i.MOVE is a pilot project being commissioned by Scottish Headquarters and aims to increase the number of young people successfully moving on from the Scout section to Explorer Scouts.
Background - Census
According to the census in January 2013, the number of 14 year old Explorer Scouts in Scotland was 71% of the 13 year old Scouts as at the same date in 2012. Furthermore, the number of 15 year old Explorer Scouts was 84% of the 14 year old Explorer Scouts from the year before.
Whilst the census demonstrates an increase in the actual number of 14 and 15 year old members since 2012, it also demonstrates that we have lost 24% of young people in this age bracket since the same time last year. The growth is believed to be due to new members joining from outside the movement.
Participation Resource
The i.MOVE project seeks to pilot a participation resource that will span both the Scout and Explorer Scout sections. It is intended that Scouts will commence the programme at the age of 13 ½ and will complete the programme by no later than their 15th birthday (which could be 6-12 months after they have moved in to Explorer Scouts) and that it will help them to make an informed choice about the options that Explorer Scouts offer.
Four districts have been selected as subjects for the pilot scheme; two rural and two urban; one from each with good growth/ retention and one from each without.
The pilot project will select and follow Scout section members who are approaching or who have reached 13.5 years and will track their progress until they complete the programme; anticipated to be before their 15th birthday although it may be much sooner than this depending on when they start and how well they participate.
Purpose
The purpose of the project is to increase the number Scouts moving on to Explorer Scouts and continuing their membership of The Scout Association. This will be achieved by improving the quality of information that is provided to Scouts approaching the age of 13 ½ about the opportunities that Explorer Scouts can offer.
The project will also enhance the understanding that Group Scout Leaders and Scout Leaders have about Explorer Scouts and the requirements to move on young people at the age of 14 and certainly before the age of 14 ½.