What you parents need to know!

What is Scouting?

Scouting is a global, educational youth Movement, providing young people with Adventure, Fun and Challenge. With almost 500,000 members, The Scout Association is the largest co-educational youth organisation in the UK .

Its clear 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.

Scouting is currently active in 218 countries and territories with a global membership of over 28 million. Two thirds of the international membership is in developing countries.

The Association promotes international opportunities including camps and projects, with the aim of strengthening links between The Scout Association in the UK and other members of The World Organisation of the Scout Movement.

Today, Scouts across the world are involved in development projects as diverse as peace education, drug abuse prevention, provision of clean water and sanitation, literacy, renewable energies and environmental conservation.

Co-education - Scouting for Girls

Scouting is not just for Boys, since 1990 The Scout Association has been a co-educational movement, welcoming both males and females.

Youth Membership

Membership of The Scout Association is voluntary and open to all young people, male and female, aged 6 to 25, regardless of faith; nationality, race, culture, mental or physical ability, or other circumstances. Membership is confirmed by making a simple Promise.

Developing Young People

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.

Development is guided by the Scout Programme - a continuous progression of training, activities, badges and awards for all young people aged 6 to 25.

The Programme is designed to suit 5 core age groups:

Beaver Scouts 6 - 8

Cub Scouts  8 - 10 1/2

Scouts  10 1/2 - 14

Explorer Scouts  14 - 18

Scout Network  18 - 25

 

In addition to meeting nights your child should expect opportunities for outings, indoor residential and camping experiences and other challenges suited to their age and ability.

The Programme is tailored to the interests, needs and pace of each individual, but also recognises group achievement. The highest personal achievement is that of the Queen's Scout Award.

What do Members need? 

For the first few meetings your child needs nothing at all to experience the magic of Scouting. The Scout Association produces a range of uniforms for all age groups as well as an extensive range of books to support the development of members as they progress from the Beaver Scout Section through to The Scout Network. The Section Leader will agree a time when it is suitable to purchase a uniform and start working on the Scout Programme.

What will it cost?

Scout Groups charge subscriptions ('subs') to cover e.g. costs of equipment and the upkeep of the meeting place, badges etc. These are paid weekly currently at £2.00 per night. Membership subscription which is paid to headquarters for the day-to-day running of The Scout Association and includes insurance for all members is paid in February.

Section Leaders will let you know the amount required locally as well as how and when to pay.

An extra charge is normally required for special events, camps, and other outings.

When do Groups meet?

Each Scout Section meets regularly, usually once a week during the school terms. There are often other opportunities for members to take part in events throughout the year. These might include day outings, camps and expeditions as well as a host of other activities.

Leadership

The adults who run Scout Groups are called Scouters. They are unpaid volunteers who are required to undertake training or learning appropriate to their role. Section Leaders are responsible to a Group Scout Leader, who in turn is responsible to a District Commissioner.

If you have any questions, concerns or complaints please speak to the Section Leader. If your concern is about the Leader please contact the Group Scout Leader.

If not available or you are still not satisfied please refer to the District Commissioner.

Youth Protection

In Scouting, our adults must operate responsibly in accordance with our policies on Child Protection, Equal Opportunities and Safety in Scouting. The Scout Association applies stringent vetting procedures, including criminal record checks, for all adult appointments. All adults must abide by our Young People First code of behaviour. Our policies and procedures are designed to keep young people safe from harm whilst they enjoy the fun and excitement of their Scouting adventure.

The Adults and The Scout Fellowship

Scouting isn't just for young people or people wanting to commit to helping on a weekly basis. There is scope for adults to get involved with the fun aspects of Scouting, and helping out occassionally when individual Sections, Groups, Districts or Area require extra helping support.