General. Full details of the uniform are contained in Australian Policy and Rules, Rule 14, latest edition, and the Appendix thereto. Please note that prospective leaders must not purchase Adult Leader uniforms until the District Commissioner has advised that the A1 has been cleared at Branch Headquarters, and the prospective new Leader interviewed and accepted by the District Personnel Committee.
HeadgearThe wearing of headgear by members of the Victorian Branch is optional at the discretion of the Group Council. Leaders who are not members of a Group may exercise an individual option. Venturer Scouts and Rovers may exercise an individual option.
The Group Council has several options open to it: for example, it may opt for the Cub Scouts to wear headgear and the Scouts to discontinue wearing hats, or the Council may allow individual options. There is no requirement for Scouts to wear the same type of headgear as their section Leaders.
Please note that there is a long-standing ruling by the Chief Commissioner that berets will not be worn by Cub Scouts or Scouts in Victoria. Bush hats for Scouts and others, which are on sale at Snowgum Stores, provide excellent protection from the sun, and may be worn in or out of uniform on appropriate occasions.
Sea Scout Groups
All members, both male and female, of Victorian Sea Scout Groups, including Cub Scouts, may wear blue uniforms.
Name Tapes
General. All Region and Group name tapes should be in gold letters on a green background. The size of the name tapes should be in accordance with the standard arranged with the Commercial General Manager, the maximum length of a name tape being 12 centimetres.
Region and Victorian Name Tapes. On the first line, the name of the Region should appear, together with the word “Region”; on the second line, the word “Victoria” should appear.
For example:
Identification of Multiple Sections.
Subject to the approval of the Group Leader, Groups with multiple sections may have special name tapes identifying the sections concerned.
Approval of Venturer Scout Unit Names, Name Tapes and Scarves.
Refer to Venturer Scout Section
Approval of Rover Crew Names, Name Tapes, Scarves and Badges
Refer to Rover Section
Special Group, District, Regional and Branch Badges.
This applies to all Group, District, Regional and Branch badges worn on the uniform or part thereof, or made to commemorate a particular Scouting date, place or function, whether incorporating the World Badge or not.
In the case of the new design of an existing badge and/or the introduction of a new badge, the approval of the Chief Commissioner must be obtained before the badge is produced. To obtain approval, a colour sketch of the proposed badge should be forwarded to the Deputy Chief Commissioner through the appropriate channels.
No formation is permitted to obtain badges as referred to above, other than through the Branch’s Commercial Division. Orders can be placed at any Snowgum Store or the Head Office,
17 Winterton Road, Clayton 3168, Postal Address: Post Office Box 1343, Clayton South 3167. Tel 9543 9988 Fax 9543 8766
Special Event Badges.
Additional badges or other decorations such as tapes issued for a particular function, eg, a Jamboree, Cuboree, etc, may not be worn on the uniform after three months from the conclusion of the event, or, in the case of an event or camp held overseas, after three months from return to Australia.
Proficiency Badges, Awards, Emblems and Insignia
All proficiency badges and insignia are obtainable by Leaders through District Badge Secretaries or such persons as are appointed by the District Association, on correctly authorized Badge Forms.
Stocks of proficiency badges and insignia are also available
from Snowgum Stores.
Application for Proficiency Badges (Single and Multiple) A form
is used for all badges that Youth Members are awarded or gained. An example of
the appropriate form (Y6) is provided in Chapter 11. When filled out, it should
be forwarded to the District Badge Secretary, who issues them. Remember that
once the Youth Members have achieved the badge, they want it displayed on their
shirt. It should be presented to them the week after it has been passed. Should
there be a number of Youth Members passing the same badge at the same time,
notify the Badge Secretary well in advance, so that he/she will have them on
hand ready for their presentation.
Meritorious Conduct and Good Service are normally worn on such Scouting occasions as Group, District, Region and Branch Annual Meetings, Scouting funerals (when attending in uniform), Good Service Award Ceremonies, Queen Scout Presentations at Government House, and on any formal Scouting occasion, where it is specifically stated that scouting decorations should be worn. Medals are also worn when a Leader is attending a State function as a representative of the Movement, eg, a Reception for a visiting Head of State. Scouting decorations may be worn with evening dress on appropriate occasions, such as some of those mentioned above, but it is not common to wear them with street clothes, eg, lounge suit or day dress generally. APR Part R13.11 ‘Decorations and Awards’ gives advice as to the position on the uniform where the cloth emblems and medals etc. are to be worn.
War service medals or civilian decorations are only worn on uniform on special occasions, such as Anzac Day or Remembrance Day services. On these days, Youth and Adult Members may wear medals or ribbon bars earned by their relations, but on the right breast, whereas such items, if won by the recipient, are worn on the left breast. The ribbons of such Awards or Decorations may be worn on uniform by the recipient at all times, APR R13.11.
Criteria. The following should be taken into when considering a recommendation for a Good Service Award. Awards for especially good service to the Association are made to persons who have given especially valuable service over a considerable period. Awards are granted for good service beyond the level of service normally expected of a person in carrying out the responsibilities of the appointment held.
To be considered for an award the person must:-
a. Be carrying out the responsibilities of his/her current Certificate of Adult Leadership or non-uniformed management role to the highest standard.
b. Promote teamwork and a positive attitude among fellow Adults in Scouting
c. Be a Scouting enthusiast and set standards for other adults
d. Have a vision of the future of Scouting and how it can be implemented to contribute to the development of youth and/or adults influenced by his/her role
e. Contribute to the wider Movement by involvement in activities beyond the level of
Recommendations are due at Region Office no later than the end of June. Details of a person’s Certificate of Adult Membership History and training record are held at Region Office and, therefore, there is no necessity to supply this. A specimen of the Recommendation for an Award for Good Service is given at 11.15 in Chapter 11. What is required are the full details of the person’s service, which should be set out as below:-
a. Details of Service. List here under logical headings, the activities undertaken, position and date. (If the person has previously received an Award, then the details shown here should be from the June, previous to the date of the Award.
e.g. International Activities.
1993 Q.M. for Contingent to Canada.
National Activities.
1992 Troop Scouter Australian Jamboree, Ballarat
State Activities.
1995 Activity Leader of a Site for Region Hike.
1996 Session Leader Cum-About-Cubs.
District Activities.
1999 Organizer Cub Field Day at Gilwell.
Group Activities.
1998 Organizer exchange visit with Ballarat.
Training Courses Assisted with.
b. Statement of Support. Conclude the recommendation with a statement (in your words) in support of Leader, eg,
“X” continually devotes more time to Scouting than could be expected. He/she repeatedly demonstrates ability and willingness to organize major activities. (Or whatever is the major reason behind your recommendation).
“X” is a member of the Training Team (or Team Helper) (then specify the extent of the person’s involvement.)
I recommend (or strongly recommend) him/her for an Award.
Australian Policy and Rules, R 13.5, refers to the recognition of Good Service by adult members in a leadership or specific management role.
Awards for especially good service to the Association are made to persons who have given especially valuable service over a considerable period. Awards are granted for good service beyond the level of service normally expected of a person in carrying out the responsibilities of the appointment held.
Awards are made as follows: -
a. Certificate of Merit, Silver Arrowhead and Silver Wattle -- by a Branch Chief Scout or by the Chief Scout of Australia (according to the practice of the Branch), on the recommendation of a Chief Commissioner.
b. Silver Koala, Silver Emu and Silver Kangaroo - by the Chief Scout of Australia, on the recommendation of the Chief Commissioner of Australia.
c. Each Branch should develop procedures so that recommendations may be initiated by any member or formation of the Scout Movement and may be sent directly to the relevant Branch Chief Commissioner.
d. Certificates and distinctive cloth emblems (for wear in uniform) are issued with the awards as appropriate. Distinctive lapel pins for wear in civilian dress are issued. (Lapel pins are not to be worn on uniform.)
Awards for Good Service are as follows:-
a. Certificate of Merit.
(1) The Certificate of Merit is awarded for good service to the Association for a period of at least three to four years.
(2) Cloth Emblem: a white and green knot on a sage background.
b. Silver Arrowhead.
(1) The Silver Arrowhead is awarded for excellent service to the Association for a period of at least seven to eight years
(2) A silver medallion, depicting the Associations logo, is worn around the neck on a green ribbon with one white stripe.
(3) Cloth Emblem: a green and white knot on a sage background.
c. Silver Wattle
(2) The Silver Wattle is worn around the neck on a green ribbon.
(3) Cloth Emblem: a green knot on a sage background.
d. Silver Koala
(1) The Silver Koala is awarded for distinguished service to the Association for a period of at least sixteen years
(2) The Silver Koala is worn around the neck on an orange ribbon.
d. Silver Emu
(3) Cloth Emblem: an orange and green knot on a sage background.
e. Silver Kangaroo
(4) Cloth Emblem: a gold knot on a dark green background.
Long Service Awards
(APR 13.3 Recognition of Service for Leaders.)
The Long Service Decoration is granted to adult leaders in a leadership or specific management role, that have given five years accumulated service since application for their first appointment. In Victoria, the Region Offices regularly produce the appropriate Certificate and forward it with the emblem to the Leader’s District commissioner for presentation.
The emblems are as follows: -
a. Service Decoration for 5 Years Service
(1) Consists of a cloth emblem with a white knot on a sage green background with the figure 5 superimposed in gold.
(2) A Certificate is also issued with the new emblem, which replaces the previous emblem being worn.
a. Service Award. The Service Award is awarded for commendable service by a supporter (see APR P3.6) to the Association for a period of at least five years.
b. Thanks Badge. The Thanks Badge is awarded for good service by a supporter (see APR P3.6) the Scout Association normally after 10 years of outstanding service.
1832. Recognition of Informal Support to Leaders (Appreciation Award, Refer to APR R13.6). This is for non-members of the Scout Association, who have provided family support to appointed Leaders in carrying the responsibilities for a period of at least five years. Any Group Leader or Commissioner may make the award. The award is in the form of a lapel pin and is accompanied by a certificate.
Gallantry. Normally a person would have been involved in an action, which involved risk of his/her own life. There are 4 levels of this Award, and Bars for additional recognition for later occurrences. (See the reverse of the form).
1833. Meritorious Conduct. A person may not have put his/her own life at risk, but will have displayed courage, endurance and initiative. There are 2 levels of this Award and Bars for additional recognition of later occurrences
Chief Commissioner’s Award
The Chief Commissioner has authorized the presentation of an award to Groups and Districts, which achieve a high standard in an important aspect of scouting development.
1835. the opinion of the Assistant Region Commissioner (Development) or Region Commissioner makes a significant, original and worthwhile contribution to the advancement of Scouting.
Nomination forms are available from your Assistant Region Commissioner (Development), Regional Office or the Development Officer, Branch Headquarters, 50 Barry Street, Carlton, 3053 (Post Office Box 190, Carton South 3053).
A District may make a recommendation on behalf of a Group without Group Leader. approval.
The Application/Recommendation may be made for a continuing project as soon as it is seen that the project is well established.
Some projects which could qualify your Group/District for a Chief Commissioner’s Award:-
a. Give a significant degree of help in the formation of another Group in your District.
b. By positive recruiting methods add an extra Mob/Pack to your Group.
c. Use a positive, innovative method to increase the membership of your Scout or Venturer Scout section by 50%."
d. Devise and implement an innovative program to ensure that dropout between sections is reduced
considerably
e. Organize a camp or major outing for youth from an orphanage or for physically, mentally or economically handicapped children.
f. Help organize and run a school camp on scouting lines.
g. Co-operate with your local school to run Scouting as an “after school” or“during holiday” activity.
second hand uniforms, equipment, etc
i. Develop an activity centre at your Group/District campsite.
j. Embark on a project to improve your premises
k. Carry out a significant Public Relations campaign.
l. Develop a relationship with a migrant community organization resulting in a
significant increase in scouting participation by the member families.
m. Encourage a local industry or commercial enterprise to give sponsorship or
Significant support so that boys and girls from economically deprived families may experience the benefits of Scouting.
a. Eligibility: All sections and Leaders.
b. Requirements: Obtain or hold the Amateur Radio Licence
c. Method of wear: The badge appropriate to the highest level of operator’s certificate held by the member may be worn on the bottom of the right sleeve of a Scout shirt, or the equivalent position on other dress, in the area set aside for “special badges” as shown in the uniform appendices of P&R (latest edition).
d. Availability: Branch Activity Leader – Radio & Electronics
I will: -
Protect and conserve Animal and Plant life.
Recycle resources - save and use items, which can be recycled, including cans, glass, plastic, bottles and paper.
Safeguard the environment - use products, which do not poison the Environment and correctly dispose of litter or rubbish.
Preserve the non-living things of Nature from damage and destruction.
Enjoy Nature quietly so that others may enjoy it too.
Protect the countryside, roads, beaches and keep them free of litter.
Learn about environmental dangers to the soil, water and air, and strive to protect my planetary home.
Strive to have the use of the Earth better planned and more carefully maintained, so that places where people live will be attractive and pleasing.
Think globally and act locally.
With the stress and strain being put on our environment now, what will the state of our world be in twenty years time? How will today’s Scouts cope with these changes?
The World Conservation Badge gives our youth a greater understanding of our environmental mental problems and gives “hands on” experience of how best to conserve our natural resources.
a. Eligibility: Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturer Scouts, Rovers
b. Aim: This badge aims to encourage an awareness of the environment and promote conservation activities amongst Scouts. The increased knowledge and skill gained will foster a positive attitude, leading to personal involvement and continued commitment.
c. Requirements: There are three levels: - Cub Scout (earth), Scouts (flora and fauna), and Venturer Scouts and Rovers (air). The requirements are set out in section literature.
d. Method of wear: The badge is worn on the bottom right sleeve of a scout shirt, or equivalent position on any other dress, in the area set aside for “special badges” as shown in Australian Policy & Rules.
In swimming pools, the performance may be attested by an official of a swimming or life-saving club, by the pool superintendent, by a school sports master or coach, or by the District Commissioner or his nominee.
The Record Card and badge application form should then be forwarded to the District Badge Secretary through the usual channels. The badge is to be worn on bathers or tracksuit or similar, but not on the uniform. There are three levels: -
a. Red Dolphin Badge. The Red Dolphin Badge is gained by swimming 1.5 km (1500 metres) in one session. There is no restriction on style or time (within reason). Temporary retirement from the water due to severe muscle cramp can be allowed at the discretion of the official or Leader in charge, without penalty.
b. Silver Dolphin Badge. The holder of a Red Dolphin Badge, who swims a further 14.5 km to a total of 16km, with a minimum of 400 metres at a time, over six months, gains the Silver Dolphin Badge.
c. Gold Dolphin Badge. The holder of a Silver Dolphin Badge who swims a total of 80 km, with a minimum of 400 metres at a time, over 12 months gains the Gold Dolphin Badge.
If the 1.5 km is to be swum in a river, a lake or the sea, the course must be approved beforehand by the DC or his nominee, having regard primarily to safety and supervision, but also making due allowance for the current.
Method of wear: The cloth badges can be worn on bathers or tracksuit or similar, but not on the uniform, however, the belt badge may be worn on the uniform belt.
. Further information on the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme can be obtained from: Scout Association Duke of Edinburgh Liaison Officer, Branch Headquarters, phone 92065500, or Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, 232 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne 3002. Phone 9412 6685. e-mail: dukesvic@infoxchange.net.au. Web site: www.dukeofed.org.au
Youth members who participate in an official Landcare project for not less than six months, either through a local Scout Landcare Group or as part of a community Landcare group, may wear the Landcare badge on the right sleeve.
(1) Cub Scouts and Scouts: In a language other than their own:-
The Language Emblem is of khaki cloth, approximately 5 cm by 2 cm on which is embroidered in red, “I speak …………” in the relevant spoken language. “Sign Language” is embroidered on the Deaf Sign Language Emblem. Emblems are available from the District Badge Secretary through the usual channels. Where an embroidered emblem is not available, a blank can be provided with the appropriate translation for the member to have the blank embroidered.
The aim of the badge is to encourage hiking in the Movement. There are five levels of achievement and they may be won progressively irrespective of the section to which the member belongs. The objective is to hike (or for Cub Scouts to ramble) with other “Scouts”, recording each journey on a map, to a total distance and requirements as under. Each hike is to be at least 10 km, except for the Yellow Award, where the minimum is 3 km. The map making is not intended as a test but is only required as evidence of distances covered. “Adventurous Activity Intention form” to be used where applicable.
Eligibility: All sections and Leaders. Requirements:-
a. Yellow Award, a total distance of 50 km (Cub Scouts, the distance on any one ramble is left to the discretion of the Leader),
b. Green Award, a further distance of 150 km (must make camp overnight on at least three nights, on journeys of not less than 24 hours’ duration, carrying normal hiking/camping gear in rucksack or pack, travelling in all a minimum of 75 km on the overnight journeys),
c. Maroon Award, a further 200 km (with conditions as for Green Award, but with six overnight camps and 150 km minimum total for overnight
journeying)
d. Silver Award, a further 200 km as for Maroon Award,
e. Gold Award, a further 200 km as for Maroon Award.
The route must be clearly marked on a map (printed maps or photocopies may be used). Dates, times of arrivals and departures, and distances hiked, must be shown, also whether rucksack and camping gear were carried on the journey, and the camping spots used.
leader where applicable), together with the hiker’s personal Walkabout Record Card. The Group Leader will certify the journey on the Record Card with his signature, and return the hike map/record and Record Card. (In the case of Cub Scout Pack rambles, one journey record should be submitted by the Cub Scout Leader, together with the Cub Scouts’ Record Cards.)
The personal Walkabout Record Card, which is obtainable from Snowgum Stores, has space for name and Group at the top, and six columns in which are entered the date, hike route, number of overnight hike camps, hike distances, total distance, and signature of Group Leader. When the requirements of an award have been met, normal badge application forms supported by the Walkabout Record Card should be forwarded to the District Badge Secretary through the usual channels.
Method of wear: The cloth badge is not worn on the uniform, but may be attached to rucksack, haversack, blanket, camp shirt, etc.; however, the belt badge may be worn on the uniform belt.
The badge is a Green Cross on a White Background.
The Scout First Aid Badge (green cross on a white background) can now be worn on the sleeve of the Scout Uniform by both youth and adult members of the Scout Movement who attend and are presented with a certificate of competency by a recognized provider of First Aid.
The badge is now classified as restricted and will only be available from the Victorian Scout First Aid Service. The badge previously available from Snowgum Stores has now been withdrawn.
The badge will automatically be issued, along with the relevant certificate, upon the satisfactory completion of any such course that has been conducted by the Victorian Scout First Aid Service. In circumstances where a member has attended and successfully completed a First Aid course recognized by the Victorian Scout First Aid Service, but which has been conducted by an external service provider, an application for the issue of the badge will need to be made to the Victorian Scout First Aid Service by the member concerned.
It is absolutely essential that each such application include a photocopy of the relevant course certificate and a self addressed and stamped envelope. The badge will not be issued without these pre-requisites. Application for the Scout First Aid Badge should be made to Ann Coram, 21 Highview Road, East Bentleigh, 3165.