Health and Well-being
Scouts: Enabling Young People to Be Advocates
Our mission is to positively impact the well-being of 1.2 billion young people (ages 10-19) worldwide. We aim to positively influence their mental and physical well-being as they grow into fulfilled individuals, addressing challenges like social media, urbanization, and more. With over a century of experience, Scouts can provide crucial information, services and a safe space for young people and their communities to thrive. Through education, values, and a secure environment, we foster holistic development that aligns with evolving trends.
What is the Health and Well-being initiative?
The Health and Well-being initiative is centred on the belief that young people can play a constructive role in society and contribute to healthier and safer environments for everyone. The initiative aims to empower young people by providing them with knowledge, tools and skills related to health and well-being.
Participants will be able to make informed decisions, take responsibility for their well-being, and actively contribute to the well-being of their communities. By focusing on community-centred projects tailored to the needs of local communities, young people will be encouraged to engage with their surroundings and actively make a positive impact.
Navigating the Learning Paths
With the support of Adult Leaders, the Health and Well-being initiative will guide young people on an educational journey to lead healthy and mindful lives and to take action in promoting the growth and development of their communities' health and well-being.
Like all WOSM initiatives, Health and Well-being has a variety of learning paths that young people can take. They can explore one or all - it’s up to them to try as many challenges as they like.
There are four Health and Well-being learning paths:
1. Healthy Lifestyles
Scouts will:
- Identify ways to keep their bodies healthy
- Understand that a healthy lifestyle varies from person to person, based on many factors
- Promote healthy habits to support themselves and others in their community
2. Mental Health
Scouts will:
- Recognize that health is more than just a physical state
- Identify their emotions and those of others
- Encourage themselves and others to seek help when needed
- Promote awareness of positive mental health practices
3. Sexual and Reproductive Health
Scouts will:
- Discover how their bodies change as they grow and how to make choices that keep them safe and healthy
- Recognize their rights as human beings and how to make sure those rights are respected, protected and fulfilled
4. Personal Safety and Safeguarding
Scouts will:
- Identify potential dangers in their environment and take measures to avoid or decrease them
- Set personal boundaries and communicate them effectively to others, as well as know how to seek help and support when needed
- Support their communities in creating safe spaces