Guiding and Scouting in Finland

 The Guides and Scouts of Finland -brochure.pdf  (PDF-tiedosto, 353 kt)

Suomen Partiolaiset - Finlands Scouter (The Guides and Scouts of Finland,
SP-FS) is the Finnish National Scout and Guide Organisation gathering together all Scouts and Guides in the country regardless of language, denomination or cultural background. SP-FS is member of both of the world organisations, WAGGGS and WOSM and is their single representative in the Finland.

Founded in 1972, SP-FS builds on the tradition of separate Scout and Guide associations
that brought the Scouting and Guiding
in Finland in 1910.

SP-FS has 70 000 members and is coeducational.

The local groups work very independently having their own traditions and habits, including distinctive names, symbols and flags. To continue to serve young people as the leading youth movement in Finland, SP-FS has set membership growth as its strategic
priority. In order to support growth, the organisation has undergone significant restructuring process. Recent changes include complete renewal of the Educational

Programme, with five age groups starting from the age of 7 and continuing till the
22 year-olds: Cubs, Adventurers, Trackers, Explorers and Rovers.

In the youth programme, challenging outdoor activities are at the core: local groups organise overnight hikes and camps - even in wintertime. Over hundred thousand lakes and a long coast line of Finland make Sea Scouting a strong element of the organisation.
SP-FS strives to reach out to as many young people as possible, including young people with disablities. The youth programme has been adapted to their special needs, and SP-FS is one of the most significant organisations in Finland offering weekly activities for young people with disabilities.

SP-FS is a key component of Finnish civil society and takes actively part in influencing policies of the Finnish government in issues related to participation and well-being of youth, volunteering and global development. SP-FS is an active member of the National

Youth Council and other civil society platforms, as well as an advisory partner in government youth policies. SP-FS also encourages its members to take an active part in the life of their home community and in wider arenas. As an example, the Sea Guides/Scouts observe the occurrence of toxic algae in the waters within a joint research project of SP-FS and the Finnish Institute of Marine Research