On the merging of legacy scout associations to create Scouting Ireland in 2004, a need was identified to merge or replace existing programmes into a unified youth programme, eventually becoming "ONE Programme".[4] Thirty-six fundamental learning objectives, categorised as social, physical, intellectual, character, emotional and spiritual areas,[5] were identified as the central aim of the organisation.[4] Interim steps were identified so that these areas of growth could be targeted across the age ranges of the youth members.[4][5]
As part of the "Canadian Path", from beaver scouts to rover scouts, the SPICES are considered the attributes that best represent well rounded youth, prepared for the world.[12][13]
The Spiritual element is not necessarily religion focused, but could include a scout's relationship with an abrahamic god or connectedness with nature or the global community.[14]
Ireland
In programme books and materials, for Beaver Scouts and Cub Scouts, the SPICES are represented by characters representing those traits.[15]
Beavers track their progress through the SPICES in the Bree (first year), Ruarc (second year) and Conn (third year) lodges.[16]
Cubs track their progress by marking their "travel cards" which contain a checklist of all the learning objectives.[17] SPICES beads, and annual personal progress badges are awarded as the travel cards are filled.[17]Venture Scouts plan activities based on a self-assessment of their current personal development using the SPICES (similar to wheel of life tool).[18]Scouts, Venture Scouts, Rover Scouts review their progress as part of the general review of programme cycles.[19][20]
Malta
The "C" in SPICES has been adapted to represent "Creativity".[1] The sections are cubs, scouts, ventures and rovers.[21]
New Zealand
The SPICES are used in the five sections – Keas, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, Rovers.[22]Scouts Aotearoa has linked the SPICES to a similar concept from the Hauora philosophy of health and wellbeing.[23] There are four dimensions (or whare walls) of hauora: taha tinana (physical well-being – health), taha hinengaro (mental and emotional well-being – self-confidence), taha whanau (social well-being – self-esteem) and taha wairua (spiritual well-being – personal beliefs).[24]