Scouts are young people, aged 10 ½ to 14, who master new skills, have adventures at home or abroad and help others in their own communities and beyond.

Week in and week out, they gather in groups called Scout Troops to conquer the small task of changing the world.

Being a Scout is all about taking that next step in mighty ways. Here are some of the things you’ll get up to with your new friends.

Discovering the world

Discovering the world on your own terms and making the most of what you have, wherever and whoever you are.

Starting small, thinking big

Scouts stand up for what they believe in and make a difference, confident in the knowledge that their daily actions add up.

Listening in, lending a hand

Scouts seek out the answers to the big questions, and to the smaller questions that don’t seem to matter but really should.

Scouts is open to all, and we usually tweak things to make sure everyone can join in the fun. If you have any questions about accessibility, chat with us as soon as possible. More information on specific adjustments can be found here. 

Questions? We’ve answered some of the most common ones below.

Who runs Scouts?

Each Scout Troop is made up of young people aged 10½  to 14, led by trained adult volunteers who are on hand to share their skills and keep everyone safe. Traditionally, Scout leaders were nicknamed ‘Skip’ – an abbreviation of ‘Skipper’, which is a name given to a ship’s captain. In some Troops this name is still used, but these days it’s more common for Scout leaders to just use their real names.

Within their Troop, Scouts are part of a Patrol – smaller groups of Scouts who look out for one another, and help each other grow. Scouts usually gather in their Patrols at the beginning and end of meetings. They might also stick together on expeditions or trips away, or during certain activities.

How much does it cost?

The cost of going to Scouts will depend on how your local Troop does things. Usually, a basic fee covering the cost of the hire and upkeep of the place where you meet will be collected weekly, monthly, termly or annually. Trips, camps and activities that take place away from the usual meeting place are usually charged separately.

Scouts is designed to be an affordable way to learn lots of new skills through a single membership. Nobody should feel excluded because of money worries. If they’re concerned about costs, adults should speak to their local leader in confidence, to see what they can do to help. In most cases, support is available to make sure nobody misses out. 

Is there a waiting list?

Lots of young people are itching to join Scouts, so you might need to wait for a space to become available.

If your local Troop has a waiting list, parents and other adults might be able to solve the problem. We don’t just need swashbuckling adventurers to lead expeditions. We also need listeners, tidy-uppers and tea-makers, for as little or as much time as they can spare. If your parents or carers are curious about giving it a go but don’t want to overcommit, why not ask them to complete our four-week volunteering challenge? Every hour counts, and everyone is welcome.

Is there a uniform?

Once you’ve had time to settle in, you’ll get your own uniform to wear during meetings and on trips away.

Scouts usually wear a green shirt or blouse with their badges sewn on, which they pair with their Troop or Group scarf. They might wear blue uniform trousers or a skirt, or they might save their uniform bottoms for special occasions like awards ceremonies and public events – choosing to wear something more casual with their shirt during the week.  Get more information on uniform here.

Badges and Uniform

Completing badges challenges you to do more, learn more and be more. See what’s on offer and start your journey to the top.

Scout volunteers

All of our leaders are trained volunteers working to make Scouts the best it can be, but we don’t just need swashbuckling adventurers to lead our expeditions. We also need tidy-uppers and tea-makers and great listeners from all walks of life – for as much or as little time as they can spare.

Moving to Explorers

Eventually, it’ll be time to say farewell to Beavers and embrace your next big adventure.