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About Organisation

In India, the concept of defense training for school students is not new. It dates back over 5,000 years, when sages imparted military skills, discipline, and moral values to royal disciples. Lord Ram was educated by Sage Vashistha and Sage Vishwamitra, while Lord Krishna received his education under Sage Sandipani. In modern times, Lord Baden-Powell further developed this concept by introducing the Scout and Guide Movement with the vision of making it a global initiative. Although the movement gained international recognition, it could not effectively reach the grassroots level in many regions. As a result, Lord Baden-Powell’s vision and aspirations were only partially fulfilled. The major challenges include the monopoly and dominance of a few Scout and Guide organizations, unclear or inactive government policies, ineffective representation before international organizations, political interference, and inadequate encouragement and support. Consequently, the Scout and Guide programmes introduced by the government, despite the allocation of crores of rupees to the sector, have not achieved the desired outcomes. As a result, the benefits of these programmes have not reached all school and college students due to the underutilization and inefficient utilization of available resources.

Our Approach

The Scouts/Guides Organisation (SGO) is a non-political, non-sectarian, and secular organization dedicated to the character development of youth in India and abroad. Its primary objective is to inspire young people to develop strong moral values, leadership qualities, self-discipline, and a spirit of selfless service toward their country and humanity. The SGO follows a well-defined organizational structure, beginning with Patrols, Troops/Companies, and Groups, which are organized into Local, District, and State Associations, culminating in the National Organisation. Membership is open to all Scouting and Guiding groups, individuals, and associations that are not affiliated with any other national scouting organization. The SGO requires its member groups and associations to follow and uphold Lord Baden-Powell’s original Scouting programme, traditions, uniforms, morals, ethics, and organizational structure as outlined in Scouting for Boys, with amendments permitted only for health, environmental, first-aid, and safety reasons.

Members of the Organisation, including associations and individual members, are expected to recognize and uphold the principles of traditional Scouting and remain committed to preserving the Scout Law, Scout Promise, and the Scouting programme as established by Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell. The Organisation is dedicated to maintaining the original Scouting traditions and therefore requires all member associations to follow Lord Baden-Powell’s original programme, traditions, uniforms, morals, ethics, and organizational structure as outlined in Scouting for Boys. Amendments are permitted only where necessary for health, environmental, first-aid, and safety reasons. The Organisation welcomes all Scouting and Guiding organizations, Scout and Guide groups, Scouters, Guiders, academicians, social workers, NGOs, and other individuals in India and abroad who share these values to join its activities. The SGO continues to uphold the Founder’s Fourth Scout Law: “A Scout is a friend to all and a brother to every other Scout.”

The main objectives of the Organisation are as follows:

To promote the welfare and holistic development of youth and students through the traditional Scouting and Guiding methods established by the Founder of the Scouting Movement, Lord Robert Baden-Powell of Gilwell, with the Scout Law and Promise serving as the foundation of all activities.
To educate and inspire children and young people to become responsible, self-reliant, tolerant, and active citizens who contribute positively to a democratic society.
To achieve these objectives through regular meetings, outdoor activities, expeditions, camps, and training programmes that encourage personal growth, leadership, teamwork, discipline, and a deep respect for nature while promoting positive social values.
To remain a non-political, non-sectarian, and secular organization that does not endorse or promote any political or religious ideology and operates independently in the interest of youth development.
To serve society by promoting Scouting and Guiding as a charitable and community-focused movement dedicated to character building, volunteerism, leadership development, and selfless service to humanity.

The Organisation’s funds, including any surplus, shall be used exclusively for the purposes specified in its bylaws. Members shall not receive any share of profits or any financial benefit from the Organisation’s funds solely by virtue of their membership. No individual shall receive unreasonable administrative expenses or excessive remuneration beyond what is permitted under the bylaws. The Organisation operates on a selfless, non-profit basis, with its primary focus being the welfare and development of youth rather than economic gain.

Training – Wood Badge Programme

The Wood Badge is an advanced leadership training programme designed to develop effective Scout and Guide leaders. Its primary objectives are to:

Understand and apply modern leadership principles that align with the values and traditions of Scouting.
Develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills through practical learning experiences.
Gain a broader understanding of the global Scouting Movement and its age-appropriate programmes for youth development.
Strengthen participants’ commitment to Scouting by providing an inspiring leadership experience that prepares them to serve their communities more effectively.

A typical Wood Badge course combines classroom instruction, self-study modules, practical outdoor training, and the completion of a Wood Badge Ticket (Leadership Project). Training is generally conducted over one or more weekends or in an intensive multi-day camp, integrating both theoretical learning and hands-on leadership activities.

As part of the training programme, participants are required to complete and submit their Wood Badge Ticket (Leadership Project), demonstrating the practical application of the knowledge and skills acquired during the course. The Organisation offers specialized training programmes for the following sections:

Cubs & Bulbuls Section
Scouts & Guides Section
Rovers & Rangers Section
Group Scoutmasters & Guide Captains (Unit Leaders)
Leaders of the Scouting and Guiding Movement
Executives and Office Bearers of the Scouts/Guides Organisation
Other individuals and organizations, as required

Policy

No organization can function effectively without clearly defined policies, rules, and procedures. The Scouts/Guides Organisation operates with a well-established framework that ensures transparency, accountability, discipline, and consistency in all its activities. All programmes, training initiatives, and administrative functions are conducted in accordance with the Traditional Scout Law, the Scout Promise, and the Organisation’s Policy, Organisation, and Rules (PO&R). These guiding principles uphold the values, ethics, and traditions of Scouting while ensuring that every member contributes responsibly to the Organisation’s mission and objectives.

The Scouts/Guides Organisation respects the independence and integrity of all Scouting and Guiding organizations and does not actively encourage members of other associations to change their affiliation. We believe that mutual respect and cooperation strengthen the Scouting and Guiding Movement, while membership solicitation among organizations creates unnecessary division. Our Organisation welcomes all individuals who support the traditional principles and methods of Scouting, are willing to follow the Organisation’s Policies, Rules, and Regulations, and are committed to making the Scout/Guide Promise and living by the Scout/Guide Law.

Membership is open to people of all ages, genders, races, castes, nationalities, religious beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and economic circumstances. The Organisation is committed to providing an inclusive environment where every member is treated with dignity, equality, and respect. We also strive to make Scouting affordable by keeping membership and programme costs as low as possible. Uniforms and other programme materials are provided at cost whenever feasible, while training manuals and educational resources are distributed in digital formats to ensure easy access and minimize expenses.

The safety and well-being of young people remain a top priority. All adult leaders and volunteers who work directly with children are required to complete the Organisation’s screening and admission process, which includes background verification, personal references, and a supervised probationary period before receiving full membership. This process helps maintain a safe, trustworthy, and supportive environment for all participants.

Despite its continued commitment to youth development and community service, the Scouts/Guides Organisation faces significant challenges in conducting its activities effectively due to the lack of a clear policy framework and insufficient encouragement and support from the Government of India. The Organisation remains dedicated to overcoming these challenges while continuing its mission of developing responsible, disciplined, and service-oriented citizens.

Consequently, the Government of India has encouraged Scouting and Guiding activities by providing annual grants-in-aid through the concerned Ministry for selected programmes, including training camps, skill development initiatives, jamborees, and activities related to adult literacy, environmental conservation, community service, health awareness, hygiene, and sanitation. With the objective of promoting peace, harmony, and national integration among young people, The Scouts/Guides Organisation has been conducting a wide range of youth development programmes across the country. The Organisation is also a lifetime member of the World Federation of Independent Scouts (WFIS), Germany, one of the leading international umbrella organizations dedicated to promoting traditional Scouting worldwide.

The concept and ideals of Scouting and Guiding were developed by Lord Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, the Founder of the Scouting Movement, who created a unique programme to provide character-building, leadership, and practical training for young boys and girls. Although the movement originated in England, it gradually spread across the world and became one of the largest youth development movements internationally.

To ensure effective training, the Organisation conducts its programmes in selected government and non-government schools with the prior approval and consent of the respective authorities. Training camps, leadership programmes, and skill development activities are organized with the primary objective of nurturing disciplined, responsible, and service-oriented youth.

The Organisation has an all-India presence and coordinates various youth development activities across more than fifteen states with the support of local authorities. Its contributions have been appreciated by several distinguished personalities and dignitaries, who have encouraged the Organisation by attending its events and recognising its efforts. The Organisation has also received encouragement from Her Excellency, the former President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, for its commitment to youth development.

Through its Scouting and Guiding programmes, the Organisation promotes leadership, character development, physical fitness, life skills, and disaster management training, enabling students to become responsible citizens capable of making informed decisions and contributing positively to society. The Organisation regularly conducts training programmes, seminars, camps, and other youth-oriented activities in accordance with the guidelines and initiatives of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India. To further strengthen the impact of these programmes and achieve the best possible outcomes, the Organisation seeks the continued support and cooperation of the concerned government authorities and officials.

The Organisation works in close coordination with local authorities to ensure the effective planning and implementation of its programmes. It has envisioned making Scouting and Guiding training accessible to all through its “Scouting for All” initiative. This programme aims to provide comprehensive training in leadership, character development, life skills, physical fitness, and disaster management, enabling students and youth to become responsible, disciplined, and service-oriented citizens.

The Organisation regularly conducts training programmes, seminars, camps, and other youth development activities in accordance with the guidelines and directions issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India. These programmes are implemented at the district level under the guidance and cooperation of the District Youth Officer (DYO). The Organisation’s District Organising Commissioner coordinates closely with the District Youth Officer to ensure the smooth planning, execution, and monitoring of all Scouting and Guiding activities.