Associação dos Escoteiros de Portugal

The Associação dos Escoteiros de Portugal (AEP, 'Scout Association of Portugal') is a youth organization concerned with education and the development of civil character. It was the first Scouting organization in Portugal, being established in 1913, and was a founding member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). Unlike most Scouting groups in Portugal, the AEP is not tied to any denomination or religion, and, since 1979, is open to youth of both genders, ages 6 to 21.

The association is a member of the Comunidade do Escutismo Lusófono ('Community of Lusophone Scouting').

Program
The AEP promotes social values within a humanist and non-military perspective. It encourages participation in cultural activities and sports, as well as providing health education.

Program sections
Its members are divided into the following divisions:
 * Ages 7 to 10, Alcateia, or Cub Scouts
 * Ages 10 to 14, Escoteiros (júnior), or Boy Scouts
 * Ages 14 to 17, Exploradores (sénior), or Explorer Scouts
 * Ages 17 to 21, Clã, (Rover Scouts)
 * Adults are welcome as supervisors

Any youngster can enter the AEP directly into the corresponding Age Division without having participated in the previous divisions. Adults may either enter existing troops or can promote the creation of new groups of Scouts.

Mixing genders with the same patrol did have some problems, so generally patrols are one gender or the other.

Scout Motto
Sempre Pronto, Always Ready

Scout Promise
The Scout Promise is:

Scout Law
A Scout speaks the truth and his word is holy. A Scout is loyal. A Scout is trustworthy. A Scout is a friend to everybody and a brother to other Scouts. A Scout is courteous. A Scout is respectful and protective of nature. A Scout is responsible and well disciplined. A Scout is joyful and smiles in times of difficulties. A Scout is thrifty and respects the possessions of others. A Scout is straightforward in thought, word and deeds.
 * O Escoteiro é verdadeiro e a sua palavra é sagrada.
 * O Escoteiro é leal.
 * O Escoteiro é prestável.
 * O Escoteiro é amigo de todos e irmão dos demais escoteiros.
 * O Escoteiro é cortês.
 * O Escoteiro é respeitador e protector da natureza.
 * O Escoteiro é responsável e disciplinado.
 * O Escoteiro é alegre e sorri perante as dificuldades.
 * O Escoteiro é económico, sóbrio e respeitador dos bens dos outros.
 * O Escoteiro é íntegro no pensamento, palavra e acções.