Program Essentials
Program Essentials is a Scout's core Scouting experience through attendance and active participation in their Unit's diverse Scout program. Along the way, the Scout achieves personal progression and develops valuable leadership skills. Program Essentials is the regular Scouting program and designed to be completed through attendance, active participation, assisting and leading.
The Program Essentials comprises three main elements, culminating in a self-reflection. Encouraging Scouts to stop and think about how they have developed along the journey.
The elements are:
- Introduction to Scouting (if not completed in an earlier Section).
- Introduction to Section (completed at the start of each new Section during the transition phase).
Milestones (Participating, Assisting and Leading in activities based on the four Challenge Areas and reflecting on your adventures).
Learning Checkpoints
After completing this module you will have an understanding of:
- All aspects of Program Essentials.
- The badge requirements, how and when to award them.
- What participating, assisting and leading may represent in each of the age Sections.
Resources
- Program Essentials fact sheet
- Examples of Assisting and Leading in Joey Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturer Scouts, Rover Scouts
- Milestone reflections – Joey Scout, Cub Scout, Scouts & Venturer Scouts, Rover Scouts
Activity
Present a range of activities and ask that they be classified according to the Challenge Area they fit in to. Discuss why different areas were chosen.
Discussion
- What different approaches can be used for Introduction to Scouting and Introduction to Section and what role do more experienced youth play.
- What should you expect from youth when leading and assisting and how does vary throughout the Milestones?
- What process do other units use to ensure a program is balanced across the challenge areas?
FAQs
Q: Where can I find out about Program Essentials?
A: Visit the Achievement Pathways area of Scouts Australia’s Program Resources and then the Program Essentials tab.
Q: Can youth members do part of the Essentials but not all of it?
A: Program Essentials is the core of the Youth Program. All youth members will progress through the Program Essentials by participating regularly in a balanced Unit program.
Reflection
- Do I feel that I can support my youth members in completing all or part of their Peak Award?
- How can I make sure I keep youth members engaged?