Create, perform, imagine

The Arts and Literature SIA is for young people who love making things, telling stories and expressing themselves. Painting, music, writing, photography, drama, dance, craft, film — if it’s creative, it belongs here.

How it works

Just like every SIA, the young person sets their own goals. A Joey Scout might aim to perform a song at campfire. A Venturer might write, shoot and edit a short film for a community competition. The scale doesn’t matter — the ownership does. Projects are planned with unit leaders, completed at the young person’s pace, then reviewed together.

Ideas to get started

• Joey Scouts: create a puppet show about your favourite Scout adventure
• Cub Scouts: illustrate and bind your own storybook to share with the unit
• Scouts: photograph a full camp from dawn to dusk and build a photo story for your Group
• Venturers: write and record an original song celebrating your unit’s year
• Rovers: design and paint a mural for your den or local community centre
• Any section: learn a new craft skill — like leatherwork or origami — and teach it to others

Why it matters

Creative projects build persistence, self-expression and pride. Not every achievement wears a uniform — but this one earns a badge anyway.

Try this

Ask yourself: what’s something I’ve always wanted to make but never started? Could that be your next project?