Scout's Own: A Spiritual Dimension in Scouting
"Scout's Own" is a foundational concept in Scouting, established by Lord Baden Powell, serving
as a code of living that guides individuals across various aspects of their lives, including the
spiritual dimension. It emphasizes the pursuit of spiritual values within the Scouting movement.
Purpose and Function
"Scout's Own" is a gathering for Scouts to worship God and promote the Scout Law and
Promise. It is intended as a supplementary practice to religious observance, not a replacement.
Programme Elements
The following table outlines a sample programme for "Scout's Own":
Programme Element Description
Opening Choruses Songs to begin the gathering
Opening Hymn A hymn to open the service
Opening Prayer A prayer to start the session
Reading from a Holy Book Scripture reading (e.g., Bible, Koran)
Choruses Additional songs
Preaching A short discourse or sermon
Prayer for... Prayers for families, the Scout movement, the
sick, etc.
Open Forum Opportunity for discussion or sharing
Closing Prayer A prayer to conclude the gathering
Closing Choruses/Hymns Songs or hymns to end the service
Key Aspects of Conduct
Aspect Description
Timing Can be conducted anytime during a camp
Inclusivity May involve Scouts of all denominations on a
voluntary basis. Scout Leaders should not force
participation that conflicts with a Scout's
religious beliefs. If Scouts from mixed religions
are present, the service should be general to
accommodate diverse religious practices.
Duration Should be short, simple, and sincere, ideally
lasting approximately one hour.
Preparation Scout Leaders must ensure adequate
preparation, and those leading should be
informed and given time to rehearse if
necessary.
OSR Song: "Kumbaya"
"Kumbaya" is a well-known campfire closing song, intended as a prayer.
Tune and Actions
The tune involves forming a circle, crossing hands, and swaying slowly from left to right.
Lyrics
The lyrics for "Kumbaya" are presented below:
Verse
Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya
Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya
Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya
Oh Lord, kumbaya
Someone's sleeping, my Lord, kumbaya
Someone's sleeping, my Lord, kumbaya
Someone's sleeping, my Lord, kumbaya
Oh Lord, kumbaya
Someone's crying, my Lord, kumbaya
Someone's crying, my Lord, kumbaya
Someone's crying, my Lord, kumbaya
Oh Lord, kumbaya
Someone's laughing, my Lord, kumbaya
Someone's laughing, my Lord, kumbaya
Someone's laughing, my Lord, kumbaya
Oh Lord, kumbaya
Someone's singing, my Lord, kumbaya
Someone's singing, my Lord, kumbaya
Someone's singing, my Lord, kumbaya
Oh Lord, kumbaya
Someone's camping, my Lord, kumbaya
Someone's camping, my Lord, kumbaya
Someone's camping, my Lord, kumbaya
Oh Lord, kumbaya
Someone's Scouting, my Lord, kumbaya
Someone's Scouting, my Lord, kumbaya
Someone's Scouting, my Lord, kumbaya
Oh Lord, kumbaya (slower)
