Scouts (10½ – 14 years old)
Scouting has given me a fantastic opportunity to do lots of activities that I wouldn’t normally get the chance to. I’ve just been selected to go the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden and that’s going to be awesome.’ – Javaid, Scout
There are 102,000 Scouts in the UK today. 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 in the Scout Troop, 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. There are also other adventurous activities such as rock-climbing, pioneering, orienteering, potholing, gliding, sub-aqua and international experiences to enjoy.
The district provides a range of different events to bring different Troops together. These have ranged from cooking competitions and the annual Night Activities, to plenty of district camps and gatherings at Frith Grange.
Badges
Master something you love, or try something shiny and new. If it spurs you on or stirs your interest, we’ve probably got a badge for it. Click below to explore all 74 badges:
Challenge Awards are all about stepping outside your comfort zone. Try out something you wouldn’t normally be interested in. Take the lead on something that scares you. Along the way, you’ll unlock hidden talents and stand tall. You can also find all the core badges for Scouts below:
Uniform
Scouts wear a teal green shirt or blouse, navy blue activity trousers or skirt, and a Group scarf. This is available to buy in most school uniform shops and online at the Scout Shop.
Below you can check out where to sew on the different badges and awards. If you have any questions you can always ask your leader!
Promise
Every Scout is unique, but they find common ground in their shared Scout values, and make a promise to stick by them. Making a promise when you join the Troop is a way of celebrating these values. Every time a new Scout decides to join, they chat through their promise with their leader before saying it out loud in front of their fellow Scouts.
The process usually takes place once you’ve had a few weeks to settle in, and is known as being ‘invested’ into Scouts. Usually, the promise ceremony happens in a place you’ve chosen, or in a memorable place that means a lot to the group.
It could be held in your usual meeting place, perhaps around the campfire, or it even on a boat sailing the seven seas. Regardless, it’s a big celebration for all involved, and it’s not uncommon for family and friends to join your fellow Scouts as they cheer you on. Below you can choose your promise.
For Christians, Jews and Sikhs
On my honour,
I promise that I will do my best
to do my duty to God
and to the King,
to help other people
and to keep the Scout Law.
For Hindus and Buddhists
On my honour,
I promise that I will do my best
to do my duty to my Dharma
and to the King,
to help other people
and to keep the Scout Law.
For Muslims
In the name of Allah,
the Most Beneficial
and the Most Merciful,
I promise that I will do my best
to do my duty to Allah
and to the King,
to help other people
and to keep the Scout Law.
For Humanists, atheists and those with no defined faith
On my honour,
I promise that I will do my best
to uphold our Scout values,
to do my duty to the King,
to help other people
and to keep the Scout Law.
The Scout Law
When joining, Scouts agree to keep The Scout Law. This includes 7 things of our values:
- 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.