The Scout Section

The Scout Section is the oldest in the Scout Group, and is for young people usually aged between 10½ and 14 years.

Activities

Scouts are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities as part of their programme. Participation rather than meeting set standards is the key approach, and for the Scout who wants to be recognised for his or her achievements there are a number of Challenge Awards and Activity Badges.

Balanced Programme

Scouts take part in a Balanced Programme that helps them to find out about the world in which they live, encourages them to know their own abilities and the importance of keeping fit, and helps develop their creative talents. It also provides opportunities to explore their own values and personal attitudes.

Being outdoors is important, and the programme includes taking part in traditional Scouting skills, such as camping, survival and cooking, as well as a wider spectrum of adventurous activities, from abseiling to zorbing.

International Scouting

Its international aspect gives Scouting a special appeal, and many Scouts now travel abroad during their time in the section. Every four years up to 60,000 Scouts from around the world attended a World Jamboree which can be held almost anywhere in the world. Scouts regularly participate in international camps and experiences both on home soil and abroad, each of them a unique experience in its own right.

Structure

The Scout Troop is divided into small groups called Patrols, each headed up by a Patrol Leader and an Assistant Patrol Leader.

Scouting is about being with friends, as part of a team, and participating fully in the adventure and opportunities of life.

Promise

After attending meetings for a few weeks, members will make their promise as part of an investiture ceremony.

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

Many members also renew their promise on an annual basis, traditionally at a St. Georges Day service, meeting or outdoor activity.

In 2014 additional alternative versions to the promise were made available to Scout Groups in order to welcome even more young people to Scouting. If you would like your child to make a specific promise, please discuss it with the leader.

The 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

Uniform

Scouts wear core uniform of a coloured shirt, blue activity trousers and a group scarf. The scarf, woggle and badges are all provided by the Group.

Shirts will need to be purchased from Scout Shops Ltd, suitable activity trousers are available in most high streets, please ask the leader for advice on what and where to buy.