As Scouts, we believe in preparing young people with skills for life.
We encourage young people to do more, learn more and be more. Each week, The Scouts helps over 460,000 young people aged 6-25 enjoy fun and adventure while developing the skills they need to succeed, now and in the future.
We’re talking about teamwork, leadership and resilience – skills that have helped Scouts become everything from teachers and social workers to astronauts and Olympians. We help young people develop and improve key life skills such as self-reliance, commitment and responsibility.
We believe in bringing people together. We celebrate diversity and stand against intolerance, always. We’re part of a worldwide movement, creating stronger communities and inspiring positive futures.
There is no doubt that parents value what Scouting does for their children. In an independent survey of over 2,000 parents of Scouts, 9 out of 10 parents said Scouting is worthwhile (7 in 10 very worthwhile) and 9 in 10 said their children find Scouting enjoyable (6 in 10 very enjoyable). Parents say Scouting gives their children more confidence, responsibility, a broader set of friends, a chance to pursue things they might not get to do otherwise, adventure and an extended family.
Scouting works best when young people enjoy learning by working in partnership with adults, which is why our young people are actively involved in determining their own programme of activities.
The philosophy underpinning the Scouting Programme is that every Youth Member should participate in a balanced programme that provides attractive, fun and engaging activities that are geared towards their personal development. A good programme will include a number of key elements such as youth involvement, areas of challenge, varied methods of delivery, badges and awards, progression opportunities and regular reviewing. Personal achievement is recognised through earning awards and badges leading to the Chief Scout’s Awards and the Queen’s Scout Award.
The Programme is not just about the diverse activities that young people take part in. Its meaning is also rooted in the Methods used to deliver the activities and our motivation in doing them, our Values as derived from the Scout Promise.
Scouts love diversity in all things and our badge scheme is geared to recognising effort and determination as well as achievement. There’s pretty much a badge for everything – Abseiling, Animal Lover, Athletics, Book Reader, Camping, Cooking, Fundraising, Hiking, IT, Kayaking, Media, Photography, Performing Arts, Scientist, Snowsports, Swimming, Zorbing – a small sample to show the breadth of activities on offer.
The programme is designed to be progressive through the sections to offer young people an appropriate level of challenge.
In the older sections there might be a chance to travel further afield for camping trips, hiking expeditions or other overnight experiences. We also offer overseas trips, amazing opportunities for personal development that encourage young people to explore the world beyond their own county and country.
Our volunteer adult leaders have a responsibility to make sure that the Programme is fun and exciting. We must also make sure that it is safe. The Scout Association’s policies, rules, code of behaviour, advice on Child Protection and the Safety Policy are there to ensure our young people stay safe while they enjoy themselves and learn.
So, if all that sounds like fun – for you or your children – please get in touch so we can help start your family’s Scouting journey.
An explorer, adventurer and TV presenter, Dwayne's been seen in BAFTA nominated Channel 5 series Race to the Pole, on BBC Springwatch, Countryfile, National Geographic and Disney+.
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