The German Scout Association of Saint George (DPSG)
The "Deutsche Pfadfinderschaft Sankt Georg" (DPSG), founded back in 1929, offers more than just adventure to over 80,000 members of all ages. As Germany's largest scout association it encourages its members to take an active part in shaping their lives and their environment. In doing so they learn to become responsible adults and active members of their communities. This is best achieved in groups with members of similar age. The DPSG is co-educational; male and female members play, discover and learn together. Through group activities they learn to take responsibility for themselves and for others, and to develop their relationship with God.
Scouting in Germany
Scouting in Germany consists of five scouting associations which work closely together within the federation rdp (Ring deutscher Pfadfinder*innenverbände). Participation in world scouting events is organized on federation level. In Germany, young people usually meet once a week for their unit meetings. This is their time and place to plan new adventures and develop their own projects. Without doubt, the highlights are trips, whether just for a weekend or for a couple of weeks at summer camp.
Age Sections
The DPSG structures its program into four age groups. Cub scouts (7 - 10 years old) discover the world around them and develop their everyday lives. For scouts (10 - 13 years) it's all about adventure and personal development as they begin their teenage years together. Senior scouts (13 - 16 years) enjoy taking risks and testing their personal limits while exploring their own identity and attitudes. Rovers (16 - 20 years) get out and about discovering the world and tackling the problems they encounter.
Spirituality
As a catholic scout association, the DPSG encourages its members to discover their spirituality and their relationship with God. While it promotes christian values the DPSG welcomes scouts of all religions and fosters interreligious dialogue. The DPSG is an active member of the International Conference of Catholic Scouting (ICCS).
Annual Campaign and Commitment
One of the core values for all members of the DPSG, regardless of age or gender, is a commitment to justice and support for the disadvantaged. A regular expression of this commitment is the "annual campaign", a project running for a full year in which all groups and sections participate. The topic of the annual campaign changes each year, being selected in turn from one of the DPSG's three main sectors of commitment - disabled people, international justice and ecology.
International department
The DPSG's international work is organized by the international team (IAK), externally represented by the International Commissioner and supported by a full-time staff member at the DPSG's headquarters. For contact information see the contact page.
The International Commissioners are the primary point of contact for the DPSG's international relations. They represent the association abroad, take part in international conferences and preside over bilateral contacts between national scout organisations (NSOs). This is an unpaid voluntary post which is currently held by Paul Klahre.
