FAQ Session About Guiding and Scouting in Finland [ONLINE 2.9.2021]

Looking for new free time activities in Finland for your kids or yourself? Curious about Finnish nature and adventures? Searching for a versatile hobby for children and youth? Or maybe meaningful and happy volunteering for yourself? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you’ve come to the right place! Join this introductory webinar and learn more.

The Guides and Scouts of Finland are inviting new members to join this wonderful hobby! It is a great way of learning about the local nature and camping. One can also learn a lot about leadership and social skills! Join this free online session and find out if Guiding and Scouting would be your thing, or suitable for your kids!

Watch at your own time

Video recording now available on Youtube

When?

  • On Thursday 2nd of September 2021
  • from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM (UTC+03)

What?

  • Free of charge 1 h online session which invites you to familiarize yourself with the Guides and Scouts of Finland.
  • Frequently asked questions (FAQ) will be covered and there is also time reserved for Q&A
  • The session will be in English and is open for anyone interested in Guiding and Scouting in Finland. You don’t need to commit to starting this hobby, just join as you are. All you need is curiosity.
  • No need to sign up in advance. Event will be hosted through Teams (launch the event by clicking here)

Everyone is welcome

Two scout kids solving a task
Photographer: Otto Virtanen

The essence of Guiding and Scouting is engaging in a diverse assortment of activities together with others and interacting with a wide variety of people. Anyone can join regardless of their ethnic or cultural background, language, religion or belief, physical capability, gender identity, gender representation or sexual orientation. Where you come from is not important. All you need is a willingness to get involved.

Please note, that your kids can join this hobby and you can start volunteering, even if you don’t yet speak the local language yet. Guiding and Scouting is a great way of learning the language and integrating to your new local culture while having fun! Most of the Guiding and Scouting activities are currently organised in Finnish and Swedish, but many local groups also cater for those who speak English or other languages. Please don’t hesitate to ask your local group how you could take part!

Joining The Guides and Scouts of Finland is a great way to develop your own skills, teach others and become a part of a community. This hobby and volunteering is more about doing things in practice than in theory. You get to pick up new things by doing them yourself instead of reading about them in books. Guiding and Scouting is all about doing things together: hiking, skiing, canoeing, sailing, practising first aid, making crafts and honing your woodcraft and leadership skills in the great outdoors.

For kids and youth: hobby full of friendship, laughter, and unforgettable experiences!

Scouts crossing a river with a wooden structure
Photographer: Henri Tammi

Scouting supports children’s growth and promotes their development as individuals and group members. Considering the environment and other people, operating in a group, learning various skills, developing the ability to solve problems, and taking responsibility are important parts of the hobby. Scouting is an international movement that is open for all regardless of your language, culture, religion or background.

Children can start Scouting from the age of seven. Scouting takes place in local groups, and you can find one in almost every municipality in Finland. Children usually meet weekly in the local group, in small groups (patrols) with children of their age. All Scouting activities are based on the Scouts’ youth programme, which consist of numerous activities tailored for different age groups.

Read more: scouts.fi/join/scouting-is-a-great-hobby-for-children/

For Adults: Best place for volunteering in Finland

The Guides and Scouts of Finland is the biggest youth organisation in Finland, which also wants to be the best place for adults to do volunteering. Most people start guiding and scouting when they are young, but it’s important to remember that the help and support for adults is also highly valued. One can join scouts as a volunteer by offering help to their local scouts group or by joining projects by the national scout organisation or its member organisations.

Join Guiding and Scouting as an adult

You don’t need to have experience from Guiding and Scouting from before. You will get help and training. Guiding and Scouting as an adult is volunteering which makes the hobby possible for many children and youth. For adults, Guiding and Scouting offers balance from work and mini escapes from everyday life. Are you interested in leading groups, organising trips, helping with some administration work, or just helping every once in a while? Everyone is needed!

Please note that when you decide to start volunteering and join the Guides and Scouts of Finland, or any of its local organisations, you will also pay your annual membership fee which is approximately 60 euros. In addition, overnight outings and camps cost between 10 and 100 euros. Joining this webinar on 2nd of September is free of charge and you don’t need to commit to anything. Just tune in, sit back and relax and see if you get inspired!

Read more: scouts.fi/join/scouting-is-a-great-hobby-for-adults/

How to join the Guides and Scouts?

Weekly activities and new groups start in August and September all around Finland. This is usually the best time to join, but you can join anytime throughout the year!

To join in, search for a suitable local group from your area, and contact them directly.

find a local troop

If you feel hesitant at all, we warmly recommend you to join our online FAQ session on 2nd of September at 17:30 o’clock to learn more.

If you’re uncertain which local group is best for you or your child, contact The Guides and Scouts of Finland by phone: 09 8865 1100 or by email: petra.valkonen(a)partio.fi