Scouting is based on outdoor education, which is proving a challenge in the current environment – but a new virtual program is allowing the Scouting community to stay connected online.
Scouting@Home supports the development of youth members through a range of interesting activities, many of which lead to recognition in Peak Awards, such as the Grey Wolf, Australian Scout Medallion, Queen’s Scout or Baden-Powell Awards.
The program has a focus on activities that members can do locally and include:
- A Geoscarfing ‘competition’ where Scouts are asked to place their Scout scarves in windows of their homes so that others in the area can ‘log’ their sightings.
- Logging on to St John Ambulance to become a First Aid Action Hero.
- Online STEM activities, from environment to space.
- Scouts and Leaders taking the opportunity to upgrade their VET qualifications and skills through the Scouts Australia Institute of Training.
Scouting has worked with the information provided by the eSafety Commission to ensure that their members have a safe and positive experience online.
Online resources for kids
More broadly, there are plenty of resources available online for those looking to educate and entertain their children.
Some notable sites to visit include:
- ChatterPack has a list of free, online resources on their blog for anyone staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The list features links to virtual tours, and live webcams including museums and galleries, animals, and underwater cameras; online learning; mindfulness; and more.
- Budget Direct has also created a link with a variety of indoor and outdoor boredom buster games and activities. Simply select your child’s age, the number of participants, and whether you’re looking for an indoor game or an outdoor game, then sit back and discover heaps of fun party games to keep your kids entertained. Activities range from ‘make a volcano’ to ‘learn to juggle’, ‘mini golf’ and more.
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