What is Plast?
The largest and oldest scout organization in Ukraine, which emerged in 1911 on the values of a sovereign state and still educates conscious youth, ready for the greatest challenges!
History of Plast
Plast arose from a tangible need for a youth organization to serve the Ukrainian people. Taking the Scout organization as a basis, the founder of Plast, Dr. Oleksandr Tysovsky, developed a unique educational system, which, although similar to the Scout organization, still has a number of its own features that distinguish it from most scout organizations in the world. The principles of Plast, developed by Oleksandr Tysovsky, were reflected in the book “Life in Plast” - a manual that has been used by scouts for more than 70 years. The term “plastuvannya” became the equivalent of the term “scouting” (from scout - scout). The word “plast” itself comes from the name of the Cossack scouts, who were called scouts.
At one time, Plast included Roman Shukhevych, Stepan Bandera, Bohdan Hawrylyshyn, Kvitka Tsisyk, and dozens and hundreds of other historical figures for Ukrainian history. The principles of Plast, developed by Tysovsky, were reflected in the book “Life in Plast” — a manual that Plast members still use. The symbol and coat of arms of Plast members is the “lily” — a scout lily intertwined with a Ukrainian trident.
After the Soviet Union took over Ukraine, the banned Plast was revived in the diaspora, in new Ukrainian settlements. It developed in exile, awaiting its return to the Motherland.
The purpose of Plast
The goal of Plast is to promote comprehensive, patriotic education and self-education of Ukrainian youth on the principles of Christian morality; to educate youth as conscious, responsible and full-fledged citizens of the local, national and world community, leaders of society on the ideological principles of Plast.
To achieve this goal, Plast develops the spiritual, mental, social and physical qualities of its members; fosters among the youth the traditions of its ancestors and the transmission and understanding of its history, culture and national traditions.
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Self-education is a process of constant work on oneself. Scouts and Scouts are ultimately responsible for their comprehensive development and the development of their character. In this process, educators help youth, playing the role of mentors and directing the independent actions of young people in a useful direction.
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Wholeness — well-rounded development: physical, intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual. Special attention is given to cultivating leadership qualities and skills. Plast helps develop a well-rounded individual who can act effectively both independently and as part of a team.
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Scouts strive to grow and become better and better not only for their own success and happiness, but also for the good of society, the people, and the state. Ukrainian Scouts cherish love for the Ukrainian community and are ready to work for its good.
How is Plast's goal achieved?
Through life in Plast. Not through belonging to the organization or listening to Plast knowledge in classes. But through living according to the Plast worldview, practicing it in everyday life, at home and on the steps, in church and at school, in work and in science, in play and in fun.
The basis of Plast, the basis of life in Plast, is a game. A game that young people play in their group under the guidance of leaders, according to precisely defined rules. A game, not a pastime. A game that has all the elements of life in an organized society.
Plast game is primarily a game of social organization with the aim of developing in young people a desire to create communities, teaching them forms of organization and methods of group work, and instilling in young people group discipline, activity, and a willingness to dedicate themselves to the good of the community.
Educational system
The Plast educational system consists of three elements:
1
The ideological foundations of Plast.
This is an idea enshrined in the Plast oath and an educational ideal outlined in the Plast law.
2
Plast method.
The Plast method of self-education is extremely appropriate and comprehensive, tested over many years.
3
Виховні засоби.
Means are the content of the Plast activity.
All elements of this system must be used simultaneously. The first two elements are immutable, because they cannot be modified according to the wishes or views of the educator. The third element, the means, can be changed according to needs. One or another type of activity can be used according to the interests of the young people.
Sometimes it is said that the purpose of Plast is to educate, because it is an educational organization. In fact, the goal we are moving towards is a good citizen. Education is a means that leads to a goal. It is more of a task for the time of Plast than a goal. To educate in the Plast methodological system means to create an appropriate environment and appropriate means for purposeful self-education.