Jump in and get muddy. Give back and get set. Scouts ignore the butterflies and go for it, and soon so will you.
The Scout Section is the third section in the Scout Group, above Beavers and Cubs, and is for young people, usually aged between 10½ and 14 years.
Activities
Scouts are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities as part of their programme. Participation rather than meeting set standards is the key approach, and for the Scout who wants to be recognised for his or her achievements there are a number of Challenge awards and activity badges.
Balanced Programme
Scouts take part in a Balanced Programme that helps them to find out about the world in which they live, encourages them to know their own abilities and the importance of keeping fit, and helps develop their creative talents. It also provides opportunities to explore their own values and personal attitudes.
Being outdoors is important, and half the programme is given over to taking part in traditional Scouting skills, such as camping, survival and cooking, as well as a wider spectrum of adventurous activities, from abseiling to zorbing.
Structure
A Scout Troop is divided into small groups called Patrols, each headed up by an older Scout called a Patrol Leader, and often with an Assistant Patrol Leader.
Scouting is about being with friends, as part of a team, and participating fully in the adventure and opportunities of life.
After attending meetings for a few weeks, members will make their promise as part of an investiture ceremony.
Many members also renew their promise on an annual basis, traditionally at a St. Georges Day service, meeting or outdoor activity.
Alternative versions of the promise are available. The core promise, which refers to a ‘Duty to God’, remains intact and Scouting is fully committed as a movement to exploring faith and religion as a core element of its programme.
If you would like your child to make a specific promise, please discuss it with the leader.
Scouts wear core uniform of a coloured shirt and a group scarf.
Uniform can either be bought from Scout Shops Ltd or a local supplier. You can ask the leader for more information on what and where to buy.
We don’t want anyone to miss out through financial hardship. If concerns about finances may prevent your child taking part in Scouting or some activities, speak to your local leader, as some assistance may be available in confidence.
There is a range of badges and awards available to young people in the Scout Section.
Activity badges
Many of the badges available are activity badges, which allow Scouts to show their progress in existing pursuits, but also to try all kinds of new things and form new interests.
Challenge badges
Gaining a challenge badge involves accomplishing a number of more ambitious tasks within the Troop or community. There are several challenge badges across a number of themes, from the physical and outdoorsy to challenges dealing with the local community or issues connected with the Scouting world.
Core badges
In addition, there are a number of core badges, obtained upon joining or moving on from the Troop, or for time spent in the Scouting movement.
Activity packs
Some activity badges are sponsored by outside companies, and these companies often provide extra exciting resource packs to help Scouts towards gaining their badges.
