Exploring the World of Scouting: A Popular Hobby in Finland

Partio / Scouting

We met with Nella in a wonderful event organised by scoutings for everybody in the partio Maja (cottage) which is situated in the forest. There were many people attending of all ages, parents, kids, leaders who kindly gave various information to people. There was delicious food to taste and the organisers friendly welcomed people and chatted with them and discussed any curiosity and questions which were brought up in their mind.  

Can you describe briefly what scouting means in Finland?

Scout is Finland's largest youth volunteer organisation, with approximately 65,000 members.There are 750 active scout troops all over Finland. Activities are also organised in Swedish, English and Sámi language. Activities also take place for scouts that are interested in aviation and sailoring. In Finland, the aim is that as many people as possible have the opportunity to find a hobby that suits them.

The program is based on the scout's values and ideals. The basic ideals of the scout increase with age. A scout makes a promise to learn to respect other people, love nature, protect the environment and more. The aim is to realise these basic ideals and values through weekly activities, trips and camps. Everything we learn in scout is through doing. 

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Tell us about yourself.

I’m Nella. A seventeen year old scout leader. I’ve been scouting since I was 8 years old and started leading a group of cub scouts as a volunteer when I was fifteen. I hold weekly meetings with my leading partner and actively take part in other roles in my troop as well. I love the forest and do my everything to teach the new generations how important it is to take care of it. As a future filmmaker, I can also show my vocational skills in scouting, as I now maintain the troop's social media and websites. 

Scouting is a purely voluntary activity, so as a leader instead of money, the motivation comes from making others happy, the community and the opportunity to learn a wide variety of skills and taking responsibility. Obviously I also like taking part in chill activities made for my age group as well. 

How can children join and at what age?

Joining a scout is easy. Suomen partio provides good and accessible websites where you can easily search for your local scouting activities. There’s a list of troops you can look into and most nowadays have a website where you can send a joining request in a few clicks or even ask to come check out the meetings and events and only after deciding if scout is for you. 

You can join scouts at any age from 6-years old. Usually scouting happens among your own age group. Weekly meetings end after a child turns fifteen, but they get to join other activities, events and courses or become a leader. Also adults can participate in scout activities or become a volunteer. 

What is the cost for joining? Are there any other fees?

As you join, you have to pay a registration fee that goes to the troop and the Finnish scout organisation. Because scout is all volunteer work and an organisation that doesn’t head towards profit, every penny goes towards activities and maintenance. Usually the registration cost around 70e/year.

You might also want to get the scout uniform and a scarf. Depending on the troop, you usually pay for them yourself. Trips and camps also sometimes cost a little too, when money is needed for food and travel. 

Do we provide camping materials?

To take part in some activities like camps and trips, there's usually things you have to buy for yourself. Depending on the troop, we provide gear and materials such as tents, outdoor stoves and craft materials towards activities, but basic gear like a backpack, hiking shoes and weather appropriate clothing you have to get for yourself. 

To attend weekly meetings though, you need nothing, but your hands, legs and a curious mind with you (and often a scarf).

Can children of any religion or culture join? Is scout a religious matter?

Many people may think of scouting as a political or religious organisation, but nowadays almost all troops in Finland have no political or religious aspirations of any kind. Scouts welcome everyone as they are and we’re here to respect and learn about all cultures, lifestyles and religions.

Some troops may have contact with the local churches when it comes to money and sponsorship. The churches might provide the local scouts a place to meet up or help with maintenance costs.

Our scout hut for example is located in a plot owned by the church and as a thank you we go and celebrate the Finnish independence day to the local church every year. The event is not mandatory to attend.

Do you like what you do? And do you recommend it to others as well?

As a 17-year old, I would say that scouting and the community there has made me pretty much who I am today; to be my own curious self, to act according to my values while also taking others into account, to be patient and to be brave enough to step outside my comfort zone. 

In scouting I’ve learned to care of the environment and take interest in social issues as well. I really like what I do. Working with children is for the most part really rewarding and having a nice community around makes it all worth it.