What do Scouts Do?

Scouts...

• make their own decisions
• plan their own activities
• challenge themselves
• work as a team
• learn about leadership and commitment
• undertake outdoor activities and challenges
• help others
• undertake advanced proficiency schemes
• become Explorer Scouts

Scouts take part in a balanced programme that helps them to find out about the world in which they live, encourages them to know their own abilities and the importance of keeping fit and helps develop their creative talents. It also provides opportunities to explore their own values and personal attitudes

Being outdoors is important and half the Programme is given over to taking part in both the traditional Scouting skills, such as camping, survival and cooking as well as the wide range of adventurous activities, anything from abseiling to yachting.

The best way to find out what Scouts get up to is to find your nearest group and go and see for yourself!

What do they wear?

Scouts wear a full uniform. Scouting is a uniformed organisation and the uniform tells everyone that you are a Scout. For instance, people can tell what Troop you belong to by looking at the colour of your scarf. The uniform consists of:

• Teal Green Long Sleeved Shirt
• Group Scarf
• Blue Activity Trousers (optional)

What badges do they have?

Scouts can gain a wide range of badges and awards.

	There are 9 challenge badges for you to try and then there is a top award called the Chief Scout's Gold Award
	But that's not all! There are about 80 Activity Badges that you can complete at any time while you are a Scout. These cover everything you could possibly be interested in. From Astronomy to Dragon Boat Racing, Skiing to Mechanic and Handgliding to Air Spotting. If you have a hobby, interest or favourite sport there is an Proficiency Badge that you can work hard for, gain and wear on your uniform with pride.
	When you are ready to move into the Explorer Scout Section there is a moving on award.
	Every Scout wears a set of badges to identify themselves. They have a Membership Badge to show they are in Scouting (you get this when you first join the scouts), a District and County Badge along with a group Name Tag to show where they come from. If a Scout shows aptitude they may become a Patrol Leader or an Assistant Patrol Leader and they will have a stripe to add to their uniform.

Every now and then there are special events that allow you to wear a special badge for a short period of time. These normally stay on your uniform for around a year. When the time comes to remove the badge you can add it to your collection. Many Scouts keep a collection of badges and may even add them to a 'camp blanket' which makes a good talking piece when you wear it around the campfire.

How do I join?

Perhaps you know a friend who is a Scout...ask them if you can come along to a Troop meeting and see what all the fuss is about. Take a look at the directory page to find the nearest Scout Troop to where you live. You can either contact the group directly through their contact, or contact info to give you any details you may wish to know.

Most groups will be glad to let you stay for a night or two to see what it is like. You will need to bring your parent/guardian along so that a few forms can be filled in. If you enjoy Scouting ( and many people do!) you can find out how to become a full member from the leaders at your chosen group.

Scout Promise

On my honour, I promise
that I will do my best
to do my duty to God and to The Queen
to help other people and to keep the Scout Law

Scout Law

• A Scout is to be trusted.
• A Scout is loyal.
• A Scout is friendly and considerate.
• A Scout belongs to the world-wide family of Scouts.
• A Scout has courage in all difficulties.
• A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property.
• A Scout has self-respect and respect for others.