The Award Scheme provides the main focus for the Patrol and Troop activity and gives suitable recognition to Scouts for achievement. Following a Scout’s Investiture, they complete the Scoutcraft Badge and then may earn Targets to become a Pioneer, Explorer and Adventurer Scout. Target requirements provide for going places and doing the adventurous, appealing things that Scouts enjoy, including camping, hiking, exploring, swimming, boating, track and field, fitness activities, and environment projects and practices, usually in the company of the Patrol or other Scouts.
Scout Awards
- Scoutcraft Badge
- Target Badges
- Proficiency Badges
- Patrol Activity Badges
- Cords
- The Scout Leadership Course
- The Leadership Activity
- The Australian Scout Medallion
Scoutcraft Badge
This is usually the first badge to be gained and awarded in the Scout Section. The training and testing is carried out jointly by the Patrol Leader and Scout Leader.
The aim of the Scoutcraft Badge is to:
- Facilitate the young person’s entry into the Scout Troop.
- Reinforce or teach basic Scouting skills.
- Provide early recognition, and
- Encourage further participation in the Scout Award Scheme
Its basic requirements are:
- Learn and demonstrate different knots with your Patrol.
- Describe the Australian flag and how to use it.
- First Aid knowledge.
- Know and demonstrate safety with camping tools.
- Knowledge of Patrol system.
The Scoutcraft Badge is generally gained within four to six weeks of a new Scout joining the Troop or completed as a part of the linking process for a Cub Scout and is presented upon entry re-affirmation/investiture to the Troop.
Target Badges
There are eight Targets as Scouts progress towards the Australian Scout Medallion. Scouts can start at a level that they feel is suitable to their skills and experience. The Target activities provide the main source of material for the Scout program. While the results of the activities lead to individual recognition and the awarding of Target Badges, the qualifications in general are earned by the Scout in the company of their Patrol or with other Scouts. Target Badge requirements provide for going places and doing the adventurous and appealing things that young people enjoy. The emphasis is on the practical and active aspects of a topic.
The aim of the Target Badge scheme is to:
- Encourage participation.
- Appeal to youth members at all stages of development
- Develop basic skills
- Encourage activities which are effective in achieving the educational outcomes of the Scout Section
The Scout Award Scheme is structured in three levels:
- Pioneer – Red. Concentrates on participation & learning.
- Explorer – Blue. Concentrates on knowledge and skill.
- Adventurer – Green. Concentrates on instructing others.
Pioneer Red
During their journey through the Section, a Scout needs to know there are three major signposts. The first is the Pioneer Badge. The Pioneer Target Badges are designed to be achieved by undertaking new experiences, and participating in practical and adventurous activities.
To gain the Pioneer Badge, the Scout must complete the two compulsory Targets which are Campcraft & Citizenship, plus one from the six elective Pioneer Targets. This is achieved by the Scouts’ participation with their Patrol or with other Scouts, and the assistance of their Patrol Leader.
Compulsory Target Badges for the Pioneer Badge: Campcraft; Citizenship
Explorer Blue
Once you have completed the Pioneer Badge, the next signpost is the Explorer Badge. It is designed to provide the Scout with opportunities to help their Patrol Leader and to assist other Scouts to pass their Pioneer Target Badges by doing practical and challenging activities.
To gain the Explorer Badge, a Scout must complete the two compulsory Targets which are Campcraft & Citizenship, and one from the Explorer Elective Targets.
Compulsory Target Badges for the Explorer Badge: Campcraft; Citizenship
Adventurer Green
The final major signpost along the Scout Section journey is the Adventurer Badge. It is designed to provide the Scout with opportunities to teach and test other Scouts to pass their Pioneer and Explorer Targets by using the knowledge and skills they have gained so far.
To gain the Adventurer Badge, a Scout must complete the two compulsory Targets which are Campcraft & Citizenship, and one from the Adventurer Elective Targets.
Compulsory Target Badges for the Adventurer Badge: Campcraft; Citizenship
Target Badges
Proficiency Badges
Patrol Activity Badges
Cords
A Scout is required to earn one Patrol Activity Badge for each of the Target levels in order to earn their Cord for each level.
To gain the Pioneer Cord the Scout must complete the Pioneer Badge, one Patrol Activity Badge plus two Proficiency Badges.
To gain the Explorer Cord, a Scout must complete the Explorer Badge, one Patrol Activity Badge plus two Proficiency Badges giving you a total of two Patrol Activity Badges and four Proficiency ones.
To gain the Adventurer Cord, a Scout must complete the Adventurer Badge, one Patrol Activity Badge plus two Proficiency Badges. This brings the Scout to a total of three Patrol Activity Badges and six Proficiency Badges.
Other Badges
- Anchor Badge
- Language Emblem
- Deaf Sign Language Badge
- Faith awareness Badge
- Amateur Radio Operator Badge
- First Aid or Surf Lifesaving Badge
- Landcare Badge
- World Conservation Badge
- Their Service – Our Heritage Badge
The Scout Leadership course
The Scout Leadership Course aims to provide suitable leadership skills for Scouts with a practical “hands on” approach run in line with the Patrol System. It can be undertaken on completion of the Pioneer Badge the Scout Leadership Activity.
This requires a Scout to show significant personal development while demonstrating an active leadership role e.g. organising and planning an activity or event that covers a minimum of one full day or overnight.
The Australian Scout Medallion
The Australian Scout Medallion is the pinnacle of the Scout Section and is a milestone in a youth member’s journey through the Movement. To receive this prestigious award, you must have completed all the requirements mentioned previously.
Venturer Scout Link Badge
The Venturer Scout Link Badge links Scouts to the Venturer Scout Section and is the next step in the Scouting journey. Completion of this badge prepares the Scout for advancement to the Venturer Unit.
Scout Record Book
- A must for all Scout Section members so they can follow the path through the award scheme.
- Cost $9.95
- Available at Scout Shop
Pamphlett Uniform Badges
- World Scouting Emblem
- Scouts Australia Badge
- John Oxley District Badge
- Pamphlett Sea Scouts Group Badge