Scouts & Guides
Scouts and Guides for the Goals is an initiative that connects the values of scouting and guiding with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It supports young people in understanding global challenges and taking meaningful action within their communities and natural environments.
Building on the strong tradition of service, leadership and community involvement within scouting and guiding, the initiative encourages participants to become active citizens and changemakers. Scouts and Guides for the Goals combines learning, reflection and community action, encouraging participants to move from understanding the SDGs to actively contributing towards them.
Why Scouts
and Guides?
Scouting and guiding movements are uniquely placed to promote sustainable development because they:
- encourage practical, hands-on learning;
- foster responsibility, teamwork and leadership; and
- are deeply rooted in community service and outdoor education.
Scouts and guides already live many of the values promoted by the SDGs. This initiative helps connect those values to a global framework for action, showing how local efforts contribute to wider SDGs.
How it
Works
Step 1: Assigning of SDGs
- 17 scout groups or guide units are selected to participate.
- Each group or unit is assigned one of the 17 UN SDGs.
- Scouts and Guides receive SDG-themed materials linked to their assigned goal, helping scouts and guides build a strong connection to their topic.
Step 2: Learning the SDGs
Following the assignment of SDGs, scouts and guides:
- explore their assigned SDG through projects and initiatives;
- learn about global sustainability challenges and local relevance;
- receive guidance and educational resources to support understanding and planning.
Step 3: Celebrating Sustainability and Impact
The programme concludes with:
- an SDG Scavenger Hunt, and
- scout and guide presentations, where each group/unit showcases its SDG project.
During the presentations, scouts/guides explain:
- the SDG they worked on,
- the problem they addressed,
- the action taken and the impact achieved.