Meeting Structure and Ceremonies

Conventional Sections have their own traditional ways of opening and closing meetings with the Beaver Scout Section having a wider variety than others. Use of the traditional 'Grand Howl' is by no means universal. The purpose of these are to bring people together, create a sense of order, welcome or wish people well, reflect on what has happened during the meeting. Devise something suitable which achieves this and is appropriate for the age range; or combine traditional ceremonies. Avoid using just one ceremony associated with a particular Section.

Investiture ceremonies can assume a common format although all Beaver Scouts should recite the Promise together. 'Going up' ceremonies can be used as an occasion when, for example, a Cub Scout moves to the Scout Section, they make the Scout Promise and celebrate their achievements as a Cub Scout.

Balanced Programme

It's important to allow time within meetings for each Sectional age group to undertake activities appropriate to their age and from their respective Balanced Programme. Common themes can be used. Avoid programmes where the lowest common denominator is used. Older Members will soon get bored and leave.

Some aspects of Programme development and co-ordination are easier with an Integrated Section. Managing two or more sets of Awards and Badges can be more difficult. The key point is to ensure individual Members' progression through the relevant programme and provide quality Scouting relevant to the age of each Member.

Ensure Leaders spend an appropriate amount of time with each age group. Avoid being 'captured' by any one particular age group because of the demands they make. Assigning Leaders to particular age groups helps. Sectional District events may cause some difficulty if they exclude some Members within the Integrated Section. All Section events eliminate this.

Leaders experienced in one particular Section must ensure they don't run an Integrated Section as an extension of the Section they are used to. The needs and the Section programme for all Sectional age groups should be catered for.

Leaders new to a particular Section programme can seek the support and advice from their District Teams who can advise accordingly.