The Role of Scouting Education as a Medium for Character Formation among Physical Education Teacher Candidates

Abstract

Background

Scouting education is recognized as an effective extracurricular activity for instilling values of discipline, responsibility, and leadership among students. At STOK Binaguna Medan, scouting activities are integrated into student development programs to strengthen leadership character.

Objectives

This study aims to analyze the implementation process and identify the benefits of scouting education as a medium for leadership character formation among students of STOK Binaguna Medan.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation during scouting activities. The study focused on how scouting practices contribute to leadership character development.

Results

Findings reveal that scouting education applies a learning-by-doing approach through structured activities such as opening and closing ceremonies, pioneering, marching drills, and nature exploration. These activities instill discipline, foster responsibility, and enhance social adaptability. Students demonstrated improved self-leadership, accountability in group tasks, and cooperative teamwork, all of which reflect strong leadership character formation.

Conclusion

Scouting education at STOK Binaguna Medan plays a significant role in shaping student leadership character. It provides practical opportunities for students to internalize values of discipline, responsibility, and collaboration. Institutionalizing structured scouting programs with systematic leadership rotations is recommended to maximize its impact on student development.