Inclusive Investitures As the new Scout Year is set to begin for many Scout Groups, preparation for linking and investitures may be starting for new members of Scouting Ireland in the coming months. Investitures are big milestones in scouting for our young people and our adults alike and it is important that the tone is right as well as the environment. Here is a checklist that your Scout Group can use to ensure all young people are supported in the ceremony.
What is an investiture? The Investiture Ceremony is the time when a Scout, by means of the words of the Scout Promise, publicly announces their commitment to the Scout Law. At the ceremony, the Scout makes the Promise while holding the Scouting Ireland Flag and receives their Neckerchief and Investiture Badge. Investitures are generally reserved for those new to Scouting or when a Scout moves into a new Section. An adult taking on a new role, such as Section Scouter, may also be invested. Investitures can come in all shapes and sizes, and different Groups will have different traditions – some Scouts may be invested in a large Scout Group investiture, while others may be invested into their Section on a boat, or at the top of a mountain!
Venue Can all the members get to it? For younger sections, the Group’s normal meeting place might be appropriate, or at the end of an activity. For older sections, ensure you are not inadvertently leaving someone out by having it during a particularly challenging activity or in an inaccessible location. Does the venue have capacity for an audience? For example, is there enough room for parents/guardians to attend and see their children during the Ceremony? This again may be more relevant for younger sections than older.