TraditionalScouting&EasternMindfulness
BLIA Scouts Australia is fully registered under Scouts Australia. We provide standard badges and programs while integrating daily silent meditation, vegetarian values, and temple service to develop resilience.
Empowering Youth via Temple Networks
BLIA Scout groups operate from Fo Guang Shan temples (Melbourne, Priestdale, Maylands). The serene and peaceful temple grounds provide our youth with a secure shelter to meet, explore, and focus.
Although hosted at temples, our doors are open to children of all backgrounds and faiths. Scouts learn to build shelter, handle first aid, and cook vegetarian meals while implementing the Three Acts of Goodness daily.
89 Somerville Rd, Yarraville VIC 3013
247 Princes Hwy, Kogarah NSW 2217
180 Berkeley Rd, Berkeley NSW 2506
1034 Underwood Rd, Priestdale QLD 4127
280 Guildford Rd, Maylands WA 6051
Origins of the Global Scouting Movement
Founded in 1907 by Lord Robert Baden-Powell, Scouting was designed to foster character, citizenship, and outdoor self-reliance. BLIA Scouts honors this 115+ year heritage while imbuing it with Buddhist ethics.
The 3 Principles of World Scouting
Duty to One's Spiritual Values
Adherence to spiritual principles, loyalty to religion, and acceptance of the duties resulting therefrom.
Duty to Others
Loyalty to one's country in harmony with the promotion of local, national, and international peace and understanding.
Duty to Self
Responsibility for the development of oneself, building character, emotional resilience, and lifelong skills.
The Australian Scout Promise
The Three Acts of Goodness
Do Good Deeds
Participate in local tree planting, creek conservation, and temple cultural festival volunteering to build a service-first heart.
Speak Good Words
Learn compassionate communication and constructive speech. Replace demand language with needs, and praise peers' efforts.
Think Good Thoughts
Practice guided silent breathing, daily gratitude reflections, and emotional awareness to cultivate a clear, calm mind.
Internal Compass & Mindfulness Practice
In today's fast-paced digital world, youth face unprecedented academic stress and sensory overload. We integrate quiet meditation, deep abdominal breathing, and noble silence into scout meetings.
This internal compass helps youth develop emotional resilience, clear decision-making, and deep empathy for all living beings.
Physical & Sensory Stillness
Learning to sit upright, calm nervous energy, and become aware of bodily breath and posture.
Emotional Resilience
Observing rising frustration or anxiety without immediate reactive outburst during camp challenges.
Compassionate Insight
Understanding the interconnectedness of all living organisms and acting with gentle kindness.
Ethical Action
Applying the Three Acts of Goodness as an unbreakable inner guide in school, home, and wilderness.
What sets BLIA Scouts apart?
Comparing BLIA Scouting with standard scouting programs.
Official Scouts Australia curriculum & badges + Buddhist studies/values
Official Scouts Australia curriculum & badges only
Short mindfulness meditation integrated in every weekly session
No structured mindfulness or meditation training
Fully vegetarian catering, emphasizing compassion and green living
Standard mixed catering (including meat)
Scout Law & Promise + Three Acts of Goodness
Scout Law & Promise
Deep integration with Fo Guang Shan temples and multicultural events
Local community or school hall-based gatherings
| Comparison | BLIA Scouts | Standard Scouts |
|---|---|---|
| Program Curriculum | Official Scouts Australia curriculum & badges + Buddhist studies/values | Official Scouts Australia curriculum & badges only |
| Mindfulness Integration | Short mindfulness meditation integrated in every weekly session | No structured mindfulness or meditation training |
| Camp Outing Meals | Fully vegetarian catering, emphasizing compassion and green living | Standard mixed catering (including meat) |
| Guidance Ethos | Scout Law & Promise + Three Acts of Goodness | Scout Law & Promise |
| Community & Culture | Deep integration with Fo Guang Shan temples and multicultural events | Local community or school hall-based gatherings |
Sections & Leaders
Age-tailored development from Joeys through to Rover Scouts and accredited Adult Leaders.
Joey Scouts
Ages 5 - 8Joey Scouts focus on discovering friendship and nature in a safe, fun, and nurturing space. Activities include nature treasure hunts, simple crafts, cooperative play, and 1-2 minute 'quiet breath' focus games. Children learn basic team sharing, compassion for insects and animals, and emotional awareness.
Cub Scouts
Ages 8 - 11Cub Scouts focus on developing self-reliance and small team leadership. Cubs attend weekend camps, learn essential knotting, outdoor cooking, navigation, and basic first aid. We practice simple mindfulness at the start of meetings and guide them in gratitude circles during camp reflections.
Scouts
Ages 11 - 14The Scout section develops high independence and outdoor survival. Scouts plan their own multi-day hiking expeditions, construct large pioneering structures, and lead service shifts at local temples. They learn 'learning by doing' and utilize mindfulness to manage academic and life stressors.
Venturer Scouts
Ages 14 - 18Venturer Scouts take charge of their own personal growth. They plan and execute challenging expeditions like rock climbing, white water rafting, or interstate service projects. They delve deeper into mindful reflection to establish inner balance and assist in mentoring younger sections.
Rover Scouts
Ages 18 - 25Rovers operate as a self-governing unit of young adults focused on service, social bonding, and adventure. They design national expeditions and volunteer as lead coordinators for international temple cultural festivals. Rovers combine civic responsibility with advanced leadership skills.
Become a BLIA Scout Leader
Guide youth in character and outdoor exploration while expanding your own accredited leadership skills.
Scout Leaders & Adult Leadership Pathway
Becoming a Scout Leader is a rewarded path of personal growth and service. Adult Leaders receive official accredited qualifications through Scouts Australia, leading youth in wilderness adventure, mindfulness sessions, and national/international Scout Jamborees.
Start Your Scouting Journey – As a Youth Member or Adult Leader
Our divisions across Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia welcome youth of all ages and adult volunteers. Get in touch today to explore meetings, badge programs, and temple-hosted activities.