When BP created scouting almost a hundred years ago, he had one simple message- that not only should it be fun, but that it was the greatest game of all
Scouting is a uniformed youth organization and is almost exclusively a voluntary organization. Scouting still holds true to some of the basic principles laid down by its founder Baden-Powell. Perhaps these can be best summed up by "fun with a purpose". It offers a unique combination of outdoor activities and scouting skills coupled with games, crafts and challenges that few other organizations could hope to match. Scouting still remains open to all, no matter their race, creed or sex.
Scouting exists in over 210 countries with more than 25 million scouts worldwide. Its aims and commitment to young people can still meet the demands of today's youngster and society.
The Scouts, with the Guides, are also unique amongst youth Movements in having a Promise and a Law which Members willingly accept as a guide to the standards of conduct required of them. These summarize the principles of Scouting and lay a solid foundation for its purpose and use.
The
Aim of the Scout Movement is ...
"to promote the development of young people in achieving their full
physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals,
as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national, and international
communities."
Scouting offers a place for people of all ages and all abilities. The younger members are divided into sections according to their age.
Click on the arrow beside the age range you are interested in.
00Beavers
for children aged 6 - 8 yrs
00Cubs
for children between 8 - 10½ yrs
00Scouts
for young people between 10½ - 14 yrs
00Explorer
Scouts for young adults between 14 - 18 yrs
00Scout
Network for young adults between 18 - 25 yrs
Older members can join the movement in a variety of ways, from being a
warranted leader from 18 years of age to an instructor or helper at any
age. They can also join the Fellowship.
Scouting
offers a place to young and old people alike, across a wide variety of
mental and physical capabilities, religious beliefs and nationalities.
Girls are free to join the movement although not every group in the district
can currently accommodate girls.
Records show that for every 100 people who join Scouting:
Rarely will
one be brought before the juvenile court system.
4 will become Queen's Scouts.
At least 1 of these will say they value their Queen's Scout Award above
their College degree.
17 will become future Scout volunteers.
12 will have their first contact with Church.
1 will enter the clergy.
18 will develop a hobby which will last throughout their adult life.
8 will enter a vocation that was learned through the Progressive Training
Award Scheme.
1 will use his/her Scouting skills to save his/her own life.
1 will use his/her Scouting skills to save the life of another person.
Additionally, Scouts account
for: 64%
of RAF graduates, 85% of FBI agents and for 26 of the first 29 astronauts