To achieve the Personal development of School Children of 10 1/2 – 14 ½ years in physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual and cultural educational objectives. To help build character.by admiring nature, reading Scouting for Boys Book, playing games, camping and participating in Explorer activities. To build Character using the progressive Badge system of Scout Master’s Award, Group Scout Master’s Award, District Commissioner’s Award, Chief Commissioner’s Challenge Award, To bring out the talents through the 52 Junior Scout Proficiency badges and 3 International Badges.

Choose the Badge/Award to see the syllabus notes

Download Syllabus

Youth Programme can be downloaded here

2021/01/11 Progressive Awards for new Youth Programme (Scouts)

Added

• Safe from Harm Modules

• IT Literacy Modules

• New optional opt outs from requirements replaced with badges

Removed

• Group Scout Master's Award

• Bushman's Thong

Changed

• Designs of the Badges/Awards

• Divisions of Modules (Promise and Law, Safe from Harm, Pioneering Projects, etc)

Replaced

• Removal of Group Scout Master's award and replacing of Scout Master's award with Scout award

• Replacing District Commissioner's Cord with Chief Commissioner's Award

• Replacing Bushman's Thong with Prime Minister's Award

Migrating guide

Syllabus is active from 01/01/2021 and all Scouts who wist to migrate should take not of these key points, you may find your relavant badgework in the sections below

Membership Badge completed by 01/01/2021

Scout Master's Award completed by 01/01/2021

Group Scout Master's Award completed by 01/01/2021

District Commissioner's Award completed by 01/01/2021

Bushman's Thong completed by 01/01/2021

Membership Badge Requirements for the 2022 syllabus

Three ways to complete the Membership badge

1. A boy/girl (who has not been a member of the Scout Movement - recruit) joining the Junior Scout Troop at the age of 10 years and 02 months, should:

   1. Complete the Pre-membership programme followed by the 6 activities mentioned below in 4 months by the age of 10 years and 06 months;

      1. Scout Promise and Scout Law

      2. Scout Sign and Methods of Saluting

      3. Whistle Signs

      4. Hand Signals

      5. Show the ability to obey the following commands

      6. Knots and Whipping

   2. Complete the 2 months service period after completing the Pre-membership activity programme while completing activities under the Membership Badge which are not completed under the Pre-Membership Activitiy Programme

   3. Be registered as a Junior Scout at the age of 10 years and 08 months

2. A Cub Scout who has completed the Gold Star and joining the Junior Scout Troop at the age of 10 years and 06 months, should:

   1. Complete 01 month training period after joining the Scout Troop

   2. Complete the requirements mentioned below prior to the investiture:

      1. Scout Promise and Law

      2. National Anthem

      3. Whistle Signals

      4. Hand Signals

      5. Thrift - Savings Account

      6. Wood-craft Signs

3. A Cub Scout who has completed the Silver Star and joining the Junior Scout Troop at the age of 10 years and 06 months, should:

   1. Complete 02 months training period after joining the Scout Troop

   2. Complete the requirements mentioned below prior to the investiture:

      1. Scout Promise and Law

      2. National Anthem

      3. Whistle Signals

      4. Hand Signals

      5. Thrift - Savings Account

      6. Wood-craft Signs

Changelog

Membership Badge

The Scout Law

Downloads

Please note that these files are copyrighted to their owners, SLSA and Colombo District Programme Team.

Scouting activity and the sections for badge progress are organized according to age range and different stages of personal development. The actual names and age ranges of these sections differ from country to country.‌

Scouting is a non-formal educational movement, and has been since its inception. The Scout Programme is the procedure through which our Movement implements and delivers its educational purpose. The Founder, Robert Baden-Powell (B-P), set out the elements of the programme in 'Scouting for Boys', which was first published in 1908 as a series of pamphlets, and later published as a book and updated in every single edition over the following 15 years. Within the book we can find an explanation of What, How, and Why we are doing all that we are now doing in Scouting.‌

We are proud to introduce the Badgework Portal for all your programme badgework needs, with the guidance of the Group Advisors, instructors, and various contributors from our Troop. You can select your Badgework syllabus from the Variations section on top and start working on your badgework.‌

Note: We have allowed you to export the sections or separate pages as a PDF file, but we highly discourage copy-pasting the content to the Log Book or using print-outs. We recommend that you internalize the content and handwrite it in your book, based on your own interpretation and understanding.

Use the Resources as a reference and research more content to build your own notes‌

• The content is fact checked by Past Scouts and Instructors who are President's Scouts.

• The content contains links to Third-Party materials and Third-party Content

• The content is structured on the National Youth Programme Syllabus released by the Sri Lanka Scout Association

• The Badgework Portal is solely property of 39th Colombo Scout Group. Reusing the content is allowed only by submitting a written request, being for any content under a subdomain of prepscouts.lk. Requests can be directed to admin@prepscouts.org

• Any broken links, copyright infringements, or suggestions can be directed to admin@prepscouts.lk

• Contributions are welcome from all over the world. Please navigate to 'Contributions' below to know about how to contribute

• Know the meaning of the Scout sign, Scout salute, and the left hand shake

• Be able to make the Scout sign with the hand

• Know when to use them  Know when to salute

Scout Sign

The Scout sign is made by holding your right hand at shoulder height in the position shown on the right. It is used whenever someone makes or renews their Scout Promise. The Scout sign, also known as the half-salute is used in some occasions (such as when reciting the Scout promise).The three outstretched fingers represent the three main parts of the promise and the circle between thumb and little finger represents the world-wide family of Scouting.

The Scout Sign is made with the right hand palm forward with forefinger, middle and ring finger pointed upward, the thumb folded over the little finger. The forearm forms a right angle with the upper arm which is horizontally in line with the shoulder.

Scout Salute

The Scout salute is a sign of respect and friendship. In most situations, the salute is made with the right hand, palm face out, the thumb holding down the little finger, and with the fingertips on the brow of the head. There are some variations of the salute between national Scouting organizations and also within some programme sections.

A "half-salute", known as the Scout Sign, is also used in certain situations. The hand is still held palm facing out, and the thumb holding the little finger, but the hand is held at the shoulder instead.

Originally, Baden-Powell intended for Scouts to salute each other in greeting when they first saw each other for the first time using the "secret sign", or half-salute. This was regardless of whether the Scouts knew each other or not. Officers, such as Patrol Leaders, Scoutmasters, or members of the armed forces, were to be saluted with a full-salute.

Significance of the Scout Sign/Salute

Though the Scout Sign and Salute, is used to greet and as a symbol of Scouts, It gives a universal significance.

Scout Handshake

The left handshake is a sign of bravery and respect.

The left handshake comes to us from the Ashanti warriors whom Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, knew almost 100 years ago in West Africa.

Prempeh, the Chief of the Ashanti Tribe was captured he came forward and held out his Left Hand but B.P.in return offered his right hand. The chief Prempeh replied that in his country the bravest of the brave shakes hand with the left hand. because to do so we must drop our shields and our protection." The Ashanti’s knew of Baden-Powell's bravery because they had fought against him and with him, and they were proud to offer the left hand of bravery. From this incident the left-hand shake was introduce in scouting as a Sing of Friendship, bravery and respect. Lady Baden also had said, Scout Leaders all over the World have agreed on the use of the LeftHand Shake. It is a warm grip, like any other sincere hand shake. The Left Hand is used because it is the Hand of Friendship, the Hand nearest to the heart. Scouts everywhere greet each other with a warm Left-Hand Shake. Using it makes one feel that he/she ‘Belongs’ and that he/she is one among millions of Scouts in various parts of the Globe dedicated to the same code of service.

When you use the Scout salute and handshake, remember that they are signs of respect and courage

Exercise

• Practice the above with the members of your patrol and with your Troop.

• Practice this action song with your members of your Patrol/Troop

• Make two circles stand face to face each other scout. Now you have a friend in front of you.

• Start singing the song with action mentioned below.

  • Good morning my dear friend (Scout salute to the scout in front of you)

  • How are you this morning (Handshake with him with your left hand)

  • Let us dance in a circle Bind your left hands together at your elbows and dance around in a circle in anti-clockwise at the same place)

  • Say good bye and pass on (Salute again and pass on one step to your right side and meet the next friend and continue.)

The man who became known as B-P was born Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell in London on 22 February, 1857, the son of an Oxford University professor.

The eighth of ten children, B-P was only three years old when his father died, leaving his mother, Henrietta Powell, to bring up the family on her own.

B-P got his early education from his mother, but he later won a scholarship to Charterhouse School, founded in 1611 and one of Britain’s most prestigious public (private) schools. Henrietta encouraged her children to make their own fun, and the young B-P was always eager to learn new skills, picking up both the piano and violin.

At Charterhouse, he began to turn his attention to the great outdoors, hiding out in the woods around the school to track wildlife, and even catch and cook rabbits, being careful not to let the tell-tale smoke give his position away.

During the holidays, the young adventurer would head out with his brothers in search of adventure. On one occasion, they went sailing around the south coast of England. On another, they paddled up the the River Thames by canoe to its source. All the time, Baden-Powell was learning the crafts and skills that were to prove so useful to him in later life.

B-P wasn’t known for being one of the most academically-minded of schoolboys, but when he took the entrance exam for the army he came in second of the several hundred applicants and was commissioned straight into the 13th Hussars, bypassing the officer training that was the usual route into the cavalry regiment. He later became their Honorary Colonel.

Military Life

In 1876, B-P headed to India with his new regiment. As a young army officer, he specialized in scouting, map-making and reconnaissance, and soon began to train the other soldiers in what were essential skills for any soldier of the time. B-P's methods were unorthodox. He set up small units or patrols who worked together under a single leader, and made sure there was special recognition for those who did well. The proficiency badges he awarded then resembled the traditional design of the north compass point, and today’s universal Scout badge remains remarkably similar.

After India, B-P found himself in the Balkans, South Africa and Malta. But it was his return to Africa at the start of the Second Boer War that made his reputation. Now a Lieutenant-General, B-P found himself the leader of a British garrison defending the town of Mafeking against some 5,000 Boer soldiers. B-P and his men managed to give the impression the town was far more heavily guarded than it actually was, holding off the Boers for 217 days until reinforcements finally arrived. The siege allowed B-P to truly test his scouting skills, and the courage and ingenuity shown by the young soldiers at Mafeking made a lasting impression on him.

Returning home in 1903, B-P discovered that he had become a national hero. He also found that the small handbook he had written for soldiers, Aids to Scouting, was being used by youth leaders and teachers all over the country to teach observation and woodcraft.

His newfound fame led to invitations to speak at meetings and rallies across Britain, and while at a Boys' Brigade gathering the group’s founder Sir William Smith asked B-P to devise a scheme to improve citizenship training for boys.

Beginnings of the Scout Movement

B-P immediately set to work. He reworked Aids to Scouting for a younger audience, and in 1907 organised what’s known as the “experimental” camp on Brownsea Island, off the coast of Dorset, to put some of his ideas into practice. He brought together 22 boys - some wealthier children from private schools and some from ordinary working class homes - and took them camping. It was the start of the Scout Movement; an event now commemorated with a foundation stone on the island.

Scouting for Boys was published the following year in six fortnightly parts and proved more successful than anyone expected. Boys followed B-P’s suggestions and formed themselves into Scout Patrols to try out the book’s ideas. There were so many enquiries about scouting that B-P set up an office to deal with all the requests. What had been intended as a training guide for existing youth organisations became the handbook of a new Movement; one that would eventually spread across the globe. Scouting for Boys has since been translated into all the world’s major languages.

In 1910, at the age of 53, B-P retired from the army to devote his life to the Scout Movement, travelling the world to inspire more young people to join scouting.

Two years later, he finally married. Olave Soames was his constant help and companion in all this work, and closely involved in the development of the Movement (Lady Olave later became World Chief Guide). Together, the couple went on to have three children (Peter, Heather and Betty).

Chief Scout of the world

By 1920, the Movement was large enough to hold its first jamboree. Some 8,000 Scouts from 34 countries gathered for the first World Scout Jamboree beneath the glass-covered dome of London’s Olympia – the floor covered in earth especially for the occasion so the Scouts could pitch their tents. As the event drew to a close, B-P was acclaimed the Chief Scout of the World, a title that he was to hold until the death.

Nine years later, at the third World Jamboree, also in England, the Prince of Wales announced that B-P would be given a peerage by the King. B-P took the title of Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell; Gilwell Park being the location of the international training centre he had established for Scout leaders.

In 1938, with his health declining, B-P returned to Africa to live in semi-retirement in the shadow of Mount Kenya at Nyeri.

On 8 January 1941, at the age of 83, B-P died. The adventurous young man who once trapped and ate rabbits in the school grounds had gone on to inspire generations of young people, writing at least 32 books, collecting honorary degrees from at least six universities, receiving numerous foreign orders and decorations, and 19 foreign Scout awards.

B-P is buried in the graveyard at Nyeri. The marble headstone is carved with the emblems of the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides and the words: "Robert Baden-Powell, Chief Scout of the World". Lady Olave continued to promote Scouting and Girl Guiding around the world until her death in 1977, when she was buried alongside her husband at Nyeri.

B-P prepared a farewell message for his Scouts to be published only after his death.

“Try and leave this world a little better than you found it,” he wrote. It’s a message that’s as relevant today as it was in the 1940s, and remains a source of inspiration for young people throughout the world.

Summary proposed by the District Programme Team

Robert Baden-Powell (BP) was born as Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden Powell in London on 22nd February 1857. BP was the youngest of 7 children. His father died when he was 3 years old and his mother susequently changed the name of her children to Baden-Powell. He was the seventh of eight sons among ten children from the third marriage of Reverend Baden Powell (1796-1860), Baden-Powell was raised by his mother, Henrietta Grace Powell nee Smyth (1824,1914).

• 1857 Feb 22 - Born at 9, Stanhope Street, Padington, London, England

• 1876 Feb 20 - Joined the British army, appointed as a sub-lieutenant for the 13th Hussars in Lucknow, India and specialized in Scouting, map-marking and military observation

• 1899 Feb 22 - Declared as a hero for successful defending the Mafeking Town during the Boer War and was promoted to Major-General by Queen Victoria

• 1907 Aug 01 - Held a seven dat experiment camp for 20 boys in Brownsea Island, Dorest, England

• 1908 - BP's Scouting for Boys was published in six installements

• 1910 Feb 22 - Baden Powell retired from army as Lieutenant General and focussed on the Scout Movement

• 1912 Feb 22 - Married Olave St Clair Soames and subsequently hadthree clidren - Arthur, Heather and Betty

• 1913 Feb 19 - Started Giliwell Park Training Centre for Scout Leaders in London, England

• 1920 Jul 30 - Baden Powell acclaimed Chief Scout of the World at the 1st World Scout Hamboree held in London, England

• 1925 Feb 22 - Opened the International Scout Chalet in Kanderateg, Switxerland (now known as the Knadersteg International Scout Centre)

• 1929 Feb 22 - Made Lord Baden Powell, 1st Baron of Giliwell by King George V

• 1937 - BP retired from public Scouting Life

• 1939 - BP moved to a cottage he had commissioned in Nyeri, Kenya near Mount Kenya

• 1941 Jan 08 - BP died and was buried in Nyeri, Kenya

• Be able to sing the National anthem alone

• Know what should be done when singing the National Anthem

• Know about the composer and the history of the National Anthem

• Know the meaning of the National Anthem

The national anthem of a country is considered a national symbol, which is intended to unify a group of people. The language used in an anthem is meant to evoke emotions of belongingness, national identification, and group membership.

The psychological effect of the national anthem on its citizens cannot be undermined. This is why most countries in the world spend years constructing an anthem and why some countries keep changing the lyrics of the anthem to align with the country’s values. Russia is the best example for this, with numerous changes made to the anthem throughout the years.

Sri Lanka’s National Anthem: From past to present

Sri Lanka’s National Anthem was composed by Ananda Samarakoon, a renowned lyricist, music composer, singer and painter. Professor Sunil Ariyaratne, in his book ‘Ananda Samarakoon Adyanaya’ (Ananda Samarakoon – A Critical Study), describes the journey of Ananda Samarakoon and our National Anthem.

Samarakoon studied at the Visva-Bharati University at Shantiniketan, founded by the Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore, in West Bengal, India. The original version, Namo Matha, was composed by Samarakoon in the year 1940 and was a popular patriotic song at the time. It was performed at the first Independence Day celebrations of the country in 1949. It is interesting to note that the song was translated to Tamil by Pandit M. Nallathambi, which was also performed at the same occasion. However, these were referred to as “National Songs” and not as national anthems in the commemoration notice printed by the Ceylon Government Press. It was only in 1951 that the same song Namo Namo Matha was officially adopted as the National Anthem of our country.

The struggles of the National Anthem of our country starts here. Critiques of the anthem argued that the gana (the arrangement of the first three syllables) of the introductory words of the anthem were inauspicious and claimed that the tragedies faced by the country, including the deaths of two Prime Ministers: D.S. Senanayake and S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, were a result of the introductory words Namo Namo Matha.

Samarakoon desperately defended his composition but to no avail. In 1960, the Government of Sirimavo Bandaranaike made the decision to change the introductory words of the anthem, from Namo Namo Matha to Sri Lanka Matha and thus, the National Anthem of our country became Sri Lanka Matha. The new National Anthem was sung for the first time at the Independence Day celebrations in 1961.

The changing of words, without his consent, devastated Samarakoon. He conveyed his disappointment and disgust over the matter to the then opposition leader, Dudley Senanayake, in a letter dated 3 March 1962, which was found on his study desk. The distressed Ananda Samarakoon committed suicide by taking an overdose of sleeping tablets and on 5 April 1962, he died, at the age of 51. One may argue that the first true casualty of our National Anthem was the composer himself and that the anthem was cursed from the very beginning!

Questionaire proposed by the SLSA Work book

1. Who is the composer of the National Anthem of Sri Lanka (Ananda Samarakoon)

2. When was the Namo Namo Matha first National Anthem given state recognition by the Government of Sri Lanka. (1951)

3. When was the first line of the National Anthem Namo Namo Matha changed to Sri Lanka Matha. (1961)

4. When was the National Anthem of Sri Lanka and its melody were officially included as an appendix in the constitution of our country? (1978)

5. What should be done when singing the National Anthem. (be in Alert/Attention position)

Scout members have long had an excellent reputation for appearance, discipline and good order that is recognized and admired by the public.

Scouts leaving the camp and going to public places must be properly and neatly dressed.

Troop Drill

Called by "Troop" or use troop call to attract attention and silence in Troop. A hand single is shown to get the Troop into required formation.

Troop then assumes the At Ease position-feet a comfortable distance apart, right hand clasped in left hand behind back, head up, eyes front.

"Troop-Alert"

Move left foot up smartly to right foot-heels touching, toes apart(feet should be at 30 degree angle), arms straight at sides in-line with the seam of the trouser, head up, look straight ahead

"Troop-At Ease"

Move left foot to left and take up position described above. This command may be followed by 'Easy'. Relax, the body, arms and head may now be moved but the feel must remain in the 'At Ease' position. The troop may not go direct from the 'Alert' position to the 'Easy' position.

TURNS. From the Alert.

"Troop-Right Turn".

Turn on right heel and left toe-snap left foot up to right.

"Troop-Left Turn"

Turn on left heel and right toe-snap right foot up to left

"Troop-about Turn/Troop-Right-about-Turn"

Turn right about on right heel and left toe-snap left foot up to right.

• The Scout should know his/her name, number, address and parents’ names, telephone numbers and how to contact them and 21 SRI LANKA SCOUT ASSOCIATION – SCOUT YOUTH PROGRAMME 2021 work place of parents

• Walk alone if parents have told you to do so, and it must be in a route that they have trained you to walk

• Recognise good touch bad touch - How to report bad touch to the leader (who, what, when, where, how often)

• Understands the importance of not associating with strangers or speaking to them – never divulge any personal information to any stranger. How to report if this occurs

• Know about types of Physical Abuse that may occur to Scouts and be able to report this correctly (who, what, when, where, how often)

• Know when the Scout becomes mentally uncomfortable in situations and and to be able to tell the Leader specifics of the situation (who, what, when, where, how often)

• Recognize Bullying - Be able to report if they think someone is Bullying them (who, what, when, where, how often)

The Difference of a Knot and a Whipping

Knots, hitches and splices are methods used to tie ropes or to fasten them together. These are used for thread, string and similar materials. Knots, hitches and splices resemble each other and are also called in general name Knot.

A whipping knot or whipping is a binding around the end of a rope to prevent it's natural tendency to fray.

Reef Knot

The reef knot is one of the most basic knots in Scouting. The reef knot is also called thesquare knot. This knot is an ancient and simple binding knot used to secure a rope or line around an object. It is sometimes also referred to as Hercules knot, Double knot, brother hood knot. This reef knot is related to Thief knot, Granny knot, Grief knot, surgeon’s knot, Shoelace knot.

This knot is formed by tying a left-handed over handed knot and then a right-handed over handed knot. A common procedure for this knot is “RIGHT OVER LEFT AND LEFT OVER RIGHT”.

This reef knot is used to tie the two ends of a single rope piece together such that they will secure something, for example a bundle of an objects and also to tie bandages, shoelaces, belts, sashes, whipping knots and lashings etc.

Sheep Shank

The sheepshank knot is mostly used to shorten a length of rope temporarily. Not being a stable knot, it falls apart under too heavy or too little load. Hence, it should be avoided.

Uses : Sheepshank knots are typically used for securing loads to trucks or trailers, and in sailing applications.

Bowline

The Bowline makes a reasonably secure loop in the end of a piece of rope. It has many uses, e.g., to fasten a mooring line to a ring or a post. Under load, it does not slip or bind. With no load it can be untied easily. Two bowlines can be linked together to join two ropes. Its principal shortcoming is that it cannot be tied, or untied, when there is a load on the standing end. It should therefore be avoided when, for example, a mooring line may have to be released under load.

Round Turn and Two Half Hitches

The Round Turn and Two (or more) Half Hitches is very useful for attaching a rope to a ring, bar, pole, or dock post. As the name suggests, the Round Turn and Two Half Hitches is composed of two important parts:

1. Round Turn: The initial ‘Round Turn’ – actually two passes of the tail – should take the initial strain while you complete the knot. This may be critical when handling a mooring line. An additional turn, or even two additional turns, should be added initially if you are handling a heavy load, e.g., with a large vessel or in a strong wind. These turns allow you to control the load while you add the:

2. Two or More Half Hitches. The two Half Hitches actually form a clove hitch round the standing end. However, it is common to see an additional one, or more Half Hitches – either to make the knot more secure or to use up excess line.

Sheet Bend

Uses: The Sheet Bend is recommended for joining two ropes of unequal size. The thicker rope must be used for the simple bight as shown. However, it works equally well if the ropes are of the same size.

Clove Hitch

Its origin can be traced back to the first quarter of the sixteenth century when it was tied in ratlines. The evidence of this fact lies in early sculptures and paintings.

The word clove is the past tense of cleave meaning split or divided. It is so named as there appear parallel lines of the rope at the back of the knot.

Uses

1. Functions as a crossing knot.

2. To start and finish a lashing such as the conventional square lashing in pioneering.

3. For the master point in a fixed rock climbing anchor. Can also connect a personal anchor.

4. By placing the knot on the spine of a carabiner you create a biner block that securely blocks against a rapid.

5. In solo climbing (as it is safe for self-belaying on a biner) and for rappel transitions.

6. Hoisting.

7. In decorative macramé patterns (for eg. tying a square knot inside a clove hitch diamond).

8. For tying bandages (arm slings) in case of injuries and for first aid.

9. To tie a fender to a rail on a moving boat.

10. In hammock hanging systems.

11. To set up teepees.

12. Tying upholstery springs.

13. Aircraft wiring.

Simple Whipping

Uses: The Common Whipping is the classic simple whipping and can be tied with no needle. With a little practice, and the appropriate size of whipping twine, it creates a very neat appearance with no visible ends.

Finishing the Whipping: The Common Whipping can be made very close to the end of the rope, which is ideal if the end has already been melted. When the end has not been melted – or is a material that cannot be melted by heat, it is better to secure the end temporarily with a constrictor knot or a piece of tape (as shown in the animation). Then trim off the excess when finished. For a rope that can be melted with heat, melt the end for additional security.

Golden Rules of Health

• BELIEVE IN YOURSELF : Believe in yourself and your power to heal yourself. No-one knows you better, or has your best interests at heart than you. Physicians and Alternative Health practitioners can only assist the body’s immune system heal itself.

• RESPECT YOUR BODY : It’s the only one you’ll have, and there’s no way to trade it in for a new model. And someone else’s expensive body parts don’t fit very well!

• DON'T SMOKE : The long term effects are devastating to your whole system. If you do nothing else, for your sake and your loved ones, do this now.

• HOW YOU LIVE : Look at how you live your life. If you continually abuse your body with poor eating, no exercise, excess alcohol, and drugs (prescription or otherwise), expect your body to retaliate. It’s only trying to warn you.

• PAIN : Pain and discomfort are signals the body sends to warn you of a problem. They are not illnesses in themselves. To cure the pain, you must cure the cause. Painkillers only make things worse; they mask the warnings and allow you to continue harming yourself, particularly if you take them for arthritis.

• PRESCRIPTION DRUGS : Prescription drugs do not cure disease: they either mask the symptoms or suppress them. They might make you feel a little better, but are really delaying the problem which has the capacity to escalate in your body and become life threatening. If you are taking Prescription drugs, make it your goal to ease your way off them over a period of time, and repair the damage they have surely done. This should be done with the supervision of your physician.

• HOSPITALS : Try to stay away from hospitals and the Super-bugs they have been produced using modern Drugs concocted by Pharmaceutical Companies. They know little about preventative Nutrition and do not have the time nor the incentives to keep abreast of “new” protocols using Nutritional Supplements as a valid treatment for disease.

• EATING : You are how you live. Eating, and other habits determine your long term health. Many habits are “inherited” as part of growing up, like fast food, and are often difficult to change. But do not believe that these habits and their health consequences are genetically predetermined for you. You after all, are the master of your own life.

• PROCESSING FOOD : What ever you put in your mouth must either be used to build your body, or must be eliminated from it through the stomach, the bladder, the lungs and the skin. The body has a miraculous capacity to do this with natural foods rich in enzymes. It has very limited ability to deal with modern food contaminants (preservatives, artificial sweeteners, fats, poultry and animal growth hormones etc.). What it can’t eliminate, it stores in the body, mainly in the adipose fat and in organs, lymph nodes, glands and joints. These deposits can degenerate into inflammation and even tumors. Clean them out regularly.

• WASTE : Keep you bowls regular to assist this process of elimination. Constipation is a long term killer. Do this through good eating and exercise, not harsh drugs. The cleaner your system, the less likely it will become a breeding ground for infection, parasites and viruses.

• WATER : Drink plenty of pure water pure water (at least 8 glasses a day) to keep the kidneys flushed. Do not drink tap water if possible. It is contaminated with two of the most toxic carcinogens (Chlorine and fluoride) known. And even this “purification” does not ensure that it will be free from parasites such as giardia and cryptosporidium.

• SODAS : Stop drinking Sodas, particularly Colas and those laced with artificial sweeteners.

• MEATS : Cut down on your consumption of animal proteins. You don’t need them in your diet, and they are highly contaminated by the time they reach your table. Substitute as much Soy based foods as you can. This is not a major sacrifice – there are wonderful non-meat dishes out there waiting to be enjoyed.

• FRUITS & VEGGIES : Increase your consumption of fresh food, particularly uncooked fruit and veggies. But remember, this food is grown in soils seriously depleted by poor farming practices; they no longer have their traditional nutrients and enzymes in them. If you can find genuine organically grown food, buy it if its fresh. If you can’t obtain quality produce, supplement it with a green drink.

• STRESS : Reduce your level of stress. A range of chemical imbalances in your system can elevate the level of stress you experience.

• SLEEP : Try to get a restful night’s sleep every night.

• EXERCISE : You need to be active at least three times a week. The more you puff and blow, the more good you are doing your system. The sweat glands and the lungs help flush toxins from your body.

Whistle Signals

The word "signal" comes from the Latin meaning "a mark" or "a sign", and refers to the various means whereby information is sent over a distance by some pre-arranged code when verbal statements would either be undesirable or impracticable or perhaps unnecessary. Quite obviously the method of making the signals will vary with the general circumstances and purpose of transmitting the information. To-day we use signals in connection with matters of everyday importance – control of traffic, control of the railways, for communication at sea or for inter-communication in time of war.

Whether you're getting help in an emergency or just sharing ideas with friends, Scouting helps you learn good ways to communicate clearly. And it's not just about speaking well.

Signalling is an art that is probably as old as civilization, and it seems that man has always had a desire and occasion to convey information to others by means of a system of signals. That mysterious method of communication still used in remote parts of Africa, communication by means of the drum; is a method which has been used for centuries. Our Founder had practical experience of this method, and most of us have been made familiar with the possibilities of such communication through the medium of the "Jungle" films. Within the last few years Scouts had the opportunity of imitating a primitive method of communication something like the African method when the huge bonfires were built and lit on our hills and moors as part of a national celebration. We imitated the famous beacon fires of Armada days. Compared with the African drum method our methods were quite crude and primitive; but the lighting of warning beacon fires is one clue to the origin of our modern methods of signalling.

For thousands of years people have signalled important news of peace or war or of feasting over long distances by one method or another.

A Scout should be at alert for a whistle call, if he/she hears a whistle call the Scout should stop whatever he/she is doing and obey the whistle call. The conventional way to get the Scouts attention is to blast a long whistle signla and follow up by the signal intended.

Hand Signals

Simple Troop formations are necessary to orderliness and smartness and for getting the Patrols lined up quickly for games and projects. These formations call for the Scout type of drill, using silent hand signals

Silent Signals for Troop Formations

The arm signals for Troop formations are intended to facilitate preparations for unified group action when the noise and the fury of the elements prevail. These signals are given by the senior Patrol Leader or whoever is designated as drill master.

The intelligent leaders should not limit himself to the use of signals suggested. Conditions like terrain, weather, kind of emergency, physical conditions of the Scouts, and the like, should enable him to determine more practical uses of signals.

Herewith are brief descriptions and some uses of the arm signals:

Straight Line Formation/ Single Rank Formation (Troop Line)

Extended both arms horizontally, parallel to the line he wishes the troop to take, palms turned front if he wants Patrols in front of him, palms turned back if he wants patrols behind him.

How to Execute: Patrol Leaders take up positions in front at center of their Patrols. Patrols fall in line two paces behind their Leaders, with two paces interval between patrols. Assistant Patrol Leaders stay at extreme right of Patrol, the other members on his left. The line dresses right without command.

Uses: For general line-up, for inspection in meeting room, also in preparing to move the Troop across a wide area

Height Order Formation

Extended both arms horizontally, arms slanted to the way and order commander wants.

How to Execute: Patrols fall in, in a single line according to the slanted line commander makes. The tallest person leads the line and go to the side which the commander's arm is raised. Members fall in according to the height order in combination with the slanted line.

Uses: For general line-up, for inspection in meeting room, also in preparing to move the Troop across a wide area

Parallel Formation (Patrol Files)

Arms forward at shoulder height, palms facing inward, fingers pointing front.

How to Execute: Patrol Leaders take positions two paces apart, their members fall in behind them

Uses: For relays, general briefings and other games

Open Column Formation

Both arms extended sideward but bent at right angles at elbows, closed fists are extended toward the sky.

How to Execute: Patrols fall in, one behind the other, dressing immediately on the front patrol and on the right. A distance equal to the length of each Patrol should be left between it and the Patrol in front of it. Patrol Leaders take two paces in front of the center of their Patrols.

When the Open Columns is commanded, If 3 Patrols are formed line by line:

• Last Patrol should move 2 steps to the back

• Second patrol should move 1 step to the back

• First Patrol doesn't move

When 7 Patrols are formed

• 7th (Last) Patrol should take 6 steps to the back

• 6th Patrol should take 5 steps to the back

• 5th Patrol should take 4 steps to the back

• 4th Patrol should take 3 steps to the back

• 3rd Patrol should take 2 steps to the back

• 2nd Patrol should tale 1 step to the back

• 1st Patrol does not move

Uses: For inspection and parade formation.

Closed Column Formation

Same as for open column of Patrols, except that closed fists are extended toward the sky.

How to Execute: Patrols fall in, in a single line. Patrols observe same order of sequence as in Troop Line, though Patrol Leaders fall in on the right of their patrols.Arms distance must be the correct space in between the patrols.

Uses: For Flag Ceremonies and Awarding Ceremonies.

Horse Shoe Formation

The Patrols are lined up to the shape of a horse shoe. The Duty Patrol leads the horse shoe and formed at the top right of the horse shoe.

How to Execute: Commander/Duty Patrol Leader stands infornt of the flag where he wants to conduct facing the back to the flag. The hands are raised to the sides making a 60 Degree angle, palms streched,facing outwards,fingers pointing to the ground/position where the horse shoe formation starts and end. The Commander then perfects the shape formation. Patrols fall in, in a single line to the shape of a horse shoe.Patrols take a double arm gap between Patrols and arm gaps between members. The commander/Duty Patrol Leader is stood in the place where the horse shoe shape has an opening.

Uses: For Flag Ceremonies and Awarding Ceremonies.

Cart Wheel Formation

Patrols are lined up in Parallel Formation but in the shape of Cartwheel Spokes. This Formation is very common in Camporees/ Jamborees where Sub Camp Rallies are concerned.

How to Execute: Commander raises his arm and stretch the arm and the fingers making the gap in-between the fingers visible. This indicates that a Cart Wheel Formation should be initiated.

Uses: For Flag Ceremonies, Awarding Ceremonies, briefing of a project.

Circle Formation

One arm is extended, fists closed and rotated backwards making a shape of a circle.

How to Execute: Patrol form a complete circle around the Leader in same order as in Council formation.

Uses: For Ceremonies and circle games.

Box Formation

Both arms extended sideward but bent at right angles at elbows, palms open facing the head.

How to Execute: Patrols fall in, in a single line. Patrols observe same order of sequence as in Troop Line, though Patrol Leaders fall in on the right of their patrols

Uses: For Flag Ceremonies and Awarding Ceremonies.

Recording Scouting Adventures

When it comes to adventurous activities, we should be keeping a record of all our experiences – but why do we that, how do we do it, is it really that important, and should it only be adventurous activities that we keep track of?

Why Keep Records of Adventures?

Keeping track of your adventures and opportunities provides a record of what you have done, where it’s been conducted and when. Through these records, you’ll be able to reflect back on the personal development during each expedition and the furthering of skills that has occurred. Furthermore, recording your adventures serves as a journey of your learning, and might also help when looking to gain formal industry qualifications.

A Scout Log Book is an ordinary combined 400 pages CR Book. Log Books can be bought from the Sri Lanka Scout Association (Headquarters) Scout shop but it is discouraged to do so. Therefore a Scout should make his own Log Book. However there are is a proper format to do it.

• Log Book Cover should clearly mention "SCOUT LOG BOOK" or "LOG BOOK" in block letters

• Scout's name with initials, registration number and the Scout Group should be shown in the Log Book Cover

• The first page of the Log Book must include the bio data of the respective Scout in the below mentioned format.

Bio Data

• Name: Full Name

• Date of Birth: DD/MM/YYYY

• Address:

• Contact No: Mobile phone numbers of parents/Landline number

• Father's Name:

• Mother's Name:

• Scout Group: 39th Colombo (S.Thomas Preparatory School)

• Date of Joining:

• Date of Investiture: (Include when you are invested)

• Registration no:

• Patrol:

• Patrol Leader:

• Troop Leader:

The second Page should contain information about the Scout Group

Title: The Scouter's Council

• Group Scout Leader:

• Group Advisors:

• Scout Master:

• Asst. Scout Master(s):

• Senior Scouts:

• Patrol Leaders:

After writing of the Scout Law and the Scout Promise the scout should write about his first scout meeting.

The back of the back cover page, the scout is advised to design a progress card holder made by himself with a modified envelope or a design by him.

It is not a must to decorate your log book with stickers but to stylize your log book in your own way.

Copy-writing or Copy pasting from a source is discouraged and is a bad practice. A Scout himself should learn to explore about the field he is looking for and summarize his findings in a creative, neat way. Avoid overcrowding pages with photos only, have the photos in a separate album and paste two or three on the Log Book.

What you should include in your Log Book ?

• Badgework notes (Youth Programme)

• Daily Logs : A summary of the Saturday Scout meeting

• Camp Logs: A summary of what happened in the Camps

• Special Occasions : A summary of special occasions (Founder's Day, JOTA JOTI, Community Service Projects, Good deeds, Parent's Day, Annual Campfire)

You can view more details how you could maintain your Log Book here

Daily Logs

Do a treasure hunt using the wood craft signs as given in Scouting for Boys and with a few obstacles (about 500 meters)

Tracking signs are a great way to communicate to other groups on an outdoor adventure! Simply by laying down sticks or rocks in a particular way, we can tell others which direction we’ve gone, what dangers are ahead and when we’ve gone home.

These patterns will not look the same according to the materials used. In most scenarios when hiking, to show the team or to find back home: the main hiker or one person break a branch and hang so that they can find the way back home easily with the hung branch.

The importance of saving money cannot be understated. In fact, with so many proven benefits, saving money is one of the best financial habits you can adopt. But, if saving money doesn’t come easy to you, or you just don’t see the point, it’s natural to ask yourself, why is saving money important?

First and foremost, saving money is important because it helps protect you in the event of a financial emergency. Additionally, saving money can help you pay for large purchases, avoid debt, reduce your financial stress, leave a financial legacy, and provide you with a greater sense of financial freedom.

• Freedom to Pursue Your Dream Career

• Long-Term Security

• Emergencies

• Stress Reduction

• Helping Others

• Education

• Major Life Events

Saving money is important because it provides security, stress relief, and freedom. And while there are countless reasons to save, you just need to find a reason that resonates with you. Whether it’s helping others, improving your marital finances, leaving a positive financial legacy, or just having a little more fun, you owe it to yourself to prioritize saving.

Having your own savings account makes you more money aware and can encourage you to develop good savings habits as grown-ups.

There are many types of Savings accounts specifically categorized under different categories.

• Regular Savings

• Children's Savings

• Teenage Savings

• Senior Citizens Savings

• Fixed deposits

• Investment Accounts

To open a regular Savings account you must be over 18m and for Children's Savings account, Teenage Savings account there's no minimum age limit but when you turn 18 you will be asked to convert this into a Regular Savings account depending on the bank.

List of Banks and Accounts for Children (Under 18)

• Bank of Ceylon - Ran Kekulu SMART Children’s Savings Account

• People's Bank - Sisu Udana Children's Savings Account

• National Savings Bank (NSB) - Hapan Children's Savings Account

• Seylan Bank - Tikiri Children's Savings Account

• Commercial Bank - Arunalu Children's Savings Account

• Sampath Bank - Supiri / Pubudu Children's Savings Account

General Requirements for Opening an Children's Savings Account

• If you are under 18, you cannot open your own Children's account unless you area ccompanied by a Parent or Guardian

• You must deposit an amount to your account when creating

Good to Know

• An interest is given to you for your amount deposited by the bank and calculated monthly

• Interest on a savings account is the amount of money a bank or financial institution pays a depositor for holding their money with the bank

• You cannot withdraw any amount from your Children's Savings Account if you are under 18.

• At the age of 18, you must convert your Children's Savings Account to a regular Savings Account

Simple Interest Equation (Principal + Interest)

Where:

• A = Total Accrued Amount (principal + interest)

• P = Principal Amount

• I = Interest Amount

• r = Rate of Interest per year in decimal; r = R/100

• R = Rate of Interest per year as a percent; R = r * 100

• t = Time Period involved in months or years

• Principal (P) = 5000

• Rate (R) = 4.00% (0.004)

• Time (t) = 1 Month (first month) = 1/12 (1 year is 12 months) = 0.0833 years

Equation: A = P(1 + rt)

Solving our equation: A = 5000(1 + (0.04 × 0.0833)) = Rs. 5016.67

Our Interest for the 1st Month (5000 x 0.004 x 0.0833) = Rs. 16.67

Starting balance on the 2nd Month = Rs. 5016.67

The sooner you start to save, the more you'll earn with compound interest.

For example, if you have a savings account, you'll earn interest on your initial savings and on the interest you've already earned. You get interest on your interest.

This is different to simple interest. Simple interest is paid only on the principal at the end of the period. The power of compounding helps you to save more money. The longer you save, the more interest you earn. So start as soon as you can and save regularly. You'll earn a lot more than if you try to catch up later.

Arunalu Children's Savings Account by Commercial Bank of Sri Lanka

Highlights

• A higher interest rate will be offered for your child than the rate offered for Regular Savings Accounts.

• Account holders will receive special cash prizes if they score 1st, 2nd and 3rd highest aggregate marks in the school at Year 5 Scholarship Examination.

Eligibility

You can open an Arunalu Account on behalf of any child from an infant to 18 years of age.

Features

Cash prizes of Rs 10,000/-, Rs 7,500/-and Rs 5,000/-will be awarded to the Arunalu Account Holders who have gained the 1st, 2nd and the 3rd highest marks in each school at the Year 5 Scholarship Examination.

Minimum balance of Rs. 5,000/- should be maintained in the Arunalu Account prior to the date of the Examination.

Opening an Arunalu Children's Savings Account

Minimum initial deposit – Rs 100/-.

All new Arunalu Accounts opened with an initial deposit of Rs 1,000/- or above will be provided with a Beato till free of charge.

To open an account please collect an Arunalu Children's Savings Account opening form, from your nearest Commercial Bank branch or download it from below, complete the form and hand it in with the original birth certificate of the child together with a photocopy. The original birth certificate will be returned to you. Remember to take your National Identity Card, driving license or valid passport that contains your National Identity Card number. This is important for us to identify you and ensure your account’s security.

Interest rates

Bank Account Passbook

Tha book you are given upon creating a children's account is called a "Passbook". It is the best practice to

• Always keep your passbook somewhere safe

• Make sure you ask for a passbook cover if the bank does not give you a cover with the passbook

• Not show everyone your passbook

Back of the Front cover includes details about the Savings account and the basic details of you.

The back page of the front cover consists of;

• Account Number : 7010200037635

• Name of Minor : MAST A K Perera

• Date of Birth of Minor: 10-03-2008

• ID No Name of Parent/Guardian: 798564568V B L PERERA

• Address: No. 123, MARADANA RD, COLOMBO 07

The passbook has a format to record all your transactions and interest details added to your account

In the detail column you see INT - Interest or method of deposit. It defines the purpose of your Credit or Debit. Credit means your account is credited (deposited) an amount. Debit means your accunt is debited (expense). Example: When you deposit money to your bank account, your account gets credited.

Ways to deposit money to your Bank Account

• Via going to Bank with your passbook and by filling a deposit slip

• Via the CDM (Cash Deposit Machine) machine at an ATM (Automated Teller Machine)

• Online Transfer

How to deposit money at the aforementioned places ?

You will need to know your Savings Account number defined in the back of your passbook front cover along with your Name with initials and the Bank name, Branch.

For the above records you will need to format it this way:

7010200037635

A K PERERA

Hatton National Bank

Borella Branch

Doing a good deed every day (It may be a small thing like saving 22 SRI LANKA SCOUT ASSOCIATION – SCOUT YOUTH PROGRAMME 2021 an insect from drowning) and writing one sentence in the Log Book about what the Scout has done

(Try to do at least 5 good deeds every week. This should continue throughout, even after the Scout had left the Scout Troop. It should become a life long habit).

Self assessment - Every night before you go to sleep, think of the Good Deed that you had done that day. If you had not done any good deed for that day, try to do two Good Deeds the next day.

Get into the habit of getting the blessings of your parents before leaving Home. This should be done according to your culture, religion etc. Whenever a parent is not available for this, please seek the advice of your Scout Master about what procedure to follow.

Good habits everyone needs for success!

This list of good habits will serve you well whether you are a parent, student, entrepreneur or just a regular person. Learning these habits now will help everyone get ahead in life.

1. Get on a good schedule.

We need structure and routine in our lives. Our bodies expect it. They perform best when we operate on a regular schedule. We especially need to eat and sleep about the same time each day. This routine stays with a person their whole life and helps them to develop good work habits. Find a schedule that works for you and stick to it!

2. Eat a healthy diet.

Our brains need the right food to perform at their peak. Don’t go to school or work on an empty stomach. Students need to train themselves early to eat a balanced and healthy diet. We tend to carry the habits we learn when we are young forward with us for most of our lives. Learning to eat right now can avoid many health issues down the road.

3. Learn to exercise.

We need physical activity to stay healthy. The benefits of regular exercise are well documented. We need to find exercise routines that are fun and match our individual tastes. Developing a good exercise routine is a habit that will increase both the quantity and quality of your life.

4. Practice gratitude.

It is so easy to get in the bad habit of envying what others have. The grass often seems greener on the other side of the fence. It is vitally important to learn gratitude. Practice thinking about the things you have to be thankful about. This helps us to train ourselves to be grateful.

5. Develop good study habits.

Studying effectively is a skill. People that live life to the fullest are lifelong learners. They never stop trying new things. One needs to study and gather new knowledge in an effective and efficient manner. Learning how to study and acquire the knowledge to succeed doesn’t just occur naturally. It needs to be taught. Take a study skills course or ask others for tips on improving your study habits.

6. Never give up!

“Winners never quit and quitters never win.” A quote by Vince Lombardi and it is certainly true. It takes perseverance in life to enjoy any kind of success. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Perseverance is a habit. It is one that can be developed just like any other.

7. Manage money wisely.

Good money habits can never start too early. There are a lot of good resources out there to help.

8. Respect the environment.

It seems to be hip to be “green”, but being a good steward of our environment is really not that new. Wise parents have been teaching these principles to their children for ages. We only have this one world and we depend on it for our survival. Every person needs to do their part to protect what we have. Develop habits now that will help you to be a good environmental citizen for a lifetime!

9. Strive for excellence!

Why do a job if you aren’t going to do it right? We need to develop the habit of giving every task our best effort. Excellence should be the standard we strive for in all we do.

10. Live the Golden Rule.

“Do unto others…” is a guideline we should all follow. Think of the conflict and tragedy that could have been avoided if people simply applied the Golden Rule in all their relationships. If we make this a habit, then we will find a lot more success in life. Respecting people of all races and beliefs is a hallmark of living life to the fullest.

11. Practice good hygiene.

You really can dress for success! Habits like brushing your teeth twice a day and washing your hands regularly not only contribute to health, but also lead to routines that give one a sharper appearance. First impressions are powerful and are mostly derived from the way a person looks. Like it or not this is true. Start today to ensure you do what it takes to leave a lasting good impression.

12. Always tell the truth!

The truth often comes out whether we want it to or not. Lying generally just complicates the situation and makes us look bad. It is much better to just develop the habit of telling the truth even when it is difficult. This will save you a lot of heartache and misery in life.

13. Ask for what you want.

Develop the habit of asking for what you want. How else are you going to get it? It is really that simple. This is truly a behavior you want to come naturally. It will build confidence and self-esteem that will serve your kids forever!

14. Be a regular reader.

Being a good reader is a skill that often separates the good students from those that struggle. Becoming a good reader takes practice. The more you read and are read to, the better you get. Reading has numerous benefits. It builds one’s vocabulary, expands the imagination, and rekindles creativity. Make reading a routine!

15. Be punctual.

Arriving on time is important to one’s success. People always notice when you are late. It is an indicator of whether you mean what you say and can be trusted. Do not introduce doubt about this into people’s minds by showing up later than expected. Create the habit of being punctual now and you won’t have to worry.

16. Respect authority.

Failure to respect those in authority positions can lead to all kinds of problems in life. It doesn’t matter whether it is your teacher, a police officer, or a Headmaster. People in authority have a job to do and often worked hard to get into the position they are in. They deserve to be treated with proper manners and reverence. Learning to say, “Yes ma’am” and “Yes sir” will get you noticed in a positive way.

17. Tend to your spiritual needs.

We cannot ignore our spiritual needs and truly live a full and rewarding life. We must recognize that there is a higher power and pursue our faith regularly. We may not exercise our beliefs in exactly the same way, but it is advisable to encourage yourself to find what works for you and explore it to it’s depths. A solid spiritual life will serve you well.

Since its founding in 1908, Scouting has been a non-formal educational movement. The Scout Programme is the procedure through which our Movement implements its educational purpose.

Robert Baden-Powell (B-P) set out the elements of the programme in Scouting for Boys, first published in 1908, and updated as a single volume over the next 15 years. Reading it, we can find an explanation of What, How, and Why we are doing all that we are now doing in Scouting.

B-P’s intuition was exceptional over 110 years ago in that Scouting’s over educational model was conceived with the elements of what cognitive science says today is how humans best learn. Scouting’s educational approach is focused on the development of life skills - the character elements that recent research in Education, Psychology, and Economics have called ‘personality traits’, ‘executive functions’, or ‘non-cognitive skills’, which have been proven to be fundamental for learning and life success.

In the 21st Century, while the educational purpose of our Movement’s essential characteristics live on, the needs of young people and the methods of programme delivery have changed. There is a need for a general framework that unites Scouts around the globe, a framework that transcends different cultures and conditions, which will withstand the test of time. The World Scout Youth Programme Policy sets out the common elements of Scouting education that a National Scout Organisation (NSO) should implement according to its own circumstances, sharing the concept of Scouting as education for life with youth all over the world.

From: World Scout Youth Programme Policy. World Scout Bureau Inc. Feb 2015.

You can read the complete Youth Programme Policy here.

• Know the Scout Promise and Scout Law and be able to recite them by memory and show that he/she uses it in day to day work

• Know what to do when taking the Scout Promise

• Understand that the Scout Promise is the basis of Scouting

Scout Promise

The Promise Explained:

Becoming a super hero is a fairly straight forward process:

"On my honour I promis to do my best" You will do as well as you are able, because it is very important to you. You will not always succeed with what you are doing, however you will always know whether you have given your best attempt!

"To do my duty to my religion and Country" Duties are those tasks which you have to do. You should try to do those thing you know need doing before someone else tells you to do them. Your duty is to your religion which you must respect and follow its teachings. A scout must also perform is duty to his country this includes obeying the laws of your country (and any other country which you visit).

"To help other people at all times;" Whenever you see someone in need of help, don't let them struggle, find out if there is anything you can do to help.

"and to obey the Scout Law." You will always do your utmost to obeys the rules of the Scout Law.

With thanks to: Scouts UK

Scout Law

The Scout Laws Explained:

1. A Scout is trustworthy

   Always keep your promises, if you agree to do something, then make sure that you do it.

2. A Scout is loyal

   As a Scout, you are dedicated to Scouting, your family, friends and your work.

3. A Scout is friendly and considerate

   As a Scout you must always think about how what you do may affect others (including people that you do not know). This includes such things as not making noise which may disturb your neighbours and always disposing of your litter carefully.

4. A Scout is a brother to every other Scout

   The Scout movement is like a large family, and as such you will find that you can share in Scout activities throughout the world.

5. A Scout is courageous

   Scouts are polite to everyone regardless of age or position. They know good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

6. A Scout is kind to animals

   Scouts understand there is strength in being gentle. They treat animals as they want to be treated. They do not hurt or kill harmless animals without reason.

7. A Scout is cooperative

   Scouts follow the rules of their family, school, and troop. They obey the laws of their community and country. If they think these rules and laws are unfair, they try to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

8. A Scout is cheerful

   Scouts look for the bright side of things. They cheerfully do tasks that come their way. They try to make others happy.

9. A Scout is thrifty

   Scouts work to pay their way and to help others. They save for unforeseen needs. They protect and conserve natural resources. They carefully use time and property.

10. A Scout is clean in thought word and deed

    Scouts keep their body and mind fit and clean. They go around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. They help keep their home and community clean.

Remember the short form of the Scout Laws, and repeat them when the attendance book is marked:

"Trusty, Loyal, Helpful,

Brotherly, Courageous, Kind,

Obedient, Smiling, Thrifty,

As pure as the Rustling Wind"

The National Flag of Sri Lanka represents the country and her heritage as a rallying device that integrates the minority races with the majority race.

The flag is an improvisation of the civil standard of the last king of Sri Lanka, Sri Wickrama Rajasingha.

The civil standard had a passant royal lion with a sword in it's right fore paw at the center, and a bo-leaf on each of the four corners on a plain border.

When Sri Lanka gained her independence from Great Britain on February 4, 1948, it was the lion flag of the last king of Sri Lanka that was hoisted.

The first Prime Minister of independent Sri Lanka, D.S.Senanayake, appointed a committee to advice the government on the design of a new national flag. The design approved by the committee in February 1950 retained the symbol of the lion with the sword and the bo-leaves from the civil standard of the last king of Sri Lanka, with the inclusion of two vertical stripes green and orange in colour.

The significance of each symbol of the national flag is as follows:

• The lion in the flag represents the Sinhala race.

• The sword of the lion represents the sovereignty of the country.

• Curly hair on the lion's head indicates religious observance, wisdom and meditation.

• The beard denotes purity of words.

• The handle of the sword highlights the elements of water, fire, air and earth.

• The nose indicates intelligence.

• The two front paws purport to purity in handling wealth.

• The vertical stripe of orange represents the minority Tamil race and the green vertical stripe the minority Muslim race.

• The border round the flag, which is yellow in colour, represents other minor races.

• The bo-leaves at the four corners of the flag represent Buddhism and it's influence on the nation. They also stand for the four virtues - Kindness, Friendliness, Happiness and Equanimity.

• The maroon coloured portion of the flag manifests the other minor religions.

The national flag was hoisted for the first time on March 3, 1950.

Occasions for Display of the National Flag

The National Flag should be displayed-

• on days of National importance, such as the National Dat and on such other days as are prescribed by the Government

• at all State functions

When displayed Outdoors,

• Whenever the National Flag is flown, it should occupy the position of honour and be distinctly placed.

• On the occasion of a visit of a foreign Head of State/Government when his/her National Flag is displayed the Sri Lanka National Flag also should be displayed.

• The National Flag should always be hoisted slowly and ceremoniously as for lowering.

• The National Flag should be flown with the two vertical stripes next to the flag-pole. (Figure1)

• The National Flag must be given pride of the place. No other flag should be placed over it. If there are flags of other nations they should be flown at same level and to the left of the National Flag of Sri Lanka, with all the flag masts being of equal height. Flags should be of approximately equal size but generally not larger than the National Flag. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace. (Figure 2)

• Religious flags should be displayed at the same level. (Figure 3)

• The flag may be flown on buildings at night also but only on very special occasions. On all such occasions, the flag should always be floodlit while it remains hoisted.

• When a number of flags of localities or pennants of societies, school and club flags, etc., are grouped and displayed from staffs with the National Flag, the National Flag should be at the centre and at the highest point in the group. (Figure 4)

• When flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the National Flag should be hoisted first and lowered last.

• When the National flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a windowsill, balcony or front of a building, the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-mast. The staff should be at an angle 45 degrees and not horizontal. (Figure 5)

• When the National Flag is displayed over the middle of a street it should be flown horizontally along its length with the lion upright. (Figure 6)

• On days of national mourning the National Flag should be flown at half-mast The National Flag when flown at half-mist should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant then lowered to the half-mast position, but before lowering the National Flag for the day it should be raised again to the peak. Whenever the flag is required to be half masted it is to be lowered a third of the height of the mast as measured from the peak of the mast. The occasions on which the National Flag should be flown at half-mast will be decided by the Government. (Figure 7)

Display in Processions :

• The National Flag should never be carried flat or horizontal but always aloft and free.

• The National Flag when carried in procession with another flag should be on the marching right. If there is another line of other flags the National Flag should be in front of the centre of that line. (Figure 8)

• The National Flag should not be dipped to any person or object. Regimental colours, flags of schools and organizations or institutional flags are dipped as a mark of honour but not the National Flag.

Ceremonial hoisting of the National Flag:

• The National Flag should be attached to the halyard before hoisting and the flag should be folded and either placed on a high object(never on the ground) or held by hand.

• The flag should be hoisted only from the pocket and not from the the fly. Hanging the National Flag on a string will therefore be inappropriate. When flying from the pocket the masts should be vetical or at an angle if projecting from a building on a staff towards a roadway or compound.

• The chief guest at the function should hoist the National Flag smartly. During the ceremony all should stand attention, face the flag and refrain from smoking, drinking, eating, conversing, laughing or acting in a way that distracts from the solemnity of the occasion. Service personnel in uniform will salute as prescribed in respective service orders. (Figure 9)

• During the ceremony the playing magul bera and blowing of the traditional conch shell should be encouraged whenever possible. No other music should be played. (Figure 1)

• Immediately after the National Flag is hoisted the National Anthem should be played or sung by a choir and preferably by all those present.

• During rendition of the National Anthem when the National Flag is displayed all persons present except those is uniform should stand attention facing the National Flag. Persons in uniform should render the appropriate salute. Men not in uniform wearing head-dress and not saluting should remove their head-dress.

National Sport

Sport in Sri Lanka is a significant part of Sri Lankan culture. Volleyball is the national sport in Sri Lanka. Cricket is the most popular sport in Sri Lanka. Rugby union is also popular. Other popular sports are water sports, badminton, athletics, football, basketball and tennis. Sri Lanka’s schools and colleges regularly organize sports and athletics teams, competing on provincial and national levels.

The game of Volleyball was introduced to Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) in 1916 by Mr R.W. Camack the then Director of Physical Education at the Colombo Y.M.C.A. However there is evidence that Sri Lanka was playing a similar game long before this introduction. Mr Camack also demonstrated and instructed how to play the game initially to Teacher Trainees of the Teaching Training College and students of the school around Colombo.

National Flower

The Water Lily is a beautiful flower which is usually violet-blue in color with reddish edges. The plant has been used since ancient times to enhance the beauty of ponds. Some varieties have white, purple, mauve, or fuchsia-colored flowers. Water Lily is native to southern and eastern parts of Asia.

The beautiful Nil Manel or blue water lily, was declared as the national flower of Sri Lanka in 1986. Again in 2016, the national flower was officially announced as the Water Lily, more commonly known as the Manel flower, and not limited to the Nil Manel. According to Buddhist legends, this flower was one of the 108 auspicious signs found on Prince Siddhartha’s footprint. It is said that when Lord Buddha died, lotus flowers blossomed everywhere that he had walked in his lifetime.

National Tree

Scientific name : Mesua ferrea

Na Tree was decided as the National Tree of Sri Lanka on February 26, 1986, because this tree is most closely related to the Sri Lankan people socially and habitually for thousands of years. This tree has special value for the people of Sri Lanka. This is closely related to the Sri Lankan people in some centuries before who did not use it a little like an ancient Aryuveda medicinal plant, wooden buildings in ancient temples and bridges.

The flowers are among the parts of worship in religious rituals and adorn the national park with the beauty of trees and flowers. In Indonesia alone, especially in Java, the Na Tree, known as the Nagasari tree, has little benefit in both its wood and fruit and flowers. Some ethnic groups believe it is a repellent tree.

This tree which is a rare plant in Sri Lanka is one of the fortified species because of its connection with national identity and Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to preserving the environment.

The flowers are white, fragrant, and are used as herbal ingredients. While the wood is the hardest and longest so that it is not used little for temples, bridges and so on in the past.

The shape of the leaves varies, from thin to thick, measuring 1 × 5 cm to 5 × 18 cm, but often 3 × 10 cm. The leaves are narrow, elongated, oval, long and pointed round. Young leaves at the top are pink and turn green if they are old. The combination that creates the Na tree looks beautiful.

Buah Na is an oval capsule containing 1-3 seeds. The fruit and seeds of Na contain 76% oil and have a high value because they can be used as medicine.

Na trees can be up to 30 meters high and 70 cm in diameter. The inner skin is dark brown. The next coat is filamentous reddish brown and publishes clear color sap. The brown wood is pseudo-brown in pink. The hardwood is red, hardest, solid and thick — the smallest branch, round and hard to see.

National Bird

The Sri Lankan Jungle fowl (Gallus lafeyetii) was first described in 1831 by Lesson and is a member of the family Gallus, the same family as the domestic chicken. The ancestor to all domestic chickens is the Red Jungle fowl (Gallus gallus). It has the distinct honor of being the national bird of Sri Lanka and is depicted in postage stamps etc. There are 4 species of Gallus so far recorded from Asia. The Red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus), the Grey jungle fowl (Gallus sonneratii), the green jungle fowl (Gallus varius) and the Sri Lankan jungle fowl (Gallus lafeyetii). The Sri Lanka Jungle fowl is endemic to Sri Lanka, and is not found anywhere else in the world.

As the norm for the genus Gallus, the males and females can be easily identified due to their different colours. Males are reddish orange to yellow in colour, sporting a red comb (crest) and a yellow patch in the centre. Their tail is metallic blue-black. The females are usually different shades of brown in colour with black markings and buff bands on top. They have reddish-brown and black wavy lines, streaked with brownish-buff below, and the rest being largely black-streaked.

The Jungle fowl is a terrestrial species, and is found always scratching the ground for food as with the domestic chicken. They are omnivorous by habit and feed on a myriad of food, ranging from worms, fruits, frogs, and other vertebrates and invertebrates.

The female lays 2 to 4 eggs on nests abandoned by other birds or even squirrels, or on nests built on the forest floor of Sri Lanka's hill country. Males play an active role in protecting the nests an in rearing chicks.

The call of the Jungle fowl is said to sound like the name John Joyce, which is repeated every few seconds. They are also known to flap their wings, this sound is made when a male announces his arrival or when there is a territorial dispute amongst males.

Emblem of Sri Lanka

The national emblem of Sri Lanka is used by the State of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan government in connection with the administration and government of the country. The current emblem has been in use since 1972 and created under the ideas and guidance of Nissanka Wijeyeratne. At the time, he was Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Chairman of the National Emblem and Flag Design Committee. The designer of the emblem was Venerable Mapalagama Wipulasara Maha Thera, and the artwork was by S. M. Seneviratne.

The emblem features a gold lion passant, holding a sword in its right fore paw (the same lion from the flag of Sri Lanka) in the centre on a maroon background surrounded by golden petals of a Blue Lotus the national flower of the country. This is placed on top of a traditional grain vase that sprouts sheaves of rice grains that circle the border reflecting prosperity.

The crest is the Dharmachakra, symbolizing the country's foremost place for Buddhism and just rule. Traditional Sinhalese heraldic symbols for the sun and the moon form the supporters. Sun and Moon, and Lion depicting.

Know in brief, the history of the Scout Movement in Sri Lanka

In 1912, just five years after the formation of Scouting in England in 1907 by its founder Lord Baden Powell, Francis George Stevens, District Civil Engineer, planted the seed of Scouting in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) by forming the first-ever Scout Troop at Christ Church College, Matale in the Central Province with a group of 8 boys. Francis George Stevens was born in Tavistock, Devon, England on 2nd of June, 1891.Parents were Mr and Mrs Lambert Stevens of Liverpool.

At a time when Sri Lanka was a colony of the British Empire, an English engineer by the name F.G. Stevens was posted at Christ Church, Matale, a town approximately 100km North East of Colombo. His residence being right next door to the Christ Church Missionary School, he faced many a problem as the students made full of his garden and everything there. After problems including missing fruits and the constant disturbance of his much needed rest, he decided to do something about putting the boy's "spare time" to better use. Thus he came up with the idea starting a "Boy Scout Corps," already a major success in England.

• 1912 - Scouting in Sri Lanka by F.G. Stevens (1st Chief Commissioner of Sri Lanka) at Christ Church College, Matale.

• 1914 - Scouting brought to Colombo by F.G. Stevens, at Christ Church, Galle Face, Colombo.

• 1914 - F.G. Stevans established the 1st Galle Mahinda Scout Group at Mahinda College, Galle

• 1915 – First Scout Census

• 1916 - Cub Scouting Started. Western Province Rally at Havelock Park, Colombo.

• 1917 - First all Ceylon Rally at Havelock Race Course, Colombo.

• 1917 - F. G. Stevans was awardedn the SIlver wolf on the eve of his departure to Egypt on War Service by Lord Baden-Powell

• 1918 - Sea Scouting started in Sri Lanka at Trincomalee

• 1919 - First competition for the King's flag and was won by Kandy Dharmaraja College.

• 1920 - Senior Scouting started. Ceylon represented for the 1st time at an International Jamboree. (The 1st Imperial Jamboree in Olympia, U.K.)

• 1921 - B.P.'s visit to Sri Lanka. An all Scout and Guide Rally was held at Galle Face Green to welcome him. Scouting started in Prisons.

• 1924 - First Wood Badge Course in Mutwal.

• 1925 - The First Wood Badge awarded to a Ceylon scout by Gilwell. Vernon Grenier becomes Chief Commissioner.

• 1930 - First Wood Badge Course in Sinhala. Scout HQ moves to an old guardroom at Galle Face, Colombo.

• 1932 - All Ceylon Scout Craft exhibition at Katugastota, Kandy. J.H. De Saram becomes Chief Commissioner.

• 1934 - Second visit of Lord B.P. First visit of Lady B.P.

• 1942 - K. Somasundaram becomes Chief Commissioner.

• 1945 - Scout Head Quarters moved to Baladaksha Mawatha (Opposite Army HQ Slave Island)

• 1948 - Col. C.P. Jayawardene becomes the Chief Commissioner. New Buildings of National Headquarters. Pedro Camp-site at Nuwera-Eliya opened. Job Week scheme started. First Rover Moot held in Kandy. Sinhala and Tamil edition of Scouting for Boys published.

• 1952 - Ceylon Jamboree (1st National Jamboree) at Kumbi Kale (near the present BMICH, Colombo) to celebrate 40 years in Scouting.

• 1953 - International Status awarded to Ceylon Scouting (Ceylon Scout Association)

• 1954 - E.W. Kannangara becomes Chief Commissioner.

• 1957 - Taking part in Jubilee Jamboree in England. Scout Council Act of Incorporation passed in Parliament (Recognized by the Parliament as an incorporated organization). Mr. Gerald Fernando joined the World Scout Bureau.

• 1958 - Second visit of Lady Olave Baden Powell.

• 1962 - Golden Jubilee Jamboree (2nd National Jamboree) at Race Course, Colombo.

• 1967 - Fitzroy H. Gunesekera becomes Chief Commissioner.

• 1968 - Third visit of Lady B.P. to Sri Lanka.

• 1972 - Diamond Jubilee at Bogambara, Gampola. C.M.P. Wanigatunga becomes Chief Commissioner.

• 1977 - H. Ratnasuriya becomes Chief Commissioner. National HQ shifted to Chithampalan Gardiner Mawatha.

• 1982 - Theodore Seneviratne becomes Chief Commissioner. Special Commemorative Stamp in honour of B.P. on 125th Birth Anniversary.

• 1983 - 3rd National Jamboree at Anuradhapura.

• 1984 - 2nd National Cubboree.

• 1987 - Rex Jayasinghe becomes Chief Commissioner.

• 1990 - 1st SAARC Jamboree at Vihara Maha Devi Park, Colombo. Chief Commissioner Rex Jayasinghe dies just before Jamboree. J. Lionel Silva becomes Chief Commissioner.

• 1992 - 4th National Jamboree in Kurunegala. M. Mazzahim Mohideen becomes Chief Commissioner.

• 1997 - K.H. Camillus Fernando becomes Chief Commissioner.

• 1998 - 5th National Jamboree, Pallekelle, Kandy.

• 2002 - 6th National Jamboree held in Balapitiya to celebrate 90 years in Sri Lankan Scouting. H.S. Weerakoon was appointed as Chief Commissioner.

• 2006 - 7th National Jamboree at Nuwara Eliya.

• 2007 - World Scout Centenary. Mr. C. Batuwangala was appointed as Chief Commissioner.

• 2010 - 8th National Jamboree at Angunukolapelessa, Hambantota.

• 2012 - Sri Lankan Scout Centenary Year (1912-2012). 29th Asia Pacific Regional and Sri Lankan Centenary Scout Jamboree held at Dambulla.Professor Nimal De Silva becomes the 18th Chief Commissioner

• 2014 – 8th Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Leaders Summit 2014 at Gold Sands Hotel, Negombo.Colombo Centenary International Scout Jamboree (CCISJ 2014) at Madampe.Formed ‘Singithi Scouts’ section for the kids of 5 ½ to 7 years of age.

• 2017 - Merrille Goonetilleke becomes the 19th Chief Commissioner. Janaprith Fernando was the first Sri Lankan elected to the World Scout Committee, the highest governing body of World Organization of the Scout Movement.

• 2020 - Major General Milinda Peiris assumed duties as the 20th Chief Scout Commissioner.

• 2021 - Janaprith Fernando becomes the 20th Chief Commissioner

Scout Districts

There are a total of 37 Scout Districts in Sri Lanka.

1. Colombo

2. Kurunegala

3. Wattala-Jaela

4. Galle

5. Matara

6. Kandy

7. Chilaw

8. Gampaha

9. Anuradhapura

10. Negombo

11. Homagama

12. Matale

13. Kaluthara

14. Kegalle

15. Avissawella

16. Badulla

17. Batticaloa

18. Puttalam

19. Point Pedro

20. Nawalapitiya

21. Trincomalee

22. Wennapuuwa

23. Rathnapura

24. Polonnaruwa

25. Panadura

26. Vavuniya

27. Nuwara Eliya

28. Kilinochchi

29. Jaffna

30. Kankasanthurai

31. Monaragala

32. Mannar

33. Moratuwa-Piliyandala

34. Hambanthota

35. Mulativu

36. Ampara

37. Akkaraipaththu-Kalmunai

National Commissioners

As a young teen, taking care of your health is essential for your physical and emotional well-being. Here are some rules to follow:

1. Eat a Balanced Diet: Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy. Limit sugary, processed, and high-fat foods.

2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body properly hydrated.

3. Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night to support your growth, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

4. Regular Physical Activity: Engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. It can include activities like sports, biking, dancing, or even walking.

5. Limit Screen Time: Minimize excessive screen time from devices like phones, computers, and TVs, as it can negatively impact your sleep and overall health.

6. Practice Good Hygiene: Maintain good personal hygiene by regularly washing your hands, taking showers, and brushing your teeth.

7. Protect Your Skin: Use sunscreen when outdoors to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

8. Avoid Smoking and Substance Abuse: Stay away from smoking, alcohol, and drugs, as they can have serious negative effects on your health.

9. Manage Stress: Learn healthy ways to manage stress, such as through relaxation techniques, hobbies, or spending time with friends and family.

10. Regular Health Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your health and address any concerns.

11. Wear Safety Gear: Use appropriate safety gear when engaging in sports or physical activities to prevent injuries.

12. Be Mindful of Mental Health: Pay attention to your emotional well-being and seek help if you're struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression.

13. Be Sun Smart: Wear protective clothing and sunglasses when out in the sun for extended periods to shield yourself from harmful rays.

14. Build Healthy Relationships: Surround yourself with supportive and positive influences, and avoid toxic relationships that can harm your mental health.

Remember, these rules of health are meant to promote your overall well-being as a young teen and set the foundation for a healthy lifestyle as you grow into adulthood. It's important to make these practices a regular part of your daily life. If you have specific health concerns or questions, don't hesitate to talk to a trusted adult or healthcare professional for guidance and support.

Civic duty is an important part of Scouting. The Troop flag is a symbol of our Scout Group. The flag represents us as a team. Working with Scouts and showing respect to a flag, whether it’s saying the pledge, presenting a flag at a ceremony or parade, or learning to properly retire an old, tattered flag, is how we help Scouts develop pride in their country.

Flag ceremonies may be used for:

• Opening or closing meetings

• Opening or closing special events

• Beginning or closing a day

• Honoring a special occasion or special person

• Retiring a worn flag

Flag ceremonies may take place in:

• Meeting rooms

• Outdoor settings

• Large auditoriums

• Onstage

Order of the Opening Ceremony

• Calling for Horse-shoe formation (Whistle call : All Scouts)

• Flag Break (Other than the National Flag)

• Scout Salute

• National Anthem

• Religious observances

• Thought of the Day

• Marking the Attendance

• Notices, Programme lineup

• Break off (for the rest of the activities)

Order of the Closing Ceremony

• Calling for Horse-shoe formation (Whistle call : All Scouts)

• Notices, Points for the day, Awarding of badges

• Flag Lowering while singing Evening Taps

• Duty Hand-over

• Dismiss (Patrol Order)

Evening Taps

Day is done, gone the sun, From the seas, from the hills, from the sky; All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Actively take part, in two of the under mentioned activities

• Hike (of about 500 meters organized by the Patrol)

• Obstacle Course

• Treasure Hunt

• Nature ramble

• Bird Watching

• Exploring places of archeological value or any other such activity. Please make sure that log entries of these are entered in the personal Log Book

Outdoor activities are an integral part of the Scout experience, promoting teamwork, leadership, and a connection with nature. Here are some outdoor activities that Scouts can enjoy:

1. Camping: Organize camping trips to explore nature, learn outdoor skills, and build camaraderie among Scouts.

2. Hiking: Go on hiking adventures to discover local trails, national parks, or scenic areas while staying physically active.

3. Orienteering: Learn orienteering skills and participate in treasure hunts or map-based challenges.

4. Cooking Outdoors: Have fun cooking meals over a campfire or using portable stoves, teaching Scouts valuable cooking skills.

5. Canoeing/Kayaking: Plan water-based adventures on lakes or rivers for an exciting experience on the water.

6. Fishing: Introduce Scouts to fishing and teach them about responsible angling and aquatic ecosystems.

7. Outdoor Games: Play team-building games, capture the flag, or other fun outdoor activities.

8. Nature Walks: Take leisurely walks to observe wildlife, plants, and ecosystems, promoting environmental awareness.

9. Stargazing: Learn about constellations and the night sky during stargazing sessions.

10. Service Projects: Organize outdoor conservation projects like tree planting, trail maintenance, or beach clean-ups to give back to the community.

11. Geocaching: Combine technology with outdoor exploration through geocaching, using GPS to find hidden containers.

12. Fire Building: Teach Scouts how to build and safely manage campfires, a fundamental outdoor skill.

13. Outdoor Cooking Competitions: Host friendly cooking competitions where Scouts prepare creative dishes using campfire or portable stoves.

14. Survival Skills Training: Provide lessons on basic survival skills, such as building shelters and finding food and water in the wild.

15. Water Activities: Participate in water-based activities like swimming, rafting, or paddleboarding (if available and properly supervised).

16. Outdoor Scavenger Hunts: Organize scavenger hunts to explore the surroundings and enhance observational skills.

17. Nature Crafts: Create art and crafts using natural materials found in the outdoors.

18. Rock Climbing: For older Scouts, consider rock climbing or bouldering with proper safety equipment and supervision.

Remember to prioritize safety during outdoor activities, and always adhere to relevant regulations and guidelines. Each activity should also be adapted to the Scouts' age, skill level, and environmental conditions. Outdoor adventures not only create memorable experiences but also instill values of responsibility, self-sufficiency, and respect for nature in Scouts.

More Activities

1. Camping

2. Hiking

3. Orienteering

4. Cooking Outdoors

5. Canoeing/Kayaking

6. Fishing

7. Outdoor Games (e.g., Capture the Flag, Tug-of-War)

8. Nature Walks

9. Stargazing

10. Service Projects (e.g., Trail Maintenance, Tree Planting)

11. Geocaching

12. Fire Building

13. Outdoor Cooking Competitions

14. Survival Skills Training

15. Water Activities (e.g., Swimming, Rafting)

16. Outdoor Scavenger Hunts

17. Nature Crafts

18. Rock Climbing

19. Archery

20. Wildlife Watching

21. Birdwatching

22. Plant Identification

23. Environmental Cleanup

24. Campfire Stories and Songs

25. Outdoor Yoga or Meditation

26. Nighttime Nature Sounds Listening

27. Outdoor Photography

28. Outdoor Sketching or Painting

29. Nature Journaling

30. Outdoor Astronomy Observation

31. Tree Climbing

32. Star Navigation and Map Reading

33. Shelter Building

34. First Aid Training in Outdoor Settings

35. Outdoor Team-Building Games and Initiatives

36. Ropes Courses or High Ropes Challenges

37. Outdoor Movie Night

38. Outdoor Cooking Class

39. Scouting Olympics (various outdoor challenges)

40. Water Balloon Fight or Water Games

41. Sandcastle Building

42. Outdoor Concert or Musical Performance

43. Nighttime Flashlight Tag

44. Outdoor Science Experiments

45. Outdoor Theater or Skits

46. Outdoor Dance Party

47. Treetop Adventures (with proper safety equipment)

48. Outdoor Environmental Education Program

49. Outdoor Campfire Cooking (e.g., s'mores, campfire popcorn)

50. Visit National Parks or Nature Reserves for exploration.

Training period of Three months

The earliest age to join the Junior Scout Troop is 10 years 06 months. However, Scouting can be commenced at the age of 10 years 02 months provided that the Scout completes the requirements of the Pre-Membership Activity Programme.

Gold Star winners can be invested after 01 month of he/she joining the Junior Scout Troop when they complete the specified requirement of the syllabus.

Silver Star winners can be invested after 02 months of he/she joining the Junior Scout Troop when they complete the specified requirement of the syllabus.

• Know the resons for giving First Aid

• Know how to clean and dress a simple wound

The practice of first aid is often said to be one of 'common sense' and in many ways this is true, for example, if someone is bleeding then the first thing that you want to do is to stop it! No text book (or information sheet!) is a substitute for attending a first aid training course if you wish to progress further than the few simple procedures mentioned here. In Scouting we are involved in activities all the time, which can potentially result in accidents whether indoors or outdoors and so it is desirable that we all have a basic understanding of first aid.

Why First Aid?

First aid is the assistance given to a person who has suffered as a result of an accident or illness. The first person on the scene is not going to be a doctor or paramedic, and even if they are, they are unlikely to have the appropriate equipment in their back pocket. The first person on the scene is more likely to be you, and there are three reasons why you should offer assistance:

• To preserve life;

• To prevent the condition becoming worse;

• To promote recovery

Procedure to be followed in the event of an accident

The Scout Association has a procedure to follow in the event of an accident. This ensures the best interests of-

• The injured person

• The next of kin of the injured person;

• The person in charge of the activity;

• The Scout Association as a whole.

The procedure is as follows:

1. Remain calm and do not put yourself in danger, thereby making the situation even worse.

2. Assess the situation; stop, look and listen and ascertain what has happened. Stop traffic, switch off electricity or take any other action which is appropriate to the situation.

3. Administer the necessary first aid to the best of your ability. Always remember to sit the patient down or lie them down (assuming that it is safe to move them), talk to them and reassure them. A calm, friendly voice can help someone a lot.

4. If you are worried about the condition, consult a doctor or hospital for medical advice.

5. At the earliest opportunity, get assistance if necessary and inform the next of kin of the casualty.

6. Keep a full written record of all relevant information (see Accident books overleaf).

7. Inform the District Commissioner by telephone as soon as possible and follow up with a letter giving full details.

8. Make no admission of liability to anyone.

Reassuring patients

Being able to talk to people is the first step in reassuring someone who is injured and possibly anxious, worried and confused. Practice talking in a quiet but confident way to someone. A simple reassuring hand on the shoulder can go a long way as does checking the hand to see if it is cold (and hence the patient may be cold as well). Whilst providing a bit of comfort it calms people down which will help you to get on with the job in hand.

Each patrol should have their own First – Aid Kit

• Cotton wool

• Adhesive plasters (small (assorted) packets)

• Crepe bandages (7.5cm)

• Sterile dressings (various sizes)

• Triangular bandage B.P.

• Adhesive tape (e.g. Micropore)

• Thermometer

• Cotton conforming bandages (e.g. 'Kling') 7.5cm

• Small bowl

• Tissues

• Disposable plastic gloves

• Dressing scissors

• Safety pins

• Tweezers

• Notebook and pencil

• Plastic bag and seal for disposal of soiled

• Dressings

Dressing a simple wound

The most common injuries reported are cuts, abrasions, and punctures. Most are minor and require little more than basic first aid. However, some injuries can become more serious if not treated correctly. A few simple steps can take care of these annoying injuries and get you back to the action in a hurry and in good shape.

General Information

Cuts are by far the most common of these types of injuries and most often involve a woodworking tool—like a pocketknife.

Abrasions, such as scrapes and friction injuries, are also common. Falling and scraping a knee or hand while running or riding a bicycle are the most common causes.

Puncture wounds—those injuries where a sharp object pierces the skin and goes into the tissue—are slightly less common but do occur often at home, in the woods, or at camp. Stepping on a nail, getting a splinter, or being pierced by an awl during leathercraft are frequent occurrences.

Minor Wounds are treated involving simple techniques in basic First Aid.

Treatment for simple cuts and scratches

• Clean wound with soap and water or sanitizing wipes if water is not available

• Allow wound to dry

• Apply triple-antibiotic ointment

• Apply an adhesive bandage

Recovery Position

The recovery position is used to maintain an open airway on an unconscious casualty when they are breathing. Follow these steps to place a patient in the Recovery Position.

• Turn the casualty onto their side.

• If injury allows, bend the upper leg and arm to stabilize or use a bystander to keep in this position.

• Tilt the head back and hold in this position. The tongue will be held forward and away from the back of the throat – this keeps the airway open.

• Check for any foreign bodies in their mouth.

Make a poster on prevention of drug abuse/ make a speech of 5 minutes on anti-Drug abuse/write an essay of about 200 words on anti-drug abuse/write a poem of about 4 verses on anti-drug abuse/ do a short sketch or drama on anti-drug abuse. Do one of them

Risk of drug use increases greatly during times of transition. For an adult, a divorce or loss of a job may increase the risk of drug use. For a teenager, risky times include moving, family divorce, or changing schools. When children advance from elementary through middle school, they face new and challenging social, family, and academic situations. Often during this period, children are exposed to substances such as cigarettes and alcohol for the first time. When they enter high school, teens may encounter greater availability of drugs, drug use by older teens, and social activities where drugs are used. When individuals leave high school and live more independently, either in college or as an employed adult, they may find themselves exposed to drug use while separated from the protective structure provided by family and school.

A certain amount of risk-taking is a normal part of adolescent development. The desire to try new things and become more independent is healthy, but it may also increase teens’ tendencies to experiment with drugs. The parts of the brain that control judgment and decision-making do not fully develop until people are in their early or mid-20s. This limits a teen’s ability to accurately assess the risks of drug experimentation and makes young people more vulnerable to peer pressure.

Because the brain is still developing, using drugs at this age has more potential to disrupt brain function in areas critical to motivation, memory, learning, judgment, and behavior control.

Avoidance is Addiction’s Best Friend

Common risk factors for teen drug abuse include:

• A family history of substance abuse

• A mental or behavioral health condition, such as depression, anxiety or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Impulsive or risk-taking behavior

• A history of traumatic events, such as experiencing a car accident or being a victim of abuse

• Low self-esteem or feelings of social rejection

Consequences of teen drug abuse

Negative consequences of teen drug abuse might include:

• Drug dependence. Teens who misuse drugs are at increased risk of serious drug use later in life.

• Poor judgment. Teenage drug use is associated with poor judgment in social and personal interactions.

• Sexual activity. Drug use is associated with high-risk sexual activity, unsafe sex and unplanned pregnancy.

• Mental health disorders. Drug use can complicate or increase the risk of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.

• Impaired driving. Driving under the influence of any drug can impair a driver's motor skills, putting the driver, passengers and others on the road at risk.

• Changes in school performance. Substance use can result in a decline in academic performance.

Health effects of drugs

Drug use can result in drug addiction, serious impairment, illness and death. Health risks of commonly used drugs include the following:

• Cocaine — Risk of heart attack, stroke and seizures

• Ecstasy — Risk of liver failure and heart failure

• Inhalants — Risk of damage to heart, lungs, liver and kidneys from long-term use

• Marijuana — Risk of impairment in memory, learning, problem solving and concentration; risk of psychosis — such as schizophrenia, hallucination or paranoia — later in life associated with early and frequent use

• Methamphetamine — Risk of psychotic behaviors from long-term use or high doses

• Opioids — Risk of respiratory distress or death from overdose

• Electronic cigarettes (vaping) — Exposure to harmful substances similar to exposure from cigarette smoking; risk of nicotine dependence

Seeking help for teen drug abuse

Steps if you have a friend or a relative seeking for drugs:

• Talk to him or her. You can never intervene too early. Casual drug use can turn into excessive use or addiction and cause accidents, legal trouble and health problems.

• Encourage honesty. Speak calmly and express that you are coming from a place of concern. Share specific details to back up your suspicion. Verify any claims he or she makes.

• Focus on the behavior, not the person. Emphasize that drug use is dangerous but that doesn't mean your friend/relative is a bad person.

• Get professional help. If you think your friend/relative is involved in significant drug use, contact a doctor, counselor or other health care provider for help.

The Importance of Posture

You may have heard that good posture is essential for good health, but do you know why? Posture refers to how you position your body when you’re sitting, standing, or lying down. Your posture is the result of habits formed over the course of years.

Many people may recognize poor posture in others without realizing how their own falls short. If you look around at co-workers at the office, you’ll likely find them hunched over at their desks. Learn why good posture matters — and what you can do to improve yours.

What is good posture ?

Good posture is the proper alignment of your body when standing or sitting. Correct positioning involves training yourself to hold your body against gravity with the least strain and tension on supportive structures, such as your muscles and ligaments. Proper posture keeps your bones and joints in optimal alignment and decreases wear and tear on supportive structures.

Good posture reduces back and neck pain

The proper alignment of your spine allows you to move easily so that your body supports your weight without strain. Poor posture can place stress on your tendons, muscles, and ligaments, leading to neck and back pain.

If you suffer from neck and back pain, it may surprise you to know that improving your posture may go a long way in easing your symptoms.

Poor posture impacts digestion

Slouching puts your body in an unnatural position that can impact certain abdominal organs. Stooping or hunching over at your desk or slouching while looking at your mobile device can interfere with proper digestion, increasing the risk for acid reflux and constipation.

If you notice that you get heartburn when slouching, something as simple as sitting up straight may bring relief.

Good posture improves muscle and joint function

When you use good posture, your muscles and other structures function properly, helping you to avoid abnormal wear and tear. Improper posture places stress on your joints and can cause them to wear away. This is the most common cause of osteoarthritis, a form of “wear and tear” arthritis.

While other factors, such as age and genetics, can increase the risk of arthritis, the way you carry your body plays a role in how much stress you put on your joints. Keeping your body aligned in the proper posture can reduce muscle fatigue and strain and help keep your joints healthy and lubricated.

Proper posture boosts mood

When you think about factors that can improve your mood, posture likely isn’t the first thing to come to mind. Look at it this way: Your brain and body have two-way communication, meaning that your mood can impact your posture and your posture can affect your mood. When you’re happy, you may notice that you sit upright, and when you’re feeling down, you’re more likely to slouch or sit in a slumped position.

The next time you notice your mood sinking, try changing your posture; stand up straight, and take deep breaths. You may notice a gentle boost in mood after doing so.

Standing

• Stand up straight and tall

• Keep your shoulders back

• Pull your stomach in

• Put your weight mostly on the balls of your feet

• Keep your head level

• Let your arms hang down naturally at your sides

• Keep your feet about shoulder-width apart

Sitting

Many spend a lot of their time sitting - either at work, at school, or at home. It is important to sit properly, and to take frequent breaks:

• Switch sitting positions often

• Take brief walks around your office or home

• Gently stretch your muscles every so often to help relieve muscle tension

• Don't cross your legs; keep your feet on the floor, with your ankles in front of your knees

• Make sure that your feet touch the floor, or if that's not possible, use a footrest

• Relax your shoulders; they should not be rounded or pulled backwards

• Keep your elbows in close to your body. They should be bent between 90 and 120 degrees.

• Make sure that your back is fully supported. Use a back pillow or other back support if your chair does not have a backrest that can support your lower back's curve.

• Make sure that your thighs and hips are supported. You should have a well-padded seat, and your thighs and hips should be parallel to the floor.

Lifting

Follow these tips to avoid compressing the spinal discs or straining your lower back when you are lifting:

• Keep a wide base of support. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly ahead of the other (karate stance).

• Squat down, bending at the hips and knees only. If needed, put one knee to the floor and your other knee in front of you, bent at a right angle (half kneeling).

• Keep good posture. Look straight ahead, and keep your back straight, your chest out, and your shoulders back. This helps keep your upper back straight while having a slight arch in your lower back.

• Slowly lift by straightening your hips and knees (not your back). Keep your back straight, and don't twist as you lift.

• Hold the load as close to your body as possible, at the level of your belly button.

• Use your feet to change direction, taking small steps.

• Lead with your hips as you change direction. Keep your shoulders in line with your hips as you move.

• Set down your load carefully, squatting with the knees and hips only.

Keep in mind:

• Do not attempt to lift by bending forward. Bend your hips and knees to squat down to your load, keep it close to your body, and straighten your legs to lift.

• Never lift a heavy object above shoulder level.

• Avoid turning or twisting your body while lifting or holding a heavy object.

Walking

1. Stand up straight. Visualize being tall and straight, like a tree. Do not arch your back.

2. Do not lean forward or lean back. Leaning puts a strain on the back muscles as you walk, and you should avoid leaning except when on a hill. Unfortunately, some coaches have taught leaning for speedwalking, but it is not necessary, and often people lean too far forward or back.

3. Keep your eyes forward. Avoid looking down. Your focus should be about 20 feet ahead of you. This way you will be able to see your path and anything coming at you from the sides.

4. Keep your chin up (parallel to the ground). This reduces strain on your neck and back. A proper chin position will also allow you to look ahead rather than down at your feet.

5. Let your shoulders be back and relaxed. Shrug once and allow your shoulders to fall and relax, slightly back. Loosening up the shoulders in this way will help relieve tension and put them into a position to use good arm motion while walking. You can also do this at intervals during your walk to ensure you are keeping your shoulders relaxed.

6. Suck in your stomach. Your core muscles can help you maintain good posture and resist slouching and leaning. Keeping your stomach pulled in slightly (while still taking deep, full breaths) can help you maintain good walking posture.2

7. Tuck in your behind and rotate your hips forward slightly. This will keep you from arching your back. You shouldn't have your butt sticking out while you're walking.

Sleeping

A good sleeping position along with a good quality of sleep throughout the night relaxes the spine and muscles. Sleep is needed not just for relaxation but also for mental and physical recovery.

About 38% of people tend to sleep on their back, making it the second most common position to sleep in. It is also called a supine position. The spine stays elongated and in a natural healthy position while sleeping on the back.

Individuals with lumbar spinal pain and neck pain may find relief in this position with proper support. They may wake with less stiffness and alleviation of pain.

However, the supine position is contraindicated in people suffering from sleep apnoea. This position leads to airway collapse and tends to worsen the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea. It also exacerbates snoring.

While it is a much sought-after and natural position it is not advised for pregnant women and older adults. Sleeping on the back also worsens acidity.

Sleeping on the side is the most common sleep position among adults. About 54% of adults sleep in this position. Its popularity might be because of the inflexibility of the spine as we age. Side sleeping is considered healthy for several reasons because it keeps the spine aligned and relatively neutral. It is even more comfortable for people with lower back pain and neck pain if they support their knees with a blanket in between or a pillow. This helps provide support to the hips and pelvis.

Some individuals find sleeping on their backs uncomfortable and may find relief sleeping on their side. However, they should make sure that the thickness of their pillow is such that it helps keep their neck and spine at the same level.

This position helps individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea as the airways are not as collapsed as when sleeping on the back. People who tend to snore while sleeping may also find relief while sleeping on their side.

Sleeping on the side is also the best position for those suffering from acidity or GERD, especially on the left side. Turning to the left from the back position can instantly provide some relief. Side sleeping on the left is also recommended for pregnant women as the belly puts less pressure on the heart and eases blood flow.

However, the most preferable sleep position might not be the best for individuals suffering from shoulder pain. While sleeping on the side, it should be taken care that the spine is not bent and the fetal position should be avoided. The fetal position is considered to be an unhealthy position as the spine is curved and it may cause undue pain or strain on waking. The fetal position also makes breathing more difficult and puts pressure on the diaphragm.

Etiquette

Basic Social Etiquette

There are certain accepted behaviors in all social situations that you need to learn. With few exceptions, putting them into practice can make a big difference in your social life.

Social rules:

• Easy to have good manners – These basic rules of proper etiquette are mostly common sense with a healthy dose of the Golden Rule thrown in for good measure.

• Be on time – No one likes to wait for others who are chronically late. However, there are times when being late is out of your control.

• Personal space – When you see someone squirming as you step closer back off a bit. Every culture has different comfort levels of personal space, so before you travel, find out how close you can get to people without being rude.

• Men’s manners – This one is simple: All you have to do is be a gentleman. Rudeness is never manly.

• Women’s manners – You can be a lady and still show strength. Times have changed, and some rules have become outdated, but it's always appropriate to be mannerly.

• Teens’ manners – Show everyone how grown up you are by demonstrating good manners. Chances are, if you exhibit proper etiquette, you'll earn respect and maybe even more privileges.

• Children’s manners – Be the kid everyone wants to play with. Even grownups will want to be around you if you're polite.

• Host and Hostess Gift - Never show up empty-handed when you're a guest in someone's home.

• Dealing with a Flaky Friend - It's difficult to deal with someone who is always late, forgets to show up, or can't be relied on.

Communication

Regardless of who you are, you’ll have the need to communicate throughout life. Being a good communicator can do a variety of things for you, including sharing important information, winning people to your side, and raising your children.

Learning to communicate:

• Conversation – Learn how to hold a decent conversation, with back-and-forth dialogue. Never monopolize a discussion, or you may find yourself stuck in a corner trying to figure out why others are walking a wide berth around you.

• Gossip – Never gossip. Not only is it bad form, if word ever got back to the person you were talking about, you can pretty much be assured you’ll be the subject of the next gossip session.

• People’s names – Everyone has one, and most people appreciate your effort to learn their names if you spend more than a minute or two talking with them. This applies to social and business contacts.

• Cell phones – In a nutshell, use your cell phone sparingly in public. No one else wants to listen in on a private conversation or wait while you text someone the latest Internet joke. And whatever you do, ignore your phone while you're checking out at the cash register. Texting or chatting on the phone is rude to the cashier and the people behind you.

• Email – Think before you hit “send.” Most electronic mail can never be taken back.

• Social media – Facebook, Twitter, and other social media are part of most people’s lives. Remember that not only can your friends see what you post, others can repost, copy, share, or retweet anything you put out there.

• Rude questions – We have all gotten them. There are ways to deal with them and not come across as snarky. If you're not sure how to answer a rude question, don't say anything. Just smile and change the subject.

• How to Graciously Change the Subject - There are times certain things shouldn't be discussed, and it's up to you to shift the conversation.

Dining

If you share a meal with anyone, learn proper table manners. No one wants to sit across the table from a slob who talks with his mouth open or snorts milk through his nose.

Learn proper table manners:

• Basic table manners – Follow the basics that apply to almost every dining situation. If having your elbows on the table makes it rock, take them off the table. Put your napkin in your lap, use the flatware starting with the one farthest from the plate, and don't talk with your mouth full.

• Restaurant manners – Learn all about how to conduct yourself when dining out. Arrive before your scheduled reservation, be polite to your server, keep your voice at a conversational level, and be a generous tipper.

• Formal dinner party – Know how to act at a formal dinner party, including which utensils to use for each course. If you're ever in doubt about which fork goes with each course, look to the host or hostess and follow them.

Have a basic knowledge of how a magnetic compass work, and be able to show the basic 16 directions shown in the compass.(i.e. North, NE, NNE…)

Be able to show the ability about the undermentioned: Key elements of the map, Conventional signs of a map

Understand how to use the Global Positioning System (GPS)

Compass

The Compass is a useful tool, especially when combined with the use of a map.

Magnetic compass, in navigation or surveying, an instrument for determining direction on the surface of Earth by means of a magnetic pointer that aligns itself with Earth’s magnetic field. The magnetic compass is the oldest and most familiar type of compass and is used in different forms in aircraft, ships, and land vehicles and by surveyors.

A compass works by detecting the Earth’s natural magnetic fields. The Earth has an iron core that is part liquid and part solid crystal due to gravitational pressure. It is believed that movement in the liquid outer core is what produces the Earth’s magnetic field. Like all magnetic fields the Earth’s magnetic field has two main poles, a north and south pole. These magnetic poles are slightly off from the Earth’s axis rotation which is used as the basis of the geographic poles, but they are close enough that the general directions with adjustments for the polar difference, called a declination, can be used for navigation.

Basic 16 Directions shown in the Compass

There are mainly four points of the compass. All the other points are made by combining these four. Eg: Halfway between north and east is northeast. There are many ways to remember the order of the points. The points start at the top and go around clockwise.

Never Eat Shredded Wheat - NESW

The eight main bearings or directions are:

• North: 0 Degrees

• East: 90 Degrees

• South: 180 Degrees

• West: 270 Degrees

• North East: 45 Degrees

• South East: 135 Degrees

• South West: 225 Degrees

• North West: 315 Degrees

Mapping

A map is a picture of a given area of what the ground looks like from directly above. When undertaking a journey, we need to be able to find our way around competently, sometimes in unfamiliar territory. It is then that we need to be able to use and read maps. The type of map required will depend upon the journey or destination.

A simple sketch map is maybe all that is required to find a room or building, or it may be a road map which helps you plan long distance routes across a whole country. There are also town maps and Ordnance Survey maps. All maps are drawn to a scale which means that a defined length on the map equates to a real length on the ground, for example one cm = one km.

Parts of a map

Symbols

Map symbols are the signs or diagrams shown on a map to indicate physical features. A list or 'key' of what these symbols mean is given at the same point on or in the map for identification. A number of the more common map symbols are shown below. These will be consistent on all modern O.S. maps but they might vary on other sorts of map, so it will be worth checking that on the map you are using that the symbol means what you think it does!

Participate in our mapping sessions for more information

Compass, Mapping and Hiking Guidebook by Colombo District Training Team

Be able to do the 6 exercises given by B.P. to maintain a healthy body, and have made them as a part of your daily routine.

1st Exercise

For the head : Rub the head and face, firmly over several times with the palms and fingers of both hands. Thumb the muscles of the neck and throat.

2nd Exercise

For the Chest : From upright position bend to the front, arms stretched downwards, with back of the hands together in front of the knees. Breathe out. Raise the hand gradually over the head and lean back as far as possible, drawing a deep breath through the nose as you do. Lower the arms gradually to the sides, breathing out the word “Thanks” through the mouth. Lastly, bend forward again, breathing out the last bit of breath in you, and saying the number of times you have done it in order to keep count.

3rd Exercise

For the Stomach: Standing upright, send out both arms, fingers extended, straight to the front, then slowly swing round to the right from the hips without moving the feet, and point the right arms as far round behind you as you can, keeping both arms level with, or a little higher than, the shoulders. Then, after a pause, swing slowly round as far as you can to the left. Breathe in when pointing to the left. “Body twisting”.

4th Exercise

For the Trunk: This is also called the “Cone Exercise”. Standing at “Attention” position, raise both hands, as high as possible over the head, and link fingers. Lean backwards, and then sway the arms very slowly round in the direction of a cone, so that the hands make a wide circle above and around the body, the body turning from the hips, and leaning over one side. Then to the front, then to the other side, and then back.

5th Exercise

For Lower Body and Back of Legs: Stand with feet slightly apart, touch your head with both hands and look up into the sky, leaning back as far as you can, and then bend forward and downward till your fingers touch your toes, without bending your knees.

6th Exercise

For Legs, Feet and Toes: Stand in ‘Attention’ position, put the hands on the hips, stand on tip-toe, turn the knees outwards, and bend them slowly down to a squatting position, keeping the heels off the ground the whole time. Then gradually raise the body and come to the first position again.

• Understand bad effects/impact of using chemical fertiliser pesticides, weedicides, etc.

• Collect information about it and make a verbal report to the Scout Leader

• Understand the basics of making a compost pit in school or at home

• Plant a tree, maintain and protect it. Use the compost made by the Scout for this plant

What is a Pesticide?

A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest.

What are Weedicides?

Weeds are unwanted plants growing among wanted crops and compete with crop plants for sunlight, nutrients, water etc. Weedicides are the chemicals which are sprayed over the fields to get rid of weeds.

Pesticides and human health:

Pesticides can cause short-term adverse health effects, called acute effects, as well as chronic adverse effects that can occur months or years after exposure. Examples of acute health effects include stinging eyes, rashes, blisters, blindness, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea and death. Examples of known chronic effects are cancers, birth defects, reproductive harm, neurological and developmental toxicity, immunotoxicity, and disruption of the endocrine system.

Some people are more vulnerable than others to pesticide impacts. For example, infants and young children are known to be more susceptible than adults to the toxic effects of pesticides. Farm workers and pesticide applicators are also more vulnerable because they receive greater exposures.

Acute (Immediate) Health Effects

Immediate health effects from pesticide exposure includes irritation of the nose, throat, and skin causing burning, stinging and itching as well as rashes and blisters. Nausea, dizziness and diarrhea are also common. People with asthma may have very severe reactions to some pesticides, particularly pyrethrin/pyrethroid, organophosphate and carbamate pesticides.

In many cases, symptoms of pesticide poisoning mimic symptoms of colds or the flu. Since pesticide-related illnesses appear similar or identical to other illnesses, pesticide poisonings are often misdiagnosed and under-reported. Immediate symptoms may not be severe enough to prompt an individual to seek medical attention, or a doctor might not even think to ask about pesticide exposure. Still, seek medical attention immediately if you think you may have been poisoned by pesticides.

Chronic (Long-term) Health Effects

Chronic health effects include cancer and other tumors; brain and nervous system damage; birth defects; infertility and other reproductive problems; and damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs and other body organs. Chronic effects may not appear for weeks, months or even years after exposure, making it difficult to link health impacts to pesticides.

Pesticides have been implicated in human studies of leukemia, lymphoma and cancers of the brain, breasts, prostate, testis and ovaries. Reproductive harm from pesticides includes birth defects, still birth, spontaneous abortion, sterility and infertility.

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that — often at extremely low doses — interfere with important bodily functions by mimicking or blocking hormones (the chemical messengers that circulate in blood and regulate many body processes including metabolism, brain development, the sleep cycle and stress response). Some pesticides act as endocrine disruptors and have been shown to cause serious harm to animals, including cancer, sterility and developmental problems. Similar impacts have been associated with human exposure to these chemicals.

Children are More Vulnerable to Pesticide Exposure

Children are not simply “little adults.” Children are more vulnerable to pesticides exposure because their organs, nervous systems and immune systems are still developing; their higher rates of cell division and lower body weight also increase children’s susceptibility to pesticide exposure and risks. Their immature organs and other developing biological systems are particularly vulnerable to toxic contaminants. Exposure during certain early development periods can cause permanent damage.

In addition to being more vulnerable to pesticide toxicity, children’s behavior and physiology make them more likely to receive greater pesticide exposure than adults. Most pesticide exposure occurs through the skin and children have more skin surface for their size than adults. Children have a higher respiratory rate and so inhale airborne pesticides at a faster rate than adults. Children also consume proportionately more food and water — and pesticide residues — than adults. With their increased contact with floors, lawns and playgrounds, children’s behavior also increases their exposure to pesticides.

Effects of Weedicides on the ecology of a place

Weedicides effect the ecology of a place to a great extent in the following ways:

1. They generally have negative impacts on bird populations, although the impacts are highly variable.

2. Frog populations may be affected negatively by the use of weedicides as well.

3. Long term exposure of weedicides are responsible for various types of cancers.

Know the area within a radius of ½ K.M. from your home, and have a knowledge of important places within that area

If you have ever considered making a change and moving to a new city or state (or perhaps country even), you have probably, at some point, considered a variety of factors to determine where best to move. There are a lot of factors about where you live that can affect your quality of life and your happiness. Thus, moving to a new location is not a decision that should be made lightly.

It is the same when you are living, everyone should know the area around them. Below are some of the most important points why you should know the area around and why it is so important.

• FRIENDSHIP & SUPPORT

  • Getting to know your neighbours is the first thing you should do, this widen the range of benefits including enhanced safety and community events. Whether you need to borrow a tool or need help with a household work, a good neighbour is always there to help. In both challenging and joyous times, these relationships remind you that you're surrounded by friendship and support.

• EMERGENCY SERVICES

  • How far away are you from an emergency room or a fire department? It’s good to be aware of these things before an emergency actually strikes, and in some suburbs, the nearest hospital or police station can be surprisingly far away.

  • It is advisable to know about the emergency services near your house or in your area for your needs in case of an emergency. Saving down the contact numbers of your nearby Emergency Services is a vise choice. Eg: In case of a robbery you can contact emergency hotline 119 or the closest Police Station directly if you have the contact number saved.

• RETAIL NECESSITIES

  • It is advisable to have a good knowledge on the retail stores in the area, and near your house.

    • What shop/shops got the best quality dry rations

    • What shop/shops got the freshest meat/vegetables

    • Who offers discounts

    • What shop/shops open early in the morning and available till late at night

• RELEGIOUS ACTIVITIES

  • Religious places have different levels of significance for different people and they play a very important role in the society. On a very basic level it is a social network for people of similar spiritual beliefs or spiritual goals to get together and keep their motivation going. Some people, these places are to reflect upon themselves in a peaceful manner as, in general, religious places are filled with peace and positivity. It is most advisable that you visit your neighborhood religious place and keep in touch with them.

• NEEDS

  • According your needs the places you need differ, but in general having an overall understanding about your area is useful and can come in handy.

What you need to list down and How

Best reference is that you refer to Google Maps, please note that some places might not be in Google Maps but you add it it your map.

Measure the 1KM from your house (You can use the vehicle Odometer: Mileage reader to measure the distance very easily) and prepare your map accordingly to the scale of 1KM radius.

The Map should be drawn like this with the Map Legend. Center your house and draw a house to show your house.

What do you need to list down/add to your map

• Your house : 🏠

• Police Station, Post Office, Sub-Post Office

• School

• Hospital

• Temple, Church, Kovil, Mosque

• Playground, Park

• Gas Station, Hotels (Main)

• Famous/Important milestones, places

• Cemetery

The above image is only for reference and should not be reproduced. Refrain from using Google Map Image as the reference Image. Use your own drawing skills to draw.

Show the ability to make a Trestle and a Portable flag mast, using staves.

Trestle

Portable Flag mast

H-Base

Parts of the rope

You won't need to be told that a piece of rope will have two ends! However, in order to work with ropes, it is useful to be able to refer to different parts. The main parts of a rope are called:

Working end - The end of the rope you are using to tie a knot;

Standing end - The end of the rope opposite to that being used to tie the knot;

Standing part-Any part between the two ends. It can be a part of the rope already used in the knot;

Loop - A loop made by turning the rope back on itself and crossing the standing part;

Bight - A loop made by turning the rope back on itself without crossing the standing part.

Types of Rope

Laid ropes - These are ropes normally consisting of three strands which run over each other from left to right. Traditionally they are made from natural fibres, but nowadays they tend to be made from synthetic materials

Braided ropes - These are ropes which consist of a strong core of synthetic fibres, covered by a plaited or braided sheath. (They are always made from synthetic materials.)

Natural ropes - These are relatively cheap and are made from such natural materials as hemp, sisal, manila and cotton which are easy and pleasant to knot. They have the disadvantage that they have a low point at which they can withstand stress before breaking, and other characteristics can be unpredictable because the natural materials with which they are made may have flaws.

Synthetic ropes - These are relatively expensive but last a long time. They are superior in that they are generally lighter, stronger, less prone to rot, water resistant and better able to withstand difficult and extreme environments

Wire ropes are available but are rarely used in Scouting.

How ropes are measured

Ropes are normally measured by their circumference. For example, a 75mm rope is approximately 25mm in diameter

• Be able to help a younger scout contact his/her parents

• Know the Emergency Ambulance number and the Emergency Police number

• Know the safety concerns of day to day safe living: Some examples -

  • Climb a Wall or a Fence

  • Playing with Fire

  • Sharp Objects

  • Playing from heights

  • Safe behaviour with swimming pools, streams and rivers

  • How to protect ourselves from mosquitoes, snakes and stray dogs

• Know the different areas of Safety (sexual, physical, psychological, emotional, Internet and telephone etc.) be able to give examples for each

• Be able to explain to the Patrol the methods of reporting in case of abuse or harassment to himself / herself or to somebody else.

• Know what to do if you get lost

At Camps

• Follow the Buddy system (Buddy System : Accompany another Scout) at all times in the Camp grounds

• Avoid camping at high uneven grounds, muddy grounds and near river banks unless it is guided by an experience Scout Master or a Camper

• Follow the Camp Guidelines

• Inform your Scout Master or Camp Warden when leaving the Campsite

• Avoid getting yourself into unnecessary fights

• Avoid river bathing and diving unless it is guided and the safety measures taken

At hikes and excursions / During Job Week

• Follow the instructions at all times

• Do not use forest routes unless it is instructed to do so

• Never accept anyone's offer to help you with a shortcut unless he/she has a proven identification

• Follow the Buddy system

• Never do risky doings when at hikes and excursions

• Do not climb trees without proper technique and safety measures

• Use enclosed shoes, sandal pairs with a good grip and avoid using slippers

• Always background check on the place/route you will be following

• Never get inside of a stranger's vehicle unless you are with a group

• Do not eat/drink anything offered to you openly(Toffees, Drinks in a glass), it is advisable for you to accept closed branded packets (Biscuit packets, Packed Buns etc)

At School

• Follow School guidelines

• Never go home with anybody other than your father/mother/or the person who takes you home usually. Not even if that person says that your father/mother has specifically asked you to go with him/her. You will go with that person, only if your father or mother has specifically told YOU to go with him/her.

• Never be in school for long hours after school without a purpose

• Do not climb over the School Walls

• Obey the Staff

At Home/At a place of a friend or relative

• Avoid doing electrical work or any kind of risky work (Changing a light bulb) without a parent supervising

• Avoid handling knifes and sharp tools/objects when you are alone unless you are well experienced

• Do not open the door for strangers if you are alone, if so ask them to come back when parents come back

• Know how to put the following knots and hitch and know when they could be practically used:

  • Fisherman’s Knot

  • Man harness Knot

  • Timber Hitch

  • Tie Knot

• Know the following lashings and know when they could be used practically.

  • Square Lashing

  • Diagonal Lashing

  • Sheer Lashing

Fisherman's Knot

Advantages

• Compact

• Strong

• Does not slip under strain

• Working ends can be cut very close to the knot without risk of failure

• Can be tied even with cold, wet hands

Disadvantages

• Can slip when tied in slippery lines such as nylon monofilament

• Jams when tightened (However, this is advantageous for fishing purposes). Difficulty in untying makes it differ from the sheet bend.

Uses

1. Fishing

2. Knitting.

3. Scouting.

4. Net making.

5. Tying webbing.

6. Rock climbing and by arborists.

7. Backing up other less secure knots.

8. Making macramé jewelry, paracord bracelets and keychains.

9. In knot-tying ceremonies of weddings to symbolize how bonds grow stronger under strain.

Man Harness Knot (Alphine Butterfly Loop)

It provides a secure loop in the middle of a piece of rope. Load can be safely applied: from the loop to either end of the rope; between the two ends with the loop hanging free; or to the loop with the load spread between the two ends.

Advantages

The Alpine Butterfly Loop is more stable than either the The Bowline on a Bight which may roll over. Even after a heavy load, the Alpine Butterfly Loop remains reasonably easy to undo.

Uses

The Alpine Butterfly Loop is useful anytime a secure loop is required in the middle of a rope. A good example is when a line of hikers wish to hook on along the length of a shared rope.

If a length of rope is damaged, it is a wonderful way to isolate the damaged section so that the rope may still be used – far safer than The Sheep Shank.

Timber Hitch

The Timber Hitch is as much used for handling cargo “… for which it is very convenient, as it practically falls apart when pull ceases."

Uses

The Timber Hitch is useful when towing a spar or log either afloat or on land. When used for this purpose, the Timber Hitch is often placed near the center of the spar and a separate Half Hitch is dropped over the end of the spar to act as a guide.

Four-in-Hand Necktie

Advantages

Simplicity and speed – which is why so many parents teach their children to tie the Four-in-Hand Necktie knot. Also, when the short end is pulled out, the knot does not require untying, it just falls apart.

Square Lashing

Square Lashing is the most common lashing in Scouting. The Square Lashing is used to bind two poles together. The lashing is designed to be load bearing and can be used to create scaffolding. Although the two poles usually cross each other at 90 degrees, the Square Lashing may be used when the angle between the two poles is as little as 45 degrees.

Frapping Turns: The turns surrounding the lashing at right angles exert a tightening effect on the lashing. These turns are known as Frapping Turns. Pulling them as tight as possible makes the Lashing more secure. Various techniques are recommended but I’m indebted to Dana Holgate for the following. Make use of your leg-strength. Wrap the rope around a stick. Stand on the poles being lashed with your knees bent, hold the stick across your thighs, and then straighten your legs to tighten the lashing.

Diagonal Lashing

The Diagonal Lashing is used to lash two spars together. Unlike the Square lashing which works for right angle crossings, the diagonal lashing secures poles crossing each other at a variety of angles.

Frapping Turns: The turns surrounding the Diagonal Lashing Knot at right angles exert a tightening effect on the lashing. These turns are known as Frapping Turns. Pulling them as tight as possible makes the Lashing more secure.

The Diagonal Lashing Knot is used to join two diagonal poles that are being used to brace a rectangular frame. The location of one diagonal in front and one behind explains the gap between the poles commonly found in the center.

Sheer Lashing

The Shear Lashing Knot is used to lash the ends of two poles together. The other ends are separated to make a pair of Shear Legs.

Spelling: The Sheer Lashing Knot is widely spelled both “Shear” and “Sheer”. There seems to be little agreement and some writers use both on the same page.

Sheer legs support weight. A single pair can be controlled with a rope as they lean over a stream to lift a bucket. A series of them can support an aerial walkway.

Frapping Turns: The turns surrounding the lashing at right angles exert a tightening effect on the Shear Lashing Knot. These turns are known as Frapping Turns. Pulling them as tight as possible makes the Lashing more secure.

Be able to identify 15 useful trees (of economic value). Know where they naturally grow, their use, their general shapes, the shapes of the leaves, Botanical names etc. and record in your Log book.

1. Coconut Tree

2. Banana Tree

3. "Amba" Mango Tree

4. Rubber Tree

5. Papaya Tree

6. Mahogani Tree

7. Teak Tree

8. Bamboo Tree

9. Jack Tree

10. Kithul "Palm Syrup" Tree

11. Sugar Cane

12. Cinnamon Tree

13. Anoda Tree

14. Cashew Tree

The island of Sri Lanka with only a land area of around 65500 sq. kM, is well endowed with the mother Nature's blessings, one can say. The whole island is one mass of land where the plant life is very rich and vibrant with all shades of Green colour leaves. There are around 3500 Flora species in Sri Lanka and about one quarter of that is endemic to Sri Lanka.

The vegetation types of the island mainly varies with the climate and the topography. The rainfall and the temperature are the most important factors of the climatic conditions.

There are four major zones of vegetation types in Sri Lanka.

• The Arid Zone has a temperature between 32-36 degrees Celsius. The Rainfall is below 100 mm per year and the Altitude is less than 300 meters. The forest type is referred as Tropical Thorn Scrub.

• The Dry Zone has a temperature between 28-32 degrees Celsius. The Rainfall is between 1000-1500 mm per year and the Altitude is less than 500 meters. The forest type is referred as Tropical Dry Mixed Evergreen.

• The Intermediate Zone has a temperature between 24-28 degrees Celsius. The Rainfall is between 1250-2000 mm per year and the Altitude is between 500-1500 meters. The forest type is referred as Tropical Moist Evergreen.

• The Wet Zone has a temperature between 16-28 degrees Celsius. The Rainfall is above 2000 mm per year and the Altitude range is divided in to three categories.

The vegetation type in the altitude range of between 300-1000 meters is called as Tropical Lowland Wet Evergreen forests.

The vegetation type in the altitude range of between 900-1500 meters is called as Tropical Sub Montane forests.

The vegetation type in the altitude range of above 1500 meters is called as Tropical Upper Montane forests.

Banana Tree

Bananas are the most widely consumed fruits in the world and there are over 29 variaties of bananas in Sri Lanka. It is also an attractive fruit crop for farmers due to its high economic gains throughout the year. Currently, nearly 60,000 hectares of land are under banana cultivation in Sri Lanka, making it the fruit taking up most of the land under fruit cultivation. In addition to being a major staple food for farmers, banana is an important source of income, with excess production sold in local markets.Kurunegala, Ampara and Ratnapura districts together contribute 15 percent of the total banana production in Sri Lanka according to arvey cocted by Department of Census and Statistics.Banana has medicinal properties and is highly nutritious. Its leaves make aromatic eco-friendly plates and food wraps. Its trunk serves a decorative function, especially in ritualistic ceremonies. Its fibres make tough rope and delicate fabrics. And around the banana grove is wrapped a wealth of lore, not least about the origin of this ubiquitous plant.

Banana Leaf

The use of banana leaf in the kitchen is nothing new. Its usage is part of the tradition and culture of many countries. Although the leaves are super versatile, the advances in technology have created alternative materials (e.g. aluminium foil and parchment paper). Believe it or not, nowadays, the banana leaf is often put aside.Leaves are large, flexible, waterproof, and nonstick. Besides that, they are beautiful and always give a nice tropical touch.

How to cook with banana leaf

Although they are not edible, the banana leaves have a very important role in the kitchen. It helps in almost every culinary processes: preparation, service, consumption and even as a packaging.It can be used as:

• Wrapping for steaming or baking : The banana leaf can hold the liquids of the food, being the perfect package to cook whatever you want, such as vegetables, fish, and chicken. Although the leaf is not consumed, it has a high antioxidant content, these antioxidants are absorbed by the food along with the aroma of the leaf.

• Non-stick layer for grilling : The banana leaf prevents the food to stick on the grill. In addition, the leaf has the wonderful advantage of being porous and to be an alive element, so it adds a nice sweet and smoke flavour, something that the aluminium foil can’t do.

• Bowl and boat shapes for baking or grilling : A mixture of the uses mentioned above. In Thailand, we tried Khai-Pam, a grilled omelette on the banana leaf that is amazing. Another example would be the Hor Mok, a steamed fish custard on a banana leaf bowl.

• Non-stick paper for baking cakes and bread : This is how Bibingka is made in the Philippines. Bibingka is a rice and coconut cake that is baked in a cake pan covered with banana leaves. How about baking a loaf of bread on the banana leaf?

• Takeaway or to-go packaging : Have you ever dreamed to find a biodegradable and inexpensive takeaway package? Banana leaves can be the solution to that. In Sri Lanka many people sell food parcels in a triangular package made with banana leaf. Just open it and eat the food on the leaf itself.

• Wrapper for food fermentation : For some foods, banana leaves are also a great element for aerobic fermentation,.It allows air exchange while protects the food and lets the fermentation to occur naturally.

• A layer for covering plates : In Indonesia, it is very common for dishes to be served with a banana leaf mat on the plate. In this case, the banana leaf has two functions, besides being beautiful, does not let the plates get too dirty. It also contributes to consuming less water for the cleaning! By the way, some local and traditional restaurants called warung makan, use rattan baskets layered with a banana leaf to serve food instead of a regular plate.

• They can also be the plate itself or even the tablecloth : In South India, there is a festive tradition called Sadhya where a whole feast is served on the banana leaf stretched on the floor. In this tradition, each portion such as rice, dhal, chutneys and curries have their own specific spot on the leaf.

• To wrap the leftover food : If it is used to cook, serve, and pack… why not store? The banana leaf lasts a long time in the refrigerator and freezes very well.

Variaties of Banana

• Ambul bananas are famous for being slightly sour but beautifully sweet at the same time. They are petite and slender, sharp-ended, and easy to spot in a crowd. Their skin is relatively thin, covering pale yellow smooshy-soft deliciousness. Best of all, they give out that pungent aroma we all love. According to Sri Lankan tradition, the ambul banana is said to help food move through the digestive tract, and is also considered to be “cooling.” It is therefore not recommended for when you have a cold or a chesty cough.

• Seeni bananas are similar to ambul in that they too are small in size. However, they are rounder in shape, and taste distinctly sweeter. The flesh of a seeni banana is sticky-sweet. Its skin is thin, rubbery, apple-green in colour when unripe, and buff-yellow when ripe. These bananas are nutrient-rich and, according to Sri Lankan tradition, recommended for the sick, the elderly, and the very young. It is also believed that these bananas are beneficial to those suffering from diabetes and other “sugar” related problems (although the medical and/or scientific accuracy of this belief is yet to be established).

• While the kolikuttu group of bananas are the stout, plump, blunt-ended cousins of the banana varieties described above, kolikuttu and suwendel bananas are the most highly prized dessert banana varieties in Sri Lanka. Kolikuttus are the choice for offerings and religious festivals. They have a thinner skin, which splits during early ripening, and their creamy-white flesh gives out an appetizing aroma. While they are very much in demand, ripe kolikuttu bananas drop readily from their bunch, making it difficult to transport them. According to local beliefs, kolikuttu bananas are “heaty,” and are bring about constipation. Their counterparts, suwendel, are almost apple scented, and their skin is mustard-yellow in colour, when ripe.

• The puwalu banana is a slightly less common dessert variety, which takes a curved shape, and whose skin is yellow-tinged brown in colour, when ripe. Its flesh is straw-yellow. Its very attractive counterpart, rath kehel, is famous for its red pigmented skin. The rath kehel is truly a banana of colour, as it’s skin is apple-green when unripe, and turns buff-yellow, and then red, developing brown-black markings, when ripe. Its flesh is sea-foam yellow, and hides within it its minute seeds. It is not terribly sweet, but is certainly softer and sweeter than some banana varieties. Some would, in fact, say it is slightly raspberry-esque in flavour. Interestingly, the red pigment implied in its name only occurs in its vegetative parts (such as its skin) and not in its flesh. Rath kehel is commonly cultivated in Kandy.

• Anamalu is a local favourite and belongs to the Cavendish group. It is easily distinguished by its slender, long, curved, shape. Its skin, when ripe, is lemon-yellow, and relatively thick. Its flesh is soft, ivory coloured and sour-sweet on the tongue. It is well loved by athletes in Sri Lanka, for its ability to generate a quick burst of energy. It is also of particular use to those suffering from digestive problems. It is said that over-ripe anamalu can help stop diarrhea, while under-ripe anamalu can help ease constipation. Medicinal qualities aside, anamalu is simply one of those great varieties of bananas you have to love if you are Sri Lankan.

• The Ambun is a dessert variety of excellent quality, again, belonging to the Cavendish group, and therefore rather large in size. It was introduced by the Department of Agriculture in 1927, from Serdang, Selangor, in Malaysia. It is curved (though slightly less curved than the anamalu) and its skin is relatively thick. Although its skin is light green when unripe, it turns buff-yellow at full ripeness. Its flesh is maize-yellow.

• The nethrapalam however wins, in this group of bananas, for its tremendous stature. Each nethrapalam banana could be up to 12 inches long, and weigh between two to four pounds! While the nethrapalam is certainly less common, it is by far the easiest to recognise, and the hardest to consume on your own (in one sitting!).

• Rath kehel, The unripe bananas are initially reddish brown-greenish. The skin is smooth and turns pink to reddish when ripe. This banana reaches up to 5cm in diameter and 15cm in length and is therefore larger than all known apple bananas. (“Banana Sini” and “Banana Ambul”) A banana can weigh up to 200g in weight. There are of course smaller fruits, but in general the red bananas are quite thick.

• Ash Plantain "Alu Kehel", Used in cooking variety. They are small and slightly curved with dark green colour and thick skin. They called Ash plantain due to their colour, misty outside like ash on the skin. When they coked they are delicious with a creamy texture and is known for benefits for digestive health. I didn’t consume much of this because it requires frying and was difficult with my Whole-food plant-based, no oil lifestyle.

Unusual treat: Kesel bode (Banana Stem)

Kesel bode (banana pith) curry is highly recommended by indigenous medicine practitioners for its cooling effects. Alu kesel (ash plantain) pith, the core of the trunk, is the preferred choice, and usually available in private gardens soon after the fruit is harvested. As the tree then dies, it is felled and the pith, usually the section in the lower half of the trunk, from centre to ground level, is cooked into a delicious curry. Preparation: Pare the pith until it is about one to an inch and a half in diameter. Prepare a bowl of diluted coconut milk seasoned with salt and tumeric. Finely shred the pith, which discolours quickly when exposed. Add it to the milk. Add in the other ingredients, which should have been prepared in advance: dry mung fried and ground, small thin pieces of potato, unroasted curry powder, dill seeds, sliced green chillies, sliced shallots, sliced garlic, curry leaves, a stick of cinnamon. Mix and bring to a boil on medium heat. Then add thick coconut milk, increase heat and leave to simmer for a few minutes. Goes well with rice, thosai or rotti.(Recipe courtesy of Chitra Surasena)

Banana Flower "Kehel Mala"

Banana FlowerGrows at the end of a banana fruit cluster and has an intense purple colour with the shape of a tear. The cooked banana flower reminds of the taste of artichokes but cooking it with spices gives it its own identity due to heat and sharpness. It’s also common to find this in pickled form in Sri Lanka.

Banana for Decoration

You could see the traiditonal oil lamp is made with gok kola, but most of the time Banana trunk is taken to support the structure. Banana trunk is the underlaying structure for most of the gok decorations

Banana Fiber "Kesel Patta"

Long pieces are torn from the trunkDo you ever need rope or twine to stake plants or to tie something together but find that you don’t have any to use? If you grow bananas or plantain, then there’s an easy way to make some cord that won’t cost any money. You can use the stringy fibres from banana plants to make your own rope—rope that’s very strong and has many uses.

1. To get the fibres from the banana tree for making rope, it’s best to wait until after the fruit is harvested, then cut the stem into log-shaped pieces. The length of these log-shaped pieces should be the same length you want for your rope.

2. Now you have your lengths of banana stem cut into pieces like logs. The next step is to peel the leaf sections off the stem, one by one. Depending on the thickness of the tree, you may get up to 20 leaf sections from one log.

3. After you have separated all the leaf sections from the banana stems, spread them in the sun to dry. You should do this as soon as possible to prevent insects from getting into the leaf sections and damaging them. Leave the sections in the sun for about a day, or until you can see that they are well-dried. If the leaf sections get too dry and are brittle when you want to use them, you can simply wet them to soften them up.

4. You are now ready to split them into several narrower sections. The width of the narrow sections will depend upon how strong you want the rope or cord to be. You can use your fingers or a knife to tear off strips the size you want. They could be 3 or 4 cm (1 or 2 inches) wide, or wider or narrower. It really depends on how thick and strong you need the rope to be. You might be using these strips as they are, or you might twist or braid several of them together for greater strength.

​

Banana Benefits

Bananas are a time-tested source of good nutrition. While we have outlined a number of “traditionally held” benefits of banana-eating, specific to the particular varieties grown in Sri Lanka, A few such benefits, not limited to any particular variety of banana, are set out below for your enjoyment:

1. Being rich in potassium, bananas are nature’s very own energy bars. They also help protect against muscle cramps during workouts.

2. The potassium in bananas helps control blood pressure, and protects against strokes.

3. Bananas improve vision and prevent age-related muscular degeneration.

4. Bananas build better bones. They are a rich source of probiotics, which nourish the good bacteria that produce vitamins and digestive enzymes in the colon, causing an increased absorption of many minerals, including calcium, which strengthens bones.

5. Bananas are rich in antioxidants and this may reduce the incidence of cancer in the kidneys.

6. Bananas help ease symptoms related to stomach ulcers.

7. The fibre, potassium, vitamin C and B6 content in bananas all support heart health.

8. Bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid that, studies suggest, plays a role in preserving memory and boosting mood.

9. Banana trunks and banana skins are used to make rich compost fertilizer and liquid fertilizer

Fun Banana Facts:

On a lighter note, we also stumbled upon a wealth of great banana-related fun facts. Here is our pick of the best of them:

• The inside of a banana skin can be used to calm an itchy mosquito bite.

• The kochchikehel variety of bananas found in Sri Lanka is reputed to be an aphrodisiac.

• The inside of a banana skin can be used to polish your shoes or your leather handbag.

• Bananas are naturally radioactive due to their high potassium content.

• Over 100 billion bananas are consumed annually in the world!

Polish shoes with Banana peel

King of the fruits,” mango fruit is one of the most popular, nutritionally rich fruits with unique flavor, fragrance, taste, and heath promoting qualities, making it numero-uno among new functional foods, often labeled as “super fruits.” Mango is one of the delicious seasonal fruits grown in the tropics. A mango is a stone fruit produced from numerous species of tropical tree. The energy value per 100 g (3.5 oz.) serving of the common mango is 250 kJ (60 kcal), and that of the apple mango is slightly higher (330 kJ (79 kcal) per 100 g). Fresh mango contains a variety of nutrients, but only vitamin C and folate are in significant amounts of the Daily Value as 44% and 11%, respectively. Mango trees require full sunlight to fruit well. It will grow in lesser light but not fruit well or may not fruit at all.

Mango, Mangifera indica, is an evergreen tree in the family Anacardiaceae grown for its edible fruit. The mango tree is erect and branching with a thick trunk and broad, rounded canopy. The leaves of the tree are are shiny and dark green. They are either elliptical or lanceolate with long petioles and a leathery texture. The tree produces dense clusters of flowers with cream-pink petals on branched panicles. The mango fruit is roughly oval in shape, with uneven sides. The fruit is a drupe, with an outer flesh surrounding a stone. The flesh is soft and bright yellow-orange in color. The skin of the fruit is yellow-green to red. Mango trees can grow to a height of 45 m (148 ft) and can live for in excess of 100 years.

Uses

• Riped fruit is eaten as a fruit, to make jam, juices and ice cream

• Unripe mango is used in making a food called “Achcharu”: In making the “Achcharu” the raw mango is cut in to pieces and chopped, and mixed with chili powder, sugar, salt and lime.

• The roots and bark are uses for astringent, acrid, refrigerant, styptic, antisyphi.litic, vulnerary, antiemetic, anti-inflammatoxy and constipating medicine.

• For Wood

• For religious festivals the mango leaves are used

• The ash of the burnt leaves are useful in burns and scalds

Source

Varieties of Mangoes

There are over 20 varieties of mangoes in Sri Lanka

• Karutha Colombun : This mango reigns high among our mangoes owing to the sweet, juicy, ripened taste it holds as well as its considerable size. It is the most popular mango cultivar in Jaffna and is also known as the Jaffna mango. Moreover we know its presence in the form of ice cream in our country and it is favored by many Lankan palettes.

• Willard

• Gira Amba

• Mee Amba

• Pol Amba (Bigger than tha usual amba)

• Beti Amba (Smaller than the usual amba)

• Alponsu Amba (Grafter Mangoes)

Observe 24 different items within one minute and be able to remember and write down at least 18 of them by memory within three minutes

This game was taken by B-P from Rudyard Kipling's book for boy's "Kim". This is the story of the orphan son of an Irish soldier in India who grew up among the native boys and was later trained for government intelligence work. The training began by showing Kim a tray of precious stones and gems for a minute's observation, then covering it, and asking Kim how many stones and what kind they were.

At first Kim could remember only a few, but soon, by practice, he was able not only to say exactly how many, but to describe the stones. Then he practiced with other articles, and ultimately was able to glance to see all sorts of details of items that were of value in tracing and dealing with criminals.

In its commonly used form, 24 articles of different kinds -- a key, a pocket knife, a computer disk, a coin, a marble, a comb etc. -- are placed on a table and covered with a cloth. The player steps up to the table, the cloth is removed for exactly one minute; the player looks, endeavoring to remember as many as possible, and the player writes down as many as they can remember.

As with Kim, the purpose of this requirement is to develop the faculty for observation and memory.

Coconut Tree

Coconut is also one of Sri Lanka's three major export crops, bringing home a total revenue of US$ 537.52 millions last year. Known for its great versatility, coconut tree is one of the most important trees in Sri Lanka, may the guidelines be economical or cultural. The locals call the coconut tree 'Kapruka', meaning the tree that provides all comforts.Forming the general vegetation that covers the grounds of Sri Lanka, it is hard to notice a sky patch not crowded by the towering majestic figures of coconut trees with a crown of leaves spreading towards the heavens.Sri Lankan lifestyle has been inextricably intertwined with the coconut tree, not just for the milk, water and oil giving nut, but to the leaves to the trunk to the fibrous husk that surrounds the coconut. There is no part of the coconut tree that goes to waste in a Sri Lankan household.

In ancient Sri Lanka, people used coconut milk and scraped coconut extensively in their daily preparation of main dishes, desserts, beverages and medicine. Even today, Sri Lankans hardly pass a few hours without consuming food or drink made with coconut milk. Water inside the young coconut is a favourite thirst quencher among the locals and coconut water has even found its way into modern cocktails and mock tails.Other products like coconut treacle, jaggery and vinegar made out of the sap of the cut coconut flower has been a large part of Sri Lankan lifestyle and is still in use largely in preparation of our favourite desserts, pickles and preserve.

While natural coconut vinegar is widely used as a low glycimic and low-sugar option to wine or cedar vinegar powdered coconut jaggery is being celebrated worldwide as coconut sugar.With a view to catering to the changing trends of the global cuisine, Sri Lankan coconut product manufacturers have developed a range of coconut milk based products including coconut milk powder, coconut milk cream and coconut butter that can be easily mixed into coconut milk to add texture, flavour and thickness to dishes.Coconut oil too has been a part of Sri Lankan life style since time immemorial; we fry and temper our food with it, light oil lamps with it and apply coconut oil on our hair for extra conditioning. Although coconut oil no longer provides us with the only source of illumination, coconut oil lamps are lit in thousands daily across Sri Lanka at Buddhist Temples and Hindu Kovils by devotees seeking enlightenment. Sri Lankan coconut oil manufacturers provide the markets with virgin coconut oil as well as RBD coconut oil to suit the requirements of local and global buyers.The fibre found in the coconut husk belongs to two coir fibre types, namely, bristle fibre (long Fibre) and omatt fibre (short fibre).

A unique traditional technique known as 'Ceylon drum system' is being used to extract bristle fibre, producing long pure fibre, mostly suited for the brush industry. Long pure fibre mainly belongs to two main categories; brown and white fibre, which contributes to 80% and 20% respectively of the world coir fibre demand.Other products made of coconut fibre such as coir twine, brooms & brushes, doormats, geotextiles, rubberized coir products including mattresses and horticulture products. The coco peat, a by-product of the local fibre production process has a great demand in the international market as a natural growing medium for various types of plants.Today, Sri Lanka is one of the largest coir exporters to the world and coir rope & twine manufacturing is a home based industry that is prevalent in the coastal cities of Sri Lanka.Not even the empty coconut shell is discarded at Sri Lankan homes. They too are made into simple spoons with a wooden handle for use at the kitchen or burnt at stove for cooking. Sri Lanka exports active carbon and active carbon solution made out of coconut shells, used for a wide range of uses in households, farms and industries.Weaved Coconut Leaves are used for roofingAlthough not as celebrated as other conventional hardwood found in SrI Lanka, coconut wood is rapidly catching up as a strong alternative to traditional hardwood varieties like teak and ebony. Used to produce kitchen utensils and used as rafters and roofing material, coconut wood is widely used in the production of furniture and ornaments today. Sri Lankan coconut wood and coconut shell suppliers export raw materials to several leading designer houses across USA and Europe.Coconut leaf too is widely used as animal feed and is woven into an eye catching pattern to be used for thatching and to prevent soil erosion. It is also used as firewood while the ekel in the middle of the leaf is used to make the brooms used to sweep the gardens clean.With many a benefit derived from many parts of the coconut tree, it is no wonder coconut tree and its flowers are considered a sign of prosperity in the South Asian region.

Coconut Triangle

The coconut triangle which includes the districts of Kurunegala, Puttlam and Colombo produces 3000 million coconuts annually and out of this 200 million are exported while the balance is consumed locally. The coconut triangle covers 66 percent of the total acreage of the country.

Uses of a Coconut Tree

• The Flesh: Food, Milk, and Flour

• The Water: A Healthy, Refreshing Drink

• The Oil: For Cooking, Skin, and Hair:With medicinal, nutritional and topical uses and benefits, there are in excess of 100 reasons to have coconut oil in some form in the home. Here is a selection of them.Topical Uses of Coconut Oil

  • Natural skin softener and moisturizer.

  • Reduces fine lines, puffiness and dark circles under the eyes

  • Prevents skin infections.

  • Anti-Wrinkle.

  • Soothes Sunburn and treats blisters and burns.

  • Removes makeup.

  • Improves skin tone, elasticity, and age spots.

  • Heals itchy skin and stops burning from insect bites including snake bites.

  • Lessens varicose vein occurrences.

  • Removes head lice.

  • Conditions the hair, prevents split-ends and treats dry flaky scalp including dandruff.

  • Heals nail fungal conditions.

  Medicinal Uses of Coconut Oil

  • Eases acid reflux and gives relief in gallbladder disease.

  • Stabilizes blood sugar levels and insulin production.

  • Kills viruses such as flu and infectious diseases.

  • Protects against cancers in the colon, breasts, and digestive tract.

  • Protects against intestinal disorders.

  • Reduces pain and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

  • Strengthens the liver.

  • Relieves symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

  • Protects against Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Improves calcium and magnesium absorption, promoting strong bones.

  • Helps stabilize female hormones and prevents hot flushes and vaginal dryness during menopause.

• The Shells: To Steam Food and Craft With: the outer part of the coconut, these have been used for buffing floors, fuel, for charcoal, as handicrafts, as buttons, as drinking vessels, sponges, musical instruments, theatrical sound effects, burnt to ward off mosquitoes and when ground down, the husk is used in cosmetics as a skin exfoliant.

• The Husks: A Natural Scrubber and Craft Material

• The Husks: Ropes : this is the fiber on the outside of the husk and is used in ropes, doormats, potting compost, mattress stuffing, brushes, mats, rugs, joint sealer for boats (caulking), and sacks.

• Tree Leaves: Thatching

• The Sticks: Brooms

• The Wood: Fires in Traditional Kitchens and roofing

• The Flowers: Medicine

Fun facts

Coconut thatches are widely used because they are so copious and because they are naturally fitting for roofing. They are simple to process and easy to fix to a roof structure. Coconut thatches roofing lasts more than 4 years. They are outstanding for poor friendly homes. Some people tend to change to corrugated iron or other materials as soon as they can afford it and such material are not Eco-friendly. The Coconut thatches are used for roofing either in their natural form. Coconut thatches must be mature and dry before they are used for thatch. For thatching purposes coconut leaves are classified by the way that the leaf blades are attached to the stem.

Be able to march 100 meters correctly with the Patrol. Be able to do Squad drill such as marking time, and drills with the staff etc.

• Basic knowledge on key input/output devices attached to the computer system

• Knowledge about basic usage of a computer

• Knowledge about basic storage methods of information

What is computer ?

Computer is a data processing machine which needs user’s instructions to perform any job. After processing the raw facts (called data), it produces useful information for the user.

But how do you give data and instructions to the computer and how it can return the useful information to you. To do all these, different types of input and output devices can be connected with the computer.

Input Devices

The devices which are used to give data and instructions to the computer are called Input Devices. Various types of input devices can be used with the computer depending upon the type of data you want to enter in the computer,

Examples

• Keyboard

• Computer mouse

• Graphic tablet

• Touchscreen

• Barcode reader

• Image scanner

• Microphone

• Webcam

• Game controller

• Light pen

• Scanner

• Digital camera

Keyboard

It is the most commonly used input device. It is used to enter data and instructions directly into the computer. There are 104 buttons on the keyboard which are called keys.

The various types of computer keyboards typically used by computer users for different purposes are a qwerty keyboard, a gaming keyboard, a virtual keyboard and a multimedia keyboard. Based on the connectivity options used for a keyboard to connect with a computer, it is classified as a wired keyboard, a wireless keyboard, a Bluetooth keyboard and an USB keyboard.

Mouse

Mouse is another input device which is commonly found connected with the computers. It is basically a pointing device which works on the principle of Point and Click. When the mouse is moved on the mouse pad, a light beam underneath reflect to give motion to the pointer on the screen.

The mouse is used in windows based programs, where the user can run the commands by pointing the objects with the help of pointer and clicking the buttons on the mouse. We also use mouse for drawing in paint and kid pix.

Most of the latest mouses, these days, include a wheel in the middle of two buttons that help us to scroll through documents more easily. we use our forefinger to move the wheel to scroll up or down in a document. Optical mouse uses red light to track the movement of mouse for moving the pointer on the computer screen. This type of mouse is more accurate and reliable than the traditional mouse.

Nowadays cordless mouse is very popular. it dose not have wires. it either uses Bluetooth technology to sends the data through the air to a receiver, usually plugged in USB port of the computer.

Scanner

A scanner or optical scanner is a hardware input device that optically "reads" and image and converts it into a digital signal. For example, a scanner may be used to convert a printed picture, drawing, or document (hard copy) into a digital file which can be edited on a computer.

Output Devices

The devices which are used to display the results or information are called Output Devices. You can view the output on the monitor or you can print it on a paper using a printer. Monitor and the printer are the commonly used output devices.

Examples

• Computer display

• Printer

• Projector

• Speaker

Monitor