Everybody is welcome within Scouts. All genders, races and backgrounds and abilities – there’s a Scout adventure out there waiting for them , so why not find out more about what Scouts do and begin your adventure. And we’ll help them find it. Whether you are looking for your child to join or you are an adult volunteer looking to get involved, we have a place for you to begin your Scouting adventure.
Skills for Life
Scouting isn’t just about having fun (though we do plenty of that!). We help young people develop:
Confidence – Speaking up and standing out
Resilience – Bouncing back from challenges
Leadership – Taking responsibility and inspiring others
Teamwork – Working together to achieve goals
Problem-solving – Finding creative solutions
Independence – Making decisions and taking initiative
Our Sections
Ready to begin your adventure? There are six sections you can join, depending on your age. The activities and opportunities vary but what is the same is that each will empower you to make friends, learn skills and try new things.
Squirrels (4–6 years)
Our youngest members start their Scouting journey with play-based learning. Through games, crafts, and simple adventures, Squirrels:
– Make their first friends outside the family
– Develop independence and confidence
– Learn through exploration and play
– Participate in their first Scouting traditions
Beavers (6–8 years)
Hands‑on activities, games and short visits that build confidence and independence. Beavers enjoy:
– Outdoor adventures and indoor activities
– Simple cooking and craft projects
– Community service projects
– Their first camps and sleepovers
– Activity badges in subjects they love
Cubs (8–10½ years)
More adventurous activities, practical skills and chances to take responsibility. Cubs take on bigger challenges:
– Camping and outdoor cooking
– Adventure activities like climbing and kayaking
– Community projects and fundraising
– International awareness activities
– Challenge badges and activity badges
Scouts (10½–14 years)
Camping, expeditions and planning parts of the programme as a Patrol. The Scout adventure can include:
– Expedition skills and navigation
– Water activities and adventure sports
– International experiences
– Leadership responsibilities
– Skills for independence
Explorers (14–18 years
A greater challenge, leadership opportunities and preparation for adult life:
– Adventurous expeditions
– Skills workshops and training
– Community leadership projects
– International opportunities
– Award schemes like Duke of Edinburgh
Network (18–25 years)
young adults shaping their own programme, from social events to top awards. The final step in youth Scouting:
– Supporting younger sections
– Advanced leadership opportunities
– Social action projects
– International exchanges
– Transition to adult volunteering
How to join
There are three options for contacting us
- Use the form below and we will direct your enquiry to your nearest Scout Group.
- Find your nearest Scout Group on our ‘Find a Group‘ page, navigate to their page and use the contact form to send them an enquiry directly.
- Head to our ‘Contact Us‘ page, complete the “Join Scouting” form and we will direct your enquiry to your nearest Scout Group.
A volunteer will then be in touch to explain what happens next and arrange a start date or visit. We’ll also let you know about any costs, how subs are paid and what support may be available if cost is a concern.
Waiting Lists
Some of our groups are very popular and may have waiting lists. Don’t worry – we’ll help you find a place as soon as possible, and being on a waiting list doesn’t cost anything.
