You choose. You plan. You achieve.

Special Interest Areas — SIAs — are where young people chase their own interests through Scouting. Instead of following a set list of requirements, each youth member picks something they genuinely care about, sets their own goals, plans the project and makes it happen.

How SIAs work

Every SIA project follows the same simple cycle:

• Choose an interest area and an idea that excites you
• Set goals appropriate to your age and experience
• Plan the project with your leaders’ support
• Do the work — big projects, small projects, solo or with mates
• Review what you achieved and what you learned

Six areas to explore

SIAs span Arts and Literature, Environment, Creating a Better World, Growth and Development, STEM and Innovation and Personal Interest. Whatever sparks a young person’s curiosity, there’s a home for it here.

Part of the Achievement Pathways

Completed SIA projects earn badges that count towards the Badges and Awards on each young person’s Achievement Pathway. Projects can be big or small — an afternoon effort counts just as much as a term-long passion project if the goals were real.

Leaders and parents

Your role is encouragement, not direction. Ask questions, help them plan, then stand back and watch them grow.