MANUAL

CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 5
This is where flexibility comes in. You work with the youth to see what parts of the
Grand Howl can be done, what parts need to be done differently and what can be
left out.
Accommodating a Venturer Scout who has a significant hearing loss may require
that you wear a microphone for a voice amplification system. A Beaver Scout with
attention deficit disorder may need to spin around while you are talking with the
Lodge, as long as it doesn't interfere with the other Beaver Scouts. A support person
who comes to assist a Cub Scout with a developmental disability is welcomed.
(Remember to follow the Volunteer Screening Policy!) A Rover who has anxiety is
given an opportunity to talk about what is involved in the upcoming adventure with
the other Rovers or a Scouter. A Scout who has Asperger Syndrome may need advance
notices when an activity is ending, such as, “Ten minutes left.” Then, “Five minutes
left.” A youth who is dealing with gender identity or mental health issues needs to
know what accommodations are available. The situation for each youth is unique and
requires a unique approach. Disabilities and special circumstances will have a response
tailored to each individual.
Other disabilities (such as health disabilities like allergies, diabetes or asthma) can
have critical consequences if they are not accommodated. Sensitivities to scents,
special diets and phobias may need to be addressed in your Section. They will impact
menus and environments as well as medical responses. The needs of the individual
youth must be considered.
ACCEPT AND INCLUDE
Accepting diversity is an essential role for each Scouter. We are all unique, just like our
fingerprints. Each of us has a different set of abilities.
We all have different talents and different preferences, and different expressions of
individuality. There are visible differences and invisible differences.
Situations change and are different for different age groups. What can be subtle in
Beaver Scouts may be more significant in Rovers (gender identity, for example).
As a Scouter, you have an incredible opportunity to act as a model of acceptance
and inclusion. The steps you take to support all the youth in your Section will have a
lasting impact on the individual youth and his or her parents, the Section youth, and
the community.
AND BY THE WAY, DIVERSITY INCLUDES SCOUTERS!
It should go without saying that diversity goes for Scouters, too! We have the same
responsibility to provide a safe and respectful Scouting environment for our Scouters,
including those from the LGBT community!
ASK FOR HELP!
It is important that you are
proactive! Talk to the youth,
the youth's parents, your fellow
Scouters, Group Committee, Area
Service Scouter and keep going
until you get ideas, suggestions and
answers that you need on how to
work with and engage youth who
have different needs.
SMALL GROUPS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
One of the components of the Scout Method is the Patrol (Team) System. This
component is an asset in providing an inclusive and accepting environment. Youth in
each Section work in small groups. Through Scouter support at the small group level,
Scouters get to know and make good connections with the youth. The youth in each
small group get to know and accept each other. Through the structure of the small
groups of each Section, youth with disabilities will start to feel like they belong, as part
of a Scouting family in a safe, accepting environment.
ASK FIRST! DON'T ASSUME!
In our efforts to support people with disabilities, we sometimes want to offer more
help than is needed. Ask if help is needed and respect the response. Speak directly to
the youth when appropriate and be a good listener. The need for independence is a
very strong motivator, so showing respect for effort is important.
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS AND STANDARDS
We need to talk about performance expectations in each Section as they relate to
diversity. We already know that each youth has a unique journey through Scouting.
Adventures are started by asking youth about their individual interests and what
challenges them.
All Scouting programs have performance-based components that we call badges.
Let’s recall what they are before we go on to discuss how these are impacted by
inclusionary practices.
• Personal Achievement badges
• Outdoor Adventure Skills badges
• Personal Progression badges
• Canadian Path Link badge
• Top Section Award
• Amory Adventure Award
• World Scout Environment Award
• Religion in Life Award
76 SCOUTER MANUAL—A SCOUTER’S GUIDE TO THE CANADIAN PATH SCOUTER MANUAL—A SCOUTER’S GUIDE TO THE CANADIAN PATH 77