Citizens of India who subscribe to the Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG) fundamentals can join the local or district association. The fundamentals include the purpose, principles, methods, promise, and law. Citizens of other nationalities living in India can also join if approved by the State Chief Commissioner. They must also pledge to follow the Scout or Guide Promise.
Boys/Girls who are Indian citizens and between the ages of 10 and 17 can become Scout/Guide Aspirants. To become a Scout/Guide, they must complete the Pravesh requirement and work to the Scout Master's satisfaction for three months.
The BSG is a non-political, voluntary, and secular organization. It helps develop adolescents and provides training in life-saving skills, disaster management, gender equality, and more. Scouts and Guides are also encouraged to take on leadership roles and engage with their communities, which can help them develop valuable life skills like communication, civic responsibility, and decision-making.
The Role of Bharat Scouts and Guides in India's Skilling Movement
Gamification of Skill Development
One of the most ingenious aspects of the Bharat Scouts and Guides' approach is the gamification of skill development through proficiency badges. It's similar to a journey through a skill-based video game. Each badge represents a clear goal, motivating scouts and guiding them to strive for achievements. Earning badges is tantamount to levelling up in the game of life, creating a sense of progression and accomplishment. The competitive yet collaborative nature of badge-earning encourages scouts to excel and share knowledge, fostering intrinsic motivation for skill acquisition.
Here are some examples:
1. First Aid Badge: Demonstrating knowledge of basic first aid techniques and emergency response.
2. Camp craft Badge: Proficiency in setting up camps, campfire cooking, and outdoor survival skills.
3. Environmental Conservation Badge: Promoting awareness and taking action to protect the environment.
4. Community Service Badge: Engaging in various community service projects to give back to society.
5. Citizenship Badge: Understanding civic responsibilities and actively participating in the community.
6. Pioneering Badge: Learning knot-tying, rope work, and construction of pioneering projects.
Community and Leadership
The movement goes beyond skill development; it actively nurtures a sense of community and leadership. Scouts and guides are encouraged to take on leadership roles within their units and engage with their communities. This exposure equips them with valuable life skills, such as effective communication, civic responsibility, and decision-making. Furthermore, it instils a sense of social responsibility, motivating them to contribute positively to their communities and the nation.
Encouraging Lifelong Learning
The enduring impact of the Bharat Scouts and Guides is the cultivation of a spirit of lifelong learning. Through diverse activities and the pursuit of proficiency badges, scouts and guides internalize the idea that learning is an ongoing adventure. This mind-set is invaluable in a world where adaptability and the ability to acquire new skills are critical for success
As we celebrate the strides made in skill development through various programs and initiatives, let's not forget the Bharat Scouts and Guides. This organization, deeply embedded in the fabric of India, has been silently but profoundly contributing to the nation's skill development story.
I'm truly grateful to have been a part of the 71st East Bombay Bharat Guide Group. It was within this community of strong women that I had the privilege of meeting the most wonderful mentor a girl could ever have, Mrs. Binaifer Kandawalla. Additionally, my guiding days led me to forge some of my most cherished friendships. Together, we've shared experiences, learned, and grown, making amazing memories along the way.
As I reflect on my path and the profound influence of this special group, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the people and experiences that have enriched my life.
Purpose: The purpose of the Movement is to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of the local, National and International communities.
Scouts/ Guides help to:
1. Improve Vocational Skills to be self-independent.
2. Develop youth to undertake community work.
3. Lead a religious life in service to mankind and God.
4. To protect public property.
5. Upkeep national heritage and culture.
6. Participate in activities of national priorities like immunization, and spread awareness against AIDs, Cancer, and COVID.
7. Encourages Blood Donation.
8. Spread awareness against the use of plastic, tobacco and drugs.
9. Stop violence against children and women.
10. Participate in Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Programmes:
1. Development and empowerment of Adolescence.
2. Training for life saving skills like First Aid, Administration of CPR.
3. Disaster Management
4. Working for Sustainable Development Goals.
5. Gender Equality.
6. Awareness of Menstrual Hygiene.
7. Use of HAM (Amateur) Radio during the disaster.
8. Encouraging the opening of Bank Accounts.
9. Adventure training like Trekking, Rock Climbing, and Mountaineering.
10. Training for Surf-Smart.
11. Training for Self Defence.
12. Training for Scout Go Solar.
Different sections of the Scout/ Guide organization:
1. Bunny -: 3+ to 5 years.
2. Cub/ Bulbul -: 5+ to 10 years.
3. Scout/Guide -: 10+ to 17 years.
4. Rovers/ Rangers -: 15+ to 25 years.
AWARDS:
1.For the Cubs/Bulbuls section: "Golden Arrow Award".
2.For the Scout/Guide section: Rajya Purashkar (Governor), Rashtrapati (President) Scout/Guide Award.
3.For the Rover/Ranger section: Rajya Purashkar (Governor), Rashtrapati (President) Rover/Ranger Award.
Yours in Scouting
Fr. Dr. Dennis Solomon SDB
District Chief Commissioner (D.C.)
Don Bosco District Association Assam