The SPICES (Social, Physical, Intellectual, Character/Creativity,[1] Emotional and Spiritual)[2] are learning objectives, or areas of personal development explored through scouting programmes in a number of countries. The acronym was created during the development of the ONE Programme scheme by Scouting Ireland,[3] but has since been adopted by Scouts Canada, Scouts Australia, Scouts New Zealand and Scout Association of Malta. These objectives reflect the aims of Scouting rather than the methodologies – the Scout Method.
On the merging of legacy scout associations to create Scouting Ireland in 2004, a need was identified to merge or replace existing programmes into a unified youth programme, eventually becoming "ONE Programme".[4] Thirty-six fundamental learning objectives, categorised as social, physical, intellectual, character, emotional and spiritual areas,[5] were identified as the central aim of the organisation.[4] Interim steps were identified so that these areas of growth could be targeted across the age ranges of the youth members.[4][5]
The success of the ONE Programme development, prompted other scout organisations to base their youth programme revisions on Scouting Ireland's research. Some examples include, Scouts Canada,[6][7] Scouts Australia,[8] Scouts Aotearoa and the Scout Association of Malta.[9][10]
The SPICES are adapted for each of the programme sections – Joeys, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, Rovers.[11][8]
As part of the "Canadian Path", from beaver scouts to rover scouts, the SPICES are considered the attributes that best represent well rounded youth, prepared for the world.[12][13]
The Spiritual element is not necessarily religion focused, but could include a scout's relationship with an abrahamic god or connectedness with nature or the global community.[14]
In programme books and materials, for Beaver Scouts and Cub Scouts, the SPICES are represented by characters representing those traits.[15] Beavers track their progress through the SPICES in the Bree (first year), Ruarc (second year) and Conn (third year) lodges.[16] Cubs track their progress by marking their "travel cards" which contain a checklist of all the learning objectives.[17] SPICES beads, and annual personal progress badges are awarded as the travel cards are filled.[17] Venture Scouts plan activities based on a self-assessment of their current personal development using the SPICES (similar to wheel of life tool).[18] Scouts, Venture Scouts, Rover Scouts review their progress as part of the general review of programme cycles.[19] [20]
The "C" in SPICES has been adapted to represent "Creativity".[1] The sections are cubs, scouts, ventures and rovers.[21]
The SPICES are used in the five sections – Keas, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, Rovers.[22] Scouts Aotearoa has linked the SPICES to a similar concept from the Hauora philosophy of health and wellbeing.[23] There are four dimensions (orwhare walls) of hauora: taha tinana (physical well-being – health), taha hinengaro (mental and emotional well-being – self-confidence), taha whanau (social well-being – self-esteem) and taha wairua (spiritual well-being – personal beliefs).[24]
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