Slovak Republic
Slovenský Skauting (SLSK)
Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting introduced: 1919 - Founder Member of WAGGGS
Number of Girl Guides/Girl Scouts: 3210 (01/01/2003)
Status:
Full Member
Guiding Introduced on: 01/01/1919
Admits boys: Yes
WAGGGS Region:
Europe
Contact us
International Commissioner
Pri Bielom Krízi 34
831 02
Bratislava 3
Telephone: 00 421-2-44 640 154
Fax: 00 421-2-44 640 155
Click here to view additional information on this organisation
Promise:
On my honour, I promise that I will do my best:
To do my duty to God and to my country,
To help other people at all times, and
To keep the Girl Scout Law.
Law, Promise and Motto can be worded for particular age levels so that they may conform to their educational aims.
Law:
Girl Scout Law
1 A Girl Scout’s honour is to be trusted.
2 A Girl Scout is loyal.
3 A Girl Scout is useful and helps others.
4 A Girl Scout is a friend of all good-willing people and a sister to all other Girl Scouts.
5 A Girl Scout is courteous.
6 A Girl Scout protects nature and all valuable creations of humans.
7 A Girl Scout obeys her parents, principals and leaders.
8 A Girl Scout is cheerful and considerate.
9 A Girl Scout is thrifty.
10 A Girl Scout is pure in thought, word and deed.
Motto:
Be Prepared
Development of the movement:
The Slovak Republic, or Slovakia, is located in the heart of Europe. It was part of the Czechoslovak Republic between 1918 and 1992. Now it is an independent state.
From the start, Scouting in Czechoslovakia developed as an organization open to both boys and girls (working in separate units). The first Scout troop in Slovakia was founded in 1913. Groups of Girl Scouts began to form between 1918 and 1922 in various towns of Slovakia. In 1919 the Association of the Scouts and Guides of the Republic of Czechoslovakia, the joint organization of Czech and Slovak Guides and Scouts, was founded. The Czechoslovak Girl Scouts (and therefore Slovak Girl Scouts) joined the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in 1928, and so became a founder member of WAGGGS.
Girl Scouting grew and progressed until 1939, the start of the Second World War, which brought with it the division of Czechoslovakia. In Slovakia, the Government banned Scouting. But the Scouting spirit survived the war and other persecutions and after the war and the 1944 national uprising, Scouting re-emerged and was recognized by the state of Czechoslovakia.
The Girl Scout Movement in Slovakia has over the last 40 years lost the opportunity to reach several generations of children and young people. In 1990, however, the Girl Scouts were once again accepted as members of WAGGGS, and Guiding began to flourish once more. In 1993, when Czechoslovakia split and became the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, the Association applied and was recognized as two Associations. Today Slovensk´y Skauting is the Association operating in the Slovak Republic.
Programme:
The educational programme of Scouting Slovakia is currently under revision to ensure that it meets the needs of young people in Slovakia. It is focused on young people’s full personal development. The Programme Committee is publishing new handbooks for the leaders of each age section (Cubs/Brownies, Boy/Girl Scouts, Rovers/Rangers).
Relationship to society:
Service has always had a firm place in the Association’s programme, so that girls and boys learn how to become active members of their local communities. The Association as a whole participates in various national humanitarian events – such as ‘Daffodil Day – the Day Against Cancer’.
Communication and Co-operation
The Association works on strengthening the international aspect of its programme to support the mobility of young people, intercultural learning and international exchanges. Scouting Nederland has a special link with Slovakia backed up by the Partnership Agreement.
Scouting Slovakia co-operates with other youth organizations and is a member of the Youth Council of Slovakia.
Training:
The Association has a training scheme accredited by WAGGGS, intended to offer an adequate and qualified training to its leaders while improving adult recruitment. It organizes basic leader courses at regional level, higher leader courses (Forestry School) at national level and specialized basic courses for specific functions (managers and fundraisers), as well as offering various modules and high-level courses (such as Gilwell instructor’s course).
Outdoor Activities
Scouting Slovakia has traditionally placed a strong emphasis on contact with nature. Summer camps, outdoor activities and the protection of nature are still an essential part of the educational programme.
