Initially we trained 12 local project teams to become our NSO’s first task force for developing our culture of experimentation in the field of bringing in young people at the risk of social exclusion. At the end of 2018 7 out of these 12 projects are well underway or fully executed, one had to decide to end the project and not use the seed money allocated to them, the rest have had to postpone some part of their projects. 

Culture of Experimentation is definitely something that will be a growing part of our NSO. Our NSO has agreed to continue with expanding and continuing the work of the task force with a new group of local or district level projects next year. The aim for the next two years is to pilot new ways of reaching out and inviting new people to scouting. 

Out of the local projects the experiences we’ve gained in reaching young people with immigrant backgrounds with the help of communal services and other local organisations is something that will be visible in how we do scouting and guiding in Finland. Here are some examples on the local projects:

1. Neighbourhood scouting: a project where a local troop organizes scout-like afternoons for children in underprivileged families. Things learned so far in the project: Going out to neighbourhoods with lower social activity, gaining the trust of the adults step by step and making sure there are enough snacks and spare warm clothes for the kids to stay outside for the activities. As an end product they’re considering creating forest themed cards to help discuss possible fears children have towards going to nature.
2. Forest outings at the local middle school: the best way to reach the entire age group of kids is to go to schools, with some seed money one of our local project groups organized field trips and outings to nature and taught them different nature skills. Trips with the local schools have been a good way to introduce young people with varied backgrounds to scouting and to become members of the local troops. 
3.  Hobbies for 16-22 year-old new Finns: in one of our projects the local group got together with a network for local organizations and the municipal immigrant services to introduce young people who’ve recently moved to Finland to volunteer work and hobbies in the area. Having these young people join scouts is a slow process of becoming familiar with the idea of a hobby as well as introducing people to each other and building trust.