I will start to introduce myself as an assistant cub leader better known by the children as Baloo who serves the First Sliema Scouts Group (Bernard’s’ Own) which operates from their headquarters in Sliema.

The premises are found in the centre of Sliema therefore a number of Sliema families have easy access to our service to the community, the children benefit from a safe environment and just by walking through one could be able to see for himself how hard all Sliema scout group members work for the best of the children. I go on to say that one may also see a number of photos… photos of a number of members some which unfortunately are just memories and others who are still growing strong in the group – a group which in a few years will be celebrating their 100th year of scouting.

But many of you would go on and ask: “What are scouts really all about?” Fair enough, those of you who have never been involved directly or indirectly would know very little about the true meaning of the scouting programme.

Many of us who live through the scouting programme would answer: “Scouting is a global, educational youth movement which aims to develop your child’s holistic development through informal education.” The Sliema Group members would continue by quoting the groups mission statement which explains further what we are trying to achieve as leaders of such an organisation.

“Scouting is a Game with a Purpose. Fun is the game, learning is the process and values are the purpose.”

Baden Powell.

The Sliema Group will achieve this by:

• Having a well-trained and managed team of adult leaders;

• Having an interesting and relevant programme while maintaining the traditions of the Group;

• Promoting the educational and fun content of Scouting to society; and

• Pursuing a common goal.

Talking from a leader’s point of view, scouting is a hobby which gives such satisfaction. A number of boys pass through our section yearly and as time goes by I realise how beneficial scouting is for children’s holistic development. Even if I can’t solve problems of my country I feel I can help to make it a better place. Scouting contributes to humanity by helping youngsters to develop as active members of the community who are concerned, responsible, and loyal apart from a number of other factors which could be seen in a serious scout.

The scouting programme goes into great detail and ensures that it contributes to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential not only as a cub or scout but as an individual who will at some point in time have to fend for his/herself. The programme prepares children to become individuals as members of their local and world wide community.

A number of children may be brilliant at school but what about other developmental areas? If one opens up a child physiology book you would be able to read about the importance of a child’s holistic development therefore not only the academic development is important but also the physical, social, emotional development should be given a chance to develop and the scouting programme ensures to give your child this experience. This helps individual children to fit into society and be well rounded in all aspects of development to their best ability.

Apart from the importance of scouting to the children’s development it is also important for a child to be occupied with something enjoyable which they look forward too. Something that boosts their moral and gives them satisfaction in what they are doing.

You probably would ask, “How do you do all this?” We know that children learn by doing so this is our strong point and we work in ensuring that the scouts:

• Take part in a range of activities and new experiences;

• Explore the out side world;

• Work in teams;

• Take responsibility in what they are doing; and

• Do their best.

The scouting programme is a constant progression of guidance, activities and awards that covers everything that young people do in scouting from the age of six to 25. Of course this is all done by doing and having hands-on experience.

As scout leaders we have further responsibilities where we ensure that the Programme is fun and exciting. Safety first is our number one priority. The Scout Association’s policies, rules, code of behaviour, are there to ensure that the members of the group are safe while they enjoy themselves and learn.

I encourage any child to enrol into their local scout group and I promise them they will have loads of fun! I hope you all enjoy your scouting experience and if you want to see some of the activities that we organise visit our website: sliemascouts.no-ip.com