Scouts is a place to have fun, make new friends, learn new skills and have the kind of adventures that you can’t have anywhere else.
Depending on your age, you can join Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers or Scout Network.
If you’re looking for a group, have a look at District Groups or let us know you’re interested and we will put you in contact with someone.
Squirrels are the youngest members of the Scout family made up of girls and boys aged 4 to 5. Easily recognised by their red tops, they think big, try new things and have fun.
Young people can join Squirrels from their 4th birthday. When they are ready, they can move up to the next section, Beaver Scouts, around their sixth birthday.
A Squirrel’s time in the ‘drey’ is packed full of fun, games, and activities as they hop, skip and jump their way through anything they do. No two weeks are the same: exploring the great outdoors, learning new things, and even helping others in their own way.
Beaver Scouts are easily recognised by their bright turquoise jumpers, they give it a go trying new skills, having fun and making new friends.
Young people can join Beavers in the three months leading up to their sixth birthday. They can move up to the next section, Cub Scouts, around their eighth birthday.
No two weeks are the same. Making and building, visiting new places and meeting new people, playing games or getting into the great outdoors.
A Cub Scout Pack can have up to 36 Cub Scouts and is split into smaller groups called Sixes. Cubs take part in a wide range of activities designed to be interesting and challenge them. A Cub Scout meeting consists of games and activities with plenty of time spent outdoors. Camps are some of the most memorable events of the year for Cubs.
Young people can become a Cub Scout shortly before their eighth birthday and move up to Scouts at around 10½ years old. Some Cubs move up from Beavers, but you don’t need to have been a Beavers to enjoy Cubs.
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, 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. Rock climbing, potholing, photography and international experiences are just some of the things they get up to.
Young people can become a Scout at around 10½ years old. Many move up from Cubs, but anyone can be a Scout, you don’t need to have been before. At about 14 years old, Scouts move on to their next adventure in Explorer Scouts.
Explorers is the section for young people aged 14 to 18.
Explorers are encouraged to lead themselves in deciding the programme
and direction of the Unit, with support and guidance from leaders. The section also includes the Young Leaders’ Scheme, where young people are able to take on a leadership role in one of the younger sections. There is wider scope for activities like sailing, campaigning, performing, and hill walking, including Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and the Ten Tors Challenge.
