Screamline

This is one of a set of factsheets on Scout Shows and the National Recognition scheme. It explains what the Scout Show Recognition Scheme is and
how it works.
Scout Shows form an invaluable learning tool for young people, and can also provide a shop window for Scouting to the public. To encourage high standards of performance for this public face of Scouting a National Recognition Scheme is run to recognise high quality shows.
Any Scouting show, as long as it is performed by and aimed at developing young people, and is performed to the public, is eligible for National Recognition.

Application for Assessment

A show wishing to receive National Recognition should apply to their Commissioner (County Commissioner for County shows, District Commissioner for District and Group shows) using the form attached to this factsheet or similar, at least a month before the show, but ideally at the initial planning stages. If the Commissioner is happy that all the minimum standards are reached (see factsheet FS120269 Commissioner Guidelines for Scout Shows) then they will arrange with you for a County Scout Show Assessor to attend the show to assess the delivery of the creative elements of the show. Full details of what the Assessor will be looking at are contained in factsheet FS120270 Assessment Criteria for Scout Show Recognition.

Presentation of National Recognition

The County Scout Show Assessor will pass a report and recommendation on the show to the Commissioner. If the recommendation is that the show is at the standard required for National Recognition, then the Commissioner can officially grant Recognition to the show. The Assessor's report on the show will also be passed on to the show to help further development of standards in further years.
Recognition will be granted for a fixed period of time (maximum of five years), although ceases on the change of production team. The period will be decided by the Commissioner based on discussion with the Assessor. At the end of this period, if the show wishes to continue as a Recognised show they will need to apply for and be assessed for National Recognition again.
Celebration of National Recognition
Gaining National Recognition allows a show to call themselves 'Nationally Recognised' in their programme, posters, advertising etc.
Each participant should be given the opportunity to celebrate their taking part in a Nationally Recognised Scout Show for the year(s) that they have taken part. This can take various forms from celebration parties to special Occasional Badges (see POR 10.33).
•   Gang Shows
The most traditional form of Scout Shows is the Gang Show. This is a fast moving revue show that was initiated by Ralph Reader CBE in 1932, and remains popular today. Traditionally Gang Shows have celebrated National Recognition through the wearing of red scarves with the Gang Show emblem embroidered on the back. This was the scarf that the cast of the original London Gang Show used to wear.