The Peak Award for each section represents the highest level of achievement across all fields of personal progression. Each section has their own Peak Award, and a range of requirements for each one. The peak award is designed for individual Youth Members who want to give a variety of new things a try, and to experience a high number of personal challenge. The Youth Member will need to complete some challenges in their own time, as well as being actively involved in the Unit Program.
The Introduction to Scouting is the first element of the Achievement Pathways, and is completed at the start of a Youth Members journey in Scouting. The new Youth Member will learn all about the Scouting movement, and the Scout group in a discussion with their peers, supported by an adult.
The Introduction to Section is another component of the Achievement Pathways completed in each section. The Youth Member will learn all about the new section, the patrol system, and more through discussion with their peers, supported by an adult Leader.
Milestones are significant achievements within each section. Each Milestone should take 6 - 12 months, and recognises the active participation in the program and personal development that has occurred during that time. It is expected that all Scouts will achieve Milestones, regardless of their interest in exploring the rest of the Achievement Pathway elements The Challenge Areas are the core of the program. They are four broad areas which all sectional programming fit under. The Challenge Areas assist in developing great programs, and form part of the requirements for participation and achievement in each section. Through a process of participate - assist - lead, Scouts can track their progress in the program.
Special Interest Areas are six (6) broad skill areas that you may choose to explore. They are tailored to an individual’s own interests and require the Youth Member to set their own goals for the area being pursued. The Challenge areas are; Adventure & Sport, Arts & Literature, Creating a Better World, Environment, Growth & Development, and STEM & Innovation.
The requirements vary between sections.
Joeys - 2hrs per project & 6 SIA’s across 2 different areas.
Cubs - 4hrs per project & 6 SIA’s across 2 different areas.
Scouts - 8hrs per project & 6 SIA’s across 3 different areas.
Venturers - 12hrs per project & 6 SIA’s across 3 different areas.
Rovers - 18hrs per project & 6 SIA’s across 4 different areas.
Outdoor Adventure Skills are the link between Adventurous Activities experienced through the youth program. Bushcraft, Bushwalking and Camping are the three core Scouting OAS. There are a number of specialist areas including; Aquatics, Alpine, Boating, Cycling, Paddling and Vertical. Some of these activities may be restricted due to location. OAS requirements for each section are as follows.
Joey Scouts need to achieve Stage 1 in the core areas.
Cub Scouts need to achieve Stage 3 in the core areas & a total of 8 progressions.
Scouts need to achieve Stage 5 in the core areas & a total of 10 progressions.
Venturer Scouts need to achieve Stage 5 in the core areas & a total of 12 progressions.
Rover Scouts need to achieve Stage 5 in the core areas & a total of 14 progressions with 4 progressions being Stage 6 or above.
Leadership and Personal Development are an important part of growing as a person, and an important part of the Scout program. Each section will have a different Leadership course they will run throughout the year.
Adventurous Journeys are exploration of the outdoors in a way that stretches or tests personal limits. Example activities may include bushwalking, cycling, canoeing, sailing, etc. The Journey will involving planning, leading and reviewing, and will vary in length and requirement for each section.