Scout Network is the section for young adults aged 18 to 25. In Stourbridge District, Network gives you the chance to continue your Scouting journey, try new experiences, and play an active part in shaping what you do.

Network is flexible and member-led. You might be studying, working, looking after family or doing a bit of everything – Network is designed to fit around busy lives while still offering challenge, adventure and social time with friends.

What do Network Scouts do?

Network members plan and run their own programme, which could include:

  • Social events such as film nights, meals out or games evenings
  • Local, national and international camps, expeditions or trips
  • Outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, paddling or cycling (depending on local provision)
  • Projects that support younger sections, such as helping with camps or special events
  • Volunteering and social action in the local community
  • Skills-building sessions – for example, first aid, leadership, event planning or practical life skills

How often you meet and what you do is shaped by the members. Many Network activities are organised online, with meet-ups for events, projects and trips.

Badges and awards

Through Scout Network you can work towards some of the top awards in Scouting and beyond, including:

  • The King’s Scout Award (the highest award in UK Scouting)
  • The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (where available)
  • Other Network and activity-focused awards and events

Network is also a great way to build experience and skills that support your studies, career or volunteering – for example, leading projects, planning events or helping to run a younger section.

When and where is Network Scouts?

Scout Network in Stourbridge runs in a more flexible way than younger sections. Some activities are based at local Scout HQs, while others are held in the community or further afield.

Instead of a weekly meeting, Network may:

  • Meet regularly (for example monthly) for social events or activities
  • Organise camps, trips or project days at weekends or during holidays
  • Plan much of its programme and communication online

The exact pattern depends on the current members.

How to join

If you are aged 18 to 25 and would like to get involved:

  1. Use the form on our ‘Join Scouts‘ page and we will direct your enquiry to the local Scout Network.
  2. Head to our ‘Contact Us‘ page, complete the “Join Scouting” form and we will direct your enquiry to the local Scout Network.
  3. A volunteer will then be in touch with information about upcoming activities, how Network works locally and how to get started.

Young people moving up from Explorers will usually have a planned link into Network or another suitable role, such as adult volunteer.

Adults and volunteering

Many Network members also choose to volunteer in other parts of Scouting – for example as leaders, assistants, administrators or skills instructors.

Volunteers play a key role in Scouts, either working directly with young people or behind the scenes. You don’t need to be an expert in camping or outdoor activities, just willing to get involved.

Volunteering with Scouts can be flexible around work and family life. Whether you’d like to help out week-after-week or whenever-you-can, training and support are provided, and many roles can be shared between several people.

Volunteering with Scouts is a great way to:

  • Make friends, meet people and have fun 
  • Try new things and challenge yourself 
  • Learn new skills and gain experience
  • Positively impact your community 
  • Create vital opportunities for young people 
  • Make memories that’ll last a lifetime 

If you’re 18 to 25 and would like to combine Network membership with a volunteering role, we’d love to hear from you by completing our volunteer form.

FAQs

No. You don’t need any previous Scouting experience to join Network.

Yes. Many people are Network members and also help with a Group, Explorer Unit or in another role.

Any membership fees or activity costs will be explained locally. We work hard to keep Scouting affordable, and if cost is a concern please speak to a volunteer – support may be available.

Network is designed to be flexible. Activities are planned around members’ availability, and a lot of organisation happens online.

All adult volunteers follow Scouts’ national policies on safety and safeguarding and complete appropriate checks and training. Young people’s welfare is always our top priority. Follow the link to read our Safeguarding Code of Conduct.

If you have any other questions about Scout Network in Stourbridge, please contact us – we’re happy to help.