Keeping young connected

Scouts NSW has launched Scouting@Home, an online platform to keep young people connected and engaged to Scouts from the comfort and safety of their own homes.
With face-to-face gatherings suspended for the foreseeable future, pushing activities to alternative platforms was a priority for the 113-year old organisation.
“Just like the millions of families across Australia and around the world, Scouts has taken quick actions to respond to Covid-19 and to adjust to our new normal,” Scouts NSW Chief Commissioner, Neville Tomkins OAM JP said.
“In just a few short weeks, we have gone from delivering skills for life primarily through face-to-face events and activities, to completely rethinking and reshaping how we deliver Scouting to ensure it meets the needs of young people in today’s unique and changing environment.”
Scouting@Home brings the exploration and interactive learning of Scouts in a one-stop-shop format, offering free online self-guided activities and experiences for young people and their families.
The platform includes activities from learning the basics of coding, directing stop motion films, and virtual museum tours to weekly challenges designed to foster personal growth and wellness, community service, outdoor activity and creative thinking.
“For those NSW families not yet involved in Scouts, we are keen to help each of them during these extraordinary times by extending our innovative program to their children with a free 6 week ‘Try Scouting’ period,” the NSW Chief Commissioner said.
“Our program can make a world of difference to these children to reduce boredom and social isolation and help them develop skills for life.”
Mr Tomkins says that while children missed the regular interaction and routine of activities at Scout Halls and on camps, they had rapidly adapted to the online environment to continue their involvement with Scouting.
“Our members have really come on board with Scouting@Home. We’ve received an influx of photos and videos from our members across NSW, and even families not involved in Scouts, showing us how they’re keeping active and engaged at home,” Mr Tomkins said.
“Already we’ve seen award ceremonies, meetings, activity challenges and virtual Scout camps held online – including an international event with thousands of Scouts from around the world.
Mr Tomkins says keeping children engaged, whether they are currently involved in Scouts or not, is key to providing a sense of normality at a time of uncertainty.
“There’s comfort in what’s familiar, and by continuing our traditions and activities virtually – whatever they may be – we remind our children and young people that they’re still on solid ground, no matter what’s going on in the world.”
To view Scouting@Home, visit nsw.scouts.com.au/things-to-do/scoutinghome