The Slovenian Catholic Girl Guides and Boy Scouts Association
Our Path Since 1990
Slovenian Catholic Girl Guides and Boy Scouts Association is an independent, voluntary, youth, educational and open Slovenian scout and guide association which was established in 1990, taking into account pre-Second World War Slovenian scouting and was built up on experience and values from other scout and guide associations.
We are especially thankful for the help offered by AGESCI (Associazione Guide e Scout Cattolici Italiani) who helped us establish the concept of our activity (structure, education, programme).
Part of the Global Guiding and Scouting Family
We have been operating for 35+ years now and we are one of the most active non-governmental youth organizations in Slovenia. We have around 6000 members, aged 6-35 years (of which 1000 volunteers - youth workers or leaders). Our headquarters is in the capital city Ljubljana, and there are 70+ local units spread across all country.
Our organization is a member of WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts).
Supporting Youth Growth
The primary purpose of the Association is to contribute to the full physical, mental, spiritual and social development of young people so that they can become people of strong character, responsible citizens and members of local, national and international communities. We have the status of an association of public interest in the field of education and the status of a national youth organization.
We realize our mission through the following activities:
Members join the World Guide and Scout family by making an oath that fits their age group. Young people can join from age 6 to 21, later they can become leaders or trainers.
- Beavers (6-7): The youngest group, focused on cooperation and sharing.
- Cub Guides and Cub Scouts (8-10): Their world is the Jungle inspired by Kipling’s Jungle Book.
- Guides and Scouts (11-15): They explore nature and camp in single sex patrols, all together in a mixed troop.
- Rovers and Rangers (16-21): Their key themes are path, community and service.
- Leaders and adults (over 21): They lead groups, projects or become trainers.
All members wear deep orange uniforms inspired by the Kranjska lilija (Lily of Carniola), a unique Slovenian wildflower. Each local unit has its own scarf that shows its identity and local character.
In addition to volunteers, the organization has career staff. A few years ago, we built our own headquarters in the capital city of Slovenia, Ljubljana. We also have a long-term lease with the Slovenian Forest Service for an Environmental Scout Centre in Kočevski rog.
The advantage of our organization is definitely a strong network in local communities and thus a large range of target groups, and at the same time a great support base of volunteers across Slovenia.