About Scouting
Beavers talking to Scouts in Asia
There are 450,000 young people in Scouting, spread across five sections: Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and the Scout Network. Each section has its own balanced programme of activities, badges and awards.
The main goal 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.
About our work
Even if we can’t solve all the problems in the world, we can help to make it a better place. Scouting makes a positive contribution to society by helping young people to develop as active members of the community:
- Who are self reliant
- Who are caring
- Who are responsible
- Who show commitment
Scouting works well when young people enjoy learning by working in partnership with adults.
They do this by:
- Taking part in a variety of activities and new experiences
- Exploring the outdoors
- Participating in teams
- Taking responsibility
The Scouting programme, for all five sections, is based around three main themes: outdoor and adventure, world and skills. This programme of activities is planned by the leadership team in partnership with young people, and incorporates elements from each theme, in order to offer young people the most interesting and diverse experiences. We also work towards other themes including leadership, teamwork and personal development.
Our commitment
In Scouting, our adults have a responsibility to make sure that the programme is fun and exciting while making sure that every young person in our care stay’s safe whilst they enjoy themselves and learn.
Who can be a Scout?
Scouting is open to all young people aged 6 to 25 of every faith and background. There are also plenty of opportunities for adults to become involved as Leaders, Assistants or Administrators.
There are all kinds of famous people who were once Scouts, some of whom might surprise you. Here are just a few examples.
- Sir David Attenborough, naturalist
- David Beckham, footballer
- Tony Blair, former prime minister
- Sir Richard Branson, entrepreneur
- Billy Connolly, comedian
- Richard Hammond, tv presenter
- Andrew Murray, tennis player
- Sir Paul McCartney, musician
- Barack Obama, US president
- David Walliams, comedian
