Symbolic Framework PDS Team Programme Development Summit 6-9 May 2010 – Jambville (France)

Objectives Understand what is meant by a Symbolic Framework Be able to apply a framework to activities and programmes To understand what type of framework to adopt for the various sections

What is Symbolic Framework? The Symbolic Framework is a backdrop, a frame of reference that enriches group life and supports the educational task, but it is not an end in itself.

Why a Symbolic Framework A symbolic framework builds on young people’s natural capacity for : Imagination Adventure Creativity Inventiveness

4 Characteristics It is challenging: should present some difficulties, stimulate creativity and inventiveness and encourage the participant to do his or her best. It is attractive: should arouse the young person's interest and desire to participate, because it appeals to him or her. It is rewarding : should give the young person the feeling of having derived some benefit for him or herself It is useful : should provide experiences which enable young people to discover and learn new things.

Major points to consider Focusing on an educational need  Helps to ensure the relevance and appeal to the various age groups and thus the potential educational benefit.  Mid to Late childhood: the age of socialisation (7-11yrs)  A symbolic framework for this age group generally concentrates on this process of socialisation - facilitating integration and a sense of belonging to a group, making the code of living understandable to all, etc.

Major points to consider  Late childhood to early adolescence – the age of survival  A symbolic framework for this age groups needs to become a little more realistic, concentrating on personal and collective survival and resourcefulness.

Major points to consider  Mid-adolescence – the age of strong emotions  In response to their need to identify with more mature roles, symbolic frameworks for this age group often revolve around kinds of people admired in history - high-adventure explorers people who, despite all the odds, succeeded something extraordinary, people who have made a lasting contribution to society, etc.

Major points to consider  Mid to late adolescence: the age of the voyagers  Symbolic frameworks for this age group generally concentrate on a voyage of discovery and self-discovery - with stops to give a helping hand and get to know others along the way.

Establishing the Framework Is the theme likely to appeal? Is the theme coherent with Scouting’s Educational proposal? Is the Youth Programme making the most out of a symbolic framework?

The Result To free the imagination in a world of fiction to stimulate the ability to create, invent and to marvel – for a richer, more intense life

The Result Experiencing playing a real role in a team Learning to deal with real life through fiction Living the dreams an myths of one’s age to the full, so as to have a better adult life tomorrow, with no regrets of missed experiences which have vanished forever.

Conclusion An examination of the themes currently used for symbolic frameworks in associations may well show that the themes in themselves are still perfectly valid - but are they really being used to their full potential?

Thank you for you attention

Workshop Split into two groups Create an activity programme [A Treasure Hunt] Group A: With a symbolic framework Group B: Without a symoblic framework  Time: 15 mins

Debate What are the Pros & Cons of using/non-using a Symbolic Framework into our programmes  Time: 15 mins