Fundamentals of Scouting

The Fundamentals of Scouting are the Purpose (and Mission), Principles and Method. Each National Scout Organisation has their own variation on the statements behind these fundamentals, adapted to their local culture and current society. 

Our Purpose reflects that of the World Movement. It tells us why we exist, provides out movement with meaning, a focus and identifies the key elements that Scouting seeks to achieve through the experiences we offer in the program. 

Our Purpose helps give us direction in all that we do in Scouting. We should remember the focus while delivering our program, and through the full process we call Plan>Do>Review>.

First and foremost, our Purpose puts young people at the centre. 

We help them prepare to use their potentials as active contributors to the communities they find themselves in. 

It provides us with a quick test about whether our approaches and directions are consistent with the spirit of Scouting. All of us should take a moment to be critical of our approach from time to time – whether we're a Patrol Leader or Chief Commissioner!

Mission

Our Mission tells us what we are in the business of doing, and sets real direction for our movement. Our mission serves to complement our Purpose and remind us of the values we promote in young people – expressed through the Australian Scout Promise & Law.

The Mission of Scouting is to contribute to the education of young people, through a value-based system based on the Scout Promise & Law, to help build a better world where people are self fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in society. 

The Mission identifies the role we take in helping build a better world. This aspect is promoted strongly among Scouts globally. As Scouts we see ourselves as Messengers of Peace; we look for opportunities to share the message of peace and to build peace through our actions.