02. What is Scouting?

As Scouts we believe in preparing young people with skills for life.

We encourage young people to do more, learn more and be more. Each week we help over 460,000 young people aged 6-25 enjoy fun and adventure while developing the skills they need to succeed, now and in the future.

We’re talking about teamwork, leadership and resilience – skills that have helped Scouts become everything from teachers and social workers to astronauts and Olympians. We help young people develop and improve key life skills.

We believe in bringing people together. We celebrate diversity and stand against intolerance, always. We’re part of a worldwide movement, creating stronger communities and inspiring positive futures.

Young people in Scouting take part in an exciting programme of activities from kayaking to coding. They develop character skills like resilience, initiative and tenacity; employability skills such as leadership, teamwork and problem solving and practical skills like cooking and first aid.  Research proves it really works.  A 2018 report says Scouts are 17% more likely to show leadership skills and work well in teams. They’re a third more likely to support their communities too.

And all this is made possible by the efforts of our dedicated teams of volunteers –  people just like you!  So thank you.