The Organisation of Scouting

Scout Groups

At the local level, scouting is organised into Scout Groups which operate as quasi-independent components of Scouting Ireland SAI.

Some groups because of their location or the interests of their founding members operate as Sea Scout Groups and include extensive water-based activities in their programmes.

Regardless as to whether the group is a Sea Scout Group or not the structure and management/administration of the group remains the same.

Each group operates under the supervision of the Group Leader (GL) who is the primary contact between the group and the national organisation and who is ultimately responsible for the members, leaders and every aspect of his/her group’s activities.

Each Group is comprised of separate sections, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Venture Scouts and in large groups such as ours there can be some duplication. Each section has its own leader and team of assistant leaders who organise and supervise the activities of that section in accordance with the recommended programme of activities as set out by the national organisation.

Any section may be single sex or mixed, depending on each groups particular needs and resources. Mixed sections pose additional resourcing problems as there are strict requirements with regard to the ratio of male and female leaders to male and female members of the section.

Training & Leadership

All leaders undertake leadership training to ensure consistency of leadership quality across the organisation and to ensure that all leaders are fully briefed on the requirements and considerable responsibilities placed upon them.

Leaders and other adult members also undertake proficiency training to ensure that any activities carried out by the section are done so in a proper and safe manner and under appropriate supervision. Best practise in any area of activity is observed and is consistent with the requirements as outlined by organisations other than Scouting Ireland SAI. eg Irish Sailing Association or Irish Canoe Union.

All leaders give their time on a voluntarily basis for the benefit of the scouts not only to attend weekly meetings but also to attend training sessions and regional and national conferences for their sections. Very often leaders are required to supervise at weekend and summer camps, usually away from some if not all of their own children and families.

Without leaders, scout groups couldn’t function and our children wouldn’t be able to enjoy the benefits that being involved in scouting brings them. As parents we are all deeply appreciative of them.

Proficiency training is also undertaken by scouts at all stages to ensure maximum standards of safety are observed. For all boating, scouts, venture scouts and leaders train for Charge Certificates in the various disciplines, rowing, sailing, power boating and canoeing. Only on achieving the appropriate qualification may a scout or leader take ‘charge’ of a boat and organise boating in the area covered by his certificate.