Re: How does world Senior Scouting work?

Bill,

I hope I'm not butting in on your conversation, but I'll try and answer
some of these questions from a New Zealand point of view.
William H. Sills wrote:
>
> Queries:
Why did Australia try to abolish (Swampies) Sea Scouts?
New Zealands Sea Scouts, like all other countries are real
traditionalists. Even if we wanted to Scouting New Zealand could never
abolish Sea Scouts. About 8 years ago, the Association tried to
standardise all Uniforms. The Sea Scouts got really annoyed and refused
to co-operate because they didn't want to give up their Jersy's in
favour of Sweatshirts.
> Do you still have Air Scouts?
We still have Air Scouts in NZ, and they are supported by the Air Force
through things like meeting places (if there is a base near), tours, and
flights to things like Jamborees etc.
> What percentage of available youth are Rovers?
Rovers always has been a small section, and there are only about 400
Rovers (don't quote me on the numbers) in New Zealand. After finishing
up in Venturers, Youth members are actively encouraged by the
Association to take 3 years off before returning to Scouting as a
leader.
> What percentage of available youth are Venturers?
NZ has over 1,000 Venturers - not many, but those who join usually stay
in Venturers.
> What are your numbers in comparison to the rest of the Australian BSA?
I believe NZ has about 30,000-35,000 Youth Members (again don't quote me
on numbers!). The highest amount of youth are in Cubs (8.5-10.5), then
Keas (6.5-8.5), Scouts (10.5-14.5), Venturers (14.5-18.5) and Rovers
(18-26).
Surprisingly enough, most Scouts don't drop out during the transition
between Scouts and Venturers, but while they are in the Scout Troop.

> What would you suggest to make your program grow?
SNZ is undertaking a major review of both the Scout and Venturer
Sections. Hopefully this review (which is due out in June 1998) will
highlight areas we need to work and and can improve in. By the time
Youth reach Venturers, they are pretty much dedicated members - they've
usually survived 7-8 years in the other sections before they reach us!
> What support does "Senior Scouting" get from your BSA?
Most people in senior positions in Scouting New Zealand have gone
through the Venturer Section as Unit leaders, Area Leaders or National
Commissioners, so they appreaciate Venturers, and understand what we're
telling them. Per capita, the budget actually reverses where the numbers
are. Per capita, Rovers has the biggest budget followed by Venturers,
Scouts...

> Did you ever have Senior Scouting advancement beyond the Queen's Scout Award?
No, the Queens Scout always has been and always will be the highest
award in Scouting in New Zealand. We're trying to work on a promotion of
the QS, so it is reconised by employers. It seems that in the US, people
are proud to say "I'm an Eagle Scout". In NZ, you'll rarely meet a
person who'll tell you "I'm a Queen's Scout". We want to remidy this.

Regards,

James Moore

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