Where is my Internal Compass pointing?

The Scouts Australia ‘Internal Compass’ is a framework designed to guide spiritual development and personal growth within scouting programs. The framework is built on 4 themes: Exploring Beliefs, Respect for Others, Stopping for Reflection and Being Thankful.

During QMHW Childers Scouts have an activity planned for each of our sections that will connect them with each other, with nature and the wider community while also engaging them in activities that encourage personal growth and wellbeing. An opportunity to check in with how they are feeling, stop for reflection or chat to their mentors if needed.

Monday evening:

Cub Scouts will have a ‘Walk with Chalk’ evening. Our youth are going to step out and take a stroll through town writing affirmations and positive messages with sidewalk chalk for all of our community to read. This activity gives our youth the opportunity to get creative and come up with positive phrases that will brighten other’s spirits, as well as their own.

Venturer Scouts will engage in a night of gardening. Constructing and setting up the garden beds that will later be filled with herbs and small vegetables for all of our sections to utilise on cooking nights. Learning to care for a garden is a wonderful mindful activity for our older Scouts while also teaching delayed gratification.

Tuesday evening:

Joey Scouts will have a dance party with all their favourite songs. We will discuss and check in with our feelings as well as some ways to regulate when needed. A simple breathing exercise followed by shaking our sillies out.

Scout section will engage in a boxing and games night. Discussing and noticing the positive connection between physical activity, the role of endorphins and good mental health.

Each of these activities will end with a gratitude practice tailored to the age and stage of the youth involved.