- Extension Scouts
To provide Scouting activities to the handicapped young people to develop their potentials, and ultimately achieving the aim of Scout Movement - to encourage the development of young people in physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual so that they can be a good citizen and contributing to the society.
In 1950, although special education had not developed in Hong Kong, our Association had appointed a commissioner for "Handia" to organize Scouting activities to the handicapped young people. Since then, handicapped Scout Groups were established. There were Scout Groups for children with hearing impairment, visual impairment, physically impairment and leprosy.
Since 1967 "Handia" was renamed as Extension Scout. The Extension Scout Board has been established to develop Scouting activities for the disabled. The Board is chaired by the Commissioner for Extension Activities of the Programme Branch in the Association. Recently there are more than 50 extension Scout Groups with hearing impairment, physically disabilities, mental handicap and autism. They are mainly from special schools and training centers. At present, we have Extension Scouts in Cub Scout Pack, Scout Troop, Venture Scout Unit and Rover Scout Crew.
Besides, providing Scouting activities to the handicapped young people, Extension Scouting also promotes inclusive education to encourage the society to accept disabled persons to create an inclusive culture in the society, which is in line with the policy for Scouting with disabilities of World Scout Bureau - Scouting for All.
Generally the training system of Extension Scout is same with that of ordinary Scout, i.e. the progressive training system. Leaders, however, have to modify contents of some training programmes to cater the special needs of these Scouts. All Extension Scouts are encouraged to participate ordinary programmes as possible, such as Scout Rally, fun fair, local and overseas Jamboree etc. However, owing to their limited abilities, it is too difficult to include them into ordinary competition such as Carlton Trophy or Venture Scout Competition. Instead, we have Extension Scout Challenge Shield to enhance their Scouting abilities.
- Air Activities
To promote air activities for members, Air Activities Board was established in September 1992 to advise on the air activities' policies. In view of the air activities training, Airman Badge Instructors, Senior Airman Badge Instructors and Master Airman Badge Instructors were entitled mainly responsible for organizing various Airman Badge training courses, assessment and other air activities, such as air camp, visit tour and aero-modelling show etc.
- Sea Activities
Sea Activities Board was established in July 1976. The main purpose of the board is to establish training policies, guidelines and to promote sea activities to all scout members.
In early stage, only Pulling Boat?now called Scout Standard Boat?, sailing and canoe were provided to our scout members. Following the development of sea activity in Scouting, we now provide all popular sea activities to our members:
- Scout Standard Boat
- Canoe
- Sailing
- Windsurfing
- Canoe Polo
- Dragon Boat
- Rowing
- Diving
- Life Saving
Each type of sea activities has its own committee in order to maintain the standard of sea activities in Scouting and to meet the standard stated by outside professional bodies. Each committee was organized by the related sea activity instructors in assisting the Association to establish training guidelines and safety rules, and to organize training courses in promoting sea activities.
Recently, Sea Activities Board has revised the Sea Activity Log. Meanwhile, some sea activity badges are introduced to Scout Section, such as Canoe Polo, Windsurfing, and Dragon Boat etc. Besides, Sea Activities Board has planned to introduce sea activity training in Cub Scout Section in 2001. Some trail Canoe and Dragon Boat courses were organized for Cub Scout in summer 2002 and the result is satisfied. It confirmed the demand of sea activity training in Cub Scout Section. Nowadays, all regions start to organize sea activity courses to Cub Scouts. In the summer of 2003, windsurfing board organized trail Cub Scout Windsurfing Course. The application was better than expectation. Some parents of Cub Scout also suggested to organize such courses for family.
While providing training courses for youth member are our main theme in future, the board aim to offer more sea activities to leaders, such as Master Grade II, Engineer Grade II and Sea Map Reading Course etc.
- Ceremony & Footdrill Group
The aim of drill training is to train up self-discipline, self-confident, absorption in learning, physical and team-building of Scout members. Ceremonial training is also important in Scouting and it encourage Scout members "to do their duty to their Country" and to "respect themselves and others" stated in Scout Promise and Scout Law.
Various level's of drill and ceremonial training Courses were organized by Ceremony & Footdrill Group for leaders. It goes to show the team-building and positive image of Scouting through Scout Rally, Scout Ceremonial & Drill Competition annually.
- Information & Communication
- Orienteering
- Community Involvement & Services
The "Community Involvement Badge" provides educational opportunities in enhancing youth members' sense of citizenship, the general understanding of community involvement, community services and community education. As a result, they can contribute positively for the society and reinforce the sense of nationalism.
- Fire Prevention education
Five Prevention education has been implemented in each Scout Section, e.g. firemen badge in Scout section and Fire Fighting Course for Venture Scout and Rover Scout sections, for a long time. Aim at providing basic five prevention and safety knowledge to our Scout members in order to enhance themselves the importance of fire safety.
We have selected leaders to attend a 5-day five fighting instructor training course organized by Fire Services Department since 1980's. Upon completion, all will be appointed as Fire Fighting Instructor responsible to organize fire prevention educational programme to the Scout members. As yet, more than 200 leaders were completed the course.
We are the first uniformed group implementing the "Fire Safety Ambassadors Scheme", which was invited by Fire Services Department in 1996. As yet, the total number of Fire Safety Ambassadors and Trainers in our Association was over 1,500.
- Hiking
Hiking helps youngsters and youths to build up character, independence, leadership and endurance. Also it is an opportunity for learning team-building and resolving challenges as arising from being situated in strange outdoor environments. Hitherto, hiking is one of the effective means to foster and promote the standards of Scouting with the following particular merits:
- training up physical stamina and endurance;
- building up independence and crisis management ability;
- inculcating leadership and team-building?esprit de corp?;
- practicing what have learnt;
- enhancing self-confidence;
- enjoying the nature;
- cultivating intelligence; and
- nurturing morality.
Each candidate must submit an expedition log book and project log book after the completion of the hiking.
- Pioneering
"Pioneering" is one of the traditional scoutcraft. Sir Robert Baden-Powell mentioned in "Scouting for Boys" that "PIONEERS ARE MEN who go ahead to open a way in the jungle or elsewhere for those coming after them." Pioneering is a component construction used by ropes and other materials, such as bamboo sticks, poles and pulleys, and constructed by soldiers in war. Pioneering is varied, educational and adventurous group activities. Scouts can strengthen self-reliant and experience team spirit during Pioneering activities.
- Scout Adventure Club of Scout Association of Hong Kong
Scout Adventure Club was established on 7 December 2002 which is managed by the executive committee with adventure experts and experienced instructors.
The purpose is to develop adventure activities amongst Scout members to enhance their physical fitness level and team spirit. Also, the club will liaison other adventure groups for exchanging ideas and skills to the development of the Scout activities.
Through adventure activities, Scout members can take challenge, build up personal traits and promote their multiple intelligence.
- Environmental Protection
In May 1998, the Programme Branch of the Association has jointly launched the "Scout Environmental Protection Ambassador Scheme" with the Environmental Protection Campaign Committee (EPCC) and Environmental Protection Department (EPD) of HKSAR aiming to arouse awareness and encourage the commitment amongst Scout members in participating environmental protection and conservation works. The Environmental Protection Board was established later in October in line with the development. The Board comprises of members from different areas such as Polar Adventurer, scholars, officials from the EPD, representatives from Regional Headquarters etc. The Instructor Training Programme for "Scout Environmental Protection Ambassador" was introduced to catalyze the spreading of environmental protection concepts amongst Scout members. Each instructor, upon completion of the training, will be presented with an official certificate issued by EPCC and EPD and the official appointment of the Association, thereafter assists the launching of environmental protection activities and "Scout Environmental Protection Ambassador" courses.
- Sport Climbing and Mountaineering Club
Sport Climbing and Mountaineering Club was jointly formed by Programme Branch and representatives from all Regions Headquarters. The purpose is to promote the sport climbing and mountaineering activities so as to meet the need in youth.
- Scout Green Field
The Scout Green Field, situated in Fanling (behind Po Leung Kuk Ma Kam Ming Secondary School), was established in 2002 to serve as a training base for all Scout members and their families to experience and enjoy farming and to promote the care about the environment.
The Workgroup organizes regularly "Farming Workshops" to introduce basic farming/planting skills to provoke interest of Scout members in organic farming and through farming practice to develop a community of the "Friends of Scout Farm" in sharing the joy of the harvest in the Farm.
For all leaders who are interested in knowing more about cultivation activities in Scout Farm, please contact Programme Branch for details.
- Sing Song Group (SSG)
The Sing Song Group was found in 2001 with an aim to develop musical talents among Scout members through regular training sessions. A series of action plans were projected to represent Association to perform in public in the near future.
- The Hong Kong Award for Young People (HKAYP)
Scout Association of Hong Kong is one of the Operating Authorities under The Hong Kong Award for Young People (formerly known as The Duke of Edinburgh's Award which is under The International Award for Young People). Scout Members who awarded the progressive badges and proficiency badges could achieve the Bronze, Silver or Gold Award of AYP at the same time. For enquiries, please contact the respective regional staff. FOS members please contact the staff of FOS for details.
- Scout Association of Hong Kong - Scout Archery Council (SAC)
The SAC was inaugurated in April 1999. The aims of the SAC are to coordinate the archery groups within all Regions and to promote archery in Scouting. We will establish an Instructor Scheme, in which instructors can be appointed to organize various archery activities, training courses and assessments.
- Rope Course Club of Scout Association of Hong Kong
Rope Course Club was established on 11 March 2002. The aim of the club is to promote the rope activities through which can enhance Scouts physical fitness level and team spirit.
- Scout First Aid Team (SFAT)
The SFAT was found in 2001, aimed at:
- Provide first aid services in various Scout events held by Association, Regions and Districts.
- Provide Scout Youth First Aid Lecturer Training Courses for leaders, Scout Ambulance Badge Courses for Scout Members and Adult First Aid Training Courses for Venture Scouts, Rover Scouts and leaders.
- Provide services or lectures for the educational and non-profit making organization or youth groups.
- We committed to help others in needs as stated in the Scout Promise: "to do my duty to my Country" and "to help other people".
- Youth Award Holders' Fellowship
Youth Award Holders' Fellowship (YAHF) was established in January 2001 aimed at organizing different kinds of activities and training, such as exchange programmes, scoutcraft, youth forums, campings, community services and overseas activities, to enhance Scouts friendship with one another and equip themselves to be a leader in future. Scout Members from age 15 to 30 with the highest Award of Scout, Venture, Rover Scout Section or the Award of the "Scout of the Year" are eligible to apply for the membership of YAHF. As yet, about 200 Scouts were joined YAHF. If you are interested in YAHF, please get the application form at Programme Branch or Regional Headquarters or download it from the web site.
- Culture and Art
Culture and Art activities have become one of our theme works since 2002. "Scout Performance Fun Show"at Tusen Wan City Hall was held on 8 March 2003. The aims are to enhance and develop the interest of Culture and Art for Scout members.
- Meteorology Team (MeTeam)
As we all know, the weather influences are the key to success of Scouting activities, thus we strike to provide meteorology training and practical skill to the members in the Scout Association since 2004.
The objectives of setup of the team are：
- to nourish the scout members have concern in weather
- to spread and promote knowledge of meteorology
- to provide professional advices and technical support
With close relationship with the Hong Kong Observatory, we have organized public lectures and course for the leaders. In the future, more activities will be held with the help from the Hong Kong Observatory. For those who want to have promotion in meteorology education, please feel free to make a contact with us.
- Overseas Activities Subsidy Scheme (OASS)
The OASS was found in 2000, aimed at encouraging Scout Members from age 12-30 to widen their vision and personal development by participating in the progressive training and the recognized overseas activities.
- The Elderly Service Foundation (ESF)
The ESF was raised by Mr. LEUNG On-fook, JP, the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Association in 1998. As passed by the Executive Committee, the ESF was established in March 1999 aiming at providing resources for Scout Members in organizing activities that are beneficial to the elderly.
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