Scouts Australia

Former Prime Minister John Howard declared 2008 as the Year of the Scout to mark Scouts Australia's Centenary.

Mr Howard said Australia was one of the first countries in the world to adopt Scouting, which will be 100 years ago as of 2008.

About 60,000 Australians currently participate in Australian Scouting, while another two million have been part of the nation's largest youth development organisation over the past 100 years, he said.

"The government greatly values the contribution these young Australians make to their families, their communities and the entire nation," Mr Howard said in a statement.

"To commemorate this event and to recognise the contribution that Scouting has made and will continue to make to Australia, I am also pleased to announce that the Australian government has decided to designate 2008 as the Year of the Scout.

"In addition, the Royal Australian Mint will strike a circulating coin next year to commemorate this event."

Fly the Flag Competition

Know how to show your Scouting pride to mark the Centenary Year?

Then you better FLY THE FLAG!

How Do I Get Involved?

Get together a team of Scouts (any Section) and show the Australian Scout logo (see below) in a high profile and creative way. It’s a great way for us to show our pride in the Scout Movement, letting the public know what Scouts can achieve.

It is preferable for people to be able to fly a Australian Scout Logo flag. However, if you don't have one, you just have to be able to display a copy of the Australian Scout Logo (see image below) on a display board of at least A3 size.

Be Prepared - Scout Stamps Celebrate 100 Years

Australia Post issued three Scout stamps on 19 February 2008 to mark the Centenary of Scouting in Australia, and 2008 - Year of the Scout. The featured images on the stamps capture the spirit and camaraderie of Scouts Australia.

A 50 cent stamp depicts Joeys, Cubs and Scouts in an action shot that highlights the resourcefulness and teamwork sentiment so strong within the Scouting culture. (see left and click on to enlarge)

The international stamps feature a more global image that depicts the goodwill of Scouts from around the world including an Australian Scout in an orange shirt, and a commemorative profile of international founder Lord Robert Baden-Powell. (see far right and below. Click on to enlarge).

Australia Post Group Manager Philatelic Noel Leahy is delighted with the Scouting in Australia series.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Australia Post to play a role in reminding the community just how important Scouting Australia is for our youth. For over 100 years Scouts have instilled in young Australians leadership, teamwork, self-reliance, resourcefulness, bushcraft, mateship and fun. It is an honour to acknowledge this through the Scouting in Australia series,” said Mr. Leahy.

$10 Gold Proof

Centenary of Scouts Australia Coin

Scouts Australia encompasses Joey Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturer Scouts and Rovers, with each age level group welcoming males and females. The World Centenary of Scouting was in 2007.

The Scouting in Australia series includes a first day cover, stamp pack, maxicard, Year of the Scout prestige cover with badge and Year of the Scout sheetlet pack.

Scarf Up for scouting

2008 marks a Century of Scouting in Australia and has been designated by the Federal Government as the Year of the Scout. Some of the following National activities are planned:

The Australian Scout Century was launched at the 17th Australian Rover Moot called Aussiemoot at Cataract Scout Park on 11 January.
Centenary Woggle for all members (see above)
Australia Day - State Branches conducted celebrations jointly celebrating Australia Day and the Year of the Scout
Centenary Coins - On 1 February, there will be launched: a $1 circulatory coin; and three Centenary commemorative coins ($10 gold, $5 Silver and $0.50 Cupro/Nickel).
Australian Bureau of Statistics 2008 Year Book launched on 7 February 2008 featuring Scouts on the cover and a major story.
Centenary of Australian Scouting Stamps go on sale on 19 February 2008.
Founders Day (22 February) - Regions/Districts/Groups across Australia will be conducting activities to celebrate Founders Day.
100 Community Good Turns - Emphasising the Scout ethic of doing a "good turn" for others. A presentation Good Turn wristband will be issued to all Australian Scouts, to be transferred from one wrist to another after completion of community good turns, as individuals or in Scout teams. This would mean over 6 million "good turns" done in the Australian community during the year.
Harmony Day (21 March) - Celebrating multiculturalism in Australia.
Easter Major Events - Most States and Territories wil be holding major events at, or close to Easter time, to involve as many young people as possible at the same time across Australia.
National Youth Week (5-13 April) - Scouts Australia is sponsor of the SnapIt photo competition. The theme for the competition is Action and Adventure in the Outdoors.
Scarf Up for Scouting (5-13 April). In 2007, this was a major success with Federal Paliamentarians, entertainers and prominent community members being presented with a special centenary scarf to celebrate the World Centenary of Scouting in that year. In 2008, a special "Scarf Up" lapel pin will be presented. In addition, the following will also happen:
Fly The Flag Competition (5-13 April until 31 August). This competition was a major success in 2007. Scouts take the Australian logo and display it as creatively and widely as possible. The winner is chosen on a combination of perceived creativity, originality and the amount of exposure the the entry receives.
St Georges Day (23 April) - St George is the Patron Saint of Scouting and Rovers will commemorate this around Australia.
Advertising Campaign - This exciting campaign started in late 2007 and runs through into early 2008. It celebrates 2008 as the Year of the Scout.

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