What is Scouting?

Purpose

Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

Almost half a million young people aged 6-25 are involved in Scouts each week preparing them with the skills they need for life, whether that is for school, university, future job interviews, making speeches or tackling a lifelong dream.

Scouts brings together teamwork, leadership, friendship and resilience with former Scouts going on to be anything and everything from teachers and social workers to explorers and astronauts.
Scouts is inclusive, no one should feel left out no matter their gender, race or background, nor physical or mental ability – there is something for everyone to achieve and celebrate and Scouts will help them realise this.

We belong to a worldwide family of Scouting, building stronger communities and a better future.

Values

Our values are at the heart of who we are and what we do:

Integrity – we’re honest, we try to do the right thing (even if no-one’s watching), and we stay true to ourselves.
Respect – we’re thoughtful of people’s feelings and values, treating everyone as we’d like to be treated ourselves.
Care – we’re kind to others, looking after the world we live in.
Belief – we explore our beliefs and attitudes with wide-open minds.
Cooperation – we work with others to change the world for the better, making friends along the way.

Methods

Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:

• enjoy what they are doing and have fun;
• take part in activities indoors and outdoors;
• learn by doing;
• share in spiritual reflection;
• take responsibility and make choices;
• undertake new and challenging activities;
• make and live by their Promise

Programme

The Scouting Programme for all sections is based around three main themes: outdoor/adventure, world and skills. In each section a range of badges and awards support all aspects of Scouting, including the main themes: leadership, teamwork and personal development. The Programme is delivered in a balanced way that incorporates elements from each theme, to offer young people the most interesting and diverse experience.