If you have 12 or more years how can you join the Scout Association?

To become a member of the scouts first you have to find a squad that you want to join. Squads often differ among each other - they have different customs, and each works a little differently, because each Scout squad has its specificities. So before you decide which squad you want to join you first need to find out something about it. It is best to first inform yourself whether in your school - primary or secondary a scouting organization exists - usually it has its bulletin board, and the school secretary has data on leader of the squad. You should find a phone number and simply call and ask about work of the squad, where were its members last competing or camping. You should also ask when meetings are held, it may happen that just at the time you have, for example, a language course. If answers of squad leader were acceptable for you ask him when you can meet him in the premises of the squad. At that meeting, leader will explain all the details. After the meeting inform your parents, as the squad needs their approval for your participation in Scouting activities. If you are 18 years old such approval is not required.

If in your school there is no scout squad, one may work in a neighboring school or somewhere in the neighborhood. In the Scout Association of Belgrade you will find all of the squads who work near the place where you live. Association telephone is easy to find on the internet. If you call and say you want to be a member of the Association, they will try to help you to achieve your purpose in any way necessary.

Charms of scouting

Imagine a group of friends sitting on the lawn at the edge of a forest. Night descends, camp fire is lit which keeps the scouts warm and illuminates the environment. Accompanied by guitar, scout songs are sang. Looking around with wandering eyes seeking anothers sight. That is the greatest charm of scouting - the right company that has a common idea and common way of life, even though we are all different.

Scout anthem

Scout activities begin with a morning assembly at which the flag is risen on the mast along with singing national or scout anthems. After the evening assembly, in which a schedule for the next day is announced, flag is lowerd and anthem is sang again. Scout day camp ends with a camp fire, which has much symbolism.
That's why scouts call the anthem, (whose real name is "Flame rises") "Fire anthem".

Night Adventure

Preparation for an interesting night trip starts late in the afternoon by participants making trip torches. Participants are told that the trip will be the next night, but then we make a surprise and realize the trip that night. Leadership prepares interesting trip begining, by placing signs along the road. Trip has to begin in silence, without flashlights, preferably alone. This gives the trip a mystery feeling. Excursion continues with burning torches or lamps until a certain point, where participants attend a program that they created.

Scout greeting

Members of the Scouts salute in a peaceful position by raising their right hand, so that the hand is at the eye level. In this position, forearm points to the ground and is parallel with body.
Index finger, middle and ring finger are straight and connected, thumb covering the little finger.

Spiritual dimension

Scout organization gives commitment to seeking spiritual values of life in the materialized world.

Social dimension

Encouraging development of community, respect for the dignity of others, and connecting with the world of nature. Presenting local, national and international peace, understanding and cooperation.

Personal dimension

The development of personality, personal responsibility and stimulating the desire for responsible self-expression.

Scout Laws and Oaths

Scouts' laws represent the law of life - for each individual scout and scout squad members, which are based on the scout principles. They provide real experience in everyday life for young people, in a specific (ie: not abstract) and applicable way to realize value scouting provides individual as the basis for life.

The promise and the oath is a commitment that they will live the best they can in accordance with the law. Oath is taken by every young member in front of a group of peers when they decide to join the scout movement. By taking an oath, young people consciously and voluntarily decide to accept the scout laws and assume responsibility for that decision, provided that the person committed to it ("do a useful deed every day"). The fact that the Oath is taken in front of peers gives personal opinion and does not only make it only public, but also symbolizes the social obligation to the members of the group. Taking an oath is also a symbolic first step.

Scout laws and oath we consider a unity because they are closely linked.

Learning by doing

Learning by doing is a development that is the result of real experience in contrast with theory. Supports the active way in which young people acquire knowledge, skills and habits. It maintains the practical approach to education of scouts, when an individual through many opportunities for gaining experience, learns by following their interest, grasping to deal with everyday life. Representing help for youth in developing of all dimensions of personality, when young people distinguish what is personally important from all they have experienced.

Water System

Water system represents the basic organizational structure, each squad consisting of a small group of young members and adult leaders.

Each group of young people, counts of 6-8 members, acting as a team, with one member as a leader. Within each group (water), in a manner appropriate to their age and abilities, members organize their lives as a group, all share responsibilities and make decisions, organize, implement and evaluate their activities. Everything happens with the support of adult leaders. Representative system provides that young members, along with adults, participate in decision-making in companies and squads.

Platoon system, is based on the natural tendency of youth to form groups. An important influence peers have on each another makes them focus in a creative direction. Enables young people to develop their personal and group skills by joining and building their individual skills, talents and experiences and develop mutual solidarity of the platoon spirit.

Teamwork also enables young people to develop creative relationships with other groups and adults and learn to live in accordance with democratic principles.