Youth´s Perspective in the Scout Movement #ScoutIAR

The Interamerican Youth Involvement Policy, adopted in the 24th Interamerican Scout conference in 2013, says:

“Youth are valued for their capacity to contribute new and fresh perspectives to the traditional ways of operating. When youth area excluded from positions of power or influence, their point of view tends to be seen as that of a stranger. Therefore, the participation of youth is very beneficial, among other aspects, in terms of contributing with new and more creative approaches.”

This is closely related to the strategic priority of Youth Engagement of the WOSM´s Triennial Plan 2014-2017 “Forward Together, Towards Impact and Growth” that says:

“Scouting should give Young people the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge empowering the to take an active part in the Movement and their communities. Involvement, recognition and intergenerational Exchange are key in providing a framework for youth members.”

To properly understand the concepts presented above is important to know the three segments of participants that are defined in the Interamerican Youth Involvement Policy:

“Youth. Individuals, recipients the Programme in a Scout Unit, from the minimum age for joining the NSO, up to the age prior to becoming an adult as established in the country.

Young adult. Individuals, recipients of the Programme in a Scout Unit, that have reached the minimum legal age in the country, up to the maximum age permitted to participate in the senior section of the NSO.

Adult. Individuals that have reached the legal age in the country, and prior to being 30 years of age, that have the role or a responsible adult within the Scout movement.”

Picture by: Silvia Sandón Virú – Scouts of Peru