Teaching kids responsibility, organisation, maturity and teamwork, the Scouts programme is a worldwide institution with groups right here in Abu Dhabi. TOAD finds out more.
Decked out in their khaki trousers and polo shirts, neckerchiefs wrapped around their necks and jackets adorned with badges, the members of the First Abu Dhabi Scouts run around – joyful, childlike and at ease.
The First Abu Dhabi Scouts follow the British Scouts programme of The Scout Association, which is the largest of its kind in the United Kingdom.
Originally The Boy Scouts Association, the word ‘Boy’ was dropped and the group now welcomes boys and girls as members. The First Abu Dhabi Scouts has male and female members and, though they are British-based and the meetings take place at The British School Al Khubairat, their members hail from various cultural backgrounds.
There are four groups within the First Abu Dhabi Scouts. There are the Beavers, who range in age from six to eight. The next oldest group is the Cubs, who are between eight and 10 years old, while the Scouts are 10-14 years old. The oldest group is the Explorers, who are aged 14-18.
Andrew Mowat, the leader of the Scouts group, explains, ‘The Scouts, aged 10-14, are organised into four patrols with around six children in each. The patrols are named after birds: eagles, falcons, hawks and kestrels.’
At the Scout level, the goal for the members is to earn the gold Scout award. In order to achieve this honour, the Scouts must earn nine badges – three per year. The badges are split into six different categories or zones – community, outdoor and adventure, beliefs and attitudes, fitness, creative and global – and within each there are one or two challenges. There are also activity badges that members can earn on their own or at school.
The Scouts are now working on their fitness badges. Each patrol has to organise a fitness activity for the others. Activities usually involve some type of team sport such as a football match. Andrew continues, ‘For the community badge, for example, we take a trip to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to learn about the culture of the UAE.’
The oldest group, the Explorers, is also the smallest. Colin McFarlane is the group leader. He says, ‘A lot of times, kids will drop out at this age, afraid that the Scouts will interfere with their studies, which is understandable – but it doesn’t seem to have a negative effect on school performance… especially as they can earn badges from activities at school.’
Just as the Scouts group focuses on the gold Scout award, the Explorers focus on earning the platinum and diamond awards, which place an emphasis on personal challenge and adventure. Their tasks include spending certain numbers of nights away on camping, hiking and orienteering expeditions, where they use a map and compass to develop navigational skills.
Another job of the Explorers is to guide the younger ones. When the groups go on camping trips, it is up to the Explorers to look after the Scouts, Cubs and Beavers. Colin says, ‘The Explorers are almost entirely self-reliant. The adults are just there for safety reasons.’
The First Abu Dhabi Scouts season follows The British School Al Khubairat academic calendar. This means the current season is coming to a close, with the final expedition in April. All groups bar the Explorers are currently at capacity, but parents can enquire now about the new season, which starts in September.
For more information or to sign your child up for the First Abu Dhabi Scouts, visit www.1stabudhabiscouts.com or email 1stabudhabiscouts@gmail.com.
