Aids to Independent Scouting
Welcome to the GreenTreeScouts, a program designed for youth and adults to explore and enjoy the richness of Independent Scouting in their community. Group sizes can be as small as one member to as many as wish to join. GreenTreeScouts is based on the simple principles of Brotherhood, Faith, and Service to the community. We follow the teachings of the founder of the Scouting movement, Lord Robert Baden-Powell of Gilwell1 (referred to in short as BP). Our Earth based approach and principles are written specifically for Aboriginal and Earth Based organizations seeking a youth program. We embrace all faiths and can, with some flexibility, adapt to any Nation, Creed or Culture. We do not believe in proselytizing or discriminating based on religious or cultural worldviews.
Our goal is to closely reflect the principles and teachings of BP as written in his text while leaving some flexibility to tailor the program to meet individual group needs. Many modern issues of camping and conservation are addressed with specific concern for Aboriginal and Earth Based Traditions, which support Traditional Ecological and Indigenous Knowledge systems often referred to as TEK.
Much of the material is based on the Book “Scouting For Boys” and as such, groups of the GreenTreeScouts will be welcomed by many independent organizations. The cost of this program is carried by the WorldTree and many of the books and materials are available free online. Our Elders and Trainers have dedicated time and resources so that the game of Scouting is affordable and accessible to all paths and walks of life.
"The Sport of Scouting is to find the good in every child and develop it"-BP
We welcome you to our Great Circle and hope you will benefit from the material provided. If you are new to Scouting, it is not unusual to feel overwhelmed at first. This manual is a short introduction to help you get started.
Provided here is a basic manual for our Scouting movement. More specific details of the Constitution or POR (the legal stuff that makes the group work) ceremonies, badge requirements, history and learning requirements for each age group or section can be found in their own independent book.
It is generally recommended that you skim through all the sections at a later date so as to be aware of the overall program goals and achievements. At some points during the text, references to additional readings for more information will be provided. It is your choice as to when to read such materials, eventually things will come full circle and all the material will be covered--Don’t Panic!!! You are not expected to know all these pages and skills!
Like the youth, you too, will likely have to Sit, Listen and Watch through the process as older members guide you in your leadership roles. You will have the chance as well to compete and build your own skills and competencies. We welcome you to the scouting program!
Remember your community is always your best resource to support your endeavours and of course, we at the GreenTree will provide training and support where possible. (As you can see my spelling skills are not the greatest to each there own).
“Trust should be the basis for all our moral training" -BP