Join Scouts
Scouts is all about fun, challenges and adventure.
The Scouts are the UK's biggest mixed youth organisation. We change lives by offering 4- to 25-year-olds fun and challenging activities, unique experiences, everyday adventure and the chance to help others so that we make a positive impact in communities.
Scouts helps children and young adults reach their full potential. Scouts develop skills including teamwork, time management, leadership, initiative, planning, communication, self-motivation, cultural awareness and commitment. We help young people to get jobs, save lives and even change the world.
Our Sections
If you think Scouting’s just about knots, woggles and big shorts, then be prepared to be surprised. It’s how Richard Branson, Barack Obama and David Beckham got their start in life and you can benefit too.
There are 500,000 young people in Scouting, spread across six sections: Squirrel Scouts, Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Explorer Scouts and the Scout Network. Each section has its own balanced programme of activities, badges and awards.
Squirrels are young people aged 4 to 6
Squirrel Scouts, part of the youngest section in the Scouts movement in the UK, are designed for children aged four to six. They take part in a wide range of fun and engaging activities that help them develop key skills such as teamwork, communication, and confidence. Activities might include simple crafts, nature walks, games, story time, and basic problem-solving tasks, all delivered in a playful and supportive environment. The focus is on helping young children explore the world around them, make friends, and begin their Scouting journey in a safe and nurturing setting.
Beavers are young people aged 6 to 8 who:
- Master new skills and try new things
- Have fun and go on adventures
- Make friends
- Are curious about the world around them
- Help others and make a difference, on their own doorstops and beyond
Beaver Scouts are our youngest members. Usually every week, they gather in groups called Beaver Colonies to hop, skip and jump their way through lots of different games and activities – achieving anything they set their minds to, and having lots of fun along the way. 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 10 1/2
Cub Scouts get the chance to try lots of different activities such as games, badge work, sports and practical skills like cooking.
Cubs follow a Balanced Programme of activities which gives them a chance to try new things, work with other people, explore the world around them and develop personal skills. Cubs also get the change to go on all sorts of outings including day trips and longer trips such as summer camps.
The core age range of the Cub Scout Section is from 8 to 10 1/2 years, although young people may remain in the Pack until their 11th birthday before moving on to Scouts. A Cub Scout Pack is split into smaller groups called Sixes.
Click here to find out more information
Scouts – 10 1/2 to 14
Scouts, for young people aged 10½ to 14 in the UK, take part in a wide variety of exciting and challenging activities designed to help them develop skills for life. These can include camping, hiking, cooking, first aid, and learning about the environment, as well as teamwork and leadership tasks. Scouts work towards badges and awards that recognise their achievements and personal development. They are encouraged to be active, adventurous, and engaged members of their community, gaining confidence and having fun along the way.
Being outdoors is important in the Scout Section and half the Programme is given over to taking part in traditional Scouting skills such as camping, survival and cooking as well as a wide range of adventurous activities, which can include anything from abseiling to sailing. The chance to take part in international travel is also important for Scouts and many travel abroad during their time in the Section.
Explorers - 14 to 18
Explorer Scouts, for young people aged 14 to 18 in the UK, take part in adventurous, challenging, and rewarding activities that help them develop independence, leadership skills, and resilience. They plan and run many of their own activities, which can include camping, hiking, climbing, volunteering, and international expeditions.
Explorers often work towards top awards like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or the Queen’s Scout Award, and they play an active role in supporting their local community. It’s a section focused on personal growth, friendship, and preparing for adult life through practical experience and fun.
Click here to find out more information
Network - 18 to 25
There are many different activities and awards available to Scout Network members. Scout Network members can also continue to carry out other roles in Scouting.
Scout Network programmes reflect the huge variation in Members' interests. Some local Networks have activities that concentrate on one area of the programme, whilst others will have a wider focus. One of the key elements is the opportunity to get away, either under canvas or in other accommodation.
Scout Network members decide, along with the rest of the Network and leader, what they want to do - whether it's powerboating, socialising, hiking or enjoying a trip abroad. Some Networks could hold their meetings in a hall, at someone's house or even up a mountain!
Network members can gain awards such as the Chief Scout's Diamond, Explorer Belt, Duke of Edinburgh Award and National Governing Body (NGB) awards. The highest award is the Queen's Scout Award, which is recognised by many employers as the sign of someone who is enthusiastic, dedicated and reliable.
Click here to find out more information
