Figure 1.--Some VNJ units have separate gender groups. Other units mixed genders. Notice the similarity with the boys uniform.

The VNJ-structures are piramidal, resulting in an intern policy that is centralistic to a certain degree. Although standards are set for all VNJ-groups in Flanders (for e.g concerning uniforms, certain ceremonies/habits, ... but even so local accountancy rules). "Space" is left for the local and regional levels to do things in a way that seems most suitable for them. Within the local groups, there does exist a differentiation between the ages. On their uniforms the children have a particular color on their sholders indicating their age group. Depending on their habits, in the local groups boys and girls are separated or mixed. The leaders (male or female) can be recognized by their colors and stripes on their uniforms, depending on their responsability. So there does exist a rank structure. As we are not that big as a youth movement, local groups often recrute children in different neighbouring villages and towns. The uniformns of the boys and girls are virtually identical, except that the girls wear skirts rather than short pants. They even wear the same rolled down white kneesocks and black boots.

Piramidal Structure

The VNJ-structures are piramidal, resulting in an intern policy that is centralistic to a certain degree. Although standards are set for all VNJ-groups in Flanders (for e.g concerning uniforms, certain ceremonies/habits, ... but even so local accountancy rules). "Space" is left for the local and regional levels to do things in a way that seems most suitable for them..

Age Grouping

Within the local groups, there does exist a differentiation between the ages. On their uniforms the children have a particular color on their sholders indicating their age group. There are not destinctibe age-based levels like in Scouting (Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Rovers, ect.). The relatively small size of the VNJ is presumably a factor here. The memnbers are, however, organized into age groups because a different program for the different age levels.

Towns and Villages

As the VNJ is not that big a youth movement, our local groups often recrute children in different neighbouring villages and towns.

Rank Structure

The leaders (male or female) can be recognized by their colors and stripes on their uniforms, depending on their responsability. So there does exist a rank structure. We do not see the VNJ boys wearing the rank inignis like Bou Scouts. We in fact do not note many of the other badges worn by Scout on the VNJ uniforms.

Gender Structure

Both boys and girls participate in the VJN. Local groups vary as to how they are organized. Some units have separe gender units . Other units mix genders. Their uniforms are virtually identical, except that the girls wear skirts rather than short pants. They even wear the same rolled down white kneesocks and black boots.