Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits. Educational methods include storytelling, discussion, teaching, training, and directed research. But education does not only focus on classroom activities and academic.  It does not concentrate on just reading and writing but also in extracurricular activities such as sports and scouting.

Scouting or the Scout Movement is a movement that aims to support young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, that they may play constructive roles in society, with a strong focus on the outdoors and survival skills. A Scout learns the cornerstones of the Scout method, Scout Promise, and Scout Law. These are designed to instill character, citizenship, personal fitness, and leadership in boys through a structured program of outdoor activities. Common ways to implement the Scout method include spending time together in small groups with shared experiences, rituals, and activities, as well as emphasizing good citizenship and decision-making that is age-level appropriate. Cultivating a love and appreciation of the outdoors and outdoor activities are key elements. Primary activities, mostly on outdoor  include camping, woodcraft, first aid, aquatics, hiking, backpacking, and sports. Thus scouting is learning by doing, developing character through hands-on activity.

Despite the use of informal education with an emphasis on practical outdoor activities, the Department of Education embraces the ideas of scouting in schools especially in the primary and secondary levels, through DepEd Order 68, s. 2003 re: Revitalizing the Boy/Girl Scouting Movement in Schools. “The Scouting Movement, through the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) and the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), is an effective program in leadership training and values formation of every child. The main objective of this Program is consistent with the Department’s mission to enhance, support, and develop boys and girls into well-rounded individuals with exemplary character. The BSP and the GSP have, so far, produced leaders who are true to the Scout Oath and Law or Girl Scout Promise and Law.”

In scouting, a student also learns how to be a community service provider. A student who is active in scouting is also active in academic areas. They become to be more dynamic and show interest in studies especially in extracurricular activities. They tend to be responsible not only as a scout (BSP/GSP) but as a student and a productive citizen of our country.

By: PERLITA B. WALES

      SEPS –Soc Mob