Chris HarrisScouts are boys and girls aged between 10½ - 14 yrs
What do they 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
Where
is my nearest Scout Troop?
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 group you belong to by looking at the colour of your scarf.
The uniform consists of:
Teal green long sleeved shirt or Group T-shirt
Group Scarf
Most troops will have other items of uniform...The exact details differ
from troop to troop. The following may be included as part of your uniform:
Long trousers / Skirt
Black shoes
Scout Handbook
Notebook, pencil, handkerchiefs
What badges do they have?
Scouts can gain a wide range of badges and awards. There are Group
Awards that allow all members of the group to work together
and Challenge Awards that
are gained as part of a balanced programme..
But that's not all! There are many 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.
Participation Badges recognise the length of time a young person has been a member of the Scout Movement.
Ultimately there is the Chief Scout's Gold Award, which is the highest award a Scout can earn.
Every Scout wears a set of badges to identify themselves. They have a Membership Badge to show they are in Scouting, 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 Night meeting and see what all the fuss is about. Take a look
at the groups page to find the nearest Troop to where you live. You can
either contact the group directly through their page, complete an inquiry
form or contact the DC (District Commissioner) who will 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
I promise that I will do my best
to do my duty to my God and to The Queen
to help other people and to obey 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 worldwide 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
With thanks to Barking & Dagenham District Scouts for kind permission to reproduce some of the above text. Their web site can be found at www.barking-dagenham-scouts.org.uk
