“Scouting has given me a fantastic opportunity to do lots of activities and things that people who are not in Scouts don’t get to do. It’s about having fun with good friends.”

What are Scouts?

The Scout Troop is the third section in the Scout Group, above Beavers and Cubs. The Scout Section is for young people aged between 10½ and 14 years. There is some flexibility in the age range: young people can join from age 10, and can move to Explorers between age 13½ and 14½. It may sometimes be appropriate to extend this flexibility for young people with additional needs. For further information, see our guidance on age range flexibility.

Activities and Achievements

Scouts aims to build and develop young people’s confidence, sense of adventure and outdoor skills, as well as encouraging them to explore their beliefs and attitudes and be creative. It offers them the independence to put these skills into practice at camps and even on international trips. Participation rather than meeting set standards is the key approach, and there are a number of badges and awards that Scouts can gain to recognise their achievements. Scouts are encouraged to work together and take the lead on all sorts of projects, from community based work to planning games and activities for their meetings.

Scouts are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities as part of their programme including:

• Traditional Scouting skills
• Camping
• Survival
• Cooking
• Adventurous activities, from abseiling to zorbing
• Camps and residential experiences

Find out more about badges and awards for the Scout section.

The Scout Promise, Law and Motto

There are a number of variations of the Scout Promise to reflect the range of faiths, beliefs and attitudes, and nationalities, in the UK within Scouting.

Find out more about the Promise in Scouting.

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.

The Scout Motto: Be Prepared

Scout Uniform and Flag

Scouts wear a teal green shirt or blouse, navy blue activity trousers or skirt, a group scarf with a woggle, and a Scout belt. Uniform and other clothing items can be purchased here. Necker’s are usually provided by the Scout Leader. The Scout Flag is dark green, bearing the Scout symbol and Motto.

You probably know the Lingo by now, but here are some new ones:

• The Scout Promise – each Section has a ‘Promise’ which is a simple way to help young people (and adults) keep the Fundamentals of Scouting in mind. The Promise is the commitment made by all Members as they join Scouting
• Scout Troop/Patrol Leader – A Scout Troop is divided into small groups called Patrols, each headed up by an older Scout called a Patrol Leader, and often with an Assistant Patrol Leader.