The Scout motto is 'be prepared' but they never thought that it would mean wear a condom

Published on Sunday 19 October 2008 22:14

IN DAYS gone by, Boy Scouts learned valuable practical skills such as knot-tying, pitching tents and orienteering.

But the Scouting "how-to" book is to be brought up to date now as they are to learn how to "be prepared" in matters of sexual health as well.

The decision to introduce the subject – and even visits to sexual health clinics – is announced in this month's edition of Scouting magazine and launched publicly today.

The new policy will apply to all age groups in the movement, from Beavers, aged six, to Explorers, aged 18, although there is a greater focus on the older scouts.

The new guidance states scout leaders can even give out condoms, but "only if they believe the young person is very likely to begin or continue having intercourse with or without contraception".

Contraception can only be offered if the scout's "physical or mental health are likely to suffer" without it.

The guidance states leaders should "encourage young people to resist pressure to have early sex" and to talk to their parents or carers, but "should be prepared to offer appropriate information" if it is needed.

A visit to, or by, a sexual health clinic may help to "break illusions of what these services are and improve the uptake of advice".

The Scouting Association said young people may feel more comfortable discussing sexual issues in the informal setting of a Scout group.

A spokesman for the organisation said: "Leaders have been saying, 'We need some clear guidance on how we address the subject and what advice we give to the young people.' It fits within our remit, particularly when you look at the state of the youth of today and the perils they are getting into with ignorance of sexual health matters."

Other suggested activities for Explorer Scouts include discussions about how different religions view sex and roleplays on learning to say no.

The guidance includes advice for leaders of scouts of all ages. Leaders of Scouts aged ten to 14 are told youngsters may seek advice and should be given information and suitable local contacts. Activities may be planned to ensure youngsters are able to make "safe and informed decisions".

Leaders of Beavers and Cubs – ages six to ten – are told it is unlikely they will need to take "positive action".

Ronnie Convery, a spokesman for the Catholic Church in Scotland, said last night: "We would have no objection to responsible relationship education being given out by the Scouting Association, because Catholic schools are fully committed to giving that type of support to young people. But the handing out of contraceptives to young people risks encouraging potentially illegal activity and gives out all the wrong messages.

"You could even say that Baden Powell would be spinning in his grave at the idea."

Mr Convery said it was down to parents to satisfy themselves that they were "comfortable" with the sort of advice being given out to their children.

Maggie Mellon, director of Children and Family services at Children 1st, said: "We have long called for more sexual health education to be made accessible to young people to help them gain the right information and advice to make safe choices about relationships. It is great the Scottish Scouting movement has responded to questions by their young members and taken this responsible step."

Movement going strong in 216 countries

FOUNDED in 1907 by Robert Baden-Powell, a lieutenant-general in the British Army, the Boy Scouts was based on a programme of informal education, with an emphasis on practical outdoor activities.

The original book Scouting for Boys, first published in 1908, was based on Baden-Powell's Aids to Scouting, which he had developed from his military service. The actual movement was initially not a co-ordinated effort, but developed as boys spontaneously formed Scout patrols based on his teachings and flooded Baden-Powell with requests for assistance.

He encouraged them, and the Scouting movement developed momentum. It currently has more than 38 million members in 216 countries.

Burning Issue: Should the Scout Association give youths advice on sexual health?