Where possible, we support the integration of young people with physical and mental disabilities into regular Rover Scout Units.
Joining a Group
Before attending a Rover Scout Unit meeting, parents should arrange to meet with the Rover Scout Unit Leader. This provides time to discuss the persons needs and medical issues. It also gives the Leader confidence to answer questions from other members of the Rover Scout Unit.
From there, the Rover Scouts who have a person with a special need will take care to include suitable activities for them. It may be necessary to modify some activities to include those with special needs but there may also be some times where the person with the special need has to withdraw from an activity.
Achievement in the Scouting program is assessed on a “best of my ability” basis. In some cases, alternate challenges may have to be found, e.g. a person who is paraplegic is not able to do a bush walk but may be able to do a canoe trip or a wheelchair hike.
Please note, however, that:
- Scouting cannot cater for all situations. In some cases a request to join may be denied.
- Rover Scout Units are run by the Rover Scouts themselves, which means there may not be sufficient extra attention for the person with a special need.
- Not all Scout halls have suitable facilities to cater for specific special needs.
Specialised Groups
There are a number of Special Needs Scout Groups in NSW, including 1st Cooks Hill in Newcastle, Bangor Kangaroos in Sutherland Shire, 1st Cromehurst in Ku-ring-gai and Campbelltown Ghost.
Agoonoree
“Agoonoree” is an extension of “Agoon”, a term originally coined by Scouts from The Netherlands and derived from the Greek word, “agon”, which means a struggle or special effort to work for something special. The first Agoon was held in The Netherlands in 1949 and the second Agoon was held in the United Kingdom in 1958.
The Agoonoree provides an opportunity for ALL scouts and guides, and especially those with special needs, to gather and enjoy a wide range of activities and make new friends.
The NSW Agoonoree is held every year for NSW scouts and guides, and open to ALL members throughout Australia and overseas. Agoonorees are also held overseas, including the Asia-Pacific Region, and are open to Scouts with special needs from Australia.
Parents’ responsibilities
- It is important for parents of a child with special needs to communicate openly with the Leader and to encourage their child to be involved as much as possible.
- Parents may be requested to provide additional assistance when required.
More information
Contact our membership hotline on 1800 SCOUTS (1800 726 887) or [email protected] about Scouts with Special Needs.
