Scouts

Our Scout Troop

Scouts are for boys and girls from 10 up to 14 years old. They meet as a group which is called a Scout Troop.

Construct gadgets

Youths in the Scout section have fun learning how to make menus, cook food, setup camp sites, go caving, rock climbing and much more. At this point in their lives Scouts show great enthusiasm for activities that give them a sense of achievement and they follow their special interests with intensity.

Patrol System

This is the basis of the Scout Section and the principal means by which young people are trained to become responsible citizens. Baden-Powell, the Founder of Scouting, recognised that young people delight at forming themselves into small gangs or cliques each under its own leader whether for work, fun or mischief. He made use of this natural organisation and called it the Patrol System.

Boys and girls are formed into stable Patrols of four to eight members. A Patrol Leader is appointed as head of the Patrol and is responsible for the training and development of the Patrol, setting and achievement of goals, fostering the group life of the Patrol, and the well- being and advancement of the Patrol to name but a few.

The Patrol Leader also chooses an Assistant Patrol Leader subject to the approval of the Troop Council and Scout Leader. The Assistant Patrol Leader takes the place of the Patrol Leader when they are absent and otherwise assists in running the Patrol.

The value in the Patrol is that it provides:

• The basic unit for activities and training

• Opportunities for leadership experience for the Patrol Leader

• Opportunities for the Patrol members to gain leadership training through observation of the Patrol Leader and by accepting responsibilities within the Patrol

• The opportunity to belong to and work in an autonomous group within the overall structure of the Troop

• A secure environment in which members can test their physical, social and mental abilities

• Opportunities for practising and expressing concern for others

• The opportunity to manage and administer Patrol property, finance and other resources

The 1st Portarlington Scout Troop meets once a week, for two hours. During this time they could be visiting other groups, local services, going on mission impossible (short hikes), learning skills to pass their badges and lots more. After this they advance to the Scout Troop.

Our Scout Troop meets at the Portarlington Scout Hall (cnr of Harding & Newcombe Streets) on Tuesday Evenings. As well as regular Troop meetings, Patrol meetings entirely on their own are encouraged and may take place at private homes and as expeditions. Troop Council meetings also occur monthly.

Meeting Time: Tuesdays – 6:30pm to 8:30pm. (Weekly, excluding school holidays)

Ceremonies

When the complete Troop meets it is generally opened by the Duty Patrol Leader who calls the Troop to fall in (usually the horseshoe, hollow square).

Put up tents (not quite like this)

After the Scouts are in position the Scout Leader takes over and there is a Flag Parade or Flag Break.

This is followed by a roll call, inspection (care and cleanliness) and then notices for the night are given (Award of Badges).

At the end of the meeting there is a Flag down or Flag Parade, Prayers and then the Troop is dismissed. If someone is becoming a Scout for the first time an investiture will take place.