Revit

A selection of frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) to explain some of the changes endorsed and the impacts they may have on Scouts SA members and structure

NOTE : This list of FAQ’s has been drawn up so as to facilitate the understanding of changes endorsed by the Rev IT project Steercom and how they may affect members or structure in Scouts SA when implemented. The list will be added to as the project roll out progresses and the implementation team finds common threads and needs in questions asked by members and interested persons.   

GENERAL

So what does Scouts SA offer to prospective youth members?

Scouts SA offers you an exciting largely outdoor opportunity to have fun and adventure with a team of friends.

Is Scouts just like school or youth club?

Scouts is designed to be different from School  or youth clubs in that Scouts operate in small teams or Patrols (six’s for cubs) and learn rapidly to lead themselves. Each team has a Patrol Leader who along with other Patrol Leaders in the group work with the adult Scout leader to plan and participate in varied activities. The Scouting agenda plays out by using team tasks in a fun and adventurous outdoor setting to help grow leadership, skills, values and social dynamics.

Our philosophy is that youth lead and adults guide.

STRUCTURE

How will Provinces be affected by the new structure?

The current provincial structures will cease to exist. There will be no need for provincial organisational structures. A new central support focused organisation will replace the Provincial organisations. The central organisation will reflect a newly established regional grouping within the country. Regionally based permanent staff will form part of the central team. Provinces will be replaced by smaller more geographic based Regions 

The central support teams will comprise national team members residing in each Region to provide support, arrange events and provide the support structure for Franchises, coaches and members. The central team adult volunteers have no hierarchical authority in the regions. Regions do have an appointed Regional Scouting Representative who is the face of scouting in the region and acts as a focal point for local queries and guidance. 

Do Regional teams meet regularly?

There are no formal regional team structures as such, but groups of central team members in a region. It is expected that some regionally based staff will meet to coordinate activities and support each other. An example of this would be the regionally based coaches meeting under the leadership of the lead coach. 

What is a Lead Coach’s task?

Given the number of Groups in a region and the fact most coaches will coach between 10 -15 Groups the appointment a of Lead Coach in a region will assist  the front line coaches to focus on providing support to the groups in their coaching ‘locale’ by providing support, a reference point for clarity on issues and guidance on Scouting activities and standards to Groups. The Lead coach works directly with the channel executive to provide upward feedback from Franchise Groups and cascade information, views and guidance to franchise groups via the coaching team members. The Lead coach is appointed by the Executive member for the channel in discussion with the Regional Scouting Representative.

How are coaches appointed ?

The volunteer coach is appointed by the relevant operational head  on the exco in consultation with the regional lead coach.

Who can become a coach?

The volunteer coach should have strong coaching skills and be familiar with the operation of a Scout Group Franchise as well as know how to find information on skills, where to find training if needed and be able to (or in contact with someone who is competent) endorse outdoor activity permits for a Group if the Group scouters are not qualified.

What is the role of the coach?

The role of the coach is to work with the adult members of a franchise group(s) and provide front line guidance to them on the Scouting program, modus operandi and personal support in order for them to reach their objectives.. The coach is tasked to feedback concerns, areas needing change or discussion by Central support teams and essentially be the Exco member for the channel’s  local presence. This role is a key role in the future movement.

How is a coach different from a district commissioner?

A district commissioner was warranted as the responsible uniformed member for a defined district or geography and part of a decision making and approval hierarchy. The coach’s emphasis however is on the development of groups and their ability to effectively deliver programmes to the youth.  Coaches are a support resource and depending on their preferences, interests and strengths will be matched to franchise groups for a period, but used interchangeably.

What does the Regional Scouting Representative do?

The Regional Scouting Representative is appointed as the regional face of scouting and fulfills largely a Marketing and Public Relations role. The role becomes the interface between national Scouting and the wider community. The Regional Representative is a leader among equals (Primus inter pares) . The role therefore requires being the public representative and face of Scouting as and when needed at events, fund raisers and marketing, liaising with authorities on behalf of Scouts SA or development opportunities. The Regional Representative works in close liaison with the Development Officer for the region.

What will happen to all the people on the current Organisation such as district commissioners etc?

As we will no longer be structured with a hierarchical District structure it is hoped that all current district team members will look to apply their support and skills in the new areas of need to support delivery of Scouting to youth members. This could be as coaches, members of central support teams or even more actively in Groups . There will certainly be a role for all in the new structures.

How does one qualify to become a member of the executive?

The executive posts are key roles in the Movement and will require committed leaders with  adequate time and passion available to perform the roles. The posts will be advertised and  open to all members to express interest. A selection panel comprising Chief Scout and 2 trustees of the Board will make the recommendations to Board for appointment by Chief Scout. Exco appointment requires being a member of the Movement and holding the required competencies for the specific exco role.

What will happen to the NSC?

The NSC was a resultant structure of the current two stream - lay and uniform structure. It no longer meets the support and governance needs of the Movements envisaged structure going forward. 

How will we get Motions passed in the future?

The process of presenting and passing resolutions or motions is no longer viable or necessary in the context of the movement. Many long delayed motions were about minor changes that should have been effected immediately if the Movement wished to remain current and relevant to members. The new structure allows feedback to be given to Exco members and change to be made at executive level against the drive to deliver the agreed measures or metrics of success - growth in numbers, retention of adults and youth members, progress on the Scout and cub program - i.e delivery of our Aims via our methods. Recommendations of any franchisee conferences will be taken up by the exco members and feedback from the Franchises, Coaches  and lead Coaches will be in real time.

Where will Rovers fit into the new structure? Do things change for Rovers?

Rovers remain as a development opportunity provided by Scouts SA. It is a third stage of development but is positioned as a ‘young adult self-development’ stage, rather than youth member. In keeping with this growth opportunity Rovers are recommended to be in geographic rather than group structures and be an affiliation of like minded young adults who aspire to self development via the Rover program using ‘SERVICE’ as their motto. Service should be directed at the Movements needs in a way that promotes personal growth as young adults and not as ‘easy labor’ for events and activities. Rovers will have a Central leader and a regular Rover Moot for Crews to agree the Rover Program and Rover development route. In short Rovers will under a National leader manage themselves, as a specific sub group in the Scout Fellowship.

Will scouting in Schools have a different offering to that of parental scouting or NGO's for example?

As the saying goes “a Scout is a Scout is a Scout” and we want all members to have the same scouting opportunity in their Scouting. Scouting-in-Schools and NGO’s have different governance structures in that the School authorities and Governing bodies or NGO leaders will form the sponsoring body as opposed to Parents in the Parental scouting channel. Though the programs will be the same we do recognise that by virtue of the structure there will be some activities that may differ on occasion. However the fundamental offering remains the same and events open to all scouts.

How will our Provincial assets and property be managed in future?

The proposed central structure has a full time property administrator reporting to the CEO and Exco. It is envisaged that each property will have a team of volunteers (property committee) who act as the local management of the property and oversee any wardens or site managers. They also prepare a draft budget on a self funding and sustaining basis and look for ways to generate income. They manage the property in line with the National guidelines and with the endorsement of the Property Administrator. All  funding is channeled via the central offices. Monthly reports for Management information will be provided.

Decisions on the viability and future of property will be made by the Exco on recommendation of the local Property management committee.

FRANCHISES

What is a Franchise Agreement and does it cover all Adult volunteers?

The Franchise Agreement is the overarching guideline for Groups. 

The Social Franchise model places accountability for all aspects of Scouting including safety within the individual franchise Group.

The role of all other adult volunteers is to support the delivery of action based Scouting to the youth members by the Scouters and adult volunteers of the individual franchised Groups

What can we as a franchise group : expect to receive? do we get anything new?

Yes - you will receive a Operating Manual which will describe exactly how you will be expected to operate your franchise in line with the Agreement. You will also receive access to all the online material on the SA Scout Association official website. 

You will get clear guidelines on processes to follow and how to recruit new Adult Volunteers. You will get a DVD with basic information and resources.

You will be receiving regular weekly programs for your use. Events will continue to be arranged in your local Region. 

You will get a National Database access and also template for Group financials.

The above are subject to the timing of the roll out of the various proposals. 

Is there a Franchise fee payable?

Our ultimate aspiration is to be able to offer free scouting to all youth members. We do however need to fund our operations and will increasingly need full time staff in key support and resource roles to ensure that all franchises have access to material and resources from the central teams. Whilst the content will be driven by our Adult Volunteer teams, the administration and practical requirements will need a more structured approach. To help fund this administration a Franchise fee will be payable by all franchise holders. This is proposed at R300 per cub or scout unit  

MEMBERSHIP AND FUNDING

What fees do members pay?

Given the wide disparity of income in the SA Society Scouts SA wishes to ensure that no youth member is excluded on the basis of lack of finance. To create an equitable balance in this regard Scouts SA proposes that all Groups pay a fixed annual franchise fee per Unit  (pack, troop or Crew). This amount will be fixed during the budget acceptance by the Exco and is intended to cover the individual members contribution and a small contribution towards material provided. A figure of R300/unit per annum is proposed .

Unfortunately as funding is a critical success factor in creating the support structures needed to get scouting to as many youth as possible it is imperative to look to our adults for financial support by way of a token annual membership for all adult members and volunteers. A fee of R100/adult per year is being recommended. This will be linked to annual membership cards. Whilst the R100/per annum will include an annual badge for Adults all youth members will be asked to pay R10 per annum for an annual badge as is currently in place.

The need to charge youth members a minimum fee is being held off at the moment in lieu of the search for outside funding.

Where will other funding come from?  

There are a number of avenue’s being explored to build a capital endowment foundation fund within the Scout Foundation to ensure the long terms sustainability of the Movement. Alumni of Scouting are being approached for donations, bequests and contributions in cash or kind.

The Corporate sector is being approached in respect of CSI funding for projects and activities that can be provided by Scouting that meets their needs in return for project funding.

Properties will need to become self funding in a 3 year period. Each property voluntary management committee is tasked with producing a business plan that reflects a self-funding  balanced budget within 3 years. Any shortfall in the interim will need to be negotiated with Central team responsible members. This reflects the current reality for many campsites and facilities. 

A National fund raising week or month be set that challenges all groups to raise funds to finance National support activities or alternatively a levy on fundraising of 10% could be suggested that will allow a more equitable contribution to Scouts SA by Groups based on resources and ability. This will exclude capital funding.

A number of other areas are being explored - visit the websites to get more details.

How will the finances work?

Finances are in two segments - Firstly the Social Franchise Groups will manage their own funds as at present. All bank accounts will be in the name of South African Scout Association as at present, with national having access to accounts and equipment in event of Group Franchise agreement being terminated  or the group becoming defunct. Franchise Groups will maintain a simple accounting record  and report main figures annually to National Treasurer. Accounts will need to be signed by the chair of the Sponsoring Parents Committee, the Group Scouter and an independent person of good standing.

All other finances will be centrally based and run. Properties and regionally expensed items will be against approved budgets but out of central funds and accounts - all moneys will flow via central accounts.

Who is responsible for fundraising in the new Organisation?

All members are responsible for fundraising for their movement. Groups raise and seek funding for own use but also, and very importantly,  must play a role in raising funds for the National foundation to support ongoing operational needs. 

Will all money raised by the franchise groups go to central? 

No - money raised by groups for groups will be used within the groups - however Groups also have a responsibility to participate actively in National Fundraising activities in return for keeping membership fees as low as is possible and receiving progammes, materials and events that are of high quality.

How will Central raise funds?

Members of the Exco and the Central team will look to attract funding on the basis of the good story Scouts SA can sell post Rev It and how well Central can demonstrate to potential funders the positive influence Scouts SA with it's Aims, Values, Programmes and growing membership base is having on the youth of SA. However ensuring the content of the story is accurate and successful requires Groups to deliver Scouting as set out in the Operating Manual and central provided programmes.

Central will also look to match specific funders Projects with Scouts SA needs to obtain project specific funding for events and national projects.

Central Admin systems will facilitate the marketing of Scouts SA and requests for bequests, donations and other contributions from friends and supporters of Scouting.

Membership fees although modest will be an essential form of funding specifically as the membership base grows in line with the strategic plans.    

What will it cost to implement the project?

Project costs are split into 3 broad categories:

Capital costs = R650k once off cost to develop software, purchase servers and equipment and some specific on-line training materials 

Startup costs = R2.4mil (in materials, capital spend, printing and Manpower (note much of the material spend is needed to revise cub and scout trails and translation cost of R900k included) 

On going operational manpower costs = R950k/pa  to ensure provision of adequate Central staff to support the new membership, property and IT needs. 

How will the project roll out be funded?

The project will be funded by all of us making a special effort to attract the incremental funds needed. This will require us to have a very marketable story of a Movement braced and structured for success and the future. Work will not start on  changes that require funding before the source of funding is secured. 

How has project Rev It been funded?

Project Rev It has so far been funded largely by two generous benefactors to the movement and the consultants used.  The Scout Foundation made up the third source of Rev It funding.

What happens if we can't raise the money?

We will need to manage the implementation on basis of priorities and available funds. If all members focus their energies on fund raising for the Rev It benefits, we as a Movement should be able to attract funds to cover the base startup costs.

What can we as a group do to help raise funds for the project?

There are a few things you can do - Embrace the change - get word out there to your wider families, friends and supporters that Scouts SA is alive and well and growing. If every member attracted one other member we will take a step forward already. Delivering positive, fun and adventurous Scouting will attract more scouts, families and supporters.

You can arrange a special fundraising event. If every Group raised R1000 (on average) we would achieve nearly half a million Rands already.

Make use of your contacts, Corporate CSI budgets and offer Scouts SA as the best spend for their budgets.

And don't forget - it's not about cash only - it's about resources in goods and services as well - printing, marketing material, IT support services, training for staff, etc anything that will help implement project Rev It and  allow us to deliver better Scouting to youth will help.

What are the new categories of adult membership?

Group level:

Group Scouter - warranted position endorsed by Lead coach and Exco member

Warranted scouter (any unit - pack or troop) Warranted leader endorsed by GS and Lead coach

Parent member (supporter)- endorsed by GS and Group Chair

Central Team Adult member - appointed by Central team leader and endorsed by Regional rep

Associate member - endorsed by regional Rep or central team leader

Alumni - separate non-active or past scouts, cubs and scouters or parents - hold annual membership and contribute in kind to the Movements sustainability.

What does it mean to be part of the fellowship? How will it work? Who can become a member of the fellowship?

We must be careful that we don’t get confused with terminology which is used elsewhere in the Movement. We see all adult volunteers and signed up members who are not active in Franchise Groups as being part of a wider Scout Fellowship. This includes all central staff, active or non-active supporters as long as they hold a valid annual membership card. 

It is intended to be a loose grouping for admin purposes and will not have specific events or activities, but will of course be able to arrange events as members see fit. It is open to all adults (18+) who hold current membership.

What is the Alumni? How is it different from the Fellowship?

The Alumni are past members of scouting who wish to contribute to the Movement by way of a regular or ad hoc financial contributions. They will form a separate body of supporters under the Alumni category and receive regular mailings of details and events and opportunities to contribute to Scouts SA generally or specifically by way of sponsoring in cash or kind. The key difference is in being a more silent supporter than an active one.

Will the Alumni be part of the International Fellowship of Scouts and Guides (IFSG)?

We see the option to belong to the IFSG as a personal choice and not one that would greatly benefit Scouts SA. There is a great need for on the ground support and focus in South Africa if we want to grow the movement as we envisage and all our resources should be applied to this aim.

Do Sea Scouts and Air Scouts still have a role?

Absolutely yes. There will be a Central team lead for Sea and Air scouts and their programs will allow as current  nautical or air based themes for some activities. We do not foresee completely separate sections however in keeping with the Scouts SA philosophy - we are all scouts together. Regional Sea Scout Water activity committees and base management will remain in place or adapt to the regional structure as needed.

ACTIVITIES

Will all our events fall away?

It is not intended to discontinue any events as such that draw members and help deliver exciting scouting to our members and their families. Given the nature of the changes there may need to be an adjustment of some local activities - current district competitions and camps, but it is envisaged that these will continue in essence and name within coaching areas or regions as the case may be.

The central Events team will have an events planner in each region who will be tasked to recruit and appoint volunteer event co-ordinators. National or Provincial events committees or processes will continue within the regional role. Where practical regions can combine on events or hold their own. It is anticipated that the central events team will ensure a continuous pattern of events and activities across Scouts SA and bring alignment or national focus across the regions. We would expect an increase in the number of events available to youth members nationwide.

But what will happen with badge courses?

Badge (and skills) course needs will be determined by the adopted Scout and Cub Programme. However we would see no change to the way  badge courses would be presented in a region. They would be on an as needed basis, and  would be arranged by the Scout and Cub events team members and training volunteers on an as needed basis, much as at present done by the APC scouts and cubs.

Is Adult Training going to change?

In many respects the content focus will change given a very strong drive to equip Adult volunteers to deliver fun and exciting Scouting at the weekly programs and during unit activities. The added responsibilities for safety and risk management at Group level will require extra training care. However we are also aware that many parents and prospective adult volunteers want to help in a less formal manner and our Adult support will evolve to embrace that. 

Once Child protection clearance is secured we want to equip Adult volunteers in the shortest and most efficient way to be able to operate as Adult Leaders in a Group, or assist with program delivery. Opening formal membership to all adults who want to help will allow parents and helpers to assist in unit or group activities by being card carrying members. However only warranted Scouters may run units. See below on the changes to the Adult training process.

What will happen to Provincial offices and staff?

The transition period will require a move of permanent staff to the National staff team. Given the variety of contracts it will require in depth study and discussion to move over time to a position where all staff work on  aligned terms and conditions. In the interim all contracts remain as current.

Initially the current provincial offices will fall under National management and act as local resource centers to provide admin and support to regions in their surrounds. The offices will need to serve as focal points for Scouting and help to address the poor access to technology currently facing the movement but  the improvement thereof part of our aspirational contributions to society and our members.

IMPLEMENTATION

What is the time frame for all of this?

Ideally we would like to wave a wand like Harry Potter and be running in the new mindset and structures overnight. In reality it will have to be a carefully phased and flexible transition if we are to keep our Movement focused on the delivery of our programs to youth and visibly demonstrate our leadership abilities. 

We believe the vast majority of our Members will embrace the new mindset and the excitement and huge benefits to youth and the Movement itself of the proposed changes. We are realistic and accept there will be snags and teething problems arising that may need adjustments to the envisaged structures and processes. We also are very aware of the need to produce significant changes in training material and presentation, responsibilities and accountability which needs to be based on getting positions especially at Group levels filled and functioning. 

Bottom line is the change is also funding driven and will take time to bed down. In some respects change has started already in terms of branding focus, initial Scout and Cub programme help offerings, communications, data base management and attraction of funding.  

How will the change happen? 

The process for the change will be a live process or journey in that there are a number of elements that will change and timing will not always be ideal. Much preparation work will need to be put in place once signoff has been completed. 

We envisage a first step will be to set up the agreed Leadership structure who can oversee the process of transformation, and get the necessary paper work and materials preparation completed, begin building the administration systems and processes and standardise as much as possible for easy transition.

Branding and visibility will be raised in the first step.

The second step is to convert all existing Groups to the Franchise Agreement and at the same time put in place the Central support infrastructure. 

The third step would be to dismantle the current processes on a phased basis so that there is no serious disruption to our Scouting offered to youth members. 

Finally we will adapt the processes with the lessons learnt thus far and settle into the new way of Scouting in South Africa - The time frame will be kept as short as is possible but likely to be a minimum of 18 months

Who makes the decision about this proposal and who has the final say?

The Exco makes the decision about the proposals and for any constitutional changes the NSC will need to endorse them, and WOSM must be advised.

Will we be voting for this proposal?

No, the NSC mandated the Exco and Steercom to deliver a response to the concerns reflected in the Movement. We believe the members of the Movement have sent strong messages about the areas of concern over the past few years and that the proposals address the concerns and need to be implemented. The Exco has endorsed the proposals and any Constitutional changes will need to be ratified by the NSC. 

Some additional questions: 

Who will the group scouter report to?

The group scouter forms part of the Group team and is a member of the Parents Support Committee. The Group Scouter is responsible for the Group and adherence to the Agreement and reports to the Parents Committee who are accountable to the Movement represented by the Operational Executives and their support teams. 

Why have we done away with lay and uniform members?

In the past there was a strong separation between active uniformed members and Parent supporters and two distinct lines of hierarchical structure. This distinction, whilst in the past leaving the resources and admin to lay members and front line scouting to uniformed members has become blurred with the advent of modern lifestyles and technology. The legacy structure however remains and creates an administrative burden and often disruption because of differing priorities and expectation between the role players in groups and provinces. Society has moved to a more collaborative style of working for the common goal, and we believe all adult supporters should be seen as role players and equal members of the Movement if they agree to commit to the Aims, Values and Methods of Scouting - regardless of whether they choose to be active scouters, support team members or committed parents.

Why are we changing the uniform?

Scouting is a uniformed organization and needs to project it’s image in line with it’s offering to Society and especially youth. The present uniform is perceived to be dated not reflecting current society. The variations offered to create flexibility have resulted in a confused message to outsiders and a loss of visible awareness of Scouting in communities as the uniform is often worn under jackets or in the form of camp t-shirts or similar. Our youth members are known to be embarrassed to be in uniform outside their Scout Group. We aspire to a common uniform acceptable to our Scout members and easily recognised in the Community and in which the wearers are proud in any environment.

I would still like to wear my khaki uniform... can I do that?

As mentioned we aspire to a common uniform for the Movement that correctly reflects our image and ethos. The ‘khaki’ uniform is no longer seen as fulfilling that role. The new single blue shirt, charcoal pants uniform with World Scout badge and Group scarf will be phased in over a period of time, and will then replace the current uniform. 

What will happen to all my badges? Were they all a waste of time?

Badges are a recognition for your efforts in progressing along the Scout or cub trail. Given that you have earned them the wonderful thing is that Knowledge and experience or skill you gained can never be lost to you in your growth. However as the Movement needs to adapt to meet the needs of the now and next generation of Scouts and members, we will need to accept that badges and some visible manifestations will change over time. 

Bottom line is that whist they will not be worn publicly as such, you have the benefit of having done them forever. 

How will I participate in scouting if I don't have a computer for all this fancy new online stuff?

Whist we aspire to make your scouting more fun and adventurous, we are aware of the tremendous  benefits to our youth members of being able to access and use technology and therefore what we want to be offering is a greater use of and access to technology for all members as part of life skills growth through Scouting i.e creating many more opportunities for members to embrace and understand the role of technology in todays world. Growing our online scouting community will have very important communication benefits for all and help reduce costs and care for our planet by reducing the carbon footprint of scouting. 

This will be funding and infrastructure dependent and in the interim continued use will be made of paper based material and other more accessible means.

So will we need more or less people to run the movement under the franchise model?

The question is two sided in that we would see more Adults available to run the front line scouting with our youth. We see the new style of running Scouting as being more attractive to Adult Volunteers who want a shorter commitment and thus expect a direct result of the changes will be more help available. We also anticipate the new drive in Scouting will result in substantially more members and thus a need for greater numbers of people to help run the Movement - however the focus of Adult Volunteer energy will be at delivering fun and active Scouting and less on administration.

Now that the model has been developed is there anything we need to do to help?

Developing the model although a huge challenge for the teams involved was only the first step of the transformation of Scouts SA. The real work is going to be in making it all work. We believe the excitement of the new model for Scouts SA, is particularly well placed to meet the Scouts SA specific needs. By joining in positively in the change and transformation and helping it along is the greatest contribution you can make to this historical period in South African Scouting.

What consultation took place during the course of the project?

The Rev It  proposals were based on a significant input from  a number of sources especially previous reviews that had been accepted yet not been  implemented, position papers submitted by members and interested friends, NSC members and many members via facebook and emails, all under the steercom guidance.

Open invitation was extended to all provinces to interact with the Rev It team and put views on the workstreams back to the teams.

Regular updates were shared with provinces and placed on the website during the build up phase between March and June 2011, and Scouting About carried awareness messages to all. 

Has the core purpose of scouting changed?

Absolutely not - the project team worked to well advised big rules and non-negotiable’s around the core of the Movement. The Aims, Values, Mission and Law and Promise have not changed as part of Rev It.  Our ideal of developing character, citizenship and soundness of mind, body and soul is exactly the same as current - what has changed is our drive energy and ability to deliver that to more youth in a more exciting way.

How do you think B.P would react to all these changes??

We believe that B.P would be delighted that, at last, we have been prepared to “Look wide and even wider still” as he said we should do. Also he would be relieved that we have made a real effort to make sure that we now have a Movement rather than an organisation which was something that he always warned against.  In the beginning the Group was always seen as the important entity, that is why they had distinctive Group scarves and we are again reinforcing that emphasis.

He would be pleased that we have had a better look at this strong focus on delivering adventurous scouting in a fun way to more youth, reducing bureaucracy for Leaders, and putting the center of scouting back into a structure that will be closer to the Communities they serve. 

Was everything we have done in the past a waste of time? Have we failed?

The changes proposed by the Rev It project are intended to build on the past - over the years Scouting has declined from the strong following it had in late 70‘s and with only 14 000 members - and not all of them getting the ‘real deal’ scouting so we have not failed but we as a Movement certainly have not used our potential as we should have. There are many thousands of South African scouts who have passed through scouting in over 100 years. Clearly we have not failed to deliver Scouting to some and many of our Adult Volunteers are stalwarts of scouting delivery but  where we have failed is in the adaption of our way of delivering scouting to ensure it is fun, easy to join, and well funded and resourced on a sustainable basis to a reasonable share of the potential youth market. This is not about failure it is about building on the legacy to ensure a strong and much more relevant future for Scouts SA. It is about making a real difference on the ground in the moral regeneration of our country and building a next generation that is tolerant, confident, resourceful and committed, in much bigger numbers than we can do in the current structures.