Scout Leadership Course Handout

Session area

Scout Award Scheme Page 1 Page 2 Page 3

Outline of the session

The Patrol Leaders, as part of the Troop Council, have responsibility for progressing and passing members through the Scout Award Scheme. It would be only appropriate that the Troop Council have a full knowledge of the scheme and how it can be applied.

Session Notes

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 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.
• Explorer - Blue. Concentrates on knowledge and skill.
• Adventurer - Green. Concentrates on instructing others.