Figure 1.--This photograph was taken of Brazilian Scouts participating in a pasrade during 1941. We do not knowwhere it was taken.

We do not yet have any historical information as to the vels of Brazilian Scouting. The different levels are the standard levels found in Scouting around the world. Generally Scouting was first established with the Cubs and Rovers establisdhed afterwards. We do not have details when these different levels were established. We do have information on the current klrevels in Braziluian Scouting. We note the groups in 2004 were Cubs (7-10), Scouts (11-14), Senior Troops (15-17), and Rovers (18-21). Tghese are the traditional Scouting levels. Apparenntly there is not yet a Beaver program

Cubs (7-10 years)

The focus of Brazilian Cubbing is fantasy. Children can begin Scouting at age 7. They have to be able to read and enrolled in school. Cubbing activities are founded on Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book (“Mowgly History”). The children are organized into Packs. Each Pack is supervised by a responsable adult Scouter known as Akelá. In British Wolf Cubbing, Akela was almost always a woman. Brazilian Akelas are men an women. Usually they are the parents of one of the boys. Often other parents serve as assuistants. Each Pack is Dens. The number of Dens varies from pack to pack. We believe that Cub dens are mixed groups, but there may be some dens that are all boys or girls. Dens have up to six Cubs. Each Den elects a leader. This position rotates frequently to give everyone the opportunity to be a Den Leader who is called a Primo. (This would be the same as a Sixer in British Wolf Cubs. Pack meetings take place weekly and activities include: games (usually a favorite activity), crafts, skits (dramatizations), observation training, work on Scouting skills (knots tieing, first aid, and others). Cubs also plan excursions (field trips), normally every 2 months. Cub trips normally include visits to close points of interest. Most Packs select differebnt nature reserves or parks. Zoos are aways a popular choice. One Pack reports visirs to: Floresta da Tijuca and Parque da Cidade. Packs usually plan short camp outs (cantonments) twice a year. This takes place during school vacations or holidays. Usually these camping experiences are held in developed camp sites.

Boy Scouts (11-14 years)

The focus of Brazilian Scouting is adventure. Scouts are organized into Troops. Brazil has Boy Scout Troops, Girl Scout Troops, and Mixed Troops. Each Troop is organized into 4 Patrols with up to 8 Scout. Each Patrol is headed a “monitor” (patrol leader). The patrol leader is chosen by members of his/her Patrol after nomination by the Chief of the Troop. Each Troop is supervised an adult Chief and a number of assistants. The Chief trains the patrol leaders who then works with the Scouts in the Patrol. Each Troop meets weekly. They are run by the Troop Chief. Activities include games, competitions, observation training, skits (dramatizations), intellectual challenges, and training in Scouting activities (first aid, knot tieing, building campfires, and others). Patrols meet at least once a month. The patrols work on projects to be presented to the full Troop. The Scouts work on the skills needed to earn their badges. There are normally intellectual or physical games. The Patrols are an excellent place for Scouts to develop leadership skills. Each Troop has a Court of Honor composed ofthe Troop Leadership and the patrol leaders. Each troop plans periodic excursions which are overseen by the Troop Chief. Some of these excursions are day trips. Once Brazilian troop reports trips to: Pico da Tijuca, Pedra Bonita, Paquetá, etc. There are also overnight excursions involving camping. Individual Patrols may also organize excursions with the approval of Troop Chief. A Brazilian troop reports Patrol excursions to Floresta da Tijuca, Jardim Botânico, etc. There are also Troop Encampmebts about three times a year. Troop encampments are oirganized by the Troop Chief and assistants during school vacation or holidays. Tgey are normally planned for 3-5 days. These Encampment are seen by many Brazilian Scouts to be the most important activity of the Scout Program. They provide the best opportunity for the Chief to know and work with the individual Scouts.

Senior Scouting (15-17 year)

The focus of Senior Scouting is Challenge. Senior Scouting reflects the fusion of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. Brazilian Scouts have Senior Troops (boys), Scout Guides (girls), and/or Mixed Senior Troops. Each Troop are formed with up to 4 patrols, composed of up to 6 Scouts. Each Patrol elects a “monitor” (patrol leader). Each troop as with Scouts is oversen by a Troop Chief and his/her assistants. The Chief is responsible for training the patrol leaders who then work with the Scouts in his/her patrol. The Court of Honor in the Senior Troop is organized in the same way as with the Scouts, although it plays a more important role in running the Troope because of the age of the members. The activities are similar to Scouting, but include a range of activities suitable fir the age group: climbing, journeys, diving, patrol encampments, etc.

Rovers (18-21 years)

Rovers are organized into clans composed of a varying but indeterminant number of Rovers. Clans are divided into groups on the basis of interest areas. Activities are developed to expanded participants' individual horizons. Commonly Rovers work on coomunity projects and professional development.