Special Interest badges

In order to reflect the diverse range of abilities and interests of young people, Special Interest Badges recognise personal progression in different areas even those one would not necessarily associated with scouting. Special Interest Badges are based on individual youth member’s hobbies and interests. They can used to acquire a new interest/ hobby/ skill or develop ones they already have.

The requirements are designed by the young person in consultation and agreement with their Scouters. Badge requirements are designed to allow exploration of the subject, develop and improve skills, and put the new knowledge into practice, preferably as a practical project which will benefit others.

To help organise the Speical Interest area five general areas have been identified:

 

	Skills: This allows for individuals to develop their personal skills base. – e.g. drama, cooking, painting, martial arts, web site design, musical instrument, foreign   language etc.
	Adventure:  This should be an adventure journey that includes something completely new   i.e. a new location, new method of travel, etc
	Physical: Any physical pursuit or activity – e.g. athletics, sports team, caving, archery, training for a marathon.
	Community Involvement : participation in a community organisation, volunteering, a community service project – e.g. St Vincent de Paul, After School Club, assisting in another section in your Group, Young Social Entrepreneurs, sports coaching, tidy towns etc.
	Environment: an activity or series of events which makes a positive impact on the environment/natural world – e.g. running a Leave No Trace day for a Scout Group, cleaning up a natural area, caring for an allotment, membership of a nature club/environmental society, learning about pollution and personal responsibility.

Creating Your Special Interest badge

The principle of ‘doing one’s best’ is the key feature of badges awarded in this area. The system allows everyone to choose what they want to do, it provides recognition for personal effort, rather than achieving a grade, so everyone has a chance to achieve the badge. Badge requirements are designed to allow exploration of the subject, develop and improve skills, and put the new knowledge into practice, preferably as a practical project which will benefit others. Each youth member  can do up to three challenges in each area.

How do I Design my Special Interest challenge
 Step 1 – Read the Booklet
Step 2 – Pick your subject of interest
Step 3 – Decide what Special Interest Area your subject of interest falls into.
 Step 4 – Design your challenge in consultation with your Scouter or Mentor.
 Step 5 – Complete and record the challenge in the agreed time.
 Step 6 – Wear the badge with pride

The Challenge
When designing your badge it should :

• Challenge you to learn new skills or develop existing ones
• Help to increase your knowledge of the particular area
• Contain a practical element which will benefit others.

You can download the Special badge interest templates for beavers and cubs that will allow you to track what you have achieved

Choosing a subject or interest

Below are some suggested subjects that have been aligned with the Special Interest Badge areas. There are many more ideas that can be included. No matter what subject or interest you choose if will fall into one of the areas, sometimes it will fall into two or even three areas.

 

Community Involvement	Personal Skill	Physical Recreation	Adventure Journey	Environment
Good Turn / Service	Photography	Archery	Cycling Expedition	Ethical living
World Cultures & Ways of Living	Entertaining	Orienteering	Wilderness Experience	Eco-energy
World Scouting	Film/video production	Athletics	Horseback Expedition	Organic Gardening
Guide / Interpreter	Home repairs	Ball Games	Sailing Adventure	Weather Watch
Heritage	Information technology	Climbing Wall	Canoe Adventure	Animal welfare
Health Awareness	Music & Dance	Cycling	Bivvy Adventure	Conservation
Representation	Painting / Art	Gymnastics	Camp Leadership	Nature Study
Tidy Towns	Crafts / Sculptor	Water Safety	Back Packing	Carbon footprint
Disability Awareness	Cooking	Personal Fitness	Journey in a Strange Land	Environmental Audit
Active Citizenship	Motors	Swimming	Mountain Journey	Recycling
Faith & Beliefs	Navigator	Martial Arts	Hiking Expedition	Food Production
Community Radio	Observer / Tracker	Triathlon	Exploring	Naturalist
Current Affairs	Leadership / Mentoring	Caving	Camping	Sustainable Building
Campaigning	Public Speaking	Snorkeling / SCUBA	Nature Study Expedition	River Care
Languages	Archeology	Mountain Biking	Photography Safari	Local Beautification
Surveys	Creative Writing	Canoeing	Treasure Quest	Tidy Towns
Interculturalism	Farming	Rock Climbing	Overseas Project	Nature Reser