Full member
SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF SLOVENIA
Zveza Tabornikov Slovenije is a voluntary, educational youth organisation, open to all, regardless of their origin, race or creed. It is based upon the principles of the World Scout Movement and emphasises the ideas of pluralism, freedom of the individual, peace, moral, ethical and spiritual values - ideals enshrined in the Scout Promise and Law. The Promise, which represents a commitment, both to oneself and to the Scout Movement, is taken by every new member after completing a probationary period.
The organisation's work is based upon the membership of small groups under adult guidance, involving the progressive discovery and acceptance of responsibility and training towards self-government. It is directed towards the development of an individual’s personality, and the acquisition of competence, self-reliance, dependability and the capacities, both, to co-operate and to lead.
The organisation has created progressive and stimulating programmes, in order to help children and young people value education as a continuous process, develop their characters, knowledge and various skills, and prepare for independent lives as adults.
By learning about Nature, living outdoors and experiencing its beauty and challenges, as well as its inhospitality, members of ZTS examine themselves and become aware of the inevitable interdependence and integrity of the world. Living at the very heart of Nature brings them closer to the meaning of existence and spirituality, and encourages them to live in harmony with Nature.
Even our slogan “From Nature to Man*!” emphasise the link between Scouting and Nature. The organisation develops educational programmes which include objectives relating to the integrity of Nature and Man.
ZTS encourages its members and groups to participate actively in solving the problems faced by people in this new democratic society, and stresses the importance of tolerance and understanding. This includes inviting refugee children to participate in Scout activities and organising summer camps with them.
Children may join the Scout organisation in the pre-school age (Pre-Cub Scouts), but they really experience Scout life at primary school (Cub Scouts and Scouts) and secondary school age (Venture Scouts). All adults who feel close to Nature and enjoy working with young, may stay in the organisation or even join ZTS later, if they are willing to support it.
Zveza Tabornikov Slovenije was established in 1951, building upon the heritage of the pre-war Scout and Woodcraft movements. Nowadays, it counts around 10,000 active members organised in patrols, Cub packs, Scout troops and Venture clubs. There are 85 Scout groups in 10 regional Scout organisations. Zveza Tabornikov Slovenije has been a recognised member of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement since September 1994.
There is a well-organised programme and training scheme for Venture Scouts, who become patrol leaders after following patrol leader training courses and seminars, and for specialists who help younger Scouts during their Scout life.
The National Training Centre “GOZDNA ŠOLA” is located in the very heart of Triglav National Park, near Lake Bohinj. Here, various forms of training are organised on national level. In addition to the Scout campsite for 80 people, there is a house with a multi-purpose room, a club room and accommodation for 50 people. Since 1992, in co-operation with theWorld Organisation of the Scout Movement’s European Region, courses for adult leaders have been organised to enable them to qualify as Section Leaders and Group Leaders.