The Scout Association of Japan is similar to the Boy Scouts of America in that it is divided into divisions based on age groups. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the Scout Association of Japan has four main divisions:
- Beaver Scouts: This division is for young children aged 6 to 8. The purpose of this division is to promote social development and basic understanding of the Scouting through play and interaction in a safe and nurturing environment.
- Cub Scouts: This division is for children aged 8 to 11. The educational approach of this division focuses on developing fundamental skills and values through activities in the local environment. These activities are often centered around play, learning by doing, and team building.
- Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts: This division is for adolescents aged 11 to 14. The educational goal for this division involves fostering independence, leadership skills, and a sense of social responsibility. Activities often involve outdoor skills, community service, and personal growth projects.
- Venture and Rover Scouts: This division is for young men and women aged 14 to 20. The Venture and Rover Scout program is designed to provide positive experiences to help young people mature and become responsible and caring adults. The focus is on more advanced activities, including challenging outdoor pursuits, community service projects, and leadership development.
Each division has its educational system and program, all designed to support the overall mission of the Scout Association of Japan. This mission is to contribute to the education of young people, through a value system based on the Scout Promise and Law, to help build a better world where people are self-fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in society.