What is Scouting?

Scouting

  • ...is a world wide Movement for young people

  • ...uses a progressive and enjoyable activity programme for personal development

  • ...started in 1907

  • ...seeks to provide young people with opportunities to participate in adventurous outdoor activities, learn team-building skills and develop new friendships

  • ...is co-educational so that boys and girls can develop together and meet the aims of Scouting through one programme

  • ...is open to all young people and adults, regardless of ability, who are prepared to accept Scouting's fundamental principles

  • ... has over half a million adults and young people enjoying fun and friendship.

With an international Membership of approximately 28 million, and over half a million in the UK alone, the Scout Movement is the world's largest voluntary organisation for boys and girls. Impressive figures - particularly when you consider that Scouting began with 20 boys and an experimental camp held during the first nine days of August 1907, at Brownsea Island, Dorset. The camp was a great success and proved to its organiser, Robert Baden-Powell, that his training and methods appealed to young people and really worked. In January 1908, he published the first edition of 'Scouting for Boys', issued in six fortnightly parts at 4d each. It was an immediate success. Scouting is today - the world's leading voluntary youth Movement.

Scouting is currently active in 211 countries and territories with a global membership of over 28 million. Two thirds of the international membership are in developing countries.

The aim of the Association is to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.

The Method of achieving the Aim of the Association is by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout Promise and Law, and guided by adult leadership.

More details on Scouting in the UK is available at www.scouts.org.uk and on the international aspects on www.scout.org the website for the World Organisation of the Scout Movement.