Peer Groups

Small groups of mixed ages might suddenly be affected by the arrival of newcomers. Brothers and sisters tag along. Existing members bring their friends. Others learn something good is happening. With a change in the ages of the group the inclinations, language, climate and dynamics change too. The programme needs to be reconsidered and modified.

One development project, working with an Integrated Section for 8 to 14 year olds, found that young people moved in and out of mutual interest and peer groups, according to the activities they wished to undertake and the friendships forged. They recognised this may involve them working with those younger, older or of a similar age to themselves. This approach can work well in an Integrated Section with this age range.

One factor influencing poor retention is the transfer of members between conventional Sections. Leaving their peer group, creating new friends and coping with change all contribute. The worst effects of transfer are avoided within an Integrated Section, with increased retention. This will diminish, however, if there is no effective management of the programme.

Young people need to experience the development of social relationships and skills with new peer groups. Occasionally changing the make-up of Lodges/Sixes/Patrols as new Members join, or as they move to another Section, can help achieve this.

Consider how young people change peer groups in mixed age activity, what pressures there are on young people to stay with their original peer group or move on to a new peer group, and how does this process affect relationships between young people themselves and with their volunteers.

There can be a tendency to use older members in a leadership or training role with younger members. Occasionally this may be appropriate, but carefully consider what proportion of time is spent this way.

Group Management

A Group Scout Leader's responsibilities for the Programme and Section co-ordination are less than that for a conventional Group. If the Integrated Section is a temporary measure, or if numbers grow to an extent that separate Sections become necessary, the Group Scout Leader has an important role in establishing the new Sections.

Where the only Section in the Group is an Integrated Section, Group Scouters' Meetings and Sectional Leaders' Meetings can be combined.

Irrespective of the number or make up of Sections within a Group, there will always be a need for an effective Group Executive Committee.