Introduction to Scouting

The Scout Association offers everyday adventure and activity to almost 400,000 young people across the UK. The Movement is the largest co-educational youth organisation in the world, with over 28 million Members in 216 countries and territories.

In the UK Scouting is organised through The Scout Association and has a clear purpose:

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.

Our method for giving young people the opportunity to learn by doing is called the Programme. The Programme is a continuous progression of training, activities and awards that covers everything that young people do in Scouting from the age of 6 to 25.

Our commitment

In Scouting, our adults 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 safety policy are there to ensure our young people stay safe while 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.

Welcome to the adventure

As a parent of a child in Scouting, we would like to welcome you to the Scouting
family.

* We know that you play a big part in your child’s involvement in Scouting, through both practical help and encouragement. We would therefore like to say a big THANK YOU for all you do and hope that the following information is useful to you.

* If your child is not yet in Scouting and you are looking for some joining information please contact us using the Contact Form on this site

Whether your child is new to Scouting, or has been a Member for some time, you will find information here to help you make their experience an enjoyable one. You will also find out ways in which you can get involved with Scouting.

One of 28 million!

Your child is now one of a family of 28 million young people in 216 countries and territories who join in the fun and adventure of Scouting every week. The experiences your son or daughter has as a Scout are likely to stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Parents’ family information

Why not let your child’s Leader know what skills and hobbies you have so they can match these to the Section programme? They can then invite you to share something you enjoy.