Scouting is a worldwide Movement, currently active in 216 countries and territories with a global membership of over 28 million.

It was started in 1907 by Robert Baden-Powell and was a totally new concept at the time, giving boys the opportunity to try activities which they would not otherwise have the chance to do. Scouting today has evolved and changed considerably to meet the changes in society and the world in general.

What is Scouting in the 21^st century about?

Scouting today provides challenge and adventure for young people aged between 6 and 25, including males and females. It is all about fun with a purpose – helping members to fulfil their potential as individuals and active members of society.

What do Scouts actually do?

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. 

Everything we do is guided by the balanced programme which is a continuous progression of training, activities, badges and awards for young people from 6 to 25.

We offer a huge range of activities and experiences to suit all ages, abilities and interests including:

• Badge work – we still award badges and today there are lots of subjects to choose from including some traditional ones like camp cook to modern ones like global conservation.
• Awards and challenges – young people can work towards a range of these to reward participation, commitment and achievement. Some are individual and others for group efforts.
• Outdoors – camping and outdoor activities are a very important part of Scouting for all our members. This includes anything from a Beaver experiencing their first ever night away from home and family at a sleepover, to an expedition to Mount Everest.
• International experiences – lots of young people will have their first taste of foreign travel or meet people from other countries with the Scouts. There are opportunities to travel abroad to international camps and events, and many people also go abroad to do very valuable work in developing countries.
• Service to the community – we get involved in local communities in many ways, from cleaning up the local beach to helping out at big festivals and events.

 Want to find out more?