www.scouts.org.uk

Who are we?
With 500,000 Members, The Scout Association is the largest mixed youth movement in the United Kingdom. Internationally, we have over 28 million young people enjoying the benefits of Scouting across 216 countries.

What do we do?
We provide adventurous activities and personal development opportunities for 400,000 young people aged 6-25. Our purpose is to help young people achieve their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities. In Scouting, we believe that young people develop most when they are 'learning by doing,' when they are given responsibility, work in teams, take acceptable risks and think for themselves. Our method for giving young people the opportunity to learn by doing is called the Programme. The Programme is a continuous progression of training, activities and awards that covers everything that young people do in Scouting.


There are five different Sections in Scouting:

Beaver Scouts (6 - 8 years old)
This is our youngest Section. They usually meet once a week and take part in a wide range of activities including games, handicrafts, sports and occasional outings. Beaver Scouts can also explore their adventurous spirit when they participate in Beaver Scout sleepovers – their first night away from home.

Cub Scouts (8 - 10½ years old)
Form the largest Section, with nearly 200,000 Members in the UK. A weekly Cub Scout Pack meeting consists of games and activities based on the training scheme. Outdoor activities feature prominently in their Programme and Cub Scouts will be able to experience their first weekend camp. Cub Scouts will also get the chance to try lots of different activities like abseiling, music, computing and environmental issues. Cub Scouts also get the opportunity to explore their local community and will go on trips to places like the zoo, theme parks or a farm.

Scouts (10 - 14 years old)
Scouts are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities as part of their programme. "Participation" is the key approach and outdoor activities feature prominently, with the highlight being camping. Throughout the year, Scouts learn map-reading, camp cooking and First Aid in preparation for camp. There are also other adventurous activities such as rock-climbing, orienteering, gliding, sub-aqua and international experiences. The international aspect gives Scouts a special appeal and many Members now travel abroad during their time in the Section.

Explorer Scouts (14 - 18 years old)
Explorer Scouts make up the fourth Section of the Scouting family. All Explorer Scouts belong to an Explorer Scout Unit, which is primarily Leader-led but with as much participation in decision making by young people as possible. Training and activities depend on the interests of individual Unit Members and not all Units meet each week because they will often be out and about at weekends, whether they be performing high adventure activities or community-based projects. Throughout their time as an Explorer Scout, an emphasis is placed on developing leadership skills and expeditions abroad are an exciting part of being an Explorer Scout.

Scout Network (18 - 25)
The Scout Network is run by the Members for the Members. Networks may be focused around a specific activity or location, e.g. Activity Centre, climbing or canoeing. Scout Network programmes will reflect the huge variation in Members' interests. One of the key elements is the opportunity to ‘get away’, and international travel and expeditions form a large part of the Programme.
 

Adult Members We also have 100,000 adult Members who work with our young people and with over 80 different roles there are plenty of opportunities to become involved. These range from being an assistant helper at a Beaver Scout meeting, to an Area Commissioner, who will be responsible for a team of people. The Adult Training Scheme puts adult learning at the forefront of the Association’s priorities, offering a flexible system, with the focus on individual learning. We understand that people have limitations on their time and we actively ensure that each role offers flexibility.

How to Join
The easiest way to join is to complete our online form. This will help us find your closest Group. It will also put you in contact with a District Commissioner who will be able to answer any specific questions about Scouting in your area. If you have any further questions, please call our Information Centre on 0845 300 1818.
 

Child Protection We are committed to making Scouting as safe as possible. That’s why we make sure that every adult who comes into contact with young people is checked as thoroughly as possible. As well as undergoing our own Confidential Enquiry process, the details of any new adult in Scouting are also checked by criminal records agencies. On a national level, Scouting has taken a lead the lead in a number of key issues relating to keeping children safe. 2002 saw a significant breakthrough when the Association successfully lobbied for free criminal record disclosures for all voluntary youth organisations. Training and Activity Centres Our Scout Activity Centres offer fantastic accommodation and activity opportunities for all young people of all ages. With some of the best outdoor facilities in the UK, our trained instructors will ensure your event is packed with challenge. All of our sites provide safe, friendly experiences, flexibility and excellent value for money. Visit www.scouts.org.uk/nationalcentres

Celebrating 100 Years of Scouting!
In 2007 Scouting will celebrate its Centenary with a programme of events and activities in the UK and worldwide. The world will come to the UK for the 21st World Scout Jamboree, the highlight of the World Scouting calendar. For further information visit the Centenary Website

www.scouts.org.uk