2010 Expedition To Austria

Accommodation in Austria

Scouting in Austria

2010 is the centenary of Scouting beginning in Austria.  The Association of Pfadfinder Osterreich (Austrian Scouting) was founded in 1912 by Captain Emerich Teuber following a visit to London where he read a copy of B-Ps "Scouting for Boys". During the following years Scouts spread quickly through the country, developing in various different religiously based organisations and separately for boys and girls. 

In the 1920’s two Austrian Scouting organisations were accepted in WOSM.  In 1931 Austria was host to the 6th World Scout Conference which was held at Baden and in 1951 to the 7th World Scout Jamboree at Bad Ischl. The Jamboree was visited by 12,800 Scouts from all over the world.  At this time, Austrian Scouting enjoyed a revival after the demise it saw during the years of WWII. 

In 1976 Austrian Scouting merged with the Austrian Girl Guides to form the Pfadfinder und Pfadfinderinnen Osterreich (Scouts and Guides of Austria). This is now one of the largest youth organisations in Austria. 

In Austria there are around 85,000 boy and girl Scouts.  The organisation flourishes throughout the country, and its headquarters is in Vienna.  Pfadfinder and Pfadfinderinnen Ostereich (Austrian boy and girl Scouts) embrace the values of Scouting that we recognise in British Scouting and elsewhere in the world, supporting young people in their personal development through what they call their “all around approach”, equally touching “the hand, the heart and the mind”.   In this way, Scouting teaches its Austrian members to “find their own path”, which is what the German translation of Pfadfinder literally means. 

Landlocked in the heart of Europe, Austria has not always enjoyed friendly relations with its neighbouring nations and has often found itself uncomfortably closely located to conflicts.  Inevitably Guiding and Scouting has also found itself involved in hostile situations, but mainly as humanitarian helpers and peach-keepers.  As such, an appreciation and love of peace and what it means between nations has a strong emphasis in the Austrian Scouting programme. 

Austrian Scouts are committed to environmental protection promoting what they term a collaborative approach.  Part of the programme for participants of the Expedition in 2010 will be to engage in local projects to enhance the local environment and “put something back” into the host community. 

The training programme is divided into eight different themes which are repeated within the separate age sections. The themes are:

• To live according to your religious faith.
• To be a responsible member of the community.
• To cultivate worldwide ties.
• To make a critical analysis of ourselves and the people around us.
• To foster a love of nature.
• Preparedness for the adventure of life.
• Creative activity.
• Physical recreation and sport.

There are four age sections in the Association;

• Wolflinge/ Wichtel aged 7 – 10 years
• Spaher/ Guides aged 10 – 13 years
• Explorers/ Caravelles aged 13 – 16 years
• Rovers/Rangers aged 16 – 19 years.

The programme in the youngest section is based upon games and learning to work in small groups (sixes), in the Scout/Guide section the members work in patrols on a test system combined with games. In the older two sections the members are trained to work on their own as well as in groups 

Motto:

• Wolflinge/ Wichtel – As well as I can
• Spaher/ Guide – Always Prepared
• Explorers/ Caravelles
• Rovers/ Rangers – To see, To understand, To act

Promise:

On my honour I promise that I will do my best – to do my duty to God and the fatherland, to help other people and to obey the Scout Law. 

Law:

1. The Scout/ Guide searches for the way to God

2. The Scout/ Guide is loyal and helps where he/she can

3. The Scout/ Guide respects all people and tries to understand them.

4. The Scout/ Guide reflects, decides and then acts accordingly.

5. The Scout/ Guide conserves and protects nature

6. The Scout/ Guide is joyous and in good spirits even under difficulties.

7. The Scout/ Guide makes use of his/her capabilities.

8. The Scout/ Guide leads a healthy life. 

The Association has a section for handicapped Scouts, called 'Scouts/Guides like anybody else'.

In previous years these Scouts formed groups on their own but now they are integrated with the able-bodied Scouts. 'This is advantageous to both as it teaches how to live together. 

The “Boys Scouts and Girl Guides of Austria” is a democratic, apolitical movement for all young people, whatever their ethnic, cultural or religious background.