewhere.

A Scout Leader must be 20 years of age and Assistants at least 18. It is desirable to have at least one Assistant Scout Leader for continuity and additional Assistant Scout Leaders are needed if the Troop is successful and grows beyond four Patrols. In a mixed membership Scout Troop there will be a team of male and female Adult Leaders. Venturers (minimum age 16 years) may serve as Scout helpers with the approval of the Venturer Leader and Scout Leader. If a mixed membership Scout Troop loses an Adult Leader and the conditions cannot be complied with, every attempt will be made to comply as soon as possible. In the meantime, the Section Leader will obtain assistance from a parent helper to ensure adequate supervision. Scout Leaders need to like the out-of-doors and to be prepared to regularly take their Scouts camping and hiking.

5.7 THE VENTURER UNIT Venturers are young men and women. They may not join the Unit until they are 14 and must not have reached the age of 18. Venturers can transfer to a Rover Crew between the ages of 17 and i 8, and they are eligible to become Leaders in some sections of the Movement at 18 if they wish. But they may not stay in the Venturer Unit beyond their eighteenth birthday.

Venturer Units may be all male, all female or mixed. Where there are both male and female Venturers one of the Adult Leader and Assistant Leader shall be male and the other female.

Venturer Leaders must be 23 or more, Assistant Venturer Leaders 20 or more and must like active out-of-doors pursuits.

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5.8 THE ROVER CREW Membership of the Rover Crew is open to all young adults between the ages of 17 and 26. There is really only one other basic membership requirement. Each Rover must make a commitment to observe the Scout Promise and Law and comply with the Aim and Principles of the Movement. A Crew has a right to determine its own membership and may restrict itself to an all male or female membership. A Crew may have a Rover Adviser who must have attained the age of 26 years before being issued with a Certificate of Adult Leadership. A Crew may appoint two Advisers if it so wishes, e.g., a male and female Adviser. Such an arrangement is considered desirable but not essential. Rover Crews are of many different types-as would be expected with a self-governing adult group-and prospective members choose which types suits them. N.B. Details of each Section are introduced in the National Scout publication, Introducing Scouting, and in the Leader's Handbook for each Youth Section.

5.9 MULTIPLE SECTIONS When the Group system first started, it was envisaged that it would consist of one Pack, one Troop and one Crew. Subsequently, a Venturer Unit was added. However, for a variety of reasons, a considerable number of cases has occurred where the great pressure to give the benefits of Scout training to more members has led to the creation of second Packs, Mobs and Troops within the one Group. The creation of more than one of a particular Section is not specifically disallowed in the Rules of the Association but does require the approval of the Branch.

5.10 THE GROUP COUNCIL In order to co-ordinate the activities of all the Sections and to ensure the progressive training of each individual, it is essential that all the Leaders of the Group meet together regularly (monthly), under the chairmanship of the Group Leader. It is this meeting which is called the Group Council.

All Adult Leaders of all Sections, together with the Group Leader and Assistant Group Leader (if existing) join together to make up the Group Council. The Group Leader is the Chairperson, and usually one of the Leaders accepts the responsibility of making a record of the meeting (not formal minutes but enough to ensure points covered were recorded accurately and act as a reminder to those who have to act on matters)

N.B. Joey Scout Helpers, Cub Scout Instructors, Scout Helpers and Crew Leaders are NOT members of the Group Council.

At this meeting, the Section Leaders will advise the Group Leader of the activities, needs and progress of their Sections and the individuals in them.

Some examples of the matters with which the Group Council should concern itself are:

1. The dates and arrangements for Going Up and Advancement Ceremonies:

TYPICAL AGENDA

GL (Chairperson): Records those present. Apologies.

2. Visits by Leaders to other Sections and Inter-Section meetings.

3. General program forecasts so that all Sections and the Group Leader know what is going on in the whole Group.

4. Frank reports on member progress and standards, including standards going to or coming from other Sections of the Group.

5. Reports and Section administration matters, including expenditure of funds.

6. Arrangements for further training of Leaders.

7. Arrangements for Group or Section ft'.mctions.

8. Formulation of requests to the Group Committee through the Group Leader in respect of finance, equipment, accommodation, leadership and other matters where assistance is required.

9. Arrangements for District and Area events.

N.B. It is the GLs responsibility to ensure that every person present participates in the meeting and leaves feeling they have been involved in a constructive meeting. (Minutes should be maintained.)

The meeting develops co-operation, goodwill and harmony between all Leaders-it can be of tremendous value to the Group and individuals.

Absent (GL should follow up within 48 hours to bring them up to date and to show care).

Secretary: Items arising from last Meeting. GL: Items arising from Group Committee.

Copy of Group Committee Financial Report to be circulated to all. Reports on District, Area and Branch.

Public Relations Officer: PR report and collect magazine articles. Sections: Reports.

GL:

GL:

GL:

Written - Finance, Section numbers and progress in training, both youth and Leaders (see sample next page).

Verbal - problems, events past and future, requests for assistance, possible dropouts, other needs. District meetings attended and contents. Leader Training progress and coming courses. General Business. Coming events (program). Each Leader/Person present must be given a chance to raise issues. Sum up Meeting. Who to take action. Next Meeting - when and where. SUPPER (Most important that Meeting ends with a relaxing chat and supper).

The Public Relations officer may be invited to attend for part or all of the Group Council meeting, for the reasons indicated.

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ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION FOR GROUP COUNCIL MEETINGS Some are of a permanent nature, others occur from time to time. 1. Award Scheme progress. Questions may arise

such as: Are Leaders' standards too high, consequently few badges are being achieved? Conversely are the standards too low that badges are being achieved in such large numbers? Is there an interest in badge work in the Sections?

2. Are the Sections up to full strength? If not, why not?

3. Discuss the Group's waiting list. 4. Are Leaders getting around visiting parents?. 5. Notification of Going-Up Ceremonies in one or

two months time. What plans are in hand for them?

6. Combined Section activities. 7. The condition of the Group Headquarters and

property, necessary repairs, etc. 8. Any requests from the Sections for the GL to

convey to the Group Committee. 9. Topics common to all Sections, e.g.,

Smartness in uniform, road safety around the Group Headquarters and local streets on the way to and from meetings, Good Turns, etc.

10. Relationships with outside organisations, e.g., local churches, Guide Movement, Council, Rotary, Lions, etc.

11. Relationships with District and Area staff. Is everybody attending meetings and having input, and not just going along for the sake of the Section being represented.

i 2. Section assistance, Badge examiners, Challenge Badge Advisers, etc.

i 3. At the appropriate time of the year, discuss Census figures, Annual Report, youth entry application forms, etc.

14. Arrangements for the GL to visit the various Sections regularly and to take a constructive part in the meeting.

5.11 THE GROUP COMMITTEE This is the body of persons interested in the welfare of the Group, whose function is to help the Group Leader by making available the material facilities which the Group Leader needs to carry on the work involved in training the boys and girls in the Group. These matters are dealt with in more detail under the heading of Group Committee.

5.12 ADULT LEADERS- CERTIFICATE OF ADULT MEMBERSHIP

Adult Leader is the name given to all adults holding a Certificate of Adult Membership, an appointment giving them authority to commence to train and/or advise members of the Movement. In

40

a Group the Adult Leader in charge is known as the Group Leader. Joey Scout Mobs, Cub Scout Packs, Scout Troops and Venturer Units have a Section Leader in charge, known respectively as Joey Scout Leader, Cub Scout Leader, Scout Leader, Venturer Leader together with a number of Assistants. A Rover Crew elects its own Crew Leader and selects a Rover Adviser. The Rover Crew shall have a Leader who will be either the Crew Leader and/or the Rover Adviser as determined by the Chief Commissioner of the Branch (See P&R).

In a normal Group, it is anticipated that there would be up to i 5 Adult Leaders holding a Certificate of Adult Membership. These should consist of Joey Scout Leader and Assistant, Cub Scout Leader and three Assistants, a Scout Leader and three Assistants, a Venturer Leader and one Assistant and, where appropriate, a Crew Leader or Rover Adviser, together with a Group Leader and possibly an Assistant Group Leader. All Sections may have female and male Leaders. In some cases such as multiple-section Groups, this number may well be exceeded, but with a full normal Group there should be not less than ten Scouters if the load is not to be more than is reasonable for a volunteer part-time activity, and also to give good Scouting to the members.

5.13 CERTIFICATE OF ADULT LEADERSHIP

Reference: P&R Appointment to positions of Adult Leadership in uniformed Sections of the Association is marked by the issuing of a Certificate of Adult Leadership. This is presented after satisfactory completion of basic level training. Prior to their appointment, prospective Leaders are not (technically speaking) full adult members, although the Association takes responsibility for their actions during this time. Certificates may be cancelled or suspended as per P&R.

5.14 SECTION LEADER RESPONSIBILITIES

5.14.1 Responsibilities of a Joey Scout Section Leader

Leaders have the responsibility of enhancing their own skills for this job and should ensure that they take advantage of opportunities for personal development, whether through the Scout Association or outside organisations. Leaders are expected to complete all modules of the Leader of Youth Development Program.

1. JOEY SCOUT PROGRAM (a) Set a high standard of behaviour through

personal example and encouragement. (b) Ensure the effective functioning of the Mob. (c) Provide or arrange for the instruction and

assistance of Joey Scouts in skills appropriate to the program of the Mob.

(d) In co-operation with all Mob Leaders including Joey Scout Helpers ensure that all elements of the Joey Scout Section (including overnight activities) are included in all Mob Programs.

(e) Ensure adequate adult supervision of all activities.

(f) Establish and maintain friendly relationships with parents, involving them in the Mob's activities where appropriate and explain the principles of the Association and the reasons behind the programs.

(g) Ensure that all Joey Scout Leaders and Joey Scout helpers have and discharge specific responsibilities in the various aspects of the Mob's Program and involve them as important members of the Leadership team.

(h) Enhance the personal growth and development - physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually - of Joey Scouts by

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encouraging their participating in challenging activities.

(i) Develop a high degree of co-operation with the Cub Scout Section and encourage individual's progress through all Sections.

(j) Develop an understanding and knowledge of all Sections.

(k) Support all District/ Area run activities relevant to the Joey Scout Section.

2. MEETINGS

Attend and actively participate in the following meetings:

(a) Meetings and activities of the Mob. (b) Mob program planning meetings.

(c) Group Council meetings. (d) District Training meetings. (e) other planning meetings, e.g., for planning

Group/District/ Area/Region/Branch.

3. ADMINISTRATION (a) Ensure that adequate and correct records are

kept in relation to Mob membership, finance and equipment.

(b) Ensure Youth membership details are forwarded to the Cub Scout Section at advancement ceremony.

(c) Through Group Council and at other appropriate times or as the need arises keep the Group Leader informed of all matters relevant to the Joey Scout Mob.

(d) Ensure correct administration of Mob activities in accordance with Association and Branch policies which give guidance in matters such as obtaining necessary permissions or fire and camping approvals.

(e) Ensure the maintenance of Mob equipment.

5.14.2 Responsibilities of a Cub Scout Section Leader

Leaders have the responsibility of enhancing their own skills for this job and should ensure that they take advantage of opportunities for personal development, whether through the Scout Association or outside organisations. Leaders are expected to complete all modules of the Leader of Youth Development Program.

1. CUB SCOUT PROGRAM (a) Set a high standard of behaviour through

personal example and encouragement. (b) Establish and maintain the operation of the Six

System in the Pack. (c) Encourage, instruct and guide the Sixers and

Seconds in their responsibilities. (d) Ensure the effective functioning of the Pack

Council. (e) Provide or arrange for the instruction,

assistance and testing of Cub Scouts in skills appropriate to the program of the Pack especially in topics and skills appropriate to the Award Scheme.

Eight Areas of Growth

The world about us

Fundamentals

1 ____ Promise & Law ___ ._

1 Responsibilities

Duty to my God for self

(f) In co-operation with all Pack Leaders (including Cub Scout Instructors) conduct the Pack Program including Pack Meeting, weekend and other activities.

(g) Ensure adequate adult supervison of all activities.

(h) Establish and maintain friendly relationships with parents, involving them, where appropriate, in the Pack's activities and explain the principles of the Association and the reasons behind the programs.

(i) Ensure that all Cub Scout Leaders and Cub Scout Instructors have and discharge specific responsibilities in the various aspects of the Pack's Program and involve them as important members of the Leadership team.

(a) Enhance the personal growth and development, physically, intellectually, socially

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and spiritually, of the Cub Scouts by encouraging their participating in challenging activities, their progress in the Award Scheme and the taking up of Leadership opportunities.

(k) Ensure a high degree of co-operation with the Joey Scout and Scout Sections and encourage individual's progress through all Sections.

(1) Develop an understanding and knowledge of all Sections.

(m) Support all District/Area run activities.

2. MEETINGS Attend and actively participate in the following meetings: (a) Meetings and activities of the Pack including

the Pack Council. (b) Pack program planning meetings. (c) Group Council meetings. (d) District Training meetings (Seeonee). (e) Other planning meetings, e.g., for planning

Group/District/ Area/Region/Branch.

3. ADMINISTRATION (a) Ensure that adequate and correct records are

kept in relation to Pack Membership (personal details and Award Scheme progress), finance and equipment.

(b) Ensure Youth membership details are forwarded to the Scout Section at Advancement Ceremony.

(c) Keep the Group Leader informed of program changes, progress in the Award Scheme and Pack Membership.

(d) Ensure correct administration of Pack activities including lodgement of appropriate indemnity forms, in accordance with Association policies, and obtain any necessary permission (e.g. from landowners) for fire and camping approvals.

(e) Ensure the maintenance of Pack equipment.

5.14.3 Responsibilities of a Scout Section Leader

Leaders have the responsibility of enhancing their own skills for this job and should ensure that they take advantage of opportunities for personal development whether through the Scout Association or outside organisations. Leaders are expected to complete all modules of the Leader of Youth Development Program.

1. TROOP PROGRAM (a) Set a high standard of behaviour through

personal example and encouragement. (b) Establish and maintain the operation of the

Patrol System in the Troop. (c) Encourage, instruct and guide the Patrol

Leaders in their responsibilities. (d) Ensure the effective functioning of the Troop

Council. (e) Provide or arrange for the instruction,

assistance and examination of Scouts in skills appropriate to the program of the Troop and its Patrols and especially in topics and skills appropriate to the Award Scheme.

(f) In cooperation with the Patrol Leaders, plan, organise and conduct the Troop Program including Troop meetings, weekend and other activities, Troop and Patrol camps hikes, visits.

(g) Ensure adequate, adult supervision of Patrol camps and other Patrol activities.

(h) Establish a friendly relationship with parents, involving them where appropriate in the Troop's activities and explaining the principles of the Association and the reasons behind the Program.

(i) Ensure that Assistant Scout Leaders have and discharge specific responsibilities in the various aspects of the Troop's program and involve them as an important member of the Leadership team.

(j) Enhance the personal growth and development, physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually, of the Scouts by encouraging their participation in challenging activities, their progress in the Award Scheme, and by taking up of leadership opportunities.

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(k) Ensure a high degree of co-operation with the Cub Scout and Venturer Sections and encourage individuals' progress through the Sections.

2. MEETINGS Attend and actively participate in the following meetings: (a) Meetings and activities of the Troop and its

Patrols including the Troop Council. (b) Group Council meetings. (c) District Training meetings (Mindari). (d) Occasional ad hoc meetings, e.g., for planning

program or activities.

3. ADMINISTRATION (a) Ensure that adequate and correct records are

kept including in relation to Troop membership (personal details and Award Scheme progress), finance and equipment.

(b) Keep the GL informed of program changes in Troop membership, and progress in the Award Scheme.

(c) Ensure correct administration of Troop and Patrol activities including lodgment of appropriate indemnity forms, in accordance with Association policies, of Troop and Patrol activities and obtain any necessary permission (e.g. from landowners) for fire and camping approvals.

(d) Ensure the maintenance of Troop and Patrol equipment.

(e) Co-ordinate links between Sections with CSLs, VLs and GL.

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5.14.4 Responsibilities of a Venturer Section Leader

Leaders have the responsibility of enhancing their own skills tor this job and should ensure that they take advantage of opportunities tor personal development whether through the Scout Association or outside organisations. Leaders are expected to complete all five modules of the Leader of Youth Development Program.

1. UNIT PROGRAM

(a) Set a high standard of behaviour through personal example and encouragement.

(b) Establish, encourage and maintain the operation of the Unit Council in the Unit.

(c) Encourage, instruct and guide the Unit Council in their responsibilities.

(d) Ensure the effective functioning of the Unit in Council.

(e) Assist the Unit Council to provide or arrange for the instruction, assistance and examination of Venturers in skills appropriate to the program of the Unit- especially in topics and skills appropriate to the Award Scheme.

(f) Assist and encourage the Unit Council to plan, orqanise and conduct the Unit program including Unit meetings, weekend and other activities.

(g) Ensure appropriate supervision and safety of Unit activities.

(h) Establish a friendly relationship with parents, involving them where appropriate in the Unit's activities and explaining the principles of the Association and the reasons behind the Program.

(i) Ensure that Assistant Venturer Leaders have and discharge specific responsibilities in the various aspects of the Unit's program and involve them as an important member.of the Leadership Team.

(j) Enhance the personal growth and development, physically, intellectually, socially, and spiritually of the Venturers, by encouraging their participation in challenging activities, their progress in the Award Scheme, and their taking up of leadership opportunities.

(k) Ensure a high degree of co-operation with the Scout and Rover Sections and encourage individual progress through the Sections.

(1) To actively promote Venturing within the community.

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2. MEETINGS

Attend and actively participate in the following meetings:

(a) Meetings and activities of the Unit including the Unit Council.

(b) Group Council meetings.

(c) District Venturer Council or equivalent.

(d) Occasional ad hoc meetings, e.g., for planning program or activities.

3. ADMINISTRATION

(a) Ensure that adequate and correct records are kept including in relation to Unit membership (personal details and Award Scheme progress), finance and equipment.

(b) Keep the GL informed of program changes, Unit membership, and progress in the Award Scheme.

(c) Ensure correct administration of Unit activities including lodgment of appropriate indemnity forms, in accordance with Association policies, of Unit activities and obtain any necessary permission (e.g., from landowners) for fire and camping approvals.

(d) Ensure the maintenance of Unit equipment.

4. APPOINTMENT

(a) To support and attend those activities which are part of the District, Area and Branch calendar.

(b) Regularly appraise their own performance and that of the Unit and be active in goal setting.

(c) Encourage the development of other Leaders within the Section.

5.15 ADULT LEADER TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT: WOOD BADGE

''The quality of Scouting depends heavily on the quality and training of its Leaders."

The leader of Youth Development Program For all Leaders of Youth the Development Program is as follows:

Leader of Youth - Development Program Overview

Preliminary Core B I I Module I , 1. Mutual Agreement and Initial A (1 Topic) Competency Check I ,. Issue of Certificate of Adult Membership.

s I c

I Basic Core

T Module 2. Scouting Knowledge and R (3 Topics) Fundamental Principles A 3. Leadershi L-- All Training ~ection and Activity Leaders I P I · complete this module.

ct I N 4. Personal Skill Development

I N G

I

Basic Sectional 3 I I Techniques 5. Organisational Management Training Section (5 To ics) Leaders complete -----..

M p 6. Programming Topics 5, 6, 7 & a. ----.._

0 7. Sectional Techniques OR Issue Certificate of

d Specialised Techniques Adult Leadership and present

U 8. Outdoor Activities and the Gi/well Waggle. I Environment Activity Leaders / e complete Specialised /

9. Specialised Activities Techniques Topic 7 and S the relevant activity in

Topic 9.

Leader of Youth - Development Program Overview

Advanced Core 2. Scouting Knowledge and

I Training Section Leaders and Activity AT Module Fundamental Principles

• Leaders complete this module. DR (3 Topics) 3. Leadership

VA 4. Personal Skill Development Al N N Advanced Sectional 5. Organisational Management I Training Section Leaders complete Topics 5, Cl Techniques ~ 6, 7 & 8 plus two elective units of own choice. EN (5 Topics) 6. Programming

D G 7. Sectional Techniques OR 1--- Activity Leaders complete Specialised Specialised Techniques Techniques Topic 7 and the relevant

2 8. Outdoor Activities and the activity in Topic 9 PLUS two elective

Environment units of own choice. ~ I M Specialised Activities --.J 9.

0 • d Issue Certificate of Advanced Adult Leadership u and present Wood Badge

I e s I I Elective Module 2. Scouting Knowledge

(3 Topics - 22 Units) 4. Personal Skill Development

+ 6. Programming One elective unit must

Additional Electives be completed yearly by Activity Leaders and Training Section Leaders (after completing a Wood Badge) may also select all Leaders. one elective yearly from the Training of Trainers Program Level 1 or from Specialised Activities (which will cover Adventurous Activities)

5.16 SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR NEW LEADERS

Appointment of a Personal Leader Adviser (PLA) It is widely recognised a great deal of personal support is needed for a new Leader coming into the Movement, especially until he/she completes the Basic Level Training.

A detailed plan for implementation of this principle is outlined below. 1. Basic Level Training begins as soon as

possible after intention to apply for membership is indicated. The District Commissioner is responsible for completing the Preliminary Core module with the potential Adult Leader and to appoint a Personal Leader Adviser who facilitates this early training and induction.

2. The Personal Leader Adviser, who will be allocated by the District Commissioner or her/his nominee, may be a member of the District staff or an experienced and suitable Leader, to whom the newcomer can refer for support and answers to questions.

fT (f

Examples: A new Joey Scout Leader would have another, experienced Joey Scout Leader or DJSL as her/his Personal Leader Adviser; likewise:

A new Scout Section Leader would have the District Scout Leader or an experienced Scout Section Leader;

A new Rover Adviser would have an experienced Rover Adviser;

A new Assistant Cub Scout Leader would have the District Cub Scout Leader or an experienced Cub Scout Section Leader;

A new Assistant Venturer Leader would have the District Venturer Leader or an experienced Venturer Leader.

Refer to chapter 6, about Group Leaders, for the Group Leader Development Program.

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5.16.1 Role of the Personal Leader Adviser

(1) Introduce the new Leader to other adult members and know where to obtain resource material which will form a basis for discussion and go some way towards answering some of the questions posed by a new person.

(2) Guide the new Leader through their Personal Training which has four main areas:

A. Ongoing discussion of the Leader's role.

B. Completion of Basic Level Training.

C. Completion of one elective unit yearly.

D. Ensure that the Leader completes Advanced

Level Training within 2 years.

The Group Leader will ensure that the Leader applies for a membership; the PLA will help to follow this through as a matter of interest and pride. No doubt, the Personal Leader Adviser will remain as a friend to the new Leader and share in the satisfaction of rewarding service by the new Leader in completion of Advanced Level Training and award of the Wood Badge beads and Gilwell Scarf.

The role of the Personal Leader Adviser can be summed up as follows:

(a) Talk with the Leader about his/her experience and existing skills then together with the Group Leader and Section Leader, help to plan a training program in the light of those discussions .

(b} Inform the organisers of a District meeting that you intend to bring the new Leader to the meeting. Arrange introductions to the Leaders most likely to help, e.g., District Leaders and other Leaders with similar roles. Create a feeling of welcome and belonging to a large and successful Movement.

(c) Organise the visits to other Sections with the Section Leader concerned. Take the new Leader and help to make the best use of the visit by using the checklists provided in the Basic Core Module.

(d) Provide the new Leader with information about: (i) Basic Level Training, how much it costs, whether it is course based, one-to-one,etc.

(ii) Where to buy or borrow useful Publications

(iii) Advanced and Elective units, where they are held and when, so that the Leader is aware of the next step and can plan accordingly.

(e) Support the Leader with friendship and reassurance during these first few months thereby helping to maintain the initial enthusiasm .

WHO SUPPORTS THE PTAs? The ADC (Leader Training) or DL (Leader Training) coaches and supports the PLAs in her/ his District, perhaps conducts quarterly meetings of PLAs.

- Leaders support youth. - PTAs support new Leaders. - District Team supports PLAs.

personal Advisers are appointed by Branch Chief commissioner and issued with a National parchment. PLAs are supported and co-ordinated by the ADC (Leader Training) or District Leader (Leader Training).

5.1 6.2 Recognition of Prior learning (APL)

In the Adult Training and Development Programs, prior learning and experience may be recognised, where it can be demonstrated by the adult requesting "Recognition of Prior Learn ing" (RPL) for any topic in the Adu lt Development Program. Each Banch has a procedure in place to enable this process to happen.

5.1 7 HELPERS AND CUB SCOUT INSTRUCTORS 5.1 7.1 (a) Joey Scout Helper 1. A Joey Scout Leader may with the approval of

the Venturer Leader concerned obtain the services, as a Joey Scout Helper, of a Venturer (minimum age 15 years) or, with the approval of the DC or Guider concerned, of a Ranger or Ranger Guide.

Non Scouting personnel (minimum age 15 years) may serve as Joey Scout Helpers and must serve a satisfactory period of 3 months with a Mob before being appointed. On appointment, the Scout Promise will be made and uniform worn as in P&R. Non Venturers are required to complete the appropriate application form. The appointment of a Joey Scout Helper under this rule shall terminate on the person concerned reaching the age of 18 years.

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4. Training for Joey Scout Helpers is on-the-job training.

5. A Joey Scout Helper is entitled, on appointment, to wear a cloth badge above the right breast pocket, depicting the Joey Scout emblem.

Venturers assisting a Joey Scout Mob (a) A Venturer offering service to the Joey Scout

Mob, may be used as a Joey Scout Helper, subject to the approval of the Venturer Leader and the Joey Scout Leader. The minimum age is 15 years.

(b) Venturers carrying out practical service of at least ten hours over a two-month period may qualify at Venturer Award Standard.

(c) Venturers carrying out practical service of at least thirty hours over'six months period may qualify at the Queen's Scout Award Standard.

(b) Parent Helper 1 . A parent of a Joey Scout who on a casual

basis assists the Joey Scout Leader with the operation of the Mob, will be known as a Parent Helper. Such person will NOT wear uniform.

2. Parent Helpers are appointed by the Group Leader, on the recommendation of the Joey Scout Leader. The Group Leader will satisfy himself/herself as to the suitability of the person concerned.

(c) Resource Advisers 1. Resource Advisers may be used in the Joey

Scout Section.

5.17.2 Cub Scout Instructor The Cub Scout Leader may, with the approval of the Venturer Leader concerned, obtain the services, as a "Cub Scout Instructor", of a Venturer (minimum age 15) . After assisting a Cub Scout Pack for a period of three months, a Venturer wishing to continue as a Cub Scout Instructor may be so appointed upon completion of a Youth Leadership Course.

VENTURERS ASSISTING A CUB SCOUT PACK Venturers performing up to six months service with a Cub Scout Pack are not normally appointed as Cub Scout Instructors. Cub Scout Instructors: (a) May attend Cub Scout Instructor courses, (b) Do not wear Cub Scout Instructor's badges,

unless they have compieted the Cub Scout's Instructor's Course and are active as a Cub Scout Instructor in a Pack, and have been formally appointed.

Venturer service with a Cub Scout Pack as described in the Venturer Award Scheme involves on-the-job training by the Cub Scout Leader.

ROLE OF CUB SCOUT INSTRUCTOR A Cub Scout Instructor may: (a) Attend every Pack meeting. (b) Play an active (but not leading) role in Pack

ceremonies (except the Grand Howl). (c) Instruct in any of the subjects in the Cub Scout

Training scheme and pass test work, but only with the approval of the Cub Scout Leader (in charge).

(d) Assist by preparing gear and equipment for games and activities.

(e) Conduct games under the supervision of a Leader.

(f) Attend District Training meetings (Seeonee); and

(g) Be a regular visitor at the Group Council (with prior approval of the Group Leader).

A Cub Scout Instructor is not permitted to: (a) Take charge of a Pack, or any part of a Pack

at any time. (b) Attend adult Leader training courses. The appointment of a person as a Cub Scout Instructor will terminate automatically on that person reaching the age of 18 years.

5.17.3 Scout Helper Service of Venturers in the Scout Troop is achieved by appointing them as "Scout Helpers". This service would normally be done as part of the Venturer's Queen's Scout Award requirements. The formal arrangements are as follows:

1. A Venturer offering service to the Scout Troop may be appointed as a Scout Helper, subject to the approval of the Venturer Leader and Scout Section Leader. The minimum age is 16 years.

2. A Scout Helper is entitled, on appointment, to wear a cloth badge depicting a Scout Arrowhead above the right breast pocket, or in an equivalent position.

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3. The appointment of a Scout Helper under this rule shall terminate when the person concerned attains the age of 18.

It should be noted that the arrangements for Scout Helpers are quite different in detail to those for Cub Scout Instructors. A formal training course is not required for appointment as a Scout Helper. However, the Queen's Scout Award requires the Venturer to undertake relevant training in the service area. Therefore, the Venturer should be given appropriate on-the-job training within the Troop by the Scout Section Leaders and in addition, a Scout Helper may complete the Youth Leadership Course.

Briefly, it is expected that the arrangements will work as follows: 1. The Venturer offers himself/herself in service

with the approval of the Unit Council. 2. The Scout Section Leader and Venturer

Leader confer. 3. The Scout Helper is appointed immediately on

the recommendation of the Scout Leader and Venturer Leader to both the Group Leader and District Commissioner. The badge may then be issued through the normal process.

4. Scout Helpers are to be 16 years of age, and will automatically cease on their 18th birthday.

5. Scout Helpers should be given clearly defined, meaningful responsibilities within the Troop, and be given on-the-job training, support and supervision by a Leader, to ensure the Scout Helper serves a useful function within the Troop and derives beneficial experience from it.

6. The minimum period of service (to satisfy the Queen's Scout requirements) is 30 hours over a six month period. There is no maximum period except by virtue of the age limits.

7. A Scout Helper's role in the Troop should not interfere with the Venturer's normal involvement with the Unit.

8. If a Scout Helper's service with the Troop is unsatisfactory, the appointment may be reviewed by the Scout Leader with the Venturer Leader.

9. A Scout Helper is not a member of the Group Council and does not attend the District Training meeting (Mindari).

5.18 OPEN AND SPONSORED GROUPS The majority of Groups are known as open Groups as distinguished from sponsored Groups, that is, Groups sponsored by certain community bodies which are given the right to impose a number of conditions as to the membership of the Group they sponsor and in turn accept certain responsibilities. See Policy & Rules - R4.3(4) (e.g. Churches, The Salvation Army, Universities, Colleges and Schools, and Hospitals and Institutions, Her Majesty's Armed Forces, and any other bodies which may be approved by Branch Headquarters for this purpose).

Open Groups are set up independently of any sponsor and are controlled only by the Group Leader. Both open and sponsored Groups are subject to the direction of District and Area, and through them, the Branch of the Association.

Where a sponsoring body applies for registration of a Group, it appoints a sponsoring authority to act on its behalf and this sponsoring authority undertakes certain obligations which are:

(1) To accept the Aim, Principles and Policy of the Association as set out in Scouting for Boys and P&R, and the duty of endeavouring to ensure the continuity of the Group and the annual renewal of its registration.

(2) To observe in particular the conditions of P&R.

(3) To record with the Branch an agreement in regard to property in accordance with P&R. It is most important that this be done in order to avoid any problems should the Group cease to exist.

(4) To undertake to give the Group Leader the fullest possible assistance in carrying out the duties imposed on him/her.

In return for agreement to these obligations, the sponsoring authority may set the qualifications of persons to be admitted to the Group and the recruitment policy to be followed by the Group Leader.

51

Further, it undertakes the responsibility of nominating suitable persons to be appointed as Leaders in the Group. This right of nomination does not, however, confer on the sponsoring authority the right of appointment of Leaders which always remains in the hands of the Association. It is most important that both sponsor and Group Leader be very clear about their respective functions and be prepared to carry out their obligations in these matters without either one stepping into the affairs of the other. In the case of an open Group, the decision of the Group Leader is paramount, subject only to the authority of the District Association and District Commissioner. It is important to realise that matters which are the responsibility of the sponsoring authority, in a sponsored Group, do not come within the jurisdiction of the Group Committee as in an open Group.

5.19 MEMBERSHIP Admission of any recruit to the Group rests finally with the Group Leader in the open Group, except that the Rover Crew has the right to determine its own membership. GLs may delegate this matter to the care of the Leader in charge of the Section concerned, but even in this case, it is wise to lay down the policy to be followed and to see that it is carried out. This matter may well be discussed at Group Council. Although it is the Group Leader's responsibility, it is important that, in the case of the Venturer Unit, the Unit Council be consulted in the matter. In the case of an application for admission to the Crew as a Rover Squire or Trainee, it is laid down in Policy and Rules that a Rover Crew may admit as a member, a person:

(1) Who has reached the seventeenth but not the twenty-sixth birthday.

(2) Who makes the Scout Promise and complies with the Aim and Principles of the Movement.

(3) Who complies with the requirements of membership as specified by the Branch Rover Council.

Finally, a Scout cannot be a member of more than one Group, except when a member of a school, college or university Group, or a Services Rover Crew.

5.20 TRANSFER OF SCOUTS Members leave the Movement for a variety of reasons-removal from the district, loss of interest, etc. In every case a Transfer Certificate (available from Scout Commercial Outlets) should be issued recording the Scout's career and the training standards achieved. This certificate is accepted as a record of the person's experience, should the Scout wish to join another Group. In

the case of a member moving to another district, the Group Leader should endeavour to put them in touch with a Group near to the new address. In this case also, every effort should be made to accept them though this may mean giving preference over other applicants. It is considered that there is an obligation on all Groups to see that a member's Scout training is not terminated due to change of address. N.B. This is vital as we lose far too many members on transfer.

5.21 SCOUTING FOR THE DISABLED As well as providing a system of training for normal young people in the usual Australian environment, the Association makes provision for the membership of those who require special treatment because of their physical or mental limitations but not mentally defective, or ineducable. Where only one or two are disabled, they may well form part of a standard Mob, Pack or Troop, but where a number live in or attend a school or other organisation it is often better to form a Group limited in membership to those who are disabled.

It is recommended that great care be taken in the admission of totally deaf persons to normal Groups as this handicap is more severe than almost any other disability. In any such case, the Leader in charge of the Section should certainly discuss the matter fully with the parents, their doctor and counsellors for the hearing impaired. In all such cases, great care must be taken to see that the applicants are able to handle the training and the tests presented to them.

5.22 RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER ORGANISATIONS

The Association enjoys a special association with Guides Australia largely because they sprang from a common ideal. The two bodies have agreed in some Branches, that buildings may, in some circumstances, be shared by a Scout Group and a Guide Company and a special form of Deed or Trust has been drawn up to cover such cases.

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In regard to the other organisations, the Association desires to maintain friendly relationships with all non-political bodies having similar aims to its own.

5.22.1 Guide/Scout Combined Activities Guiding and Scouting are separate Movements having comparable philosophies and goals inherited from a common Founder.

Recent years have seen the setting up of Joint Consultative Committees, both at National and State levels, the completion of Bangladesh Australia Child Health Project and the successful Jamborella series. These are part of a continuing process of co-operation and collaboration, and one which should be developed in a way consistent with our individual policies and programs. To arrange common activities effectively, it is necessary for Leaders to identify and consult with their "opposite numbers". Both Headquarters publish "Comparative Directories" which make this task easier (bearing in mind that our structures are significantly different in Area, Region, Division, and District form). It is recommended that at a local level, initial contacts should usually be made between District Commissioners. (Generally the Guide District is equivalent to the Scout Group).

There should also be close liaison between Scout Branch Commissioners and Guide Association Advisers, particularly those concerned with Youth Program (activities and training), Leader Training, especially for trainers, International, Public Relations and some Development matters such as recruiting in schools.

Combined activities are not only concerned with inviting one another to regular Scout or Guide meetings where circumstances are suitable, but principally with special activities (such as Jamborellas) or local equivalents and co-participation in such events as Jamborees, Agoonorees for disabled Scouts and Guides, etc.

GETTING TOGETHER Combined activities with the Girl Guides and Scout Association may be either in a shared role or a supporting role. Shared: When both organisations are equally involved in the funding, preparation and realisation of the proposed activity Shared activities are important for our young people. These activities can increase our resources and strengthen our community support by attracting families who understand our common purpose. Shared activities are a basis for mutual support and growth which emphasise our similarities of aims and can be undertaken by any level of each Association. At a local level, Sections may share activities while the Guide District and the Scout Group work to build a strong neighbourhood focus tor youth. At whatever level we combine our imagination, resources and ambitions, the young people are the winners. Supporting: When one organisation takes full responsibility in the funding, preparation and the realisation and invites the other to participate in the proposed activity.

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5.22.2 The NATURE Project This is the Nepal-Australia Good Turn for the Environment Project and is a joint environment venture between The Scout Association of Australia and the Nepal Scout Association. The aim of the Project is to re-forest a hillside where there has been a major wash-away landslide. This area is between the town of Pokhara and the village of Kristinachnechaur. A team of Venturers, Rovers and Leaders leave Australia in July and December each year and spend about tour weeks in Nepal. Each team works to prepare the area, fence and plant trees, then tend the forest area already forming. As part of the visit to Nepal there are also a number of outdoor activities with the local Nepali Scouting members - trekking, visiting Kathmandu, white water rafting, to list a few. With the combination of the Project and the outdoor activities, the Australian Scout teams are building much closer links with the Nepali Scouts.

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6

The Group Leader 6.1 QUALIFICATIONS Policy and Rules set out the reasons for the appointment of a person as Group Leader when it says that he/she must be able to encourage the development of a complete Group --that is, all the appropriate Sections - and is able to carry out the functions allocated to the job.

The Group Leader should not hold any other warrant or perform any other function in the Group. The reason for this is that if his/her job is done properly, it is as much as can be expected from any person in normal circumstances on a spare-time basis. In other words, there is simply not enough time to do more than the Group Leader's job.

Should there be no Group Leader or Assistant Group Leader, Policy and Rules sets out that the District Association and the District Commissioner must select for this purpose whichever of the Leaders in charge of a Section is best qualified by character, age and experience.

Finally, when a Group consists of more than one Section, the District Association and District Commissioner must consult the Group Section Leaders and Group Committee in regard to the appointment of a Group Leader or a Leader to act in this capacity. The reason for this provision is to ensure, as far as possible, that harmonious relations are maintained in the Group Council where the acceptance of a Group Leader by all Sections in the Group is vital to the success of his/her leadership.

In addition to these general qualifications, and the other matters common to all Leaders, the Group Leader is expected to have a reasonable knowledge of the current Leader handbooks and particularly of Scouting for Boys and Policy and Rules. (National publications are listed at the back of this book.)

54

6.2 EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP

EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP Effective leadership is a major key to the success of a Group Leader and therefore to the success of the Group!

In Phases 2, 3 and 4 of the Group Leader Development Program, Group Leaders discuss and practise leadership skills. The Scout Association interprets Leadership style as what the Leader does, to be effective. That is, people can develop as effective Leaders, by practising appropriate actions, for the particular situation. In Phase 4, a situational leadership model is tackled thoroughly.

A simple leadership model is to break down leadership actions into three areas to be properly planned and addressed. These areas are: - the needs of the task - the needs of the Group - the needs of the individual

A Leader needs to respond to the needs of the task, the Group and the individual to enhance the successful outcome of an activity. At the completion of the activity an important process is the evaluation of the planning process. Consider these questions:

TASK

PLANNING

EVALUATION

THREE AREAS OF LEADERSHIP

THREE AREAS OF LEADERSHIP

GROUP INDIVIDUAL

THROUGH ELEVEN FUNCTIONS

SHARE LEADERSHIP

IDENTIFY RESOURCES

CO-ORDINATE

REPRESENT

REQUIRING

+ UNDERSTANDING

+ RELATIONSHIP SKILLS

+ SCOUTING SKILLS

+ PLANNING SKILLS

+ IMPLEMENTATION SKILLS

55

COMMUNICATE

DISCOVER NEEDS AND

CHARACTERISTICS

HELP TO LEARN

COUNSEL

SET EXAMPLE

8 Was the task clear, planned properly and evaluated afterwards?

"Was the Group concerned fully involved and motivated? Did they work together as a team?

" Was each individual fully in the picture as to what he or she was meant to do? Was he or she encouraged to play a full part? Were his or her needs attended to? Was he or she able to practise the skill before the event?

These three aspects of the Leader's role are obviously closely linked. They have only been highlighted in this way to help identify more clearly what the Leader actually does, or should be doing. The Leader can then see where he/she falls short and thus recognises the areas in which he/she needs further training to improve his/her leadership skills. A study of the accompanying diagram will help identify these skill areas so that the necessary steps can be taken to improve leadership skills.

LEADER'S EXAMPLE Another part of the Leader's role in encouraging the development of Group members is setting the example. What the Leader does determines the effectiveness of his or her leadership. The Leader creates the atmosphere or ethos of the Section for which he or she is responsible.

6.3 FUNCTIONS OF THE GROUP LEADER

1. To be responsible for the welfare, progress and training of young people within the Group and to develop in due course a complete Group as defined in P&R.

2. To develop and maintain a Scout Group to meet the youth needs of the local community.

3. To ensure the Group is adequately staffed by trained, competent, committed Leaders.

4. To ensure the training program for young people is delivered in accordance with the program performance standards and safety standards of the Association.

5. To encourage the effective operation of a Group Committee.

6. To prepare the Group Plan and obtain

56

agreement of the District Commissioner for its implementation.

7. Make recommendations and reports as necessary on the granting, transfer, and cancellation of certificates after receiving advice from the Group Committee.

8. Assess the performance of all Leaders in the Group as part of managing the staffing function and take necessary action to ensure adequate quality of leadership exists in the Group.

9. Make recommendations with respect to Awards to both uniformed and nonuniformed personnel.

10. Either investigate or refer to the District Commissioner for investigation any disputes between members of the Movement including any appeals by Scouts against dismissal. Any dispute in which the Group Leader is directly involved shall be referred to the District Commissioner for settlement.

11. To utilise the support and assistance made available to the Group by the Association as set out in the Group Registration Document.

12. To ensure the Group operates in accordance with the Association's Charter, its Policy and Rules, and Administrative Practices as advised from time to time.

13. To ensure there is effective communication among the Leaders of the Group and chair the Group Council.

14. To ensure a friendly atmosphere prevails in the Group and that in particular new youth and Leader members and their families are made to feel welcome.

15. To cooperate with and maintain good relations with other youth organisations in the community, particularly the Girl Guides, with the Baden-Powell Scout Guild and community leaders generally.

16. Personally to undertake development training especially that offered through the formal Leader Development program of the Scout Association.

6.4 ASSISTANT GROUP LEADER To assist the Group Leader in all functions, an Assistant Group Leader may be appointed at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner on the recommendation of the Area/Regional/District Commissioner for Groups where there are more than one Joey Scout, Cub Scout or Scout Section. The functions of the AGL are to undertake such duties as may be required by the GL and to act as GL in the absence of the GL.

6.5 THE LEADER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (leading to the Wood Badge for Group leaders and Assistant Group leaders)

For Group Leaders a new system of training was operated in all Branches of the Australian Association from 1987. This training or development of Group Leaders (including Assistant Group Leaders where appointed) who are primarily Leaders of Adults, is called the Leader Development Program. The program is the result of extended research into appropriate learning for managers of Scout Groups, with emphasis on application of the learning while carrying out the role of Group Leader.

Some basic criteria of the Leader Development Program are:

(i) Use of small groups in learning activities.

(ii) Competencies or abilities required by Group Leaders need to be agreed and organised in priority of importance and time.

(iii) Emphasis on demonstration of competency in the workplace to be recognised as a trained Leader.

(iv) The skills that people already have should be recognised.

(v) The set competencies must be comprehensive, with provision for choice and priorities.

(vi) Learning should be provided in a variety of "packages" and by a variety of methods.

(vii) Feedback to participants will be nonthreatening and effective.

Leader Development Program to the award of the Wood Badge is organised in four Phases, with the opportunity for further development.

Basic Level Phase 1 Phase 2 + Phase 2 Seminar and one topic from Phase 3 Certificate of Adult leadership and Gi/well waggle issued.

The time taken to complete Phases 1 and 2 will be no more than six months.

Advanced Level Phase 3

57

Phase 4 + Seminar and individual Project Wood Badge awarded: presentation of Wood Badge beads and Gilwell scarf. An additional Phase 4 elective is to be completed annually for on-going personal development. Details are se~ out in the accompanying diagram on the fol/owmg page.

The Group Leader progresses through the Development Program, by application of the competencies and abilities in his/her role in the Group.

6.5.1 Cerificate in Leader Development In October 1994, The Scout Association of Australia became the first youth organisation to gain national accreditation of a Training Program. All Leaders of Adults may complete this certificate course which is listed on the National Training Register (ASF Level 4). Your employer may give you recognition of Scout Training if you gain this certificate CNLD 121 O Certificate in Leader Development

Complete Phases 1-4 Leader Development Program Part 1 or 2 Plus Complete Training of Trainers - Level (Parts 1-4).

Details may be obtained from your Branch Commissioner for Adult Training and Development.

6.5.2 Personal leader Advisers The key people to assist the Group Leaders to complete the Development program. The Personal Leader Adviser is a facilitator of learning and evaluation of performance. Together with the Group Leader, the Leader Adviser will:

(i) Assess the skills and competencies that the GL brings to Scouting.

(ii) Discuss the competencies required by the Group Leader, as outlined in the Phase 1, 2, 3 and 4 worksheets, and as they perceive them in the Group.

(iii) Advise the GL on how, where and when to learn the competencies needed.

(iv) Assist the GL to obtain these competencies, for example, advise on where to find references, training course/ package application forms, introduce the GL to other competent, experienced GLs and District staff.

(v) Encourage the GL to carry out the competencies outlined in the workbooks for the phases.

(vi) Give descriptive feedback to the GL on the effectiveness of the GL's work, in a positive and constructive manner.

(vii) Evaluate, in conjunction with the GL, the completion of each phase.

(viii) Notify the District Commissioner and the Branch Commissioner for Adult Training and

Leader Development Program Part 1 - Leaders of Adults (Group Leaders)

I Induction Module I Complete for issue A Complete remaining three Topics

B of Certificate of D Phase 3 Adult Membership. v 4 Topics

A A (worksheets) s Phase 1 Module N OBLIGATORY

I 7 Units c 1. The Fundamentals of Scouting

c (worksheets) E I and the Leader of Adults' Role

I 2. Individual Project D Phase 4

T T

I Seminars

I ELECTIVE

R Phase 2 Seminar R (16 Units) 3. Assertiveness

A Module A 4. Counselling

14 Units 5. Dealing with Trauma ()1 I I I Complete eight 6. Delegating CXl

N N Seminar Units 7. Educational Method of Scouting

I I two of which are 8. Human Relations Phase 2 Module obligatory) then 9. Leadership and Team Building N 5 Units N complete the 10. Managing Conflict

G (worksheets) G worksheets for five of 11. Negotiating these Units (including 12. Relationship Skills

3 I I 2 I the obligatory Units) 13. Speaking in Public with your Personal 14. Time Management Leader Adviser.

M M' 15. Working with Different Cultures

0 0

d Group Leaders must also complete one Topic d Group Leaders must complete one additional elective yearly or one

u of their choice from Phase 3 Topics. u topic from Specialised Activities (Adventurous Activities) OR one

I I Part from the Training of Trainers Program Level 1.

e Issue Certificate of Adult Leadership e I Issue Certificate of Advanced Adult Leadership and present Wood s and Gilwell Woggle. s Badge. Issue Wood Badge beads and Gilwell Scarf.

Development that the GL has completed the Leader Development Program.

6.6 UNIFORM The Group Leader and Assistant Group Leader wear the same basic uniform as all other Leaders in the Movement with the distinguishing mark of a white bar worn on the shoulder straps. It is particularly important, not only that the Group Leader wears uniform on all appropriate occasions, but that it is always correct and of a standard to set a proper example to other Leaders and to all the members of the Group.

6.7 DUTY TO GOD Although Friendship with God is in the main an individual responsibility, those who hold Leadership positions have a responsibility to encourage the spiritual development of the young people in their charge. Group Leaders have a supervisory role to ensure that those Leaders offer to the young people in the Movement, an appropriate emphasis on spiritual development. There are a number of ways the Group Leader can encourage this:

1. Establish a firm friendship with each Leader and be aware of their personal position on their spiritual development.

2. Ascertain that each Leader has an understanding of the Association's policy on religion and spiritual development, and translate that policy to their young people in acceptable and readily understood ways.

3. Ensure that Leaders create and encourage a suitable and healthy environment in which young people will feel comfortable to discuss their Duty to their God individually and within the wider life of the Section.

4. Re-enforce the value of the personal example of each Leader as this can have a significant impact on the thinking and lifestyle of young people, as they are encouraged to love and serve God in their individual lives and within their Sections.

5. The Group Leader should consider establishing and encouraging traditions within the Group through:

A. Appropriate prayers at each meeting of the Section, with the young people participating in meaningful ways.

B. Prayers at Group Committee, Group Council, A.G.M.'s, Investitures, Going-up Ceremonies, etc.

C. Daily prayers and Grace at camps, Sleep Overs, Pack Holidays and Scouts' Own should be part of weekend activities, not held in competition with religious

59

observances.

D. Participation in World Scout Day and other services.

E. Arrangement of Parades to different religious centres within the community.

F. Arrangement of suitable visits to the Group by Church or similar representatives to give young people an awareness of social and spiritual needs in the local community, as well as at a world level.

G. Encouragement of local Clergy to be Chaplains at Group, District or Area level.

6.8 COMMUNICATIONS The Scout Association relies very heavily on effective communications. Because the members are voluntary, this can be difficult, however, the following points can make things easier: 1. When you write a communication, eradicate all

the guff. Be SHORT, CLEAR, AND SAY WHAT YOU REALLY MEAN.

2. Address your communication direct to the person for whom it is intended and use the quickest possible method of getting it to that person rather than the most convenient.

3. When you receive a communication that the sender reasonably expects that you will pass on, don't waste time deciding on what its priority should be. The sender has usually indicated that already. Without knowing if we often act as a filter deciding when and who should get information which is often in direct contradiction of the communication involved.

4. We are not a secret society; we do not control the faithful by feeding them only the information that we believe is good for them.

So what does it mean to be a good communicator? All you need is the will to pass on information as soon as you get it. Keep the ball rolling; don't just put a block in front of it; don't put your own interpretation on it, just simply PASS IT ON NOW. A handy aid to communication is a 'Letterbox' at the Group Headquarters with a slot for each Section, Group Committee and GL.

6.9 RELATIONSHIP WITH GROUP COMMITTEE

Although the Group Committee is dealt with in detail later, it is appropriate at this point to get some understanding of the relationship of the Group Leader with it, but it is also necessary to have an understanding of the general functions of the Group Committee. Briefly, the Group Committee is formed to assist the Group Leader to provide those facilities, both human and material, necessary for the proper effective and efficient running of the Group. It is of paramount importance that the phrase assist the Group Leader be fully appreciated, for this is vital to the understanding of the Group

Committee's role and the Group Leader's relationship to it. Group Leaders are to encourage the effective operation of the Group Committee. The Group Leader is a member of a Group Committee but not its Chairman. He/She advises the Group Committee on Scout policy and Group needs and receives advice when recommendations and reports on Leader's warrants are required. As well as being an adviser to the Group Committee, he/she must encourage it to do whatever is necessary to provide for the needs of the Group at that particular time and also prevent its interference in matters which do not come within its province. It will always pay the Group Leader to give every encouragement to the Group Committee which consists of people who sincerely want to help the Movement and are doing all that they are able in this way. The wise Group Leader is able to guide them and get an enormous amount of help for the Group, and for the whole Movement.

6.10 RELATIONSHIP TO SECTION LEADERS

This depends very largely on the personality of the Group Leader and of the other Leaders in the Group. Rules state that a Section Leader takes charge of a Youth Section, subject to the general supervision of the Group Leader. This does not mean that the Group Leader should, or will, lay down in detail everything that is done in a Section. However, it does mean that he/she will

60

lay down the policy to be followed to coordinate the training and activities of all members of the Group. The extent to which the Group Leader must enter into detail with the Section Leader will depend upon the experience of the Leader concerned, but in no case should any Section Leader be allowed to operate independently of the needs and requirements of the Group as a whole.

6.11 GROUP LEADER'S VISIT TO THE YOUTH SECTION PROGRAMS

Why? There is a range of reasons why a Group Leader visits the Sections:

- To be assured that genuine Scouting is being offered with full, varied programs.

- To offer support and encouragement to the leaders.

- To know and become known to each youth member.

- To become aware of leadership shortages and equipment requirements.

- To see the property under use - where is it inadequate?

- To assess whether the outdoor nature of Scouting is being promoted:

• Are there indoor activities being used in preparation/training for outdoor activities?

• Are there outdoor activities frequently included in the program-hikes, camps, Pack Holidays, pioneering days, Patrol camps, abseiling, rock climbing, canoeing, sailing?

To observe unobtrusively the style of Section operations, the styles of leadership being used, and to assess how the work of the Group needs to be adjusted.

To note the attendance patterns of the Sections:

• Are the Sections full?

• Do members attend regularly?

• Are the programs attractive so that members keep coming?

• Is any Section losing members?

By visiting the Sections, the Group Leader is keeping a finger on the pulse of the Group. Early diagnosis of difficulties means corrective action can be taken. The visits will also help you with the Group Plan.

How often? Judging how frequently you should visit Section meetings and activities will be a personal matter in the light of Group needs.

Visiting, however, should be:

frequent enough to know the state of each Section, and to know the style and aptitude of each Leader and to know whether all Leaders and their ideas are being used to full potential.

But not too frequently to be a nuisance, or be in the way, or to seem to be interfering.

There is some background knowledge about Scouting which the Group Leader will find beneficial. This information can be gained by four methods:

By reading the appropriate Section Leader's handbook (e.g., Joey Scout Leader's Handbook, Cub Scout Leader's Handbook, Scout Leader's Handbook, Venturer Leader's Handbook).

By conversing with the District staff (e.g., the District Cub Scout Leader, District Scout Leader).

By reading Scouting newsletters and magazines.

By observing the respective Sections at work.

Observation and Evaluation In particular the Group Leader wants to become familiar with:

What smail group method is used in each Section, e.g., Patrol.

What range of Youth Program activities in each Section covers the essential training using a set range of material.

What Award Scheme is used in each Section? (No Award Scheme in Joey Scouts.)

What range of badges in each Section is based on personal interests, curiosity to learn and individual choice.

How each Section handles youth leadership training for their respective age groups.

What you read and what you see in other Groups may not always be the same as you find in the Sections of your Group.

Why is that? It may be because less-than-genuine Scouting is being offered.

Perhaps a Joey Scout Mob, a Cub Scout Pack, Scout Troop or Venturer Unit have developed into a club, and have lost the distinctive program emphasis of Scouting.

If the Section programs are not offering fun, adventure and challenge in stimulating and enjoyable programs then interest will wane. Good Scouting requires effective programs in a Scouting atmosphere.

Guidelines for Evaluation of what Group Leaders observe at Section meetings are used in a learning activity which is part of Phase 2 of the Group Leader Development Program. Visiting outdoor activities specifically is part of the Phase 3 module: "Leading in the Group Program ".

61

6.12 A GROUP LEADER'S CHECKLIST The following list is suggested as a means of assisting the GL in running an efficient, happy Scout Group.

6.12.1 Membership " Are new parents being properly interviewed as

well as their child and told their obligations in support of their child/children?

• Do they pledge to carry an equal share of this responsibility with other parents?

" When census and membership renewal time comes around do you chat with parents who are unfairly placing a burden on others by their non­activity, to establish if there is a valid reason?

• Does your induction form include the occupation of parents to assist your Group in obtaining expertise in fundraising and advisers, etc?

6.12.2 Group Committee • Do you and Chairman instruct every member of

the Committee in a specific task to contribute to the total running of the Group, e.g. Fundraising Sub-Committee Chairman, Public Relations Officer, Group Development Officer, etc.?

a Are your Office Bearers well suited for the task?

"Are the highlights of your Group Committee meetings conveyed to all members of the Group through a Group Newsletter by your PR committee representative?

• Does the Committee divide the parents into Patrols with a Committee member as the leader for communication purposes?

"Do you keep the Group Committee delegates to the District Association up-to-date with Group affairs?

6.12.3 Group Council

" Does your Group Council meet regularly?

• Do you have an agenda?

" Do you keep records/minutes of the meetings? •Are important items such as training and

member progress included?

• Has the year's program been planned? • What part are you playing in Going Up

Ceremonies, etc? • Do you as GL ensure that each Section is

operating to program?

6.12.4 District help • Do you have a good rapport with your District

Commissioner? • District Leaders, e.g., DCSL, DSL are experts in

their appropriate fields-do you seek their advice as to how the progress of each Section is going?

• Do you talk with other Group Leaders at District meetings and share your experiences?

6.12.5 Property Your Group Headquarters is the Scouting showplace, and people judge what kind of a show you are running by the appearance of your home. Do you have a proper Bottle Dump, for example? • Is your building neat, tidy, well-painted, well­

planted, well-mowed and clean? • Do you as Group Leader insist on noise

abatement after a certain hour? • Were you able to obtain the assistance of a

friendly neighbour or a parent as a Caretaker to help avoid vandalism?

6.12.6 Smartness Are your Leaders and Members well turned out, especially in public, and what are you doing to encouraqe this?

THIS?

OR THIS?

62

6.12. 7 Development Although quantity is by no means synonymous with qu~lity, the two are certainly related as far as Scouti11g is concerned. There are some very good small Groups, it is true, many of them are in small towns where the size of the Group is limited by the number of young people of the right age, but in general the larger a Group is the better the quality of the Scouting it provides. The reasons for this are not hard to define, and are self-reinforcing. A good Group offers interesting and exciting activities, and so it attracts more support and thus becomes larger.

Having become larger, it has more personal and material resources (because more Members means a larger Group Council and Group Committee and thus greater fundraising potential) and so is able to offer a wide range of interesting and exciting activities. This means that it attracts more support ... and so on. This is an over­simplification, of course, but it is close enough to the truth to deserve further consideration. Every Group should be concerned with the development of Scouting, believing that it has something worthwhile to offer young people, and being keen to make Scouting available to as many young people as possible. In different States, programs exist to enable young people who would not normally have the desire or the opportunity to experience Scouting, to do just that. "Scoutreach" is a typical name of such a program.

In your Group, do you have a Development Officer or Sub-committee to recruit and gain greater youth and adult membership, to ensure the future of Scouting in your location?

Has your Group got female and male Leaders at all levels? Has your Group started a Joey Scout Mob? Do you (as well as the Section Leader) visit the parents of every new member of the Group?

The value of this initial and on-going contact is invaluable for future support of the Group, including parent involvement in the Scouting education program.

6.13 VISITING THE FAMILY OF A NEW GROUP MEMBER

The value of parent involvement in a Scout Group cannot be over estimated. The parents decide that their young child can become a Scout. The Adult Leaders in the Group operate the Scout Youth Program for these young people and their parents.

First contact may be when the parents ask about membership and you record the child's name on a waiting list or introduce the family to the Section Leader, if there is a vacancy and the age requirements are met.

Follow up this contact immediately. When the young person joins or is about to become an invested member, visit the parents at home at a mutually acceptable time, for about an hour.

The cups of tea shared in the young person's home can stimulate a partnership for the future. Make the most of it. This applies equally to the visit of the Section Leader. You will learn about the young person and how Scouting can serve his/her needs.

Listen and observe. Talk also, about:

THE SCOUT GROUP

1. The Group's name, youth Sections and times of meetings. Confirm that all is suitable before proceeding!

2. Why the Group exists, to serve the local community, a little of its history.

3. Continuity of youth program, from Joey Scouts to Rovers.

c.. :I: (/) a: w Cl c:i: w .J w > ;:: (.) w a: Cl

Adult takes the Decisions

Joey Scout Mob

Cub Scout Pack

4. Reason for Leaders' names: "Skip", "Baloo", etc., not too formal, not peers but Adult Leaders.

AIM OF SCOUTING 1. An Educational Movement for young people,

aiming to encourage physical, intellectual, social and spiritual development of young people, so that they may take a constructive place in society as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.

2. The youth program - all the activities refer to the Educational Objectives for each Section in P&R in which the young people take part - is based on educational objectives, in turn based on the needs of young people in the local community. Many of these needs are satisfied through the Scout Movement's non-formal education program, which, for the young people is recreation and FUN.

3. Through the youth program, the young people develop self-esteem, self-confidence, leadership skills, tolerance, self-reliance, initiative, teamwork, sense of responsibility, eagerness to learn-all the characteristics which achieve the aim of developing good citizenship.

4. Scouting complements home life, formal education through schools and informal learning in everyday life.

Scouting, through its positive approach, proactively develops good character and self­esteem, helping to prevent young people falling into destructive lifestyles. It can also help to rebuild a young person's way of life, offering challenges and opportunities for achievement. 7

Youth members take the

Decisions

c.. :I: (/)

a: UJ Cl c:i: w .J UJ > ;:: (.) UJ a: 0

I z 0 z

Scout Troop

Venturer Unit

Rover Crew

63

SCOUTING METHODS Progressive self-education through: 1. Commitment to a code of living-the Scout

Promise and Law, which is expressed in positive language appropriate to the age of the young person. The Scout Promise is a personal pact made between the young person and, the Section Leader. (Check that the Section Leader is known to the parents.) e.g., "Duty to My God"-belief in a personal

supreme being. The Scout Movement encourages all members "actively to seek a growing spiritual relationship" with God in the form which the family accepts. Scouting does not teach religion but encourages spiritual development through use of prayers at appropriate occasions, voluntary attendance at some religious events and duty to God through service to other people.

2. Learning by doing. The youth program is fun activities with an educational purpose, involving progressive discovery and training towards self-reliance and self-government.

3. Membership of small groups (for example the Patrol) for many activities.

4. Voluntary membership of a uniformed group, which is increasingly self-governing in its successive age groups.

5. Provision of opportunities for leadership and responsibility.

An award scheme, as part of the youth program, to encourage participation in activities and to provide recognitiori of individual achievement.

FINANCE 1. Weekly subscription and its purpose and uses

-as the services are always provided, hall electricity used, etc., subscriptions are required whether the girl or boy attends or not.

2. Cost of uniform and where to buy it: Local procedure. Alternatives to purchasing a new uniform if finances are tight. In any case, wait until he/she is committed to membership before purchasing.

64

3. Joining fees and registration/membership fee (annual)-what these cover, including insurance, services and activity centres run by Branch HQ, District, etc.

4. Group running costs-the Group Committee is a group of parents and supporters of Scouting whose main function is to raise finance to:

Run the Group and train its Leaders.

Provide and maintain equipment for the youth programs.

Maintain buildings, grounds and equipment.

Pay for insurance.

Offset depreciation-provide for replacements. Pay for electricity, gas.

(Perhaps lease, rates.) 5. Group levies-if they exist.

6. Capital works-if any are current at the time. 7. Scout Job Week, as a community service and

method of raising money for annual registration fees and other items.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT 1. Family participation in many Section and

Group activities, e.g., Group picnic, investiture and going-up ceremonies, helping with transport, specialist skills of the parents to help with Committee work, youth instruction, etc.

Social functions of the Group.

Fundraising functions.

Den/hall and grounds maintenance.

Challenge Badge Advisers.

2. Group Committee and/or its sub-committees. 3. Uniformed leaders-a positive picture is

essential. The Scout Movement needs quality adult leaders, many of whom are parents. It is a tremendous way of giving community service. Previous experience is not necessary and excellent training and support is provided for those who volunteer.

4. For their child in Scouting, parents can:

Encourage participation in the youth program.

Encourage living by the Promise and Law, good turns.

Encourage progress in the youth award scheme. Remind him/her of "doing their best".

Support the adult leaders.

Tell others in the community about Scouting.

6.14 ORGANISATION AND FUNCTION OF THE GROUP COUNCIL AND THE GROUP COMMITTEE

GROUP COUNCIL GROUP COMMITTEE

1. COMPOSITION All Leaders of Group. One of two parents from each Leaders-in-training. section, well-wishers and Cub Scout Instructors, Scout influential people, former and Joey Scout helpers do not Scouts and GL. attend.

2. ELIGIBILITY When an adult joins as a By invitation of GL or elected in Leader. accordance with Group

Committee Rules.

3. CHAIRMAN Group Leader. Elected by Committee. Should not be GL.

4. MEETINGS Regular - Monthly. Regular - Monthly. Informal. Formal.

5. FUNCTION Discuss, coordinate all matters Responsibile for Group affecting training of youth property - assist GL with members. finance, public relations, Joint events, use of HQ and obtaining accommodation, equipment - develop team camping ground, transport, spirit among Leaders. publicity.

To find Leaders - but DOES NOT involve itself with youth

' training.

6. RECORDS Notes of decisions and action Minutes kept; letters, etc., filed; taken. accounts and inventories kept

by Secretary and Treasurer.

7. FINANCE Operates through Group Raises funds - operates Committee by framing Group bank account -estimates of expenditure, authorises expenditure. recommends purchases. Responsible to District

Association.

8. PROPERTY AND Allocates use and safeguards Responsible for providing -HEADQUARTERS from damage. purchase - maintenance -

extensions. Responsible to District Association.

9. EQUIPMENT Deals with allocation, use and Purchases, keeps inventories. care. Carefully considers Responsible to District recommendations for purchase. Association.

10. CAMPING Arranges and controls. Helps to find sites, helps finance, helps with transport.

11. RECRUITMENT OF Looks out for suitable people. Looks out for suitable and LEADERS Responsible to Group willing people. Responsible

Committee. with GL for re.commending to DC.

12. TRAINING OF LEADERS Encourages completion of Helps financially. Adult Training Programs.

13. PUBLICITY Provides or supports Group Publicise fact that Group is Committee with back-up on worthy of support, and what worthwhile activities. help is needed.

65

66

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\ J • •

7

The Group Committee 7. 1 COMPOSITION (Refer P&R) A small Group Committee composed of parents of Scouts, former Scouts, representatives of the Sponsoring Authority in the case of a sponsored Group, and others interested in the Group, must be formed in all cases. It is responsible for Group property, to assist the GL with finance, public relations and publicity, obtaining accommodation, camping grounds, adult help for the Group, employment for its members, and for the recognition and the activities of any body of parents, supporters, or other persons, engaged in any undertaking for or on behalf of the Group or any Section of the Group. The GL will be a member of the Group Committee. In many cases, all the members of a Group Committee are parents of Scouts, but it is worthwhile to endeavour to attract people from the wider field permitted by the rules and, in this way, to obtain the help of people other than those immediately connected with the Group. It should be realised that the Group Committee is essential in the running of the Group and is the body on which the Group Leader will rely for support. While it is the work of the Group Committee to provide the training equipment for all the sections, the long-range objective should be the provision and maintenance of a Group Headquarters, Group Committees must raise money only by those methods that are in conformity with the policy of the Association. (See Finance.) Although frequently membership of the Group Committee is not large, all parents should, if possible, be drawn into the life of the Group. This will effectively create a family aspect which is invaluable. The Patrol System works extremely well at Group Committee level­each member accepts their role and that of keeping in touch with "X" numbers of other parents to ensure they are kept informed and involved.

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7.2 GROUP COMMITTEE RULES Each Branch of the Association has drawn up a set of Group Committee Rules which must be adopted and complied with by all Group Committees. The rules lay down conditions relating to the operations of the Committee and to its membership.

7.3 APPOINTMENT Members of a Group Committee are appointed or retired by the Group Leader subject to the approval of the District Association and District Commissioner, given in the case of sponsored Groups after consultation with the Sponsoring Authority. Where Branch practice so applies, members may also be elected by a simple majority at a regular Committee or Annual Meeting and/or by the District Association District Commissioner.

Many Group Leaders speak of difficulty in finding members for the Group Committee. A good time to acquaint parents of their responsibility to serve on the Committee is when the Group Leader calls to enrol the new member. If all parents of new members are made aware that they are expected to take a turn on the Group Committee, the Group Leader's task of recruitment is made a lot easier.

While the Group Leader appoints the members of the Group Committee, the general policy is that the Committee itself elects its own office bearers. The Group Leader may not hold any office on the Group Committee and is normally the only Leader to attend the meetings.

7.4 MEETINGS It is important that the Group Committee meets on a regular basis, normally not less than once a month.

7.4.1 Group Committee Meetings It is the Chairman's responsibility to ensure that every person present participates in the meeting and leaves feeling they have been involved in a worthwhile constructive meeting. Accurate minutes should be maintained.

TYPICAL AGENDA

Chairman*: Apologies (Secretary records those present).

Secretary:

Chairman*:

Secretary: Treasurer:

Group Leader:

DA Delegates: Fundsraisers Rep: PR Officer:

Absent (these should be contacted within 24 hours by Chairman to acquaint them of Meeting results and ensure enthusiasm maintained). Requests acceptance of minutes of last meeting {which were previously issued to all), or they may be read at the meeting. Requests confirmation. Items arising from minutes (Secretary should have listed on an agenda). Correspondence received and sent out since last meeting. Financial report (including progress towards budget) in writing with copies for all members. Accounts for payment Status of payment re Group levy (numbers outstanding-do not name). N.B. President, Treasurer and GL should follow up. Membership status at present, new members, dropouts (with reasons) and action taken, and number of dropouts to date in year. Waiting list position. Information/requests from Group Council, District, Area, Branch. N.B. Should be in writing and handed to Secretary for attachment to minutes. Report from District Association meeting. Fundraising report. PR report. Family roster report.

Chairman: General business. Coming events (program). Sums up specially who to action what. Next meeting-when and where.

Supper - Most important that meeting ends with a relaxing chat. N.B. Sub-committees should also run on similar lines, especially the keeping of accurate Minutes and

reporting of monetary situation. *While Chairman is used in these notes, some Branches elect a Group President who chairs the Group Committee meetings (i.e. in these Branches read Group President for Group Chairman).

Keep meeting businesslike so that members may return home feeling that something has been achieved and their time well spent.

Sub-committee reports should be concise but informative, and include personalities.

Plan a budget and set a target for the year.

Arrange a letter of welcome to be sent to the parents of new members.

Appoint a welcome sub-committee who, with the GL, will make a prompt personal call on theparents of new members joining the Group.

All parents are potential Leaders, Committeemen and Activity Advisers. They can assist your fundraising activities and provide transport for

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camps and outings. Remember, Cub Scout's parents, in particular, could be associated with your Group for up to 10 years.

Hold meetings in comfortable surroundings, provide good seating and heaters if required.

Arrange occasional social activities for all members of the Committee to enjoy.

Give some service to the community.

Maintain the spirit of a happy family unit.

When moments of doubt, indecision or disagreement arise, remember the guiding principle:

DO WHAT IS BEST FOR THE SCOUT

7.4.2 Group Annual General Meeting (AGM)

It is necessary for the Group Committee to hold an annual meeting and, according to Branch practice, these are generally held between the end of February and the end of April. All Leaders in the Group, parents, local supporters of Scouting and District staff are generally invited and every effort should be made to ensure that this meeting is one of the highlights of the Group's year. A typical agenda would be:

Opening-flag break and prayer.

Welcome, especially to invited special guests.

Apologies (Secretary).

Minutes of last Annual Meeting, distributed in writing.

(Reports: Chairman/Treasurer/Group Leader (circulated also in writing). (Reports are very useful items of business and all should be prepared in consultation to avoid double references. They should be full of interesting information about the family's activities and progress during the past year -print them if at all possible. They are valuable PR material in your local community.)

Adoption of annual report and audited accounts.

Motion of appreciation of the retiring committee members and of the Scouters.

Announcement of the new Committee or its election according to Branch practice.

Election of office bearers: Chairman or President, Vice-Chairman (if established), Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer.

Appointment of an Auditor, who shall be a person qualified to carry out such duties.

Address by District Commissioner. (Sometimes the DC will be asked to second the adoption of the Group Annual Report and will make some contribution at that time.)

- Guest speak if required.

N.B. Very many Groups stage displays by their youth members at Group annual meetings and this is an excellent practice.

Other business-such as votes of thanks, presentations, etc., invitation to supper.

Closing, flag down.

7.4.3 Planning your Annual Meeting A well prepared annual report presented to a well organised Annual Meeting creates good public relations.

Good public relations attract more Leaders, more supporter help and more finance.

Please do whatever you can in your Group to make the most of this public relations opportunity.

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THE PURPOSE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING IS TO:

1 . Adopt the Annual Report.

2. Adopt audited accounts.

3. Elect oflice bearers for the ensuing year.

But in addition to this basic purpose we should

aim to:

1 . Promote public relations.

2. Promote a more informed interest in the minds of as many people as possible.

3. Demonstrate the strength and vitality of Scouting.

ORGANISATION OF THE ANNUAL MEETINGS

Organisation of the Annual Meetings is very important and we should:

1. Arrange a suitable time and place well in advance.

2. Arrange for some special feature attraction.

3. Arrange for supper.

4. Prepare a comprehensive invitation list.

5. Consider the methods to be employed to ensure maximum attendance.

6. Prepare the agenda.

7. Secure the consent of persons to be nominated for positions before the meeting and have these listed for the Chairman.

8. Arrange for persons to speak in support of the reports.

9. Arrange for report of proceedings to local papers.

THE OBJECT OF THE ANNUAL REPORT IS TO:

1. Accurately portray the activities and achievements of the Group for the past 12 months with emphasis on any special or particular achievements in any Section.

2. Outline targets for the following year.

3. Express thanks to all who have been of assistance.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE REPORT

Distribution of the report should be as wide as possible.

Be sure to include the AC, the DC and other Groups in your District. Extracts of salient points should be sent to the local press for publication.

PRESENTATION OF THE REPORT

Presentation of the report should be such as to command the attention of the audience and to make easy reading.

This does not call for expensive printing.

CONTENT OF THE REPORT SHOULD INCLUDE (not necessarily in this sequence) (a) Figures of the annual census with comment on

improvement or otherwise, what membership strength could or should be, and anticipated strength next year.

(b) Achievements within Group or District in training of youth members, major events attended, achievements in the award scheme, major badges, cords, Queen's Scout and B-P awards.

PARLE FRANCAIS

(c) Achievements within Group in training of Leaders - completion of training, Wood Badges, etc.

(d) Movement of Leaders. Recruits, Transfers, Resignations, 3 year evaluahons.

(e) Existing Leader strength and recruitment needed to fill vacancies and prepare for resignations.

(f) The work of the Recruiting Committee. (g) Group Scouting Activities: competitions and

results. (h) Acknowledgement of the efforts of Group

Section Leaders. (i) Number of Group Committee meetings and

attendance. (j) Reference to the work of office bearers. (k) Reference to the appointment and work of

Badge Examiners/Advisers. (I) Buildings and accommodation activities. (m) Other non-uniform personnel activities. (n) Any other items of interest, such as (o) Acknowledgement of any services rendered to

Group. (p) Reference to financial position.

Note The Group report is given by the Group Leader for the Group as a whole. No separate reports are required from Section Leaders or from the Chairman.

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But it is important that provision is made in the agenda for the Chairman's remarks before the election of officers. Follow up is essential. Section Leaders and supporters will gain much if they follow through and cultivate contacts made at the annual meeting. It is strongly suggested that GLs attend other Group annual meetings to compare their own efforts and to plan for further improvements in the future.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF Two months before the Annual Meeting Will the meeting have a theme and will the display and decoration match? Will Scouts be seen at the meeting? Will they be assisting in some way? Supper? If entertainment item is not well rehearsed -scrap it. Will you use videos or coloured slides to illustrate year's events, camps, building?

Will display be photographs, large map of new building, special event coming, record number of Queen's Scouts or your latest success?

One month before Annual Meeting Who opens the hall and who has the keys? Do all the invited know that you will START AT THE ADVERTISED TIME, irrespective of who is late? Have you warned the special guests?

Is the display arrangement settled? Who, when and where? You will need special spotlights? Perhaps reading lamps can be subtly used?

Final arrangements re refreshments made? Who arranges the chairs? Good psychology to have just a few less than you appear to need (but have the spares hidden right at hand). This way you always have a 'full house'. Cunning. Who meets each of the special guests? Do you know what they look like?

One or two days before , Final check on all people with jobs.

The day of the Annual Meeting 5 p.m. Collection of refreshments and

equipment for serving. Decoration and display complete.

6 p.m. Platform or hall-end or stage ready for entertainment. Check double if electric cables, etc, in use. Check points and lights.

7 p.m. Chairs and tables in position in a friendly grouping. Cups set out ready. (They must never clatter during proceedings.)

7.30 p.m. All finished. Everyone at their posts. Nominators and seconders checked in? Hand them their "prompt" cards. Those to meet and escort guests in the foyer or near. (Soft background "Scout" music is useful in large hall if on tape that requires little attention.)

8.00 p.m. ON THE DOT START (as you advertised you would!). If the Lord Mayor is late, he/she is late and it's his/her discourtesy, not yours.

After the meeting day Borrowed equipment returned with thanks. Letter of thanks to all who helped. Notes for improvements placed in the minute book for next year. Section Leaders and Supporter follow up contacts made at the Annual Meeting. Last thought

Annual Meetings are so much "hearing" ~try and break the monotony of presentation with VISUAL material. There is no reason why the people shouldn't see what you are talking about even if it's only by models, sketches, maps, plans, photographs, charts, display boards, movies, press clippings, log books, and signwriting of the new year's "Theme" or target.

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7.5 DUTIES OF THE GROUP COMMITTEE (P&R.- R4 -7)

The Group Committee functions in accordance with a set of Rules, which must be adopted at its formation or as soon after as practicable. A model form for such Rules is available from Branch Headquarters and any variation from such model rules shall be operative only after approval of the District Association. The duties of the Group Committee shall include: 1. Recommend the appointment of a Group

Leader who shall be the Chief Executive Leader of the Group and carry out the functions identified in the "Function Statement for Group Leader".

2. Recruit adequate staff in both quality and quantity to enable the Group Leader to fully staff and maintain fully staffed all the Sections of the Scout Group.

3. Carry out enquiries sufficient to satisfy itself that all persons in direct contact with the young people of the Scout Group are fit and proper persons to carry out the role and endorse this finding on the application for all appointments in the Group.

4. Inform itself on the performance of the Scout Group in meeting the requirements of the local community for Scouting for its young people by receiving and endorsing the half-yearly Group plan and receiving reports on the Group performance against the plan from the Group Leader and the District Commissioner.

5. Establish and maintain good relationships with all levels of the local community.

6. Provide adult help for the Group and assist its members to obtain and maintain employment.

7. Provide adequate accommodation for the Scout Group to carry out its role.

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8. Ensure the Scout Group has adequate funding to carry out its role.

9. Ensure that all plant and equipment used by the Group is suitable for the purpose for which it is being used and meets the current safety standards of the State in general and the Scout Association in particular.

10. Ensure that all records are kept and funds accounted for in accordance with the applicable laws of the State and rules of the Scout Association.

11. Convene an annual general meeting at which the financial accounts of the Group and the annual report of the Group Leader are presented.

N.B. This Committee is not concerned or responsible in any way for the actual training of any of the members in the Group. Reference has been made that the Group Committee is responsible for Group property and it is most important that where a Group possesses property of any value, including real estate, such property be vested in the name of The Scout Association of Australia in accordance with Branch practice.

The Group Committee must clearly understand that they are appointed to assist the Group Leader and therefore operate to satisfy his/her reasonable requests and those of the Group Council.

7.6 SUB-COMMITTEES Where a Group forms a special committee or sub-committee or any similar body, either as a regular part of the organisation or for any special purpose, such body must be regarded as a sub-committee of the Group Committee and must always operate under the same conditions as the Group Committee. Any funds raised by such a sub-committee should be paid into the Group Committee account as soon as such money is raised and not kept in separate account not under the control of the Group Committee. (P&R.)

7.7 MEMBERSHIP OF THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

All members of Group Committees are members of the Association and, as such, are bound by the rules of the Association and are obliged to act within those rules and in accordance with the policy laid down to be followed by them and all other members of the Association. This applies to all the activities of the Group Committee and all of its members when acting in the name of, for, or on behalf of the Association.

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7.8 GROUP COMMITTEE OFFICE BEARERS AND DUTIES

The Committee should appoint a President or Chairman, Secretary and a Treasurer from its own members. It should also appoint one or more Auditors. The duties of the President or Chairman shall be to take the chair at all meetings of the Committee and to lead the Committee in its general function of assisting the Group Leader. The duties of the Secretary are to call meetings of the Group Committee, to draw up an agenda for each meeting, to keep minutes of each meeting and to receive and answer correspondence at the direction of the Committee. The duties of the Treasurer are to keep a true and proper record of the finances of the Group Committee and to present a financial statement at each meeting of the Committee, to receive all monies on behalf of the Committee and all of its members when acting in the name of, for, or on behalf of, the Association.

7.8.1 Group Committee, President or Chairman

A Chairman's first task is to support the GL then ensure that there is a fair opportunity for those present at a meeting to express their opinions on the matter in hand. Each person attending meetings must have an opportunity to have their input and must leave the meeting with a feeling of having contributed to a worthwhile meeting.

The Chairman must ensure the efficiency of the proceedings by imposing on the meeting reasonable order and an agenda. The Chairman must be sympathetic and adaptable to the needs and wishes of the meeting as far as content goes. The basic task is to ensure that the meeting is properly conducted and recorded. The Chairman must be able to discover what the actual will of the meeting is, and then assist in its formulation into a decision. The Chairman is not acting in a vacuum, but in a sequence of meetings. The Chairman is required to follow-up any necessary actions by others resulting from the minutes, prior to the next meeting to ensure that the decisions of the previous meeting have been carried out. The means of assistance available to the Chairman, apart from the GL and other office bearers, are broadly of two kinds:

(a) A set of formal rules for running the meeting.

(b) Their personal skill in dealing with people.

The written rules are those in common practice for the conduct of meetings and are broadly based on Parliamentary procedure and the Constitution and By-Laws of the Association. In all cases the majority's wishes must be represented.

[CHAIRMAN) , ,

SUGGESTED JOB DESCRIPTION - CHAIRMAN 1 . To support and assist the Group Leader in

running the Group as laid down in P&R. 2. To ensure the Group Committee works on the

principles as laid down in P&R and the Group Committee Constitution.

3. To chair meetings of the Group Committee, after preparation of an agenda in consultation with the Group Committee Secretary.

4. To give a lead to the other Committee members by personal example, and motivate and enthuse them with specific objectives.

5. To ensure that the Group Committee cooperates with the District Association and appoints delegates to District as required.

6. Be a Delegate to District and liaise with the District Association/Executive and its Chairman and refer to them for advice as necessary.

7. Provide a written annual report. N.B. If unable to attend a meeting, he/she must ensure GL and Vice-Chairman are told and are briefed.

7 .8.2 The Vice-President or Vice-Chairman

The Vice-Chairman (if elected) shall act for and on behalf of the Chairman on all suitable occasions and preside at all meetings of the Group Committee at which the President is not present.

7 .8.3 The Honorary Secretary The Honorary Secretary shall act as Secretary to the Group Committee, and shall call meetings of the Group Committee and of such subcommittees as the Group Committee may direct, and shall give notice thereof in accordance with these Rules. He/she shall receive and reply to all correspondence, keep accurate minutes and records of all meetings of the Group Committee

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and of meetings of such sub-committees as the Group Committee may direct. He/she shall carry out such other duties as may be assigned to him/her by the President and the Group Leader. The Honorary Secretary shall retain all books, correspondence and records of the Group Committee pertaining to the office until such time as he/she retires or is requested in writing by the Group Leader, Chairman of the Group Committee, District Association Secretary, Area Secretary or General Secretary of the Branch to hand them over.

SUGGESTED JOB DESCRIPTION -

SECRETARY

1. See that the Group Chairman is kept fully informed on all correspondence pertaining to the Group.

2. See that notices of regular meetings of the Group Committee are sent out in sufficient time, giving date, time and place of meeting.

3. Prepare, in consultation with the GL and Group Chairman, an agenda for each meeting.

4. Keep minutes of all meetings of the Group Committee.

5. Despatch a copy of the minutes, with appropriate action points highlighted for attention, to each Group Committee member.

6. See that Branch, Area and District notices and other important notices or articles from "The Australian Scout" are brought to the attention of the Committee.

7. Assist the Chairman with the preparation of the Annual Meeting and Annual Report.

8. Maintain an accurate record of the expenditure of Petty Cash allocated for postage, etc.

9. Undertake other secretarial duties of a Group nature as may be required from time to time.

10. Liaise with the District Association/Executive Secretary and refer to him/her for advice as necessary.

11. Take necessary steps to obtain a postal box or post office address for the Group advising all necessary authorities-banks, insurances, etc.-of this. Clear weekly, or more frequently, distributing items through Group letterbox system at Group Headquarters. Note: Each Section plus GL and Group Committee should have internal letterbox with perspex front, preferably located near door in hall, which is to be cleared at least weekly on meeting nights.

12. Ensure the Group Committee receives at least one copy of a "Scout" magazine and that this is circulated to the Committee members.

7 .8.4 The Honorary Treasurer The Honorary Treasurer shall receive monies payable to the Group Committee and ensure that they,are promptly banked and accounted for, pay out monies on behalf of the Group Committee, keep an accurate account of all funds of the Group Committee and prepare and submit to each monthly meeting of the Group Committee a statement of receipts and expenditure. He/she shall prepare an annual statement of receipts and expenditure and a balance sheet for submission to the Auditor and to the annual meeting of the Group Committee. He/she shall retain all receipt butts, books of accounts, cheque books and copies of annual statements and balance sheets pertaining to the office until such time as he/she retires or is requested, in writing by the Group Leader, Chairman of the Group Committee, District Association Secretary, Area Secretary or General Secretary of the Branch to hand them over.

r ·--,

SUGGESTED JOB DESCRIPTION -TREASURER 1. Operate and maintain accounts of Group

Committee including sub-committees including receipt of money, issuing receipts, banking, presenting accounts for payment to Group Committee meetings. Ensure accounts also include in the name 'The Scout Association of Australia" - and require two signatories to operate all accounts.

2. Arrange annual audit of all accounts of Group, i.e. Group Committee, Group Council, Sections, Sixes, Patrols, Units, etc., and presentation of statements of each account in the required format through Group Leader to District.

3. Ensure that all accounts are operated as per rules, i.e. must have at least two signatures. BHQ Accounts Book can be used for accounts as these are set up to provide details for the annual audit. There is one for Group Committee and one for each Section.

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4. Oversee the operation of Section accounts only insofar as the way in which the books and accounts are being maintained, arrange assistance if desired/required.

Note: Group Committee and Treasurer have no authority over the actual expenditure of Section funds. 5. Ensure that budget is produced which includes

input from Group Committee and Group Council.

6. Review bank account signatories annually and change as necessary.

7. Arrange collection of Group levies (Fees) reporting position monthly to Chairman and Group Leader.

N.B. As a rule numbers only should be discussed at Group Committee meetings. Any problem families should be referred to the Group Leader and Chairman and not openly discussed at meetings. There may be some families who have extreme financial problems and Scouting must recognise this and do what it can to assist genuine cases, including if necessary, the waiving of fees. Also see Section on Finance for more detail. (See Chapter 13.)

7.8.5 Other positions on the Group Committee

The number of people required for the Group Committee will depend on size of the Group and person's capabilities. Common sense must prevail to keep a workable number - 12 would normally be a maximum on an actual Group Committee, but others could be used on subcommittees - only one member of the subcommittee would normally attend Committee meetings.

SUGGESTED JOB DESCRIPTION -PROJECTS AND FUNDS OFFICER Coordinate activities of the Fundraising and Projects sub-committee. Some of these activities are listed below: 1. Maintain stocks of secondhand books,

uniforms, scarves, hats, etc., new scarves, and Group and District Badges.

Note: You will need to keep promoting the sale of books/uniforms, etc., possibly an item in each month's Group magazine and also get Cub Scout Leaders to advise new parents of availability and contact person. 2. Form a Fundraising sub-committee of four to

six parents, with the aim to organise and run fundraising activities to meet the Group's budget. (For examples of fundraising and related rules, see Finance Section 8.6 and Chapter 13).

Note: Social activities are an important way of getting families together which could lead to more participation at other events. 3. Coordinate and promote Scout Week and

other projects as required with the Sections after consultation with GL and Group Council and Group Committee.

SUGGESTED JOB DESCRIPTION - PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER 1. Attends both Group Council by invitation, and

Group Committee. This is important for efficient editing of Group magazine and notices. The PRO must have a "feel" for what is happening and why.

2. Collects articles, edits and produces Group magazine.

3. Edits and prepares notices, reminders, etc., for use by Leaders, Committee, etc.

4. Ensures that Group's program and budget and directory of Who's Who and the Family Duty Roster is issued early in year - preferably January/February.

5. Ensures that coming event notices are issued in plenty of time and that they stimulate reaction. These events may range from World Jamborees to cake stalls.

6. Arranges displays, etc., at local schools and shops to let all residents know that Scouting is "Alive and Well''.

7. Arrange publication of newsworthy activities in local press, "Australian Scout", etc.

8. Develop liaison with Council and other local

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community groups, including Guides, with a view to helping one another and keeping each other informed.

This position will provide an additional link between the Group Council and the Group Committee and should minimise the effect of the change over of a Group Leader.

7.8.6 Auditor (Not a member of the Group Committee, but appointed at the Group's annual meeting) 1. The auditor may examine the Group

Committee books of account and vouchers at any time and shall do so when called upon by the District Association, Group Leader, Chairman of the Group Committee or the Group Committee.

2. The auditor shall report upon the examination of the balance sheet and financial statements to the annual meeting or upon the examination of the books of accounts and vouchers to any meeting called especially in consequence of any requested investigation of accounts.

7.8.7 Trustee SUGGESTED JOB DESCRIPTION 1. Have a list of all equipment owned by the

Group as a whole. Items from this list will be obtained from the Group Secretary and the Group Leader. In the main, this list will consist of insurable items.

2. Periodically check the equipment to ensure that it is in good repair and suitable for the purpose for which it was bought. Ensure stowage is not a fire/accident hazard.

3. Check all buildings regularly for repairs, fire hazards, etc. Ensure that vandals/burglarproofing is adequate at all times.

4. Recommend to the Group Committee realistic insurable values on contents and buildings by obtaining current balance sheet value (for statement of assets and liabilities on annual financial report) and replacement value (tor insurance purposes).

5. Recommend to Committee any repair needs or renewal requirements.

6. Towards close of financial year give an updated equipment list to Group Secretary tor inclusion in annual returns. This list should have replacement value against each item.

7. Prepare report for annual general meeting and Group Committee meetings.

Note: The Trustee should ensure that the Scouting equipment is used only for Scouting purposes. Camping equipment, etc., should not be loaned to families for camping, etc.

The equipment has been purchased with monies raised by the Group for the Group.

The Group Committee may also profitably appoint or elect a: Registrar - to assist the Group Leader to monitor membership, parents, future members (waiting list). transfers, progress from one Section to the next, etc. Transport Coordinator - for camps, outings, etc.

7.9 GROUP COMMITTEE MEMBER'S CODE OF CONDUCT

GLs might like to issue something like the following to new members, together with their job description. As a member of the Committee I will: 1. Attend meetings regularly and when this is

impossible, send an apology and strive to catch up on what I have missed.

2. Seek to understand the job assignment of the Committee, interpret it to others and work to complete it in the allotted time, and to the best of my ability.'

3. Participate in the deliberations with preparedness, objectivity and humility, allow other members to make their point, not talk over or across and avoid private discussions.

4. Share the time of discussion with other members and stick to the topic.

5. Assume responsibility for some of the work assignments of the Committee.

6. Listen and seek to understand and utilise the ideas of others.

7. Help in the making of Committee decisions and support those made by the Group.

8. Evaluate my contribution to the Committee and encourage the Committee as a whole to evaluate its own work.

Next time you say it was a poor Committee meeting, perhaps you should ask "What could I do to try to make it better?"

7.10 GROUP COMMITTEE RECORDS 7.10.1 Group Committee Minutes The Group Committee exists to assist the Group Leader in running the Group. In the main, this

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process involves the provision of the facilities necessary to enable the Leaders to do their job of training the youth members. For this reason, the activities of the Committee are largely concerned with the raising of funds and the assistance of individual parents and friends in Group activities. Since fundraising will invariably involve arrangements by considerable numbers of people, all discussions in regard to these arrangements must be very carefully recorded as must also the decisions made concerning the expenditure of funds which the Group Committee has collected. An important thing is that expenditure is recorded-the responsibility for the proper expenditure being mainly that of the Group Leader. The fact that he/she makes a request to the Committee on behalf of the Group Council for funds is sufficient to make the money available, provided it is a fair and reasonable request.

7.10.2 Finance Books The normal Group Committee will have very considerable amounts of money pass through its hands in a year. Complete records of revenue and expenditure and assets and liabilities of the Group must be maintained and arrangements must be made annually to have these records and the financial records of the Sections of the Group audited by an independent and competent authority. Details of the records which must be kept are covered more fully in Chapter 13.

7.10.3 Property Records Many Groups will hold property, that is real estate, on behalf of the Association. Although this property is vested in the name of the Association, it is important that the Committee of the G~oup h~lding it has full and complete knowledge of its detail, including its Title description or lease agreement.

The Group Leader must hold complete records of equipment owned by the Group, but this information should also be held by and available to the Group Committee to enable it to provide the information asked for with the census return each year. More details are contained in Chapter 8, on Group Property.

7.11 THE GROUP COMMITTEE CHECKLIST

This checklist is designed for one purpose only, and that is to assist the Group Committee to evaluate its job, and help to build a strong, prosperous Scout Group.

1. Has the Committee a copy of P&R and the relevant Branch Group Committee Rules or By-Laws?

2. Are they aware that the important job of the Committee is to assist the GL?

3. Has the Group Committee contributed its part to the current Group Plan?

4. Has the Group Committee set its own performance targets for the current year?

5. Does the Committee send a letter of welcome to the parents of new members?

6. Is the letter of welcome followed up with a personal visit or induction session.

7. Has the Committee prepared a budget for anticipated expenditure based on Group Council priorities?

8. Has the Treasurer been authorised to make prompt payment of regular expenses?

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9. Has the Group a development program to ensure growth or maintenance of members?

1 O. Has all the necessary training equipment been provided?

11. Has the Group Committee a Quartermaster?

12. Have all Group/Section accounts two signatories and are they in the name of the Association?

13. Does the Committee take a full and active part in Group activities?

14. Is the Group HQ and other property in the name of the Association?

15. Is the Group HQ and equipment insurance realistic, considering present-day values?

16. Is the Group's HQ in good condition, well maintained, clean and tidy inside and out?

17. Are neighbours, Council and local community generally proud to have the Group in their midst?

18. Do we have adequate Group social activities?

19. Are our public relations such that the . community is aware of the Group, and does 1t enable the Group to take a leading part in the community?

20. Has the Group a Public Relations Officer?

21. Do we help in finding leaders?

22. Do we make enough use of sub-committees?

23. Does the Group Committee prevent internal upsets by promoting good relationships within the Group?

24. Has the Committee (with Section Leader approval) visited a Section?

25. Can the Committee give the lead with enthusiasm and optimism?

26. Has the Committee appointed delegates to the District Association and does it get reports from these people?

,,, ......

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Group Property Reference: Australian Policy and Rules.

N.B. Full details relating to property use, loan, hire, rateability, public liability, vary from Branch to Branch according to State laws, so obtain these from your Branch Headquarters.

8.1 GROUP HEADQUARTERS (OR ACCOMMODATION)

In order to conduct a Scout Group properly, it is necessary to have a meeting place. It is desirable that this be a building which is substantially used only for the activities of the Group. While in the case of most sponsored groups, satisfactory accommodation will be provided by the sponsoring body, the open Group generally provides its own headquarters and it is preferred that such headquarters is owned by the Association, rather than rented or borrowed from some other body, such as a school, community centre, etc. Where a Group does possess its own headquarters, the title or lease or other agreement covering possession must be vested in the name of the Association.

8.2 PROPERTY VESTED IN THE ASSOCIATION

It is most important that, where a Group possesses property of any value, including real estate, such property must be vested in the name

79

of the Branch of the Association in accordance with the procedure set out by Branch Headquarters.

8.3 SPONSORED GROUP EQUIPMENT/PROPERTY

In the case of a sponsored Group it is necessary to determine in the first place what property is to be regarded as belonging to the Group itself and what to the Sponsoring Authority, and this decision must be recorded with the District in a letter of agreement between GL and Group Committee on the one hand, and the Sponsoring Authority on the other. A model form for such letter of agreement is available from Branch Headquarters.

8.4 SCHEDULE OF GROUP PROPERTY A Schedule of Group property must be submitted each year to the DA. In the case of a sponsored Group the schedule should be counter-signed by the Sponsoring Authority.

8.5 APPROVAL OF BUILDING PROPOSALS OR BUILDING PLANS

Before a Group constructs a new headquarters, a plan for the building should be submitted for advice and approval through the District Association to Area Headquarters, according to Branch practice.

When considering any proposal for a new Group Headquarters, it is suggested that the Group Committee sees that the plans provide for all things necessary for the operation of the Group. However, these facilities should not be extravagant and should be designed primarily for Scouting activities.

While it is not possible to lay down minimum standards or, for that matter, maximum ones to be adopted in the construction of a new

headquarters, it is suggested that provision should be made for a hall, storerooms, kitchen and toilet facilities. 1 t is important that the finish should be such that it will withstand the wear and tear of the activities for which it is intended without obvious deterioration. It will also be necessary to construct the building in accordance with the requirements of the appropriate local authority. If funds are available, it is very desirable to provide, in addition to the above, separate meeting places for Patrols or Sixes and separate accommodation for a Venturer Unit, Rover Crew and Leaders of the Group. However, these may be added at a later date.

8.6 FINANCE The cost of providing a Group Headquarters varies greatly, depending on the locality in which it is to be built. However, in all cases, it amounts to thousands of dollars and the provision of this money, which is one of the major responsibilities of the Group Committee, always presents considerable problems. One means of providing the necessary capital to build a Group Headquarters early in the life of a new Group is by means of Community Advancement Societies, Co-operative Societies, or other similar organisations. Full details of the operation of these societies are available from Branch Headquarters where advice may be obtained as to the best way of approaching this problem.

8.7 SALE OR MORTGAGE OF SCOUT PROPERTY

All property owned by the Association must be in the name of the Association which is bound by Acts of Parliament to follow a definite procedure when it is desired to either sell or mortgage it. Should an individual Group desire to have the property it occupies sold or mortgaged, the procedure is as follows:

1. Application should be made through the normal channels, to Branch Headquarters, for permission to sell or mortgage the property, as the case may be, together with the reasons.

2. On receipt of the above information, the General Secretary of the Branch will initiate the appropriate action with the Branch Executive Committee and the decision of the Executive Committee is then notified to the formation concerned.

8.8 CAMP SITES Apart from Group Headquarters and equipment, training of Scouts can be advanced by use of a suitable camp site where they can camp at frequent intervals and to which they can travel with a minimum of effort, particularly on the part of Scouters and parents. Such a property is better provided by Districts, Areas or Regions.

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8.9 RATEABILITY OF LAND USED FOR SCOUT PURPOSES (OR RATES)

In some States, under present conditions, since the Association is a charitable organisation in the legal sense, it has been ruled that land which is used for the training of Scouts is not rateable.

8.10 USE OF PROPERTY AND LOAN OR HIRE

It is the responsibility of the Group Leader and the Group Committee to ensure that all governmental and municipal regulations and by-laws affecting their property are adhered to. Most leases make specific references to such matters as, for example, the right of sub-lease; limitations on usage; consumption of alcoholic beverages and so on. These conditions must be clearly understood, and copies of current leases are available from the Property Officer at BHQ for those Groups which have mislaid theirs. Subject to any leasehold or other legal restriction (i.e. Council by-laws), Group Committees may approve the use of their Scout halls for social functions at which alcoholic drinks are intended to be served. Group Committees, however, must assure themselves that necessary permits are obtained and the insurance cover has been arranged. (N.B. Important to read section on insurance.) Where Scout properties are hired to outside users, hirers are normally required to take out their own public liability insurance. It should be noted that, where Scout halls are hired for use by members of the Association for personal functions, then they must still take out separate public liability insurance by extending the Association's policy.

8.11 RELATIONSHIPS WITH LOCAL COUNCIL

Group Committees should maintain a good relationship with their Council Officers so that they can attend to such matters as lease and licence expiry and any new conditions of renewal before the event and not after it. Times are changing and unfortunately not every municipality is as supportive of Scouting as it should be. There have been instances where Scout Groups have suffered because they have not bothered to defend their rights, or press the value of Scouting to the community, with the result that they have been sometimes denied a new lease or had a renewal effected under much less attractive terms than applied previously.

8.12 PROPERTY ADMINISTRATION DETAILS

This depends on State and municipal laws. Obtain full details from Branch Headquarters. Ask your District Commissioner for assistance.

9

Group Publicity If we are to attract public support and new recruits (young people and adult Leaders), we must take steps to advertise the part Scouting plays in the community and the activities enjoyed by all.

The nature of the Scout program is mostly concerned with the adventures of small groups of members often taking place out-of-doors, where not many people normally see them. This presents a problem in regard to publicity but, with a little care and preparation, a good deal can be done to tell people outside the Movement what is being done and how we do it.

It is desirable to publicise the activities of a Group, as this can be a very real help in obtaining support, not only for fundraising but also to procure tolerance for the activities which often appear odd and noisy to the public. In addition, publicity is a potent tool for the recruitment of Leaders, and young people.

People are much more likely to support a Movement whose aims and activities they understand, than one of which they know nothing, and such information is best spread at the local or Group level.

There are many ways in which individual people can publicise activities of the Movement. Group publicity can be obtained through "shows': publications and regular items in the local press.

9.1 PRESS PUBLICITY Scouting in Australia has received some excellent publicity in recent times, especially for international events like Jamborees and Conferences and visits such as by the Children of Chernobyl.

However, it is certainly not true, as far as Scouting is concerned, that "all publicity is good publicity". Difficult or unpleasant situations can arise and Leaders must think and prepare carefully any statement, as they can be taken out of context and used for "news". Where possible such situations should be referred to an experienced Scout press

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agent such as the Branch Marketing or Public Relations Officer.

The majority of editors and journalists are quite responsible and reasonable people and will publish only those stories that they honestly feel are of public interest. If at the same time they fail to report the success of the Venturer Unit in a competition, it is possibly not that they do not consider it to be "news", but more likely because no one has taken the trouble to tell them about it.

Every Group should appoint a member of the Group Committee to be responsible for press and public relations. Ideally this should be someone with no other Scout job, but in a small Group the responsibility may have to be taken on by the Group Chairman or Group Secretary. This person should keep the local papers (and local radio) informed of notable events in the life of the Group, but can do that properly only if he or she is kept informed by the Leaders and Members actually involved. A news release should be clear and concise, answering the journalist's essential questions (What? When? Who? Where? Why?) as briefly as possible, and giving a name and telephone number in case further information is required. Check your Branch rules relating to news releases.

LOCAL PRESS

While press coverage in the national papers must be left to Branch Headquarters, individual Groups can get valuable publicity through their local papers. These papers are always hungry for local news and only too willing to publish material, but they do need to have it presented to them in a suitable form. The following points are worth remembering:

1. Ascertain the latest date for delivery of copy and have it there in plenty of time.

2. Write copy on one side of the paper only and preferably in double-spaced typing. Provide a clear heading telling what the story is about.

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The name of the authority for the story should be given. This should be the Group Leader or Group Committee Chairman, give both the name and appointment. Use names - these are news - as much as possible and do not forget initials .

3. Write your matter in the style of a newspaper, that is, initial summary, then most important matter and the less important matter last.

4. Provide a name and daytime telephone number through which the paper may check the material if necessary.

5. Pictures are very useful, but remember they should be in the form of glossy prints, not smaller than 7.5 cm X 10 cm and preferably larger. Do not provide negatives. Always attach a brief caption to a picture. Do not rely on the story for a caption, as picture and story may easily become separated.

6. Send your publicity matter to the paper and mark it for favour of publication. It will not then be mistaken for an advertisement and charged to you.

9.2 GROUP MAGAZINE A magazine containing contributions from the members and published regularly can be potent means of keeping parents informed of the general activities of the Group and may also be used as a means of interesting people not normally contacted by the Group. Such a publication need not be expensively printed but should be carefully edited and set up and presented as attractively as possible.

9.3 GROUP SHOWS This type of activity can be not only a means of publicity but also a means of training Scouts, in addition to which it provides an opportunity for the whole Group to work together on a project.

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When planning such a show, it is worth remembering these points: 1. The planning of the show should be initiated in

the Group Council. 2. There should be a part in the show for every

member of the Group. This not only helps with the training aspect, but also ensures the widest possible interest from parents and friends.

3. The standard must be the best that can be obtained. No one expects a professional performance, but the people attending are entitled to the best show which can be put on and, in particular, they should be able to hear what is said.

4. The Director of the Gang Show at some Branch Headquarters is generally willing to assist with this type of function under certain circumstances.

5. The show should not run for more than three nights. This is as much as individual performers can be expected to do without interfering unduly with other activities.

6. Some Districts, with their greater numbers of members, put on an annual "Show" and these provide an opportunity for expression of a range of talents by the members of the Group.

9.4 GENERAL PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN While general publicity campaigns have their place, these are generally better left to the District rather than the Group, and it is strongly recommended that the Group limits itself to activities at its own level and in its own area. An exception to this is the case where there is a single Group in a country town or district which can obviously best run its own campaign. P&R P9.3 says that, "No member of the Association may express opinions in the public press or on radio or television on any matter of Scout policy or principle, without the prior approval of National or Branch . It is essential that all members of the Movement appreciate the importance of this rule, as the wrong impression can very easily be given to the public by individuals expressing their own opinions rather than those of the Movement.

9.5 OTHER ACTIVITIES If the Group has any good-quality posters, photographs or other material advertising particular events (or simply Scouting in general) it may be possible to get permission to display them free of charge in schools, public libraries, or shop windows. They must be of good quality, however, if they are to give a good impression of Scouting, and should be taken down or replaced as soon as they become faded or dogeared. A bank or building society may be willing to allow the Group to mount a static display in its window for a few weeks, but once again such a display should be carefully planned and well presented. Members themselves can help publicise Scouting by taking part in the local carnivals and similar events; uniform will not necessarily be appropriate on these occasions, and a large sign to indicate that they are Scouts may be used instead.

The matters set out above and many others are dealt with in greater detail in a most informative publication entitled Public Relations for Scouting, published by The Scout Association of Australia and available at Scout Commercial Centres.

9.6 PUBLIC RELATIONS Our best (or worst) publicity, however, is ourselves as we go about the business of Scouting from week to week. Recruitment and leakage figures depend to a very large extent on the quality of the program. If the youth members enjoy the activities on offer, they will bring their friends; if not, they will leave. In a similar way, the effect of any number of carefully-prepared displays and press releases can be undone in a matter of minutes by a small group of scruffy Scouts misbehaving themselves in public. Any consideration of public relations must therefore look at all aspects of the Group's life, and not just at those which we choose to regard as being directed particularly towards advertising or recruitment. Appearance is certainly one element of this, and appearance not only of Members and Leaders, but of all the Group's property. Is the Group Headquarters well maintained and repainted reasonably often? Is the notice board clean and up-to-date, or does it still give the name of the

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last Group Scout Leader but one? Is the Group minibus kept in good condition? Is "full uniform or no uniform" observed whenever Scouts or Leaders are out in public? Questions such as these should be asked frequently, and if the answers are not satisfactory then something should be done at once to put matters right.

Behaviour is another area to consider, and both Leaders and Members should take care to ensure that they behave in an appropriate manner at all times. Leaders who overload their cars or drive them through built-up areas at 75 kph are hardly good advertisements for a Scout's "duty to the Queen" - neither are Scouts who drop litter or ride their bicycles on the pavements! When a group of Scouts are out together, perhaps on a free half-day in camp, they should be reminded not to cause inconvenience to other people by blocking the footpath or crowding into small shops ... it is little things such as these that have such a great effect on our public image.

We should not forget, either, our "public relations" with the people nearest at hand - the neighbours and the parents. Evening events at the Group Headquarters should be so planned as to minimise any inconvenience caused to those living nearby. Blocking driveways with parked cars, slamming doors and generally making unnecessary noise should be avoided, but even so the neighbours will certainly be aware of the Scouts' presence. Perhaps the Group might send each of them a Christmas card, or invite them to an open evening or a party, simply as a way of saying "Thank you for putting up with us". As for the parents - well, without them we should be out of a job! They don't always react the way you want them to, as every Leader knows, but they do have their children's welfare at heart and they can be a tremendous help if kept informed and if treated in the right way.

One way of keeping parents informed, of course, is to have a Group magazine or newsletter which is circulated periodically to all members of the Group Council. The compilation and production of such a newsletter might be undertaken by the Venturer Unit (or even by some of the older Scouts), or might be the responsibility of an Assistant Secretary. Some thought needs to be given to the presentation of the material (and also to the content, because several pages of "in" jokes can be very offputting to those who are not "in"), but a well laid out and duplicated magazine can be circulated to many supporters and so help them to identify more closely with the Group.

Public relations is not an optional extra - it is something that every Group has, and the only choice is whether relationships are good or bad. Many problems would be solved if Members remembered always that ''.4 Scout is considerate".

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Recruitment of Leaders Reference: "Recruiting Adult Leaders for Scouting", published by The Scout Association of Australia.

The recruitment of good quality Leaders is one of the greatest challenges facing a Group Leader. One of the most important responsibilities is to maintain a suitable number of good Leaders in the Group. The chances of success in obtaining the best adults are most enhanced by having an enthusiastic, efficient Group, to which people are happy to belong. It is very seldom that the good Group has any difficulty in recruiting Leaders - indeed, many Groups produce their own Leaders. The approach to prospective Leaders must be carefully planned and carried through by one who can supply all the facts needed and answer all possible questions which the prospective Leader might ask. Do not casually ask someone to come along and help without being prepared to tell what is involved, and what are the responsibilities which you expect to be undertaken and what investigation may be made of one's background before acceptance for training. The aim is to set a very high standard in the selection of prospective Leaders. It is far better to have a Leader shortage than having adequate number of mediocre Leaders. We want Leaders to join our Movement because they are enthusiastic and realise the value of Scouting to the community. Just because we are a voluntary organisation, we are not obliged to accept everyone who offers their services.

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10.1 SOURCES OF POTENTIAL LEADERS

• Parents - most of our Leaders are parents of Joey Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts and Venturers.

• Young Leaders - from Venturer Units and Rover Crews.

• School Teachers. • Members of the Police Force.

• Bank Officers. 0 Representatives of stock firms. • Members of the armed services. • Tradesmen. • Engineers and Draughtsmen. • Old Scouts in the District - how many are

making a definite contribution to a youth organisation.

10.2 QUALIFICATIONS OF AN ADULT LEADER

The qualifications necessary in a Leader may vary according to the particular job. The following are some of the basic requirements:

1. Has an unquestionable reputation for integrity and responsibility.

2. Likes children and gets along well with them - has the right temperament and personality.

3. Has the necessary time to do the job. 4. Has a liking for and enjoyment of the

outdoors. 5. Is willing and eager to learn about the job and

is prepared to undertake leadership training as soon as possible.

6. Is able to work amicably with others who may not always agree with him/her.

7. Meets the age guidelines as laid down in P&R.

8. Is a good communicator.

9. Has a commitment to the aims of Scouting.

10. Must be a "doer" rather than a "promiser".

11. Is a Leader by example.

Previous experience in Scouting is not a prerequisite.

10.3 RECRUITMENT METHODS Endeavour to solve recruitment problems along the following lines: • Only recruit for a genuine vacancy-don't

have too many Leaders.

• Be prepared-have a list of potential Leaders at all times.

• Spread the word - recruiting is a Group problem.

•All leads should be promptly followed up.

• Go and see the person at home - don't "beat about the bush'', explain why you are there.

• Remember you are endeavouringd to recruit on behalf of the Group.

•You must be honest and explain what is involved in time, training, etc.

• It is good idea to take the person along to a Scout function or Section meeting to show what is involved.

• If the person declines to become involved, accept his/her reasons regretfully. Always part good friends - who knows what tomorrow brings.

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Two major and successful methods of recruiting adult Leaders are outlined below:

10.3.1 The Six Step Method The application of The Six Step Method and its success depends entirely upon those using it. If you consider it will not work, then there is no point in trying it. If you really want Leaders for your Group, and your determination to get them is positive, then the careful and studied application of this method will enable you to have the Leaders you want. One thing is certain, the method does work, for those who want it to.

STEP 1: The Chairman of the Group Committee, Group Leader, District Commissioner, or other person so selected calls a meeting of selected members of the Group Committee and/or District parents of members of the Group, in addition to other invited members of the Community, for example, members of service clubs. This selection should be as broad as possible covering the Scout Movement at the level of the required Leader, as well as the community from where he/she may be recruited. Five or six members should be ample to form the Steering Committee. If a Group Leader is needed, the DC should be a member of the Steering Committee. First, this will be done by written invitation, including a copy of the leaflet - 'The Six Step Method of Recruiting" - and followed with a personal call by the Chairman of the Steering Committee, to make sure the individual will act on the Steering Committee. The written invitation could be based on the following: Dear ............. .. I have been requested to set up and act as Chairman of a Steering Committee to implement this method to find the right person to be appointed as ................... in ........................ Group. This Committee is to consist of representatives from the Group, District and community and is expected to complete its duties as set out in the leaflet after three or four meetings. A small group has been selected to be invited to become members of the Steering Committee because of their background in the Scout Movement and/or the Community. You have been selected as one of this number and I, therefore, extend an invitation to you to become a member of the Steering Committee. I hope you will be able to accept this invitation and in this regard, I will contact you personally in the next week to confirm that you accept. The first meeting will be held at .......... (venue)

(date)

(time).

STEP 2

At the meeting, after outlining the purpose of the meeting, the Chairman should discuss the qualifications of a good adult Leader - 'The kind of person whose influence upon your son/ daughter you would accept with complete confidence".

The following are desirable general qualifications: 0 An unquestioned reputation for integrity and

moral standards.

e Likes young people and "gets along well with them", is dependable in carrying out undertakings, and can be relied upon, if he/she accepts, to give the appointment the necessary time and attention.

0 Has leadership ability or potential and yet is able and willing to delegate work and responsibility to, for example, assistants, Section Leaders, Patrol Leaders, and is not likely to want to run a "one person show".

0 A person of definite standards and opinions and yet is able to work amicably with others who may not always agree.

0 A stable trade, business or professional connections, i.e. is established in chosen vocation.

0 Has the time to do the job properly.

•An outdoor person who enjoys camping and other outdoor activities.

•A person who is prepared to learn and undertake leadership training to better fit themself for the job.

•Meets the age guidelines as laid down, i.e.

Joey Scout Leaders

Cub Scout Leaders

Scout Leaders

Venturer Leaders

Rover Adviser

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NOTE: Previous experience in Scouting is not an important prerequisite.

" Preferably a member of the sponsored body - if the Group is sponsored.

In addition to these desirable general qualifications there are other qualifications which are desirable for particular Sections: An adult Leader associated with leadership of young people should have:

., A genuine interest in the age group of the young people he/she will lead.

., The physical ability to lead the appropriate age group.

Commissioners and Group Leaders should have the ability to:

., Attract people from all walks of life and weld them into a team for the promotion of Scouting.

• Be acceptable as a Leader of Adults.

@ Have a record of proven administrative ability and experience as a "manager".

As a result of this discussion, the basic qualities should be compiled in the form of a rating chart. The meeting should now adjourn so that members can give thought on the obtaining and submission of names to the Steering Committee.

STEP 3

List persons considered suitable, particularly those who seem to have all or most of the qualifications shown under Step 2. Make full use of lists of parents of young people in the Group. Group records of former members and the local directory or ratepayers' roll. If the Group is sponsored by a church, use the church roll. In addition, obtain names of acquaintances of members of the Committee. When all names have been catalogued, they should be assessed by using a rating chart, and arranged in order of "desirability" as disclosed by the total points scored. Naturally if one of the persons nominated is also a member of a Steering Committee, he/she should not be present when being assessed.

A SAMPLE RATING CHART FOR POTENTIAL LEADERS 1 . Believes in the existence of God/acts

accordingly, i.e. is prepared to strive to live by the Scout Promise and Law and accepts the key policies of The Scout Association of Australia.

2. Has an unquestioned reputation for integrity and moral standards.

3. Has a genuine concern for and relates well with young people.

4. Considered dependable in undertakings. 5. Considered to have leadership ability or

potential. 6. Enjoys the outdoors/would encourage outdoor

activities.

7. Can work amicably with other people. 8. Is stable in chosen field of work. 9. Is prepared and willing to learn and undertake

training. 10. Mature enough to accept responsibilities of/for

young people. 1 i. Can build a team of people from differing

backgrounds . 12. Would be/is acceptable as a leader by adults. 13. Has time to do job properly. Questions i 4 and 15 to be added in the case of GL/DC appointment, or other management appointment. 14. Considered to have administrative ability. 15. Management experience or assessed potential

for same i.e. leadership of adults. NOTE: The criteria is desirability. Do not consider availability or willingness. If names listed are not considered suitable the process should be recommenced. The rating chart must be destroyed as the contents are confidential.

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STEP4 Appoint a sub-committee of 2 or 3 people to call on the most desirable prospect. Members of the sub-committee should have some influence with the "candidate" and should be people with some ability to "close a deal". If the appointment is to be a Group Leader, the District Commissioner should be a member of the sub-committee. Alternatively, if it is for a Section Leader, the Group Leader should be a member of the sub-committee.

STEPS The sub-committee makes an appointment to meet the first person on the list at their home. Arrangements should be made for the partner to be present as it is important to have the support of your partner. In making the appointment, no details should be given as to the purpose of the call but rather a statement along the lines "We would like to meet you because we feel you can be of service to the community and we wish to outline how". Members of the sub-committee should be able to decide upon the proper line of approach and this will depend upon how well any member knows the candidate. Preparation for the visit, the sub­committee should believe the approach is being made because the person is: 0 Of integrity, high principles, and clean living. 0 With the spirit of service to "your day and

generation". 0 Of high ideals and life values that coincide with

the basic Scouting code of honour and service. 0 Of high personal standards which would be an

example and inspiration to young people. 0 Will get along well with young people who will

like the Leader. 0 Is an outdoors person. 0 To whom Scout leadership would offer a natural

enjoyable field of service and youth leadership. 0 That the technical knowledge involved would

readily be acquired and would have an open mind to learn where it is necessary.

0 That parents of young people would place their sons/daughters under his/her influence with every confidence.

0 Although a busy person, when presented with an opportunity of important service, would find the necessary time.

When interviewing the prospective Leader, be prepared to answer any objections in regard to:

(a) Lack of time (however avoid being misleading)

(b) Lack of technical knowledge.

(c) Wearing uniform.

(d) Not knowing people in Scouting. (e) Any doubts of the ability to do the job.

(f) Why members of the sub-committee are not taking on the job.

STEP 6 The sub-committee calls on Candidate No. 1. At least three members of the sub-committee call to present their case. If at least three are unable to go, the meeting is called off and a new date set. The committee makes every effort to secure "Yes" but must be in a position to give the prospect a complete outline of the requirements and obligations of an Adult Leader together with a statement of duties of that particular appointment, and be honest about this. If unsuccessful, the committee proceeds to make an appointment with Candidate No. 2 and so on. NOTE: The members of the sub-committee should carefully examine their own personal reasons for not accepting the job, and if necessary, should be prepared to discuss them with the candidate. It is also desirable that they inform the prospect of the duties entailed, and give some estimate of the time involved and requirements of the position. If the rating chart discloses that any persons are considered not to possess the qualities required for the appointment, they should not be approached regardless that they may take on the job. We must have quality Leaders to provide quality Scouting.

At the conclusion of the six steps, the Chairman of the Steering Committee should thank each member of the Committee, in writing, for their assistance and advise the results of the approach of the sub-committee.

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10.3.2 The Bayview Method The Bayview Method of "recruiting new Leaders three at a time", is the product of advice and suggestions from many Scouting people, both uniform and non-uniform. The method embraces elementary techniques of salesmanship, based upon: (a) Many of our present Leaders are parents. The

parents of a Group are a potential source of Leaders.

(b) It is easier to recruit two or three people than one.

(c) Most parents want to help in one way or another. There is a good chance that some parents will respond in a positive way to friendly positive approaches which explain the aims of Scouting and the benefits of being involved as a Leader.

(d) There are many benefits in Scouting for Leaders - training, fellowship, and the satisfaction of contributing to the development of young people.

(e) Young people stand to gain wonderful benefits from our unique method of character and leadership training.

The Bayview Method is employed during a well organised, enjoyable social gathering of parents of children from the Section that requires the Leaders. The techniques are set out in a book (Recruiting Adult Leaders for Scouting), on sale at the Scout Commercial Centre. To be successful, the method outlined in the book should be followed explicitly.

Finally, never underestimate the effect of the young people themselves in encouraging a prospective Leader to take out a membership. At the start of the Movement there were no Leaders. Boys sought a trusted adult and invited him/her to lead them. This method can still work.

Whatever method is used in obtaining Leaders it should be aimed at the recruitment of individuals whose general suitability has already been

examined. Although publicity is a very good way of attracting new Leaders, direct appeals for Adult Leaders in the press should be avoided as this can easily result in attracting people who are completely unsuitable, or in some way undesirable as Leaders of youth. This method also tends to discourage the suitable person volunteering, for nobody likes to join a failing situation. Of course, when a new Leader is recruited then the Branch procedure must be followed. When a person has agreed to become a Leader, action should be taken immediately, to ensure that their training and development are followed through by the responsible persons. This is part of the Group Leader's job to ensure the ongoing development of Leaders. The new Leader should see the Association as an efficient, activity organisation. For further information on recruiting of Leaders refer to the publication Recruiting Adult Leaders for Scouting, published by The Scout Association of Australia.

10.4 GUIDELINES FOR Gls ON INTERVIEW PROCEDURES WITH PROSPECTIVE LEADERS

In stating these procedures the assumption is made that the Parent/interested adult has indicated an interest in youth leadership, and that the GL has decided that this person seems to be the type with which the GL would be happy to leave his or her own children. The interview is to be in a friendly atmosphere suitable to all. It is important, however, that the Group Leader establishes that the prospective Leader's family is fully aware of the commitment being undertaken. For this purpose it is desirable that the Group Leader has personal contact with the prospective Leader's family. Where possible the spouse should be in attendance. The Group Leader should also be familiar with: 1. Leader application and preliminaries to this. 2. Procedures of induction training as used in

his/her District.

PROCEDURE FOR PROSPECTIVE LEADER INTERVIEW 1. To discuss what becoming an adult Leader

means. 2. Have you been previously involved, i.e. "youth

membership". Have you had previous involvement with care of young people.

3. One thing GLs must establish, preferably privately, is whether the prospective Leader has ever had a problem with Police. Should the answer be "Yes' the GL must get full details and should the GL still wish to proceed, then the matter needs discussion with the District Commissioner and a letter

90

setting out what the problem was and when, together with supporting statements from GL and DC and other suitable persons in the community.

N.B. GL and DC MUST advise that they have no say and that the Scout Movement necessarily has very strict codes of ethics.

Having asked these questions, the Group Leader should have been able to formulate his/ her method of explanation of the "Scouting Way".

PROCEDURE FOR EXPLANATION OF SCOUTING 1. Discuss Aim and Principles. 2. Discuss Law and Promise. 3. Discuss Religious Obligation.

4. Discuss Obligations of an Adult Leader, including commitment to complete Wood Badge training.

The discussion of these points at this stage need only be in fairly wide terms. However, care should be taken that each of the four items are understood and that the prospective Leader is prepared to accept them.

EXPLANATION OF COMMITMENT

1. TIME - Tell the truth-It is not two hours per week - include weekly meetings; programming (planning and preparation); Group Council; District Meetings and of course, Activities. However, there are also many ways of sharing the load.

2. MONEY - Generally Leaders should not be out of pocket, however there will be some costs. At this time ask the question of "does this commitment worry either you or your spouse?" Further discussion will take the place subject to the answer. If the answer is no, be sure you, as Group Leader, have not "skimped" on the commitment.

EXPLANATION OF ADULT TRAINING Discuss the Adult Training and Development Program paying particular attention to the fact that the prospective Leader may wonder how they will gain all the knowledge required.

FINAL DISCUSSION POINTS 1. The Group as a family unit.

2. The Group Leader's role. 3. Set tentative dates for discussion with District

Commissioners.

4. Leave some suitable literature for the prospective Leader to read, e.g. Scouting for Boys, Sectional Leader's Handbook, Section Handbook, Introducing Scouting and Group Magazine.

11

roup Records The fact that Scouting is a voluntary part-time activity for its leaders must not be allowed to obscure the necessity of running its organisation efficiently and in such a manner that its activities are recorded for future leaders.

11.1 GROUP LEADER'S RECORDS These should be kept by the Group Leader who must make himself/herself responsible for keeping them completely up-to-date at all times.

11.2 WAITING LIST Whenever an approach is made to any Leader or Committee members for the entrance of a person into the Group, the enquiry should be immediately referred to the Group Leader. The Group Leader should then send a form of application which will set out the details required about the person. When the application has been returned to the Group Leader, the person's name should be placed on a list and recruits for the Group should be normally taken from this list in order of application. It is important that the waiting list be kept by the Group Leader (or Registrar) and for the Group Council to decide who shall be admitted to the Group.

From time to time there will be applications for entry to the Group from persons having special claims, such as transfers, Leaders' children, etc., and the Group Leader should not hesitate to allow such persons to enter the Group ahead of others who may have applied at an earlier date.

Such preference should be exercised for the good of the person concerned and certainly should not be used as a means of obtaining new Leaders or additional Committee members.

In some Districts the District Commissioner may request that the names of any persons who are unlikely to be able to be admitted to the Group should be transferred to a District waiting list. If such an arrangement is in force it will, of

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course, be adhered to by all Groups. In any case, the District Commissioner will be able to tell the Group Leader of any special requirements in this regard.

11.3 GROUP REGISTER Name and personal particulars of every member in the Group should be kept by the Group Leader who should also retain this record after the member has left the Group.

This register should contain at least the following information: 111 Full name. 111 Address and telephone/fax numbers. 111 Parents' initials and occupations. 111 Custody/Carer. 0 Date of joining.

• Date of advancement to various Sections.

• Date of birth.

• Religion.

• Registration number.

11.4 INDEMNITY FORMS In some Branches these forms must be completed by the parents or guardians of each person becoming a member of the Movement- one copy should be retained by the Group Leader for the whole period of membership of the person in the Group and the other copy by Area, Region or Branch. Should a member transfer to another Group, the indemnity form must be sent to the Group Leader of the new Group to which he/she transfers.

11.5 LEADER REGISTER This should contain the following:

• Full name.

• Address and telephone numbers. 0 Date of birth.

• Occupation.

• Religion.

• Marital status.

• Certificate of Membership numbers, date of issue, details of Leader Training and Development.

11.6 GROUP COUNCIL MINUTES The Group Council which, as has already been stated, will meet regularly under the chairmanship of the Group Leader must have its proceedings briefly recorded. These notes of decisions are often made by one of the Leaders but should be in the care of the Group Leader. The decisions recorded should cover those matters considered by the Group Council in their deliberations on the activities of the Group as a whole.

11.7 GROUP COMMITTEE MINUTES These meetings must be recorded and a check made at each meeting to see that past decisions have been carried out.

11.8 GROUP LOG BOOK The Group is a continuing organisation and unless the activities of the Sections and the individuals in the Group are recorded they are very quickly forgotten and it becomes impossible to create any sense of continuity or tradition in the training of new generations of members. While the compilation of matter to be recorded on the activities of the Group is more properly the responsibility of Section leaders, it is considered that the Group Leader is the best person to hold these records and ensure their safe custody.

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tSTQODNA

11.9 EQUIPMENT RECORD In order to carry out the training program the Group will accumulate a large quantity of valuable equipment. While individual items of this equipment are primarily used by one Section, they are the property of the Group and the Group Leader should have a complete and accurate record of the amount and its condition and value. This record, if kept up-to-date, provides a proper basis for the estimation of additions and replacements and enables requests to the Group Committee for money for this purpose to be justified rather than held up by endless queries. This record should be complete in all respects and cover all the items held and used in the Group. It should always be remembered that this equipment and material has been purchased with funds contributed for the training of members and such money was not provided to cover the personal needs of individual Leaders. This record can well be in the care of a Quartermaster appointed by the Group Leader or the Group Committee.

11.10 SECTION RECORDS Each Section must keep current records of its own activities. Records covering past activities and members who have left the Section should, in general, be handed to the Group Leader for safe keeping.

11.11 REGISTER While the Group Leader maintains a register of all the members in the Group, this information needs to be duplicated for the use of the Section.

11.12 ATTENDANCE The success of Scout training is, to a large extent, dependent on its regularity. The most effective way of demonstrating to members that we notice whether they are attending or not is to record their presence in a way that they ean observe. This particularly applies in the Scout and Venturer Sections.

11.13 TRAINING-YOUTH PROGRAM The Scout Movement provides a system of training young people and the effectiveness of this training can be seen by the achievement of numerous small goals, One of the attractions of the Movement to young people is the fact that they are able to achieve these goals and obtain the recognition that they have done so at fairly frequent intervals. The fact that they have achieved them must be very carefully recorded. As well as keeping records in book form, the Leader should also use wall charts to demonstrate to the Section at large the fact that goals have been attained by the person concerned.

PROGRMA '===;:

11.14 PROGRAM BOOK It is not possible for any Section Leader to run a successful program over a period unless he plans each meeting beforehand, setting out all the details on paper and recording his impressions of their success or otherwise after each meeting. The best way of doing this is to have a special Program Book suitably prepared so that the experience gained in past programs is readily available to help future planning and each meeting is arranged well in advance, so that all those involved can be told about their particular job.

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11.15 SECTION FUNDS The rules of the Association provide that the subscriptions paid by the Scouts themselves will be administered by the Section concerned as will also any sums allotted to the Section for current expenses by the Group Committee in consultation with the Group Council. The details of the recording of this money are covered under the heading of Group Funds and Finance and at this point it is sufficient to say that the use of all monies must be completely recorded in such a manner that receipts and expenditure can be checked.

11.16 LEADER'S PERSONAL RECORDS

In successfully administering a Section, the Leader should not rely on one's own memory for knowledge as to the progress of individual members. Over a period of years it is impossible to remember the detail of progress of each and every individual in the Section. To enable a Leader to know the progress of the member and to have available information regarding personal development - including bad as well as good points - complete records must be kept completely confidential and must remain with the Leader making them.

11.17 CENSUS Although the practice varies from Branch to Branch, an annual census is taken as at 31 March each year.

The wise Group Leader will keep all records up-to­date so that at census time the task will be much easier than if membership records are kept by Section Leaders. This is not a task that brings delight to all Group Leaders but it is essential for the Movement to know its numbers, particularly for youth program and Leader training development and for financial planning.

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Group Insurance Every Group owns or controls a considerable amount of property and equipment, the loss of which would severely handicap its operation and cost a great deal of money to replace. It is important, therefore, that adequate insurance cover be provided against such a contingency. Main matters which should be covered by insurance come under the following headings:

12.1 PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE

As types of insurance vary from Branch to Branch, it is not possible to cover all eventualities here, so Group Leaders are urged to ascertain the details of insurances available from their Branch Headquarters. Schemes are for limited expenses incurred as a result of injury to any youth or adult member.

12.2 PUBLIC RISK/LIABILITY INSURANCE

This comprises protection against a claim by a third party for personal damage or damage to property occasioned by the alleged negligence of the Association or its members and for which they become legally liable. The various Branches of the Association have taken out comprehensive cover

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in this regard which, with certain exceptions, apply in different categories in each Branch, cover all Groups, in the Association. The exceptions are readily available from the Branch Headquarters.

12.3 PROPERTY INCLUDING FIRE AND BURGLARY

Each Group must adequately cover all buildings and equipment which they own or hold in the name of the Association against these risks. The insurance must be effected and maintained by the Group at its own expense, unless the Branch undertakes the payment of the premiums. The valuation of the Group property and equipment must be included in the census return together with the insurance company policy in force and the District Association will check whether the cover is adequate and advise when additional or altered insurance should be effected.

12.4 MOTOR VEHICLES A growing number of Groups own motor vehicles of various types and it is of great importance that adequate insurance cover is provided, particularly in respect of the use of such vehicles.

Some Branch Headquarters have laid down that such vehicles must be registered in the name of the Association and insured under the Headquarters comprehensive fleet motor vehicle schedule. The premium for each vehicle will, of course, be paid by the Group owning the vehicle.

12.5 BOATS AND TRAILERS There are special policies available in all States to cover all types of boats and their trailers.

12.6 COMPREHENSIVE BAGGAGE INSURANCE

When Scout parties undertake extended trips interstate or overs,!as and their baggage is consigned separately from the members of the party, it is always wise to take out insurance covering claims for loss or damage. This type of insurance must be arranged by the Group concerned in advance of departure and is available from most insurers at very reasonable rates.

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12. 7 OFFICIAL CONTINGENTS TO OVERSEAS EVENTS

The National Secretariat has established a special travel insurance policy on behalf of the Association to cover members of official contingents to overseas events, including community development projects and friendship tours. Items covered in the policy include:

Death or disability. Overseas medical expenses resulting from injuries sustained in an accident or illness. Repatriation, if required. in the event of accident or illness of a participant. Repatriation, if required, in the event of death or serious illness of next of kin in Australia . Loss of deposits due to late withdrawal caused by accident or illness. Loss of personal effects including travellers cheques and/or cash. Contingent equipment.

The cost to members of contingents who make use of this policy is considerably less than premiums for policies negotiated on an individual basis.

Any Leader appointed to lead an Australian contingent to an overseas event, including community development projects, friendship tours, etc., should seek full details from the National Secretary as early as possible when developing the contingent budget. N.B. Insurance is an area about which full details must be obtained from each Branch Headquarters, as each Branch has different schemes and methods.

13

Group Funds, Finance and Accounts Reference: Australian Policy and Rules (1996 Edition)

13.1 ORGANISATION All monies handled by any Section of the Group or by the Group Committee or by any sub­committees or auxiliaries are trust funds and complete records must be kept of their collection and expenditure. Such funds can only be used for Scouting purposes, which do not include presentations, etc.

It is not enough that any person merely states that they have spent a certain amount for Scout purposes or that they require a sum for such a purpose. They must be required to produce proof of the expenditure and, further, the onus is on the person authorised by the Group to pay such accounts to ascertain that the expenditure has been properly authorised, is needed for the purpose stated and is a proper charge on Group funds.

In order to ensure that Group finances are properly organised, there are certain general procedures which must be adhered to strictly:

1. All money received must be paid into a bank account immediately. This includes subscriptions and involves paying the amount into an account on every occasion that it is received, not accumulating the money for some weeks or months before paying it in to the bank.

2. All amounts except petty cash items, should be paid by cheque, crossed and marked "Not Negotiable" and drawn on the appropriate Group bank account. This gives protection to the Group and ensures that the payee places the cheque in a bank account.

3. Accounts must never be paid with cash which has been paid to the Group for any purpose. All funds must pass through the

97

appropriate bank account and a record made of them.

4. Receipts must always be issued for money received and a duplicate record kept. When payments are made, a receipt should be obtained covering the amount.

5. All bank accounts, etc., must have at least two out of three signatories for withdrawals

13.2 ADMINISTRATION OF ACCOUNTS The Rules provide that each Section of the Group and the Group Committee may maintain its own bank account. In many Groups an account is also maintained by the Group Council in addition to, or in place of, the Section accounts.

The Joey Scout Mob account should be under the control of the Joey Scout Leader; the Cub Scout account by the Cub Scout Leader; that of the Scout Troop by the Troop Council; that of the Venturer Unit by the Unit Council and that the Rover Crew, the Crew Council.

Some Branches require that all money received by the Sections of the Group (other than the Venturer Unit and Rover Crew), the Group Committee and its sub-committees (including the Ladies' Auxiliary), shall be paid into the credit of the Group Committee's bank account. The disbursement of monies received by the Sections of the Group shall then only be made on the authority of the Section Leader concerned. Group Committee approval is not required.

Group Leaders should see that Branch procedures are followed in these cases.

The Group Committee account is normally controlled by the Treasurer who is a member of the Committee and a Group Council account, if used, by the Group Leader.

This does not mean that the people named should operate the account concerned alone, as all

accounts should be operated by not less than two signatories, but the expenditure of the money should be administered by the Section concerned . At each meeting of any part of the Group responsible for Group funds, a statement showing the current position should be presented by the person acting as Treasurer and the balance of the account noted in the minutes of the meeting. The authority for any expenditures of funds should also be made by the meeting and a record of these decisions kept in the minutes. There is no reason why any of the Sections, or the Group Committee, should not have some form of petty cash amounts. but the expenditure from this fund should also be reported to the Section concerned and the expenditure of the money accounted for when its replacement is required. Such accounting should be by means of production of receipts and vouchers covering the expenditure being claimed.

13.3 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS At the time of the census each year, it is required that annual accounts covering all funds operated within or in the name of the Group whether Sections, Group Committee or auxiliaries in the preceding 12 months shall be made up and attached to the census return for presentation to the District Association. These accounts must present a complete picture of all financial operations current with the Group and normally would consist of a Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for each fund, together with a Balance Sheet. The accounts must have been audited by an independent and responsible person who will certify that they are a true and correct presentation of the financial position of the Group.

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The Scout year normally ends on 31st March but variations exist in some Branches and Group Leaders and Group Committees should become familiar with local practice.

13.4 STAMP DUTY In some States the Association has been certified to be a charitable institution within the meaning of the Act and as such is exempt from payment of Stamp Duty under the Stamps Act in respect to the following instruments. 1. Cheques drawn on any Group Banking

Account.

2. Receipts for money paid in to the Group.

3. Transfers to a Group of marketable securities.

4. Transfer and conveyance of real property to the Association.

5. Lease of real property granted or assigned to a Group or to the Association.

6. Deed or gift in favour of a Group or the Association.

N.B. Subject to Government approval it may be possible for exemption from Financial Institute Duty.

13.5 SALES TAX The Association is not exempt from Sales Tax and it is not permissible for any Group to claim exemption as a unit of the Association, other than for specific items, e.g., safety equipment, a list of which can be obtained from all Branch Headquarters .

13.6 FUNDRAISING Scouting has a need of money at all levels to serve our young members more effectively and to ensure our financial independence. Various opportunities exist at Group level for raising additional finances and we devote this section to point them out.

Fundraising is not a begging exercise. It is an opportunity for people who believe in Scouting as a worthwhile cause to provide necessary financial support. When we approach others for this help we would do well to remember that we are applicants, not supplicants and that the people who will help us want to do just that. They feel good by helping Scouting in this way, so we ought not feel embarrassed by asking. "Ask, and ye shall receive," says the Good Book. And so it is with fundraising, for if you never ask, you most certainly won't receive any support. There are a few simple steps to be considered before we discuss methods.

1 . Try to identify likely supporters of Scouting It's not so difficult because Scouting has such universal appeal. In some way or another, a

large part of our community has been involved with Scouting in the past. and of course there are many people involved right now. The point to start is with those closest to your Group. obviously these people have a real interest in what you do. Then we radiate out to others who are not so involved but who are equally committed to community service and the development of youth. There are companies also vitally interested in their immediate community because they draw employees from the area and because they want to maintain good public relations with those in the community around them. And so on.

2. Be sure of your reasons for wanting the extra money People will respond to real need. By this we don't mean that you ought to present an image of a down and out group. Quite the contrary. You should present a successful story about your Scouting and be able to show that the particular funding you seek will further improve your Group by introducing better equipment and more exciting activities. So it's important to identify exactly what you want the money to do. Is it to send a Scout to a Jamboree or to put another storage unit in the Group headquarters. If people can see exactly what you want their donations for, they will help more readily than if it's just for Group funds.

3. Ask All fundraising involves asking. There is no other way. However, who asks and how you ask are all important. People will respond to other people because of a variety of reasons ... friendship, respect, wanting to keep up with the Joneses or whatever.

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All major gifts to your Group should be personally solicited by the Chairman or your most influential Committee member. Other gifts may be sought by letter but the signature on the letter should be thought out carefully.

4. Thank Contrary to popular belief, the most important process in any fundraising campaign is the thank you after receiving a donation. It is here that the Group begins to cultivate a member of the family and lay the foundation for future support. Not only should we thank donors but we should also keep them informed because we value their interest and participation.

And now we come to the various ways in which we might go about fundraising.

13.6.1 Government grants This is a source of income which in difficult economic times is becoming rare. However, submissions by some Groups to State/Territory Governments for major capital programs have been successful. The most appropriate person to talk with about this type of funding is your Local Member. He or she will help you know the likelihood of gaining the funds, who the submission should be addressed to and how it should be written.

13.6.2 Corporate funding At Group level it is very difficult to gain general corporate funding unless that company is local to your area and can become interested in you because of their responsibility to the community in which they work.

The best type of Corporate funding is a sponsorship which even at the very smalle~t.levels of donation give the company some recognition tor their support. Advertising in magazines at District and Group level, goods or services donated which can be used instead of money, are ways in which a company can be readily seen to be supporting Scouting.

13.6.3 Lord Baden-Powell Society The Scout Association of Australia decided to establish a tundraising direct mail program in 1984. Individual members of the community (not business) are invited to join the Lord Baden­Powell Society.

Membership requires an annual subscription but is not compulsory. In return the member's name is recorded on a roll, and they receive an income tax deduction for their donation (see 13.7). A wall plaque or a Scout tie is an option available to new members on joining. Annual requests tor renewal of membership are sent to members from the Society.

The objective is to establish a broad based donor community which will help fund the Scout Movement.

This program identities citizens who are supporting Scouting and provides opportunities to involve Baden-Powell Society members in Scouting activities from time-to-time, e.g., Jamborees, dinners, tundraising ventures, etc.

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13.6.4 Branch sponsored fundraising events

Your Branch provides tundraising opportunities from time-to-time. Whether this is in the form of Scout Job Week, Walkathons or whatever, your Group should take advantage of the n:iat~rials . available, and the planning and organisation which has all been done. Inspire your Group to take advantage of these opportunities and earn many hundreds of dollars in additional income.

13.6.5 Fundraising services/special events

Most Groups are fully aware of the services to be undertaken in return tor income. Bottle drives, collection of paper, used clothes, calendars, Christmas card sales, raising a farm animal, tetes, fairs, baby shows-are all part of the Scout tundraising vocabulary. And these things can be tun and bring the members of the Group closer together. However, it should be remembered that these special events are meant to rai.se mon~y and not involve inordinate amounts of time tor little results.

When you take on a special event, work ou~ ho~ much you want to raise, work out how long 1t will. take you and the cost in up fron.t money. Th~n. with this information before you, decide whether 1t 1s worth it all. Nothing is more depressing tor a Group than to discover the work they put into a special event all amounted to little or nothing. These have been a few ideas on tundraising which you might consider tor your Gro~p. '.he sub!ect is diverse and cannot be covered 1n this book in

greater detail. Fundraising is a question of need and the ability to sell the case to donors. It you don't want to do that locally, then it's best to get the piggy back ride on a National or Branch tundraising venture. Attention is again drawn to the relevant rules in P&R, pertaining to tundraising, also refer to local Branch rules.

13.7 TAX DEDUCTIBILITY FOR DONATIONS

Donations from companies, businesses, large corporations or individuals are welcomed by the Movement. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible under sub-paragraph 78(1 ) Section 1 (xxvii) of the Income Tax Assessment Act of 1936. A donor must not receive any benefit other than the tax deduction as a result of the donation. The giving in exchange tor the donation of, tor example, a dinner membership rights, Job Wee~ work, or use of facilities, could render the donation ineligible tor tax deductibility.

It is most important that receipts tor donations are

numbered and are made out in the name of the Association, "The Scout Association of Australia" followed by the Group Formation title.

Refer to the Branch instructions for details before giving a donor any assurance on tax deductibility or issuing a receipt for a donation.

13.8 FINANCE-TREASURER'S (SECTION/GROUP COMMITTEE) NOTES

These notes have been produced to assist persons in the role of Treasurer or bookkeeper in Sections, Groups, Districts and Areas. They recognise that the Treasurer can be a Chartered Accountant, or someone with no training at all. There will be different circumstances between each formation and the aim is to relieve the rigidity of the Associations printed Cash Books by giving a Chart of Accounts from which a formation can select the most appropriate and meaningful categories to record and report.

Computers with spreadsheets and accounting packages are increasingly being used by formations and these notes will assist in setting them up.

Formations must publish an Income and Expenditure statement with their annual report and complete the Association's standard forms. This report should be acceptable for reporting to the next highest level.

ACCOUNT TITLES All accounts must be in the name of the Association: The Scout Association of Australia, Group Committee or The Scout Association of Australia, 'X" Cub Scout Pack

APPROVED ACCOUNTS The Association permits money and investments only in those accounts which are deemed to be as trustees approved.

AUDITOR Each formation (Group/District/ Area/Branch) must appoint a suitable qualified Auditor at their Annual General meeting or as soon as possible thereafter. The Auditor should not be directly connected with that formation and must hold suitable accounting qualifications.

BANK ACCOUNTS DEBIT TAX This is a Federal Tax which applies to all debits made to a bank account. The Association is not exempt from the Tax.

BANK CHARGES Association is usually exempt from the account keeping charges.

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BANK RECONCILIATION

At the end of each month reconcile the Cash Book with the Bank Statement. If this is done monthly it will locate any mistakes quickly and explains the difference between the Cash Book and Bank balances.

BOOKKEEPING

It is essential that proper records and accounts are kept by all formations as money handled is trust money and is open to public scrutiny. Also records have to follow a logical sequence so that an auditor can follow through the records.

All payments should be made by cheque, however, if there is a frequent number of small transactions, a petty cash account could be used.

It is essential that a receipt is received and properly stored so that there is proof of payment. Before a payment is made, cheques should be passed for payment and recorded in the minute book.

Sometimes payments are necessary between meetings and these should be authorised in advance or subsequently confirmed at the next meeting, e.g., electricity, phone.

Receipts should be issued for all money received and the money banked without delay. Weekly subscriptions are normally recorded in subscription books.

BUDGETS AND CASH FLOW

Budgets are a plan of action expressed in money terms. Budgets should be prepared for all formations by the Treasurer of the Finance Committee and submitted for acceptance at a full Committee meeting.

The budget compares the expected income with the expected expenditure. It may be used to calculate the required level of subscriptions or levies for the ensuing year or to consider the level of spending that will be available for that year.

It may be necessary to prepare a preliminary

budget and present it to the Committee for their consideration before finalising the budget.

The cash flow can predict the balance in the account at the end of each month and is useful to predict when there will be sufficient funds for expenditure to take place

SAMPLE GROUP BUDGET Income

Registration fees Scout Job Week Seafood cabaret Donations Raffle Bowls day Highway cleanup Bottle drive Can collection Bank interest Subscriptions Projected income

Expenditure

Registration fees Scout Job Week Leader training Functions Highway cleanup Maintenance Rates Electricity Pack equipment Troop equipment Secretarial Sundries Projected expenditure

CASH

$400.00 1150.00

52.00 100.00 350.00 245.00 275.00 150.00 85.00 75.00

120.00 $3002.00

$575.00 460.00 300.00 350.00 137.00 650.00 145.00 25.00

250.00 430.00 55.00 20.00

$3397.00

All payments are made by cheque (except petty cash items) as they provide a record of a payment and are less likely to be brought to question.

CASH BOOKS A separate Cash Book is to be kept for each account, except that Investments may be recorded at the back of an operating account. The Cash Book may be the Association's books or multicolumn commercial books (say 12-16 column) or alternatively recorded on a computer. Normally a separate entry is to be made for each cheque and receipt, however, where a number of consecutive documents relate to the same dissection and amount, a single entry may summarise these.

CENSUS PAYMENTS A summary of membership is made on 31 March each year and membership fees and levies are due one week later. It is essential that each formation plan for this expenditure such that family subscriptions are collected early in that year or that they have sufficient funds in reserve.

CHART OF ACCOUNTS A chart of accounts is a list of accounts grouped together in a logical sequence that assists with the method of reporting. When a ledger is used, each account is given an account number.

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INCOME EXPENDITURE

Membership Membership

Joining fees Joining fees Branch fees Branch fees Personal insurance Personal insurance Area levy Area levy District levy District levy Group levy Functions Weekly subs Function 1

Collections Function 2 Bottles etc. Paper Camp/outings

Functions Jamboree Function 1 Camp 1 Function 2 Camp2 etc. Outing 1

Camps/outings Outing

Jamboree etc.

Camp 1 Hall and land

Camp2 Loan payments Outing 1 Rent Outing 2 Electricity etc. Gas

Hall hire Maintenance

Hall hire Cleaning Rates

Other Insurance-hall Bank interest Insurance-contents Donations Improvements Grants Equipment

Transfer from Books Joey Scouts Badges Cub Scouts Equipment Scouts Leader expenses Venturers Uniform Rovers Training Group Committee Expenses Investment account etc. Vehicle Fuel Fuel Registration Registration Repairs Repairs

Transfers to Transfers to Joey Scouts Joey Scouts Cub Scouts Cub Scouts Scouts Scouts Venturers Venturers Rovers Rovers Group Committee Group Committee Investment account Investment account

COMPUTER ACCOUNTS Should the Treasurer have access to a computer and need help in setting up a program, check with District Treasurer or with Area Treasurer.

ERRORS

Errors in financial records are not to be corrected using correction fluid and erasures are not permitted. Where corrections are necessary, the record to be changed should be ruled through and the amended record input.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS DUTY (FID)

This is a State duty imposed on deposits placed with financial institutions. The Association is exempt from the duty on application. Application forms are available from The Commissioner, Financial Institutions Duty.

FINANCIAL YEAR

The financial year for a Group or a District is normally the period from 1 January to 31 December and books must be forwarded to the next highest formation duly audited within two months. The financial year for Areas and Branch is 1 April to 31 March. (These financial year dates may vary in some Branches.)

FRINGE BENEFITS TAX (FBT)

The Association is liable to pay FBT on benefits and payments such as rent, expenses, etc., to Camp Wardens or other employe'es. It is the responsibility of the formation to register and pay the tax to the Taxation office.

FUNDRAISING

Formations are expected to be financially self­supporting. They are encouraged to promote fundraising rather than relying on levies. Such fundraising should be confined to the boundaries of the formation. Money should be earned and not solicited. In general the Association permits the same fundraising as any other similar organisation allows, providing the necessary permits and approval is sought. (See P&R and Branch Rules.)

GRANTS

It is possible that formations apply for specific grants from municipalities, government departments and other organisations. Usually these grants are for specific purposes and it is essential that proof can be shown that the money was used for the designated purpose.

It may be necessary to obtain approval from the next highest formation before an application is made. It is essential that a well planned and detailed submission is made. Formations should make themselves aware of the various grants that are available and the closing dates. (See P&R.)

INSURANCE

Property insurance

It is essential that all property be fully covered by insurance.

Personal accident insurance Personal accident insurance is available to all income and non-income earning members. It also covers committees.

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Public liability insurance is provided by Branch. The Association has a public and products liability policy which provides indemnity in respect of all normal Scouting activities while acting with proper approval or consent. This also covers member-to­member insurance.

Hiring of Group Headquarters Hirers of hall are required to take out their own public liability policy. (See Chapter 12.)

INVESTMENTS

Formations should aim to maximise the interest of all funds and therefore, take every opportunity to transfer funds from low interest accounts. Assessment of future need of funds must be taken into account and quite often an account "at call" with a marginally lower interest might be preferable to one of slightly higher interest of longer term. It is important to remember that we are dealing with TRUST funds and that no "risks" are to be taken.

PETTY CASH

Although it is preferred that all payments be made by cheque, there are instances where there is need for regular minor expenses to be incurred that would support the use of a Petty Cash system. If such is used the float should be determined by the nature of the payments and should cover one month's expenditure. The Committee may authorise a change to the float as required. The Imprest System shall be used whereby a cheque is raised to cover the actual expenditure to date.

POLICY AND RULES

P&R refers to the general principles relating to finance while your Branch polices are more specific.

PRESCRIBED PAYMENTS SYSTEM

This applies to any contracts or sub-contractors on projects exceeding $10,000. Formations are required to register as a prescribed payer with the Taxation office if they enter into contracts above this amount.

PURCHASES

In general, all items of expenditure must be approved and recorded in the minute book (except for Section accounts). There will, however, be need to pay some accounts during the month and these payments must be confirmed at the next meeting.

RECEIPTS

An Association receipt should be issued for all money received and recorded in the cash book. Weekly subscriptions are normally recorded in a subscription book (no receipts issue for subs).

REPORTS

Monthly The Treasurer's report each month is usually to the end of the previous month and should include:

1. The balance in all accounts as per the cash book to that date.

2. A comparison of budgeted income and expenditure to actual income and expenditure.

3. A highlight of significant differences between budgeted and actual expenditure of particular categories of expenditure.

4. Approval for payment of accounts to hand and confirmation of accounts actually paid since the last meeting.

5. A summary of receipts.

Annual A statement of receipts and expenditure and a statement of assets and liabilities shall be submitted to the next highest formation duly audited within the prescribed time on the forms provided by Branch.

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SIGNATURES

It is necessary for all accounts to have a minimum of two signatures for their operation and this should be recorded in the minute book. Formations are recommended to register a minimum of four signatures to cover situations of sickness or holidays and resignations to save an embarrassing situation of not being able to operate an account. Sections are recommended to use the Group Leader and Group Treasurer, for example, as additional signatories.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Groups, Districts and Areas may request subscriptions from members.

TRUST MONEY

All money handled by the Association, no matter at what level, must be considered as Trust Money and particular care must be taken that it is properly recorded and accounted for.

Further references: Group Leader resource manuals published in some Branches.

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The Scout District The Australian Policy & Rules publication states "Policy 4.3-0istrict or alternate support structure. The principal accountabilities are to provide support through consultation with Scout Groups. See under functions of the DC item 1.

14.1 DISTRICT COMMISSIONER The functions of the District Commissioner (DC) in his/her District are, generally, to be responsible to the Area Commissioner and Branch Headquarters, with the cooperation of the District Association, for the welfare, progress and training of the Movement and for the maintenance of the policies, organisation and rules of the Association.

Because the task should not be a burden, the District Commissioner has a staff such as an Assistant District Commissioner to share the administrative duties, and District Leaders to see to the training of Leaders and the welfare of the sections. The DC will also have a number of District Councils, convened by District Leaders. Every Group forms part of a District which is under the control of a District Commissioner. The District Commissioner has a body known as the District Association, elected to help in the same manner as the Group Leader has a Group Committee.

14.1.1 The functions of the DC (See P&R) The functions of the DC in his/her District are, generally, to be responsible to the AC and to BHQ, with the cooperation of the DA where appropriate, for the welfare of, progress and training of the Movement and for maintenance of the policy, organisation, and rules of the Association, and, in particular: 1. To provide support through consultation and

advice to Scout Groups within the District boundaries in general and to Group Leaders in particular in the following areas: • The definition of performance standards to

be achieved by the Group. • The preparation of plans to meet the Group's

objectives.

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• Staffing and personnel practices. • Growth of the Movement. • Youth program and training activities.

• Property and administration. • Training of Leaders. • Personnel administration.

• Marketing and promotion of the Scout Movement

2. To encourage the development of Scout Groups within the Scout District so every young person has the opportunity to participate in the Scout Movement.

3. To encourage Groups within the District to develop complete Groups.

4. To generally oversee the operation of Scout Groups in the District and ensure the Group Committee endorses the Group plans and receives reports on their achievement.

5. Together with the Group Leader assess the performance of the Group.

6. To recommend the registration of Scout Groups within the District.

7. To recommend the deregistration of Scout Groups within the District when the performance standards for the delivery of Scouting are not or cannot in a reasonable time be met by a Scout Group in the District.

8. To investigate and settle disputes between members of the Movement as required.

9. To ensure a management committee is established for each camp or activity site within the District and act as an ex-officio member of such committees.

10. To cooperate with and maintain good relations with other youth organisations in the community, particularly the Girl Guides, with the Baden-Powell Scout Guild and community leaders generally.

11. Ensure all Group Committees attend to the appointment of Group Leader as a matter of the highest priority.

12. Ensure a Personal Leader Adviser is appointed in accordance with P&R for each new Group Leader as soon as selected.

13. To visit Groups and advise how to conduct them on the lines laid down in "Scouting for Boys, P&R and current Leader and Scout Handbooks.

14. To deal, as laid down, with all matters allotted to him/her under P&R and in particular, with: Adult Membership Honorary ranks Group registrations Membership of Scouts Decorations and awards

15. To exercise control over all visiting Joey Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts and Venturers whether camping or not and, in the case of Rovers, to act for the Branch Chief Commissioner in any situation requiring any immediate action. If necessary the circumstances will be reported to the appropriate Commissioner or Rover Council.

14.2 DISTRICT ASSOCIATION (DA) The District Association operates under by-laws issued by the Branches. The District Association normally meets on an annual basis but the Executive Committee meets regularly (usually monthly) to conduct the regular business of the District Association.

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There are a number of ex-officio members of the District Association including all Group Leaders and with two delegates from each Group Committee. The District Association normally appoints an Executive Committee to assist in the administration and this body also appoints several subcommittees such as warrants, finance, awards, personnel. etc., and some Group Committee delegates may well serve on these. In serving in this way, Group Committee delegates obtain a wider view of the Movement. Such delegates should welcome this additional appointment as a means of furthering their own knowledge and of assisting their Group in another way.

14.4 District Role in Adult Training & Development

The District Commissioner is responsible for encouraging, supervising and, in liaison with the Group Leader, arranging the training of Leaders. The DC will establish methods of encouraging Leaders to complete Wood Badge training and can best do this by: 1. Ensuring that the District Section Leaders, eg.

District Cub Scout Leaders, train and support their Section Leaders in Groups. E.g. District Scout Leader provides on-thejob

training for Scout Leaders and has exciting and interesting training emphasis in the District Training meetings (Mindari).

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GROUP COMMITTEE

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2. Appointing a suitable adult-oriented person as an Assistant District Commissioner or District Leader for Adult Training.

Role Functions of an ADC or Dl (Adult Training) are as follows:

1. Maintain a personal training record for each leader in the District. (Eg. Card/computer record of name, personal details such as address, phone, date of birth, vocation, training details of relevant courses attended-Scouting and others also for RPL purposes).

2. Keep training records and identify training needs for all adults, Leaders and non-uniformed adults in the District and assist them to undertake relevant training programs by Training Team, District Section Leaders or outside Scouting. Encourage and support all Adult Leaders to complete Wood Badge training.

3. Help and advise Group and Section Leaders, District Staff and District Association to prepare and conduct training activities for all Leaders. (Eg. Strict training meetings such as Seeonee and Mindari, ensure training matters are clearly and effectively communicated, support other District staff informally and personally in meeting Section needs).

4. Actively support the Training Team. (eg Discuss courses with participants and provide feedback to the Training Team at the Regional Training Council meeting or equivalent, positively provide Training Programs, District Training needs with Training Team).

5. Promote Adult Training and Development • individually in conversation • at District and Group meetings • by letters or reminders concerning Basic and

Advanced Training • by circulars or newsletters

6. Support District Section Leaders in the operation of Basic Technical Skills training for adults and/or Recognition of Prior Learning in these areas.

7. Support District Section Leaders in the inservice training of Adult Leaders.

8. Be a member, not the convenor or secretary, of the District (or local) Personnel Committee, to provide information and expectations of training commitment in adult training and development.

9. In conjunction with the District Commissioner or his/her delegated District Leader, monitor

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adults progress to completion of final coaching and assessment for completion of Wood Badge Training.

10. Train and support the work of the Districts' Personal Leader Advisers (PLAs), review their work and appointment. These appointments are for a maximum of three years (renewable) and the Training Commissioner is to be informed so that the national PLA parchment can be issued (or renewed).

11. Conduct or arrange for certain elective units where the need arises and as approved by the Branch/Area/Region Commissioner for Adult Training and Development.

Examples: Patrol Leader training, mapping, handcrafts, Internet, pioneering, first aid, water activities. 12. Regularly attend Region/ Area/Branch training

meetings according to Branch practice and maintain close liaison with the relevant Training Commissioner, to ensure two-way communication.

13. Assist with District events as required. 14. Visit Section meetings from time to time, to

provide encouragement and assistance to Section Leaders and maintain personal awareness of needs in Adult training and elective units.

Support Roles 1. Much of this work can be accomplished by

supporting the Personal Leader Adviser (PLA) of each Leader. Therefore a vital duty of an ADC or DL (Adult Training) is to support and coordinate the PLAs in the District - see item 10.

2. It is the role of the District Section Leader (not the ADC or DL Adult Training) to provide on­going training and support for the Section Leaders. The District Section Leaders are responsible to support the programs of their Section. The District Section Leader (or Group Leader) may be the PLA for their Section Leaders and assistant Sectional Leaders.

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Notes for Group Leaders 15.1 ALCOHOLIC DRINKS POLICY The Association regards the use of alcoholic drinks as being a matter for individual decision. It has no wish to impose restrictions on its members beyond those already enforced by law.

However, the Association does regulate the use of such beverages at Scouting activities and on Scouting property, viz:

1. Alcoholic drinks may be served at Scouting activities where youth members aged under 18 years are present provided that their parents have had reasonable notice of the nature of the function, and where a representative number of parents and guardians are present. Boys or girls under the age of 18 must not be served alcohol.

2. The approval of the next senior formation (e.g. District in the case of Scout Groups) must be obtained before alcoholic drinks are served at Scouting functions as provided for in 1. above. Before so approving. the senior formation must satisfy itself that these rules will be heeded, that all relevant legal requirements are met and that there are no lease-hold provisions against liquor usage where the event is being held on other than freehold Scout property.

3. To prevent the possibility of tarnishing the Scout image, Scout premises shall not normally be made available for use by non-members of the Association for functions where it is intended that alcoholic beverages will be consumed. However, some Branches have issued more detailed guidance and members should make themselves conversant with such information.

Group Committees need to be aware that they cannot disassociate themselves from any bad PR which may arise from events held in their Scout Group headquarters.

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15.2 AUSTRALIAN SCOUT MAGAZINE The "Australian Scout" is an excellent colour periodical published monthly by The Scout Association of Australia. This official National Scout magazine includes National news pages, Joey Scout, Cub Scout, Scout, Venturer and Rover news and program ideas and local Branch news for your Territory or State. News, photos and ideas contributions are always welcome.Send them to your Branch editor at Branch Headquarters.

15.3 AWARDS Reference: Policy and Rules, Rule 13

The medals associated with gallantry, meritorious conduct and good service are normally worn on such Scouting occasions as Group, District, Area and Branch annual meetings, Scouting funerals (when attending in uniform). Good Service award ceremonies, Queen's Scout presentations at Government House, and on any formal Scouting occasion when it is specifically stated that Scouting decorations should be worn. Medals are also worn when a Leader is attending a State function as a representative of the Movement, e.g., a reception for a visiting Head of State.

Scouting decorations may be worn with evening dress on appropriate occasions, such as some of those mentioned above, but it is not common to wear them with street clothes e.g., lounge suit or day dress generally.

P&R, Rule 13, "Decorations and Awards" gives advice as to the position on the uniform where the cloth emblems and medals, etc., are to be worn.

War service or civilian decorations are only worn on uniform on special occasions, such as Anzac Day or Remembrance Day services. The ribbons of such awards or decorations may be worn on uniform at all times, P&R, R.13.10.

15.3.1 Guidelines for drafting recommendations for Good Service awards

N.B.1 Recommendations are due at Area Region office No LATER than ... (this date is set by the Branch. It is usually in June).

N.B.2 Details of person's Scouting history and training record are held at Area/Region office and, therefore, there is no necessity to supply this. What is required are the full details of the person's service, which should be set out as below:

N.B.3 Recommendations will only be considered for members who hold the Wood Badge.

1. OPENING STATEMENT (THERE ARE ONLY TWO)

"X" is recommended for an award on the basis that he/she has held a uniform position for the relevant period (seven years) or it has been at least five years since last award other than the Certificate of Merit, which may be less than five years ago. (In this case all the detail must relate to what has occurred since the last award), and the person -

Willingly accepts additional responsibility in the Movement which is not implied in the position he/she holds.

N.B. Define in which way this is done. AND/OR Discharges the duties of his/her position in an outstanding manner and has done so for ........ If this is to be the sole reason then 15 years would be an acceptable period unless the service has been vety outstanding.)

N.B. Define why you see person's efforts as outstanding.

2. DETAILS OF SERVICE

List here under logical headings, the activities undertaken, position and date.

N.B. If person has previously received an award, then the details shown here should be from the June previous to the date of the award, i.e. if award received in February '86, then details of service should be listed from June 1985.

e.g. International activities

1987 QM for contingent to Canada.

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National activities 1991 /92 Troop Leader Australian Jamboree, Ballarat.

Branch activities 1987 Activity Leader of a Site for Area Hike. 1988 Session Leader Cub Scout Leader Conference .

District Activities Scout 1991 organiser Cub Scout Field Day.

Group activities 1990 organiser exchange visit with Goulburn .

Training programs assisted with:

3. STATEMENT IN SUPPORT Conclude the recommendation with a statement (in your words) in support of Leader, e.g.

"X" continually devotes more time to Scouting than could be expected. He/She repeatedly demonstrates ability and willingness to organise major activities (or whatever is the major reason behind your recommendation).

"X" is a member of the Training Team (or local Training Panel). (Then specify the extent of the person's involvement.)

I recommend (or strongly recommend) him/her for an award.

4. LEVELS OF AWARDS THE SILVER KANGAROO The Silver Kangaroo is an award for good service to the Scout Movement.

The Silver Kangaroo is awarded by the Chief Scout of Australia, for exceptional service for a period of at least twenty years.

The Silver Kangaroo is worn in uniform around the neck on a gold ribbon with two green stripes.

A cloth emblem, with a design in the form of a knot in gold colour on a green background, is issued with the Silver Kangaroo for wear in uniform.

A Certificate of Award is issued to accompany the Silver Kangaroo.

THE SILVER ACORN

One of the following Awards may be granted according to the circumstances of the case: Silver Acorn Orange Ribbon. Awarded for specially distinguished service, normally only after fifteen years. service. Bar to the Silver Acom. Orange Ribbon with green stripe. Awarded not sooner than five years after the award of the Silver Acorn, for additional specially distinguished service. The Silver Acorn is worn in uniform round the neck on an orange ribbon, or an orange ribbon with a green strip for the Bar to the Silver Acorn. A cloth emblem, with a design in the form of a knot in orange colour on a khaki background, is issued with the Silver Acorn, for wear in uniform. For the Bar to the Silver Acorn, the Arrowhead Badge in green is superimposed on the centre of the knot design. A Certificate of Award is issued to accompany the Silver Acorn or Bar.

THE MEDAL OF MERIT Medal of Merit. Green Ribbon. Awarded for specially good service, normally only after at least ten years' service. Awarded not sooner than three years after the award of the Certificate of Merit for additional good service. Bar to the Medal of Merit Green ribbon with orange stripe. Awarded not sooner than five years after the award of the Medal of Merit, for additional specially good service.

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The Medal of Merit is worn in uniform on the right breast above the line of the pocket. A cloth emblem, with the design of a knot in green on a khaki background, is issued with the Medal for wear in uniform. For the Bar to the Medal of Merit the Arrowhead Badge in gold is imposed on the centre of the design. A Certificate of Award is issued to accompany the Medal or Bar.

THE CERTIFICATE OF MERIT Certificate of Merit. Awarded for specially good service, normally only after seven years' service. A cloth emblem, with the design of a knot in white and green on a khaki background, is issued with the Certificate of Merit for wear in uniform . The Certificate for Good Service was awarded until 1983 by the Chief Scout of Australia on the recommendation of the Chief Scout of the Branch for valuable service to the Movement, normally after 5 years' service as an Adult Leader. Entitled members may continue to wear the associated cloth emblem with the design of a knot in white and yellow on a khaki background .

WEARING OF AWARDS AND EMBLEMS The holder of a Medal of Merit with or without Bar will not continue to wear it if awarded the Silver Acorn or the Silver Kangaroo, and the holder of a Silver Acorn will not continue to wear it if awarded the Silver Kangaroo. Emblems for the different categories of awards should be worn on the right breast immediately above the line of the pocket. When more than one is worn, the emblems must be in the following order from the wearer's left to right:

Award for Gallantry Award for Meritorious Conduct Award for Good Service Service Decoration

Where more than one award is received in any of the categories, the holder will wear in uniform only the higher or highest emblem as appropriate in each of the categories for Meritorious Conduct, Good Service, or Service. Entitled persons may, if they so desire, wear insignia of Scout awards and emblems with appropriate civilian dress. For further details see P&R, R13 Decorations and Awards.

15.3.2 Recognition of Service by Leaders

In May 1988, the National Executive Committee agreed to expand the Service Awards Scheme. The Service Decoration recognises service at five year intervals from 5 to 45 years service.

SERVICE DECORATION FOR LEADERS (i) The Service Decoration is granted to adult

members in a leadership or specific management role who have given five years accumulated service since application for their first appointment. Applications for the award shall be processed in accordance with Branch procedures.

(ii) The Service Decoration consists of a cloth emblem with a white knot on a sage green background with the figure 5 superimposed in gold.

(iii) A certificate is issued with the Service Decoration.

(iv) The Service Decoration is worn immediately above the line of the right pocket.

RECOGNITION OF FURTHER SERVICE BY LEADERS (i) Further service is recognised by way of a

number embroidered onto the cloth Service Emblem, indicating the total number of years' service at five yearly increments.

(ii) A certificate is issued with the incremental Award.

(iii) The further Service Emblem is worn immediately above the line of the right pocket and replaces earlier versions.

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15.3.3 Supporter awards Group Leaders must maintain a record of longer serving Committee Officers and, as appropriate, make recommendations for awards for loyal supporters, i.e.

FOR SERVICE BADGE Normally five years good quality service. Full conditions are shown on the reverse side of the application form.

THANKS BADGE Normally would have received "For Service" badge and given eight years good quality service. Conditions are shown on the reverse side of the application form.

THE PRESIDENT'S AWARD The President's Award is made by the President of The Scout Association of Australia on the recommendation of the Chief Commissioner of Australia, for services of an exceptional character to Scouting by persons who are not active Scouts or Adult Leaders. This award is not based on length of service alone, although a period of 20 years active involvement in the affairs of the Association should be deemed an important qualification, provided in all cases that the quality of the services rendered is of the highest order. Nominations for the President's Award may be

made at anytime, but it would be preferable to make the announcement with all other awards on World Scout Day each year . A recommendation for the award may be initiated by any Adult Leader and is to be submitted through the relevant DC, AC/RC and Branch Chief Commissioner to the Chief Commissioner of Australia, using the special application form available from Branch Headquarters. The insignia of the award is intended for wear in ordinary clothes, and must not be worn in uniform.

15.3.4 Gallantry or Meritorious Conduct These awards are available to meet very special efforts by individuals or Groups.

GALLANTRY Normally a person would have been involved in an action which involved risk of his/her own life. There are four levels of this award, and bars for additional recognition for later occurrences. One of the following awards may be granted according to the circumstances of the case: Bronze Cross. Red Ribbon. The highest possible award for gallantry granted only for special heroism or extraordinary risk. Silver Cross. Blue Ribbon. For gallantry with considerable risk. Gilt Cross. Blue and red vertical Ribbon. For gallantry with moderate risk. Bar. Bars to the above Crosses may be granted for additional acts of gallantry. Certificate for Gallantry. In cases which do not justify the award of a Cross or Bar. MERITORIOUS CONDUCT

A person may not have put his/her own life at risk, but will have displayed courage, endurance and initiative. There are two levels of this award and bars for additional recognition of later occurrences. One of the following awards may be granted according to the circumstances of the case: Medal for Meritorious Conduct. Ribbon green with vertical red stripe. Bar. Bars to the Medal for Meritorious Conduct may be awarded for further meritorious conduct. Certificate for Meritorious Conduct In cases which do not justify the award of a Medal of Meritorious Conduct or a Bar.

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15.4 BATHING Bathing is an activity undertaken by almost every person in Australia and while young people carry out this activity under our control then we have a very important part to play as regards their safety. Group Leaders are again urged to read carefully P&R and to take the utmost precautions while this activity is taking place. Strict observance of the rules is very necessary at all times. Some Branches also have other special rules that are to be observed.

15.5 BOATING Boating in its many forms is now a very popular activity in the Movement, particularly with the older members. Group Leaders are urged to read very carefully P&R and Branch Rules before permitting any boating activity in their Group for this can be a very hazardous activity at times. There are also other regulations to be observed and issued by various civilian authorities in the States.

15.6 CAMPING Camping is an integral part of the training methods used in the Movement. However, it is essential to take precautions to ensure that the proper standards are maintained in this activity, that the name of the Association is protected and that the law of the land is complied with on all occasions. To these ends, every Group Leader must see that before any camp or similar activity proceeds the proper procedures are followed as indicated in P&R and any Branch requirements . Further, any camp should be in the charge of competent Leaders, whether they be young people or adults, and the Leaders must have been sufficiently trained to run the camp properly.

15.7 CEREMONIES OF THE GROUP Group Leaders, as well as other Leaders, must become aware of their role in various ceremonies. A National Scout publication "Ceremonies" available from the Scout Commercial Outlets, describes in detail the role/s of the various participants. The Group Leader has a role to play in most ceremonies within the Group and these ceremonies should be planned at Group Council.

Ceremonies have a small, but important place in Scouting and are used to emphasise on the minds of young people the importance of certain occasions. They should be short, simple and sincere, and should be so clearly understood that they proceed without the need for rehearsal. The investiture is the occasion for the making or the renewal of the Promise, and should be an impressive occasion, preferably held at some attractive spot in the open air. Details and conduct of ceremonies are also referred to in each of the Section Leader's handbooks. Ceremonies in the Scout Group are not to be regarded as public occasions, nor are they "secret". They are for the members of the Movement and their families. Leaders of the Mob, Pack or Troop usually invite the parents of the Joey Scout, Cub Scout or Scout being invested. Venturer investitures are often held on camps/hikes and Rovers even climb to a mountain top. Attendance of family or visitors is at the request of the boy or girl concerned, and is generally to be encouraged.

15.8 CIRCULARS It is frequently necessary for Branch Headquarters to notify Sections of the Movement of administrative directions and changes or additions to existing directions. It is important that these are read carefully and acted upon promptly. With an organisation as widespread as our Association, it is only by complete cooperation at all levels in answer to such requests that prompt and efficient action for the benefit of the Movement as a whole becomes possible.

15.9 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Serving the community is a tradition in Scouting. This service is often expressed as doing good turns, and goes well beyond the stereotype of "helping old ladies to cross the street". In most countries, Scouts provide many kinds of services for their community. Indeed, the contribution of Scouting in some communities has been so considerable that the Movement has become recognised as a major force in improving the quality of life. Scouting everywhere aims to provide an education for young people. This education has long-term benefits for the community as young people grow up to take their places in society. But there can also be immediate benefits to the cornrnunitv resulting from the service activities themselves.

Community involvement strengthens the Scout program, attracts and retains members, and improves Scouting's image Over the past few years the activities in a number of countries have shown.

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1. There is an increased interest among young people to help solve problems that affect, or will affect their lives. Many Scout Associations are trying to find ways to respond to this interest.

2. In developing countries, where Scouting's growth has been the greatest, Scouts are increasingly involved in community development projects. This has led to an interest by Scout Associations to undertake more CD activities, and to make them an integral part of their regular Scout program.

3. There is an increased interest by Scouts in many industrialised countries to help those in developing countries. There have been many successful programs which have provided financial and human resources to improve the quality of life in some communities.

4. From the experiences of helping people in other countries, some Scouts are learning that there are benefits which go beyond simple charity. They have learned more about themselves, and the needs in their own community. This awareness has led to action which brings improvements to the community, strengthens the Scout program and attracts and retains members in the organisation .

Why should Scouts be involved in the Community? Community work provides the ideal setting in which the Scout method can be applied in a real life environment. This leads to benefits for Scouts, for their community, and for the Scout Association.

BENEFITS FOR SCOUTS

1 . Scouts can learn more skills which equip them to be better citizens and raise their own self­esteem.

2. They will acquire a vision which goes beyond their immediate environment. They will be able to understand more about other people, whether they are in their own community, or other communities anywhere in the world.

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3. They will be more able to understand and overcome bias and prejudice; they will be more able to get along with others, whatever the colour, sex, or cultural background.

4. They will be able to consider themselves from a different perspective. Their own problems become smaller, and the goals they set for themselves can be higher.

5. With a more global vision, they will have a better appreciation of their own circumstances; the need for education, the preparation for a job, the avoidance of temptations such as drugs.

6. They will feel that they are involved in constructive activities which help improve their lives and the lives of others in their families and communities. They will feel a sense of belonging, and sense of usefulness.

BENEFITS FOR THE COMMUNITY

1. The community benefits directly from the projects undertaken by Scouts. Needs are met and the quality of life is improved.

2. There are long-term benefits as the young grow up to be better citizens who are perhaps more likely to contribute to the improvement of their community.

3. The community will have a greater understanding of young people and the potential role in improving the quality of life.

4. There will be a greater awareness that members of community can work together to solve their own problems.

BENEFITS FOR THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION 1. The involvement of Scouts in addressing the

needs of the community is a key part of the program which meets the needs and interests of the people, particularly adolescents.

2. The opportunity to be involved with real community issues helps to attract new members, from all sectors of society, and to retain existing members because they have a personal satisfaction of knowing that they are making a worthwhile contribution.

3. Scouting becomes more visible in the community, and is seen to be doing useful things.

4. More visibility and an improved image contribute to attracting qualified Leaders, and obtaining financial support.

5. Cooperation with other organisations increases the resources available to support Scouting

15.10 COPYRIGHT Copyright laws protect the rights of original authors, who, in many cases, earn their living from their writing or drawing. Apart from the law and damages which may be sought for infringement of copyright, it is not "fair play" to break copyright and contravenes Scout Law. Even when an article has been copied "with permission", this does not give subsequent copiers such a right. Permission to copy even Scout publications should be sought from the National Publications office as, generally, only the National Publications officer will know whether an article or diagram appearing in a Scout publication has been used legally. In many cases a simple written request to the National Publications Manager (address in Section 4.12) will result in a simple "yes" for permission to use the item, for example, in a Group magazine.

The following article was written for The Scout Association of Australia in August 1995 by Lex Lannoy, a Branch Commissioner in NSW

COPYRIGHT AND YOU! Regardless of your role in the Scout movement, you will find yourself exposed to a wide range of enticing informational sources and materials which you feel can be used or adapted for the Scouting program. Such items may be contained in books. magazines, newspapers, photographic or illustrated works, musical scores, stage plays, videos, films and computer disks, etc. Beware - all materials are the legal property of someone or some organisation. Their use or modification without written permission from

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the copyright owners, can constitute a breach of the Copyright laws in Australia and other countries for which there are now severe penalties for you. Ignorance of the law is no excuse!

Copyright© Such copyright owners have direct access to bodies like the Australian Copyright Council, the Copyright Tribunal Performers Rights and collection-licensing outlets like Copyright .Agency Ltd. Additionally, powerful remedies are available from the Federal Court in relation to infringement of intellectual property rights through a series of court orders like the John Doe or the Anton Pillar order. The John Doe order - where the copyright owner is permitted to seize infringing material from an unidentified person. The Anton Pillar order­where the copyright owner is permitted to enter premises and search for and remove infringing material and so on. If you think this section was added to scare you, you were right! The Copyright laws have become increasingly,. important in all walks of industry as an effective means of halting what appears to be a "growth industry" of copyright infringements for those people who choose to ignore or remain ignorant of the law. Authors, artists and business companies, etc., have become far more conscious of the need to protect the results of their hard work and expensive outlay from plagiarism. To enable you to operate in this climate and do the right thing for yourself and Scouting, a brief outline of the Copyright Act is given, along with tips to avoid the pitfalls of copyright.

COPYRIGHT ACT OF 1968 The rules of the Copyright law are, unfortunately, very complex and often difficult for the average person to grasp without expert legal opinion and guidance. The Australian Copyright Act of 1968 and subsequent amendments, provide in Sections 31, 85 and 86, the exclusive right of an author, artist, etc., to do any of the following acts:

i) to reproduce the work in a material form ii) to publish the work iii) to perform the work in public iv) to broadcast the work v) to cause the work to be transmitted to

subscribers to a diflusion service vi) to make an adaptation of the work

While many other details apply, this explanation is sufficient for you. THE DURATION OF COPYRIGHT The duration of Copyright depends on the nature of the copyright material. Where the original or first owner of copyright is an actual person, copyright on a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work. lasts for the life of the person plus 50 years. Where the first owner is a company, the duration is 50 years only. That, in essence, is the basic copyright duration. However, there are many variations which can

cause the copyright to be extended for longer periods. If, for instance, the original owner (person or company) transfers the copyright to another party (this can be done through a will trust, etc., or can be purchased), the copyright can be extended. One example is in Scouting. Baden­Powell passed away in 1941, therefore you may think that from 1991 all his books, e.g., Scouting for Boys, Rovering to Success, no longer carried a copyright. WRONG! The copyright is still in force and is held by the Scout Association. Therefore, before you can use any of the material you need approval. This is the situation in many cases.

COPYRIGHT EXPIRY How do you know whether an item you are interested in using is covered by Copyright? The answer to this is complicated by international copyright arrangements to which Australia subscribes. One such arrangement requires a copyright notice in the form of a copyright C symbol in a circle©, followed by the name of the copyright owner and the year of first publication, e.g., "Copyright© John Brown in 1995"to ensure that works created in Australia have full protection in other countries. No such notice is required to obtain copyright protection in Australia. As a result, you could be led to believe that such work without a copyright notice is in order to use without permission. This assumption may or may not be correct as an implied copyright exists until otherwise proven by you.

COPYRIGHT-study, research purposes Generally speaking, apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part of any work may be reproduced by any process without written permission. How much copyright work may you utilise under the term, fair dealing? The Copyright Act does not clearly define this section. It does refer to "substantial part" where infringements are involved and here the Courts have laid down certain rules which define "substantial part". In a contested article, for example, both the original work and the copy of the contested work are examined and also the economic impact of copying in determining whether a "substantial part has been used. If it is found that a small part of the original work makes up a major part of the contested work the copyright has been infringed. If, for example, you use a small part of an original work which contains a summary of the original work and even though this part so copied is only a minor part of your article or works, you have broken copyright laws. Illustrations including graphs, charts and technical drawings in themselves and the copying of these items, would infringe copyright.

HOW TO AVOID THE PITFALLS OF COPYRIGHT The purpose of this overall article is to make you

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aware of the thorny path you have to tread. If you play the game correctly, you are unlikely to encounter problems. If you are foolish enough not to heed the advice, then there is a good chance you may be consulting a solicitor and explaining your action to a judge for some author or artist's work you have purloined. Let's face it-if you wanted a car, would you go and steal one? The following examples represent copyright problem areas that are misunderstood by some Scouting people: Scouting handbooks and other publications of The Scout Association of Australia are copyright of that Association. Apart from the purposes of review, etc., already discussed, membership of the Association does not confer the right of reproduction of materials by any means­manual, electronic or mechanical-from these publications without written permission. However, a written application to the National Publications Manager (PO Box 325 Five Dock NSW 2046) designating an article or illustration, will generally result in a simple 'yes" for permission to use the item in your Section, Group, District or Area magazine. Occasionally, some requests cannot be met because of a shared copyright by the Association with another publication, or a limited copyright agreement. Scout publications of any of the Branches of the Association in Australia or overseas Associations will require written application to and permission from these respective Branches or Associations on your behalf by the National Publications Manager (PO Box 325 Five Dock NSW 2046). Do publishers restrict the amount of materials you may use? YES! Asking for an open option (called a blanket approval) to reproduce anything in a publication is never given! It is wise to request one or two small items initially and re-apply later. However, there are restrictions to the overall quantity from one publication. What are your obligations to the use of approved copyright reproductions? The material may only be reproduced by you in your publication. You may not give use of the material to other people. Your article headline should show a copyright symbol © and the foot of the article should contain this indication:

Permission to reproduce this article (and illustration) must be obtained from (name of publisher).

Scout courtesy demands that a copy of your publication should go to your source of permission otherwise your next request may be met with a NO! Can you reproduce from any other Scout magazine or news sheet? NO! Unless the magazine indicates that permission to available to reproduce any material except that which is copyright©, you must request written permission. If you do reproduce where permission is indicated, acknowledge the work, e.g., "from Group Scoop" and send a copy to its editor-it is common courtesy! If not, don't use the material! To avoid copyright problems, can you trace,

modify or redraw illustrations? NO! The;. copyright entails the illustration and the concept it portrays and violations are generally decided by the Courts. Play safe and request permission. Can articles, illustrations and photographs voluntarily submitted by contributors to a magazine be used for other purposes following publication? Copyright authorities consider the answer is a legal land mine but favours the contributors. Unless a contributor transfers copyright to the publication, there is a shared copyright for the initial reproduction in that magazine. Reproduction elsewhere or in another form would be a violation of copyright. Another magazine reproducing the article without permission could be in strife as well. Are there problems associated with reproducing a Scout song book? YES! You need copyright clearance and permission in writing for those songs still in copyright plus payment of any reproduction fees including performing rights, etc. Those songs presumed to be out of copyright will need to be legally checked and if you are thinking of adding a few parodies of popular songs, don't! You will be infringing copyright under the Act. Why not buy a Scout song book? Can a video of a Scout activity on television be used to promote local Scouting? Not without the written permission of the TV station management who would then provide one from their records at a fee. A VCR copy of your own would break copyright in public use. Can I program material onto my computer? The use of material on computers comes under the current rules of copyright. You are basically using an electronic device to reproduce material thereby infringing copyright if you do not adhere to the rules. If you create a disk or CD for use or place material on a network, you are in effect creating multiple copies, as you have created multi-access to the material. Also, be wary of copying material from disks, CD or network information systems, as copyrights apply to the material. If you acknowledge the source of your material, is it in order to reproduce? NO! Reproduction of copyright material is an infringement and in any case the onus is on you to prove it is not copyright before using. Obtain written permission for use, as verbal permission is of little value if the use of material is contested.

IN SUMMARY It is strongly recommended that you heed the warnings outlined in this brief article and disregard the so-called helpful advice "I'm sure no one will object" or similar words. If you are tempted to borrow a small item from some advertisement or jaz up a presentation with the head of a popular cartoon figure, then you are leaving yourself open to legal proceedings settled in or out of court. The avenues to comfortably work within the realms of copyright have been outlined and as hundreds of editors and others are able to achieve this without undue effort, so can you! Good luck with your publications!

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15.11 OVERNIGHT EVENTS FOR JOEY SCOUTS AND CUB SCOUTS

15.11.1 Joey Scout sleep-overs Overnight activities for Joey Scouts, usually called sleep-overs are permitted at the discretion of your Branch Chief Commissioner. Separate sleeping accommodation and ablutions must be provided for boys, girls, male and female Leaders. Sleepovers are an important method of getting the out into Scouting. Part of the Joey Scout objective is to develop a sense of personal identity through exploration of surroundings and nature; sleepovers are an ideal way to achieve this objective.

Check your Branch rules and if you require more detail for the Joey Scout sleep-overs refer to the National Publication Programming in the Joey Scout Section and Joey Scout Leader's Handbook

15.11.2 Cub Scout Pack Holidays Cub Scouts are not permitted to camp as a Pack with a Scout Troop but may attend a Pack Holiday. Pack Holidays are governed by P&R and additional Branch policies developed facilitate this type of excursion, as well as ensure high standards of safety and care.

Separate sleeping accommodation, changing facilities and ablutions must be provided for boys, girls, male Leaders and female Leaders.

Pack Holidays are one of the most enjoyable and worthwhile activities in Cub Scouting. Cub Scouts visit an area different from their normal environment and spend at least a day and a night away.

The Cub Scouts enjoy a happy, active and exciting holiday, living according to the Cub Scout Law in a Cub Scout atmosphere.

The Cub Scout Leaders enjoy the work because the atmosphere is different living a healthy and active life. All Leaders work together for a successful activity. They enjoy the freedom of a Pack Holiday away from the normal routine of ordinary life.

A Pack Holiday may also be run for different groups, depending on Branch policy, e.g., District Sixers and Seconds; Whole District; 10 year olds.

A Pack Holiday does take extra planning and organisation but these in themselves can be rewarding and fun. The Scout Association, keeping in mind its responsibilities to parents, has laid down policy that a Leader must have completed Basic Level Training for 12 months, assisted on at least one other Pack Holiday and completed the Pack Holiday Unit. To lead a Pack under canvas a Leader must have completed the Camping sessions in the Pack Holiday Unit as well.

The Group Leader visiting or helping in some way with a Cub Scout Pack Holiday will observe real Scouting for this age group - learning and having fun together, Cub Scouts and Leaders learn much about each other and so will the Group Leader!

15.12 DATES-CALENDARS Group Leaders should be aware of the very many dates of various events and deadlines for returns such as census, etc., when planning Group events. Every level of the Branch issues lists of dates for the next year before the end of the current year, to assist in this planning. Training calendars are vital for planning which seminars or courses are to be completed by all Leaders in the coming year. Areas/Regions generally produce a calendar including Branch activities, around November each year. This is distributed through Districts to Group Leaders to enable the formulation of District and then Group calendars.

PLANAHfh The production of calendars is done in this way to ensure the Group and therefore, the youth of our Movement, will have access to the widest and most varied program possible. Group Leaders should make every effort to ensure that the Group's program avoids clashing with events already on Distric/Area/Region/BHQ calendar, as such clashes rob youth of possibility of attendance.

15.13 DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE This issue affects everyone, not just young people. All age groups and levels of society can misuse drugs. Some drugs are illegal; others such as alcohol, tobacco and non-prescription drugs are not. Our youth training programs, with goals of raising self-esteem and citizenship development, will encourage our members to develop responsible attitudes and patterns of behaviour concerning legal and illegal drugs and substances such as petrol and glue. The use of illegal drugs and substances abuse is at odds with all that Scouting proclaims for young people. It is expected that no member of the Movement would experiment with or use these substances and that no Leader would condone such practice. In 1993, The Scout Association of Australia released a book and poster material, helping to play a constructive part in the positive development of young people and the fight against drug and substance abuse. These materials are available from your Branch HQ

15.14 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS "Service to others" has always been part of Scouting. The work done in looking after our wildlife and countryside; conserving our resources and learning about future options are two matters which lend themselves to Scout activities.

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The Scout Association of Australia has endorsed the practice of educating young people by adopting a conservation badge as part of its overall program and by an environmental conservation charter called The Australian Scout Environment Charter. Scouting encourages use of the great outdoors as much as possible for that is the ideal setting for Scouting. However, hand in hand with our Scouting activities must come respect and care of whatever area we happen to be in. Your example will do much to foster the proper attitude in your District. Conservation has three important aims: 1. To teach proper outdoor manners and good

conduct, and so curb vandalism. 2. To develop a sense of respect for living things

and natural resources. 3. To promote better citizenship by stressing the

need for responsible individual action, since the maintenance of a healthy environment is the result of the efforts of individuals, country, city, town and state services.

World Conservation Badge This badge is intended to encourage an awareness of the need to preserve the environment by constructive action and understanding. The badge is a symbol of joint action by the World Scouting Movement and the World Wildlife Fund for conservation and improvement of the environment. The requirements for the badge, obtainable at three levels in Australia, were revised during 1990.

The levels are: Brown (Earth) for 8 to 11 years. Green(Flora and Fauna) 101,-?-15 years. Blue (Sky [Air] and Water) 14 years and under 26 years, i.e. for Venturers and Rovers.

15.14.1 The Australian Scout Environment Charter

THE AUSTRALIAN SCOUT ENVIRONMENT CHARTER

I will e Protect and conserve Animal and Plant life. 8 Strive to use less Energy derived directly from fossil

fuels. ® Recycle resources-save and use items which can

be recycled, including cans, glass, plastic, bottles and paper.

8 Always be careful with the use of Fire. ~ Safeguard the Environment-use products which do

not poison the Environment and correctly dispose of litter or rubbish.

• Preserve the non-living things of Nature from damage and destruction.

41) Enjoy Nature quietly so that others may enjoy it too. • Take an active part in Environmental Conservation

projects. ~ Protect the countryside, roads and beaches and

keep them free of litter. • Strive to preserve naturalness, the beauty of the

landscape, the wild plants and animals. @II Learn about environmental dangers to the soil, water

and air, and strive to protect my planetary home. ® Care for my endangered fellow travellers on Earth­

find out about animals that are threatened with extinction.

@ Strive to have the use of our Earth better planned and more carefully maintained, so that places where people live will be attractive and pleasant.

@ Think globally and act locally.

N.B.: A wall chart of The Australian Scout Environment Charter is available from your Scout Commercial Centres.

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Full details for each level appear in the relevant youth handbooks, e.g. Cub Scout: Book of Cub Scout Challenges, Scout: The Australian Scoutbook, Venturer: Venturer Passport References are also made in the Section Leaders' handbooks.

15.15 FIRE PRECAUTIONS Scout Groups have a major responsibility to ensure proper and caring attitudes, along with a high level of technical training relating to fires in the open.

Consideration needs to be given to environmental issues, as well as issues of safety and survival.

In many established camping places, gas cooking has replaced open fires. This provides a challenge for cooking techniques.

However, the danger of fire in Australia is particularly serious and any Scouting activity must be organised to prevent any possibility of causing bushfires. In particular. the regulations laid down by the various authorities must be observed in detail.

In order to comply with these rules it is important that Leaders. or those in control of Scouts, camping or carrying out any outdoor activity in which the lighting of fires is necessary during the summer, have in their possession a suitable radio set capable of receiving Australian Broadcasting Commission news, over which service notice of days of total fire ban are broadcast. On such days, no fires may be lit in the open at any time. The prohibition covers one day and is repeated for as many days as may be necessary.

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In the case of a standing camp, the Leader in charge shall, in addition to complying with the requirements on days of acute fire danger, notify the local fire officer of the existence of the camp or, if this officer cannot be located, the local police. In general, fires may be lit only if a properly constructed fireplace is used. A trench or container not less than 25 cm deep is normally regarded as properly constructed fireplace. In addition, the fireplace must not be placed within 7.8 metres of any building, tree or stump and the whole area for a radius of three metres around and above the fire must be raked and cleared of all inflammable material.

Fires should be used for cooking only, extinguished as soon as such cooking is finished and always be under observation by a responsible person while they are alight. Any instruction in this regard from a fire officer or member of the police force must be obeyed instantly, without question.

It must be particularly noted that the fire regulations vary from State to State and Leaders must become familiar with those pertaining to their own State.

15.16 INTERNATIONAL TRIPS -LETTER OF INTRODUCTION

Should members go overseas privately they may obtain, through their Branch Headquarters, a letter of introduction to Scout Associations in the countries which they will be visiting.

15.17 INTERSTATE AND OVERSEAS TRIPS

No party of Scouts may travel interstate or overseas without the approval of Branch Headquarters. Such approval can only be obtained by application through the District Commissioner.

15.18 JAMBOREE ON THE AIR Jamboree on the Air, known usually as JOTA, is an annual world-wide event jointly organised by the Scout Movement, the Guide Movement and the Amateur Radio operators of the world. It is

an opportunity for members of your Group to communicate with Scouts and Guides in other countries. Jamboree on the Air takes place on the third weekend of October commencing at 0001 hours local time on Saturday and finishing at 2359 hours on Sunday. Scout Groups can take part for the whole or part of the time. During the weekend radio amateurs make their time, knowledge. radio equipment and quite often their homes available to help the Scouts and Guides to take part in JOTA. It is fun. Ask somebody who has previously taken part. Your Scouts will have the chance to talk to Scouts and Guides around the world and possibly they will learn something about the countries, the customs and the way of life of the people they talk with. What are the objectives of JOTA? Jamboree on the Air has four main objectives, these are: 1 . To make the Scout Laws come alive. 2. To quicken interest in achievement and

challenge badges, such as Communication and Technology.

3. To find new fields of interest which may eventually lead to careers in radio, television or similar associated fields.

4. To be friendly.

Preparation for JOTA Discuss JOTA with the Section Leaders in your Group and then include it, if agreed, on your calendar of coming events. About July a Leader begins looking for radio amateurs in your area who will be able to help you in JOTA. Ask them to come to a couple of your meetings to introduce them to the youth members and to give them advice on amateur radio operating procedures. If you have difficulty in finding a radio amateur then contact the JOTA Branch organiser who will give you a list of amateurs in your area. Notify the Branch organiser that you are taking part in JOTA. Having found yourself a radio amateur, arrange for the type of activity you will have. Use your imagination and plan something unusual and adventurous .

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Not all people want to talk on the radio for a long period but are happy to participate for some of the time your Section Leaders will organise other activities as part of JOTA program. In previous years it has been found that it is best to allocate the youth into small groups so as not to crowd the amateur 'shack'. This way each person will have the opportunity of talking on the radio. After JOTA, have the report (which would have been sent to you by the Branch organiser), sent to the JOTA Branch organiser within 14 days after the JOTA. This will gain recognition for the Group and will also entitle them to a certificate issued by the World Scout Bureau in Geneva. Finally, show your appreciation in a Scouting way, to the operators who have helped your Scouts to enjoy the JOTA weekend.

15.19 NATIONAL FLAGS FOR GROUPS, REGAL PORTRAITS

The Prime Minister has approved the free issue of Australian national flags to youth organisations, including our Association. Each Scout Group or independent unit is eligible to receive on a once-only basis:

A coloured photograph of Her Majesty the Queen. The size is 48.2 X 38.1 cm and the -photograph may be obtained with the Queen in either a standing or sitting position. An Australian National Flag. A cassette recording of the National Anthem and the Royal Anthem. A coloured print of the Australian Coat of Arms.

METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR ISSUE: Each Scout Group or independent unit which has not received a required item under this scheme may apply to a Commonwealth Senator or their local Member of the House of Representatives for the issue of the items. The application must record the number in the Group and how long it has been in existence. The Senator or Member, if satisfied that the request is within the guidelines, will send the request to the Secretary, Department of Administrative Services, Canberra, who will issue the items.

The Commonwealth Government hopes that each Senator or Member will be able to arrange personal presentation of the item/s or to arrange for another Senator or Member to deputise for him. References. P&R.

A. H. Smout: Our Flag and How to Fly it.

15.20 ROCK CLIMBING AND ABSEILING

Although these activities are not mentioned in Policy and Rules, they must always be under competent leadership and the guidance of qualified persons and Branch safety requirements must be followed in the activity. Training suitable for this purpose is available in some Branches and qualified persons are issued with a Rock Climber Instructor's Certificate and a Leader's Certificate. The District Commissioner will advise regarding the method of qualifying for these certificates.

15.21 SCOUT PEN FRIENDS One useful and valuable activity for members of a Group is to correspond with Scouts in other States or countries. Such contacts should be made by request to the Branch Headquarters. Members are advised that it is contrary to regulations to write direct to any Scout Headquarters other than their own. Furthermore, this practice only leads to delays as such letters are always returned to your own Branch Headquarters for verification.

----- ------·

15.22 SMOKING The Scout Association aims to promote a healthy lifestyle and as such the habit of smoking contravenes that aim. Consideration for others should be fundamental for all Scouts.

1. Joey Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts and younger Venturers are not permitted to smoke by law.

2. Adult members of the Scout Association who legally are allowed to smoke should pay particular attention to the opening policy statement.

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In general it is undesirable for Scouts to smoke from the following standpoints: (a) their own health; (b) it being a bad example to young members; (c) it has an adverse effect on good public relations (especially when in uniform).

3. At all meetings of the Scout Association those who wish to smoke shall show consideration for those who wish to breathe smokeless air, particularly when the gathering is within a confined space or an area with a recirculating air supply system. Passive smoking is thought to be as dangerous as direct smoking.

15.23 TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR ADULT LEADERS

Group Leaders are urged continually to see that their Leaders undertake training as quickly as possible after their recruitment and that they also up-date their training as opportunity occurs. All Leaders must now complete one (1) elective unit per year.

The Gilwell scarf

The Wood badge

Competent leaders are the key to success, for your youth members, Section Leaders, assistants and you!

Very best wishes in your important role in the Australian community.

~ .. •, t ...

i \ \ I ~ ..

l '"~---·

J • •

16 Uniforms for Adult Leaders

and Youth Members Joey Scout Emblem

This emblem is allowed to be copied by Joey Scout Leaders for their use in the Mob in black and white or colour reproduction. The colours of the emblem are listed below. The National Joey Scout emblem is also available as a cloth badge from Scout Commercial Outlets. Use of the cloth badge is at discretion of the Branch Chief Commissioner.

Colours for the emblem of the Joey Scout Section: Background White World Badge Purple Scarf Purple Kangaroo Tan Lettering Tan Edging Tan

Colours for the Joey Scout Waggle: Background Tan Lettering White World Badge White/Purple

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JOEY SCOUT (Male & Female) SCARF WITH JOEY SCOUT WOGGLE

A JOEY SCOUT WEARS EVERYDAY CLOTHING OR BRANCH/GROUP APPROVED TEE SHIRT WITH

APPROVED SCARF (GROUP/BRANCH) AND NATIONAL JOEY SCOUT WOGGLE.

CUB SCOUT (Male)

~---.._ --.------ JOHNSON HAT or

SCOUT LINK BADGE COTTON CANVAS HAT

CUB SCOUT LINK BADGE

GROUP IDENTIFICATION

/AREA/REGION / IDENTIFICATION

RIGHT ARM

VENTURER LINK BADGE

SCOUT LINK BADGE

CUB SCOUT LINK BADGE

SCOUTCRAFT

SCOUT BELT

GROUP IDENTIFICATION

AREA/REGION IDENTIFICATION

RIGHT ARM

ACHIEVEMENT BADGES (Over 12 badges left arm)

SCOUTING FAMILY BADGE

SPECIAL BADGES World Conservation,

Faith Awareness, Landcare

SCOUT {Male)

CHALLENGE BADGES

SPECIAL BADGES World Conservation, Anchor,

Radio, Faith Awareness. Landcare

AUSTRALIAN FLAG

SERVICE BADGE

MEMBERSHIP BADGE

YELLOW CORD

LEFT ARM

PATROL LEADER'S HAT BADGE

SERVICE BADGE

SCOUT MEMBERSHIP BADGE

PATROL LEADER'S STRIPES

PATROL EMBLEM

LEFT ARM

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CUB SCOUT (Female)

SCOUT LINK BADGE

CUB SCOUT LINK BADGE

GROUP IDENTIFICATION

...::!\.----- JOHNSON HAT or

COTTON CANVAS HAT

AUSTRALIAN FLAG

SERVICE BADGE

MEMBERSHIP BADGE

YELLOW CORD

BOOMERANG BADGES

Gold, Silver, Bronze

ACHIEVEMENT BADGES (Over 12 badges left arm)

b~~~~:t=-=SCOUTING FAMILY BADGE SPECIAL BADGES World Conservation,

RIGHT ARM Faith Awareness, Landcare LEFT ARM

SCOUT (Female) VENTURER

LINK BADGE PATROL LEADER'S

HAT BADGE

LEADERSHIP COURSE EMBLEM

SERVICE BADGE

\..l,ll.~~~f='.-- SCOUT MEMBERSHIP

AREA/REGION or DISTRICT EMBLEM

SCOUT BELT

GROUP IDENTIFICATION

CHALLENGE BADGES

/_~~fZ.:::::Jn-- SPECIAL BADGES World Conservation, Anchor,

RIGHT ARM Radio, Faith Awareness,

Land care

BADGE

PATROL LEADER'S STRIPES

Not afl uniform combmat10ns are shown.

Contact your Area/Region or

Branch HQ tor details.

PATROL EMBLEM

TARGET BADGES

SCOUT CORD

LEFT ARM

VENTURERS (Male) JOHNSON HAT -'----

RIGHT ARM

JOEY SCOUT HELPER or CUB SCOUT INSTRUCTOR

or SCOUT HELPER

LINK BADGES

ROVERS (Male)

CREW IDENTIFICATION

EPAULETTES

or DISTRICT EMBLEM

Miniature

SCOUT BELT

Anchor, Life Saving, Radio,

1~:~l~·:s1

~ROVER BADGE

• ' Badges, if entitled. AWARD EMBLEMS

Refer to the Australian Rover

ROVER INSTRUCTO~mml Rovers may wear all four Link

LANGUAGE EMBLEM Handbook, Chapter 8 for details of the wearing of the four

AREA/REGION or development awards/badges for DISTRICT EMBLEM the BP Award

RIGHT POCKET

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VENTURERS (Female) EPAULETTES

LINK BADGES

Not all uniform combinations are shown. Contact your Area/Region or Branch Headquarters

for details. Badges are worn in the

same or equivalent position to the Male

uniform.

DISCOVERY AWARD

AWARD EMBLEMS

LANGUAGE EMBLEM

AREA/REGION or DISTRICT EMBLEM

QUEEN'S GUIDE BADGE

SERVICE BADGES

RIGHT POCKET

ROVERS (Female)

JOHNSON HAT

For details of uniform variations contact your Area/Region or

Branch Rover Council.

QUEEN'S SCOUT BADGE Miniature

QUEEN'S GUIDE BADGE Miniature

WINGS

MEMBERSHIP BADGE

Rovers may wear all four Link Badges, if entitled.

Badges are worn in the same or similar position to the Male

uniform.

GROUP

and SERVICE BADGE

LEADERS (Male)

For details of uniform vanations seeP&RR14.

AUSTRALIAN FLAG

SCOUT BELT

AUSTRALIAN FLAG

~ AWARD EMBLEMS WINGS ~

DECORATION~S LANGUAGE EMBLEM

REA/REGION or STRICT EMBLEM

GHTPOCKET

MEMBERSHI BADGE

LEFT POC

LEADERS (Female) JOHNSON HAT

GROUP and AREA/REGION

IDENTIFICATION

For details of uniform variations see P&RR14.

Badges are worn in the same or simHar position as the male uniforms.

SERVICE BADGE

and AWARD

EMBLEMS

UNIFORMS FOR MEMBERS GOING OVERSEAS The National Uniforms prescribed in P&R, including the Sea Scout uniform for Sea Scout Groups, the Air Scout uniform for Air Scout Groups and the kilt as defined in P&R, may be worn at overseas events.

Special Items Members Travelling Privately: Members travelling privately may be issued with Australian scarves under arrangements made by Branch Headquarters. Members of Parties other than Official Contingents or Delegations: Under arrangements made by the National Secretary and Party Leader such members may be issued by the National Secretariat with Australian scarves (usually two), an Australian name plate and, if required, a gumnut waggle. Members of Official Contingents and Delegations: The National Secretary will arrange for such members to be issued with two official Contingent or Delegation scarves, an Australia name plate and, for Contingents, a gumnut waggle. Special Event Badge: The Chief Commissioner of Australia may approve the design and wearing of a special event badge produced specially for an Australian party, or approve the wearing of a badge produced by an Association overseas for all members attending the event. The production of such an Australian badge will be arranged by the National Secretary in conjunction with the Party Leader. Place of Wear: The place of wear of name plates and special event badges will be decided by the Chief Commissioner of Australia. Branch and local Name Tapes: Members may continue to wear Branch and local name tapes on the right sleeve of uniforms worn overseas. Branch or local badges worn on the front of the shirt may have to be removed to provide space for, or covered by, special event badges or name plates. Restricted Use of official Contingent or Delegation Scarves: These scarves are issued only on instructions from the National Secretary and must only be used as authorised. Time limit for Wear: P&R prescribes: "Members may continue to wear a special badge produced for a national or international event for a period not exceeding three months after the end of the national event or returning to Australia from the international event."

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LIST OF AUSTRALIAN SCOUT PUBLICATIONS JOEY SCOUT SECTION Joey Scout Leader's Handbook Joey Scout Program and Record Book Joey Scout Promise Wall Chart Joey Scout Law and Theme Wall Chart Joey Scout Activity Book (1) A-Z Book of Programs Promise & Law Book Programming in the Joey Scout Section Joey Scout Fun Book (1)

CUB SCOUT SECTION Cub Scout Leader's Handbook Book of Cub Scout Challenges Skits & Puppets Nature & Outdoors Best of Cub Scout File (1) Best of Cub Scout File (2)

The PAWS Series Handcraft Outdoor Games Australiana Games Games and Activities More Games and Activities Promise and Law Games Pack Holidays Jungle Lore Pack Programs (B-P) Ideas for Pack Programs Themes for Pack Programs Puzzletime Cub Scout Cookbook Quiz Book

Cub Scout Challenge Passbook New Chum Activity Book Pack Program & Record Book New Member Kits Cub Scout Badge Wall Chart Cub Scout Promise Wall Chart Cub Scout Law Wall Chart

SPECIAL AUSTRALIAN EDITIONS Wolf Cub's Handbook Scouting for Boys Rovering to Success

GENERAL SECTION Group Leader & Group Committee Handbook Leader of Adults Handbook Ceremonies PR for Scouting Introducing Scouting Australian Scout Song Book 101 Thrifty Ideas Book Conservation Project Kit Book Australian Scout Prayer book Yarns by B-P Scout's Owns International Scouting The Australian Scout Environment Charter Chart

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SCOUT SECTION Australian Scoutbook Fieldbook for Australian Scouting Scout Leader's Handbook The Patrol System Prayers for Scouts Program Ideas for Scouts The Scout's Book of Challenges More Program Ideas for Scouts Ideas for Patrol Meetings Going into Scouts Going into Venturers New Member Kit Scout Yearly Planner Camp Planning Book Wide Games PL Record Book Scout Award Wall Chart Scout Promise Wall Chart Scout Law Wall Chart Troop Progress Chart Scout Patrol Emblem Chart

VENTURER SECTION Venturing Handbook Venturer Leader's Handbook Venturer Passport

The VIA Series Creativity Community Involvement Counselling Guidelines for Initiative Courses Activities & Expeditions What's this all about, God? Cultural Diversity & Scouting

ROVER SECTION Australian Rover Handbook BP Award Record Book

To Find Our Way Australian Outdoor Cookbook Australian Bushcraft Handbook Cross Country Navigation Scouting & Peace

General Series Facets of B-P Guidelines for Sponsored Groups Recruiting Adults Duty to God Campfire Leader's Handbook Tonic & Tales

WORLD BUREAU PUBLICATIONS Scouting Round the World Help Save the World Scouting: Action for the Environment Global Village (Development Book)

This handbook has been written to assist you. the Group Leader, realise the how. where and why of running your Group. To do an effective job. every Group Leader needs to be thoroughly familiar with the fundamental matters of Scouting. fu nctions or a Group Leader and Group Commillec, Group property, recruitment or Leaders. records. a broad knowledge of the fi ve youth training sections, policies ...

This handbook is a guide and complements the Austral ian Policy and Rules (P&R) publication. It does not give all the answers but will assist you to understand your role more fully. Being the "manager" or your Group i~ an exciting job with many challenges - leadership means work. involvement and most or all. job satisfaction.

THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

(f) l AUSTRALIA J

AN AUSTRALIAN SCOUT PUBLICATION

9 318960 50201 6

ISBN 0 949180 62 9 NSC # 50201