Scouts are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities as part of their programme. Participation rather than meeting set standards is the key approach, and for the Scout who wants to be recognised for his or her achievements there are a number of Challenge awards and activity badges.

Structure

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.

Scouting is about being with friends, as part of a team, and participating fully in the adventure and opportunities of life.

Balanced Programme

Scouts take part in a Balanced Programme that helps them to find out about the world in which they live, encourages them to know their own abilities and the importance of keeping fit, and helps develop their creative talents. It also provides opportunities to explore their own values and personal attitudes.

Being outdoors is important, and half the programme is given over to taking part in traditional Scouting skills, such as camping, survival and cooking, as well as a wider spectrum of adventurous activities, from abseiling to zorbing.

Promise and Law

After attending meetings for a few weeks, members will make their promise as part of an investiture ceremony.

Many members also renew their promise on an annual basis, traditionally at a St. Georges Day service, meeting or outdoor activity.

In 2014 additional alternative versions to the promise were made available to Scout Groups in order to welcome even more young people to Scouting. The core promise, which refers to a ‘Duty to God’, remains intact and Scouting remains fully committed as a Movement that explores faith and religion as a core element of its programme.

If you would like your child to make a specific promise, please discuss it with the leader.

Scout Law

A Scout is to be trusted
1. A Scout is loyal
2. A Scout is friendly and considerate
3. A Scout belongs to the worldwide family of Scouts
4. A Scout has courage in all difficulties
5. A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property
6. A Scout has self-respect and respect for others

Scout Promise*

On my honour
I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to God
and to the King
To help other people
and to keep the Scout Law

*as mentioned above, the Scout Promise has lots of alternate versions so that every Scout can make a meaningful and person promise.