Re: Australian Scout award scheme
Alan Jones (sacubs@DOVE.MTX.NET.AU)
Fri, 5 Apr 1996 07:51:41 +0930
G'day all,
While I think it is nice that Grant is replying to this, there have bveen
several chnges to the Cub Award scheme and these come into effect as of the
1st of January this year.
Some will sound major, but I have found that while it did sound major at the
start, it has settled in really well. I have explained the changes below for
you all to read.
>
>Cub Scouts:
>There are three award levels; Bronze, Silver and Gold Boomerang. For each of
>these badges there are a number of requirements in different areas that need
>to be met. These include some optional requirements and compulsory
>requirements covering law and promise and citizenship. There are also a
>range of interest badges called "Achievement Badges"; each badge is
>available in three levels of difficulty (originally they were related to age
>groups e.g. red badges for 8 year olds, blue badges for 9YO and green for
>10yo, but I understand this is no longer the case and a cub can work towards
>whatever level suits their ability)
Right...the Boomerang parts are the still correct. However, there are now 14
parts to these badges and 10 must be compeleted to earn the Boomerang. And
definatly aged based.
As to the Acheeiviment badges, I try to encourage the age (8 Red, 9 Blue and
10 Green) as you have 10 year olds wanting to earn red (extreamly easy) and
they dont challenge the kids enough. They then will complain that the badge
work is easy. So I try to start at the age level bit then work on it from
there. Obviously, some will need to eaither move up or down a level
depending. I use it mainly as a yard stick (or a guiding point)
There has also been a Yellow (or Gold) cord made avaliable for 10 year old
Cubs to earn. From Memory, there are 3 badges as well as several activities
and Gold Boomerange to earn before they recive it. They may wear this into
scouts for 18 months or untill their earning of their Red Cord in Scouts,
depending on what comes first. But only 10 year old Cubs can earn this.
On top of this, they have also introduced a new badge called the Scouting
Family badge and this like the boomerangs are aged based. Bronze for 8 year
olds, Silver for 9 year olds and Gold for 10 year olds.
Also, there has been a reduction in the acheivement badges.....there was 37
avaliable to be done at 3 levels. There are now only 25 and still at three
levels (being of course red, blue and green)
As well as this, the Cubs have done away with the boomerang cards and now
work out of a yellow book like the Scout section. This contains not only
their Boomerang Awards, but the Joey Link and New Chum (pre investiure)
requirements as well as a place to sign off all their acheivemnt
badges...this allowing them to keep a record of what they have done and
earnt and when.
While it doesnt quite fit into their old uniforms (any Aussie will know what
I mean!) It fits quite well into the new ones...especially in the pockets on
the shorts more so than the shirts....please take not Grant for when your
son goes for Joeys to Cubs.....
Well, I think this is is...Also they have introduced a Faith awareness badge
as well and are also now going back to the Jungle...it seemed to lose favor
with a few of the leaders for a while, but now seems to be back...not that
it ever left my pack...but thats life.
I hope that if there are any questions, please feel free to ask and I will
answer away.
YIS
Sarah Jones
Cub Scout Leader
Angle Vale Scout Group
Elizabeth District
South Australia
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