Ages 11 to 15
The Scout Troop is open to youth aged between 11 to 15. At the weekly meetings Scouts receive expert instruction in a wide variety of outdoor skills together with the all important basic theory. The programs will build confidence as Scouts learn how to make decisions and work as part of a team. Scouts are encouraged to be involved in the planning and execution of meetings, bushwalks, camps and other activities.
Participation in the Scout section encourages hobbies, interests and skills and helps to develop leadership and a sense of achievement. Gaining proficiency badges in abseiling, caving, sports, and science is encouraged in the Scout section. Working through the award program, Scouts learn about water safety, environment and emergencies at different levels depending on their age.
The major award in Scouts is the Australian Scout Medallion. The award brings together a number of key skills, learnt as a Scout, into one project covering the initial planning right through to the final assessment of a project.
Joining Scouts
All new members are invited to enjoy the free 4 week trial period before joining. You will need to complete the the 'Application for Youth Membership (Y1)' before your child can participate in any Scout meetings.
Once your new Scout has attended a few Scout meetings they can then be invested into the group. A uniform does not need to be worn until they are ready to be invested.
To join the world of Scouting submit a ✉ Contact Me request.
Investiture in the Troop
Once your Scout is ready to be invested and join the group, the Group Leader or Scout Leader will discuss a date for investiture and the fees. You will need to purchase a uniform for your Scout before they can be invested into the Troop.
At the Investiture meeting your new scout will stand before the Troop and the Leaders to make the Promise. They will receive the group scarf, badges and a warm welcome to the Troop. Your new scout will then be invested to the Scout Troop as a 1st Hazelbrook Scout.
Scout Troops
Scouts are organised into smaller groups called Patrols. Each Patrol has Scouts with skill levels ranging from novice to advanced. A Patrol normally has 6 to 8 Scouts with experienced Scouts as Patrol Leaders and upcoming Scouts as Assistant Patrol Leaders. In the Patrol system more experienced Scouts help younger Scouts to develop skills and earn awards. Scouts learn to work with others while the Patrol leader learns responsibility for others. As they work through The Award Program they learn about water safety, environment and emergencies at different levels depending on the age.
Weekly meetings – Each week Scouts work as a team in their Patrols, building skills for bigger and better activies and events. At the meetings Scouts plan weekend adventures and play games. Patrol Leaders or Assistant Patrol Leaders often help plan the Scout Program.
Training Scheme Activities – Scouts are exposed to a huge range of activities based on adventure and personal interests, such as abseiling, caving, hiking, photography, orienteering, performance arts, operating amateur radio, bush survival skills, tying and using knots, learn about water safety, camping and cooking.
Leadership course – is a two-day course designed to build leadership skills in Scouts. It is based on understanding the Patrol System, the Scout Award Scheme, leadership, problem solving and task management, citizenship and planning/programming.
Jamborette – an overnight camp where Scouts from around the Region can meet.
State Rally – run each year in August to provide the opportunity for Scouts all over NSW to attend as a Patrol. Participation in day time activities give Scouts the opportunity to complete significant amounts of badge work. On Saturday night Scouts are entertained with games, a disco, movies or sitting around the fire pits with other Scouts sharing stories.
Jamboree – held every three years, this 10 day camp is the ultimate Scout adventure where thousands of Scouts from around Australia and overseas meet for outdoor activities, challenges and a lot of good fun.
Scout Uniform
The Scout Uniform consists of
A dark blue shirt with green across the sleeve, yoke and collar.
The Hazelbrook Scout Group scarf and woggle.
Navy blue pants or shorts.
Enclosed shoes must be worn.
The Scout shirt can be purchased on-line from The Scouts Shop
Your Scout Leaders can help you selecting the right shirt sizes.
Your new Scout will receive their 1st Hazelbrook Group scarf and woggle during their Investiture ceremony.
Scout Badges and Awards
Scout Craft Badge
The first badge to be awarded in Scouts is usually the Scout Craft Badge. The aim of this badge is to ease the Scouts entry into the troop, reinforce Scouting skills and encourage further participation on the award scheme.
Target Badges
The main part of the award scheme for Scouts are the Target Badges. To achieve each Target Badge a Scout will need to earn a range of other compulsory and elective badges. Target Badge requirements provide for going places and doing the adventurous, appealing things that young people enjoy.
The first target badge is the Pioneer Badge, for Participation and Learning. To gain the Pioneer Badge a Scout must complete the two compulsory targets, Campcraft and Citizenship, plus one of the six Elective Pioneer Targets.
The second target badge is the Explorer Badge, for Knowledge and Skill, Instructing Others (Doing). To gain the Explorer Badge a Scout must have completed the Pioneer Badge and complete the two compulsory targets, Campcraft and Citizenship, plus one of the six Elective Explorer Targets.
The third and final target badge is the Adventurer Badge, for Instructing others, Organising and Leading Activities (Teaching). To gain the Adventurer Badge a Scout must have completed the Pioneer and Explorer badges. They must then complete the two compulsory targets, Campcraft and Citizenship, plus one of the six Elective Adventurer Targets.
Proficiency Badges
Proficiency Badges encourage Scouts to develop individual hobbies, pursuits and interests, aimed at giving them new skills while developing their confidence and self-esteem. There are 31 different badges and the requirements are detailed in the Scout Record Book. Each badge lists, the Range of the Proficiency Badge, investigate, skill and activity.
Patrol Activity Badges
Patrol Activity Badges enable a Patrol to participate in enjoyable activities of their choice. This is an important part of the award scheme. It gives the Patrol the opportunity to select an activity that interests them as a group. It aims to get the Patrol doing things together as a Patrol. The idea is to have all members of the Patrol working together as a team. Another option is to form a special Patrol called an Activity Patrol that works as a team only to complete the badge.
Cords
Once a Scout has competed one of the Target Badges they have the opportunity to earn the related Cord. To earn the Red Pioneer Cord a Scout must complete The Pioneer Badge, Two Proficiency Badges and One Patrol Activity Badge To earn the Blue Explorer Cord a Scout must complete The Explorer Badge, Two Proficiency Badges (making a total of four Proficiency Badges) and One Patrol Activity Badge (making a total of two Patrol Activity Badges)
To earn the Green Adventurer Cord a Scout must complete The Adventurer Badge, Two Proficiency Badges (making a total of six Proficiency Badges) and One Patrol Activity Badge (making a total of three Patrol Activity Badges)
Scout Medallion
The top award for a Scout is the Australian Scout Medallion. It was introduced in 2003 to provide an additional challenge for top Scouts. The award brings together a number of key skills, learnt as a Scout, into one project covering the initial planning right through to the final assessment of a 'project'.
Read more about the Scout Award Scheme on the Scouts NSW site.
