Scout Award Scheme
The Scout Section Award Scheme is divided into the following components:
- Scoutcraft Badge
- Target Badges.
- Proficiency Badges.
- Patrol Activity Badges.
- Cords
- The Scout Leadership Course.
- The Leadership Activity
- The Australian Scout Medallion.
The Award Scheme provides the main focus for the Patrol and Troop activity and gives suitable recognition to Scouts for achievement. Following a Scout’s Investiture, they complete the Scoutcraft Badge and then may earn Targets to become a Pioneer, Explorer and Adventurer Scout. Target requirements provide for going places and doing the adventurous, appealing things that Scouts enjoy, including camping, hiking, exploring, swimming, boating, track and field, fitness activities, and environment projects and practices, usually in the company of the Patrol or other Scouts.
SCOUTCRAFT BADGE
This is usually the first badge to be gained and awarded in the Scout Section. The training and testing is carried out jointly by the Patrol Leader and Scout Leader.
The aim of the Scoutcraft Badge is to:
- Facilitate the young person’s entry into the Scout Troop.
- Reinforce or teach basic Scouting skills.
- Provide early recognition, and
- Encourage further participation in the Scout Award Scheme
Its basic requirements are:
1. Learn and demonstrate different knots with your Patrol.
2. Describe the Australian flag and how to use it.
3. First Aid knowledge.
4. Know and demonstrate safety with camping tools.
5. Knowledge of Patrol system.
The Scoutcraft Badge is generally gained within four to six weeks of a new Scout joining the Troop or completed as a part of the linking process for a Cub Scout and is presented upon entry re-affirmation/investiture to the Troop.
TARGET BADGES AND CORDS
There are eight Targets as Scouts progress towards the Australian Scout Medallion. Scouts can start at a level that they feel is suitable to their skills and experience.
The Target activities provide the main source of material for the Scout program. While the results of the activities lead to individual recognition and the awarding of Target Badges, the qualifications in general are earned by the Scout in the company of their Patrol or with other Scouts. Target Badge requirements provide for going places and doing the adventurous and appealing things that young people enjoy. The emphasis is on the practical and active aspects of a topic.
The aim of the Target Badge scheme is to:
- Encourage participation.
- Appeal to youth members at all stages of development
- Develop basic skills
- Encourage activities which are effective in achieving the educational outcomes of the Scout Section
The Scout Award Scheme is structured in three levels:
Pioneer – Red. Concentrates on participation & learning.
During their journey through the Section, a Scout needs to know there are three major signposts. The first is the Pioneer Badge. The Pioneer Target Badges are designed to be achieved by undertaking new experiences, and participating in practical and adventurous activities.
To gain the Pioneer Badge, the Scout must complete the two compulsory Targets which are Campcraft & Citizenship, plus one from the six elective Pioneer Targets. To gain the Pioneer Cord the Scout must complete the Pioneer Badge, one Patrol Activity Badge plus two Proficiency Badges.
This is achieved by the Scouts’ participation with their Patrol or with other Scouts, and the assistance of their Patrol Leader.
Compulsory Target Badges for the Pioneer Badge: Campcraft; Citizenship
Explorer – Blue. Concentrates on knowledge and skill.
Once you have completed the Pioneer Badge, the next signpost is the Explorer Badge. It is designed to provide the Scout with opportunities to help their Patrol Leader and to assist other Scouts to pass their Pioneer Target Badges by doing practical and challenging activities.
To gain the Explorer Badge, a Scout must complete the two compulsory Targets which are Campcraft & Citizenship, and one from the Explorer Elective Targets. To gain the Explorer Cord, a Scout must complete the Explorer Badge, one Patrol Activity Badge plus two Proficiency Badges giving you a total of two Patrol Activity Badges and four Proficiency ones.
Compulsory Target Badges for the Explorer Badge: Campcraft; Citizenship
Adventurer – Green. Concentrates on instructing others.
The final major signpost along the Scout Section journey is the Adventurer Badge. It is designed to provide the Scout with opportunities to teach and test other Scouts to pass their Pioneer and Explorer Targets by using the knowledge and skills they have gained so far.
To gain the Adventurer Badge, a Scout must complete the two compulsory Targets which are Campcraft & Citizenship, and one from the Adventurer Elective Targets. To gain the Adventurer Cord, a Scout must complete the Adventurer Badge, one Patrol Activity Badge plus two Proficiency Badges. This brings the Scout to a total of three Patrol Activity Badges and six Proficiency Badges.
Compulsory Target Badges for the Adventurer Badge: Campcraft; Citizenship
PATROL ACTIVITY BADGE
A Scout is required to earn one Patrol Activity Badge for each of the Target levels in order to earn their Cord for each level.
OTHER BADGES
There are nine other badges that may be worn. Five of these may be used as Proficiency Badges.
Amateur Radio Operator Badge; Anchor Badge; Deaf Sign Language Badge; Faith Awareness Badge; Language Emblem
The following three badges may be used as Target Badges.
First Aid or Surf Life Saving Badges; Landcare Badge; World Conservation Badge
Their Service Our Heritage Badge is a participation badge which may be worn by both Adult and Youth Members.
SCOUT LEADERSHIP COURSE BADGE
The Scout Leadership Course aims to provide suitable leadership skills for Scouts with a practical “hands on” approach run in line with the Patrol System. It can be undertaken on completion of the Pioneer Badge.
LEADERSHIP ACTIVITY
This requires a Scout to show significant personal development while demonstrating an active leadership role e.g. organising and planning an activity or event that covers a minimum of one full day or overnight.
AUSTRALIAN SCOUT MEDALLION – THE PINNACLE!
The Australian Scout Medallion is the pinnacle of the Scout Section and is a milestone in a youth member’s journey through the Movement. To receive this prestigious award, you must have completed all the requirements mentioned above. From L to R is the Medallion itself and the accompanying Badge.
VENTURER SCOUT LINK BADGE
The Venturer Scout Link Badge links Scouts to the Venturer Scout Section and is the next step in the Scouting journey. Completion of this badge prepares the Scout for advancement to the Venturer Unit.