Our Explorer section has got quite big recently – perhaps a testament to our programme. The downside is that with so many Explorers, behaviour gets a little ‘out of hand’ and not everybody is getting the benefits of our meetings.
Leaders and Explorers consulted to agree on behaviour and expectations and I made this member agreement. It’s definitely worthwhile co-creating this sort of agreement with a section if behaviour is a concern.
As members of the Explorer Unit and the Scout Association, we agree that in order for everyone to make the most of Scouting; guidelines need to be followed. We all want the freedom to do what we want and enjoy ourselves so we have drawn up a list of rules governing behaviour we expect from ourselves and each other.
Enjoyment
I want to have fun and be happy. I appreciate that what makes me happy and laugh may not be the same for others. I will therefore be sensitive and considerate to others because I expect them to act the same with me. I have the right to refrain from activities and accept that others have the right to choose.
Kinship
It is often said the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Through teamwork as one unit, we can achieve much more than I can alone. I therefore need to listen and involve others. I will respect opinions of others because although there is more that unites us than separates us. It is through the diversity of people and culture that we have the opportunity to explore ideas and life becomes colourful and interesting.
I will not exclude other members and see the wider picture of my unit within a district, county and county. I belong to a worldwide family of Scouts. I choose whether or not I want to mix with other units and accept the rights of others to socialise with who they want. This is how I can be loyal and a good friend to peers.
Respect
I know that I must respect myself first before I can respect others. I know that I must respect others before I can expect others to respect me. I understand that my outward behaviour demonstrates my inner beliefs and will therefore not make prejudiced comments about race or gender. I will not make sexual comments and not use bad language.
I don’t want to be hurt or offended so I will, at the very least, not offend/harm others and will be courteous and considerate. I will not participate nor tolerate bullying in any form. It is my duty to report and stand up against bad behaviour. Out of respect I will be careful of possessions and property: both mine and others’.
Freedom and Responsibilities
My freedom is a basic human right. I acknowledge that we all have that right but sometimes desires conflict and we need to compromise and sometimes sacrifice what I want. I will set an example through my actions to show others what I expect. I am accountable for my behaviour and know that to have freedom, I must acknowledge responsibilities.
By performing responsibilities and duties, I show that others can rely on me and most importantly I show that I can be trusted and make good use of time. Trust also extends to confidentiality and respecting privacy.
Social Rules
As part of an organisation, community and society rules are in place to safeguard the interests and wellbeing of all members: my adherence to rules shows as a unit member I understand and accept this. Therefore I will not drink alcohol and will respect sleeping arrangements where boys and girls sleep separately. The law of the land must be obeyed at all times because this supersedes any rules of an organisation.
Contribution
As a pro-active member of the unit, I understand my willingness to help the unit demonstrates my enthusiasm and commitment for a wider cause. This means I will readily volunteer for tasks when I can and put good effort into activities even on occasions when I don’t think I am very good. I appreciate that compromise is sometimes necessary because I don’t enjoy everything. I appreciate participation in games and duties will be rewarding and I expect reasonable participation from others in the things I enjoy.
Declaration
An outward sign of the beliefs other members and I hold in common is my pride in wearing a well presented scout uniform. A summary of these principles is the Scout Law…
- A Scout is to be trusted.
- A Scout is loyal.
- A Scout is friendly and considerate.
- A Scout belongs to the worldwide family of Scouts.
- A Scout has courage in all difficulties.
- A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property.
- A Scout has self-respect and respect for others.
…and because I want to develop and grow as person, my Scout Promise to you and myself is:
On My Honour, I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to God and to the Queen,
To help other people
And to keep the Scout Law