About Scouting

Scouting offers fun, challenge and everyday adventure to 400,000 girls and boys across the UK. Offering over 200 different activities from abseiling and archery to drama, street sports and water zorbing, Scouting helps 6-25 year olds grow in confidence, achieve their full potential and become active members of their communities. This is only possible through the efforts of 100,000 volunteers who also enjoy the fun and friendship of Scouting. Trusted by nearly a million parents each week, the movement welcomes members from all backgrounds, faiths and cultures. Special emphasis is placed on bringing the Scouting programme to young people who currently do not benefit, particularly those in inner cities, those in rural areas and other disadvantaged groups. The Scout Association is a registered charity in the UK and part of a worldwide movement of 31 million Scouts working for peace and global friendship.

• There are now half a million members of Scouting in the UK.
• Scouting in the UK has been growing for the last five years.
• More young people do adventurous activities as Scouts than with any other organisation.
• Each year Scouts spend over two million nights away from home doing adventurous activities.
• The youngest person to walk to the South Pole was a Scout.
• Each year Scouts tackling the Queen’s Scout Award walk the equivalent distance of once around the world.
• 11 of the 12 people to walk on the moon were once Scouts.
• John Lennon and Paul McCartney were both Scouts (inspiring a better quality of campfire song).
• You are never more than 10 miles from a Scout Meeting Place.
• The Scout Association is part of a worldwide movement of 31 million Scouts.

‘Scouting’s 500,000 members are an inspiration. It’s great to see it. It’s all about friendship and fun and adventure – people who might not normally have the chance for adventure. Scouts are shining lights in their communities.’ Chief Scout, Bear Grylls

Think you know Scouting? Think again.

If you still think Scouting is just about boys, tents and woggles, then take a look at our video – you might just change your mind. With over 200 activities on offer and half a million members (including 60,000 girls) Scouting offers everyday adventure to young people and adult volunteers

Parents

Parents tell us that Scouting gives their children more confidence, responsibility, a broader set of friends, a chance to pursue things they might not get to do otherwise, adventure and an extended family. ‘Children learn social skills as well as practical ones. They have to remember things to bring the following week so they have to take a bit of responsibility for their own stuff!’ When I see Ella at Cubs, doing things for herself and her friends, I’m so impressed. It helps you step back and let them get on with it. ’ ‘Scouting helps parents prepare their kids for life’