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Our programme
What is scouting?
Adventure is at the core of scouting. Through adventure we challenge individuals so that they learn and experience new things that will enrich their lives. When a beaver scout wakes up the morning after a sleepover, or a cub scout has confronted their fear of heights, or a young scout leads a hike, that is adventure.
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Along the way there is great fun to be had – and badges to earn. Scouting uses badges to recognise a wide range of interests and skills and, more often than not, the badges reflect the effort a young person has put in – rather than what has been achieved.
All this is part of what we call a balanced programme. This helps young people to learn about their community and the wider world, improve their fitness and health and develop their creative talents. It encourages them to enjoy adventure in the outdoors and develop their beliefs and attitudes against the backdrop of the Scout Law and Promise.
Being involved is exciting and through the everyday adventure of scouting, young people and adult volunteers regularly experience new challenges that enrich their lives. Scouting offers a diverse range of activities and opportunities that challenge young people to be the best they can be physically, emotionally, spiritually and morally. It is this that makes scouting unique.
Our age ranges (sections)...
Squirrel Scouts - 4 and 5 years
This is a new age range and we will be rolling Squirrels out steadily over the coming years when we have adults that want to make Squirrels happen.
It’s the best of scouting – learning by doing and getting into the great outdoors – combined with early years best practice of storytelling, routine and play.
Beaver Scouts - 6 to 8 years
Beaver scouts are our youngest members. They usually meet weekly to take part in a wide range of activities including games, crafts, singing, visits and good turns, along with plenty of outdoor activities.
They will also have the opportunity to take part in the fun and excitement of camps and sleepovers. It may be the first time they spend a night away from home so it’s a real adventure for them.
Cub Scouts - 8 to 10½ years
A cub scout pack can have up to 36 Cub Scouts and is split into smaller groups called sixes. Cubs take part in a wide range of activities designed to be interesting and challenging. A Cub scout meeting consists of games and activities with plenty of time spent outdoors.
Camps and holidays are some of the most memorable events of the year for cubs
Scouts - 10½ - 14 years
Each Scout Troop consists of small units of six to eight Scouts called a Patrol, usually led by a Patrol Leader. Outdoor activities feature prominently, with the highlight being camping. Throughout the year, Scouts learn various skills, such as map reading, camp cooking and first aid in preparation for camp.
Rock climbing, potholing, gliding, photography and international experiences are just some of the things they get up to.
Explorer Scouts - 14 to 18 years
Explorers are encouraged to lead themselves in deciding the programme and direction of the explorer scout unit, with support and guidance from leaders. The section also includes the young leaders’ scheme, where young people are able to take on a leadership role in one of the younger sections.
There is wider scope for activities like offshore sailing, campaigning, performing, parascending, mountaineering and expeditions.
Scout Network - 18 to 25 years
Scout network is the fifth and final section of the Scouting movement. Scout network members take part in a variety of activities, which they undertake and organise themselves with the support of a scout network leader.
Example activities include abseiling, camping, circus skills, climbing, go-karting, gorge walking, hiking, pioneering and water sports.