By joining Cubs your child becomes one of a family of 28 million young people in 126 countries and territories who join in the fun of Scouting every week. The experiences your son or daughter has as a Scout are likely to stay with them for the rest of their lives.
How it all began
The Scout Movement was founded by Lord Robert Baden-Powell. In 1907 he held an experimental camp on Brownsea Island, Dorset where he took 20 boys, from both public schools and working class homes, camping under his leadership.
The following year, Scouting for Boys was published and boys, inspired by Baden-Powell’s ideas, soon formed themselves into Scout Patrols. In September 1908, Baden-Powell set up an office to deal with the enquiries pouring in about the Movement.
Today, Scouting is a global, educational youth Movement. In the UK, The Scout Association provides adventurous activities and personal development opportunities for 400,000 young people.
Over the decades, The Scout Association has evolved to keep up with the times, welcoming girls in all Sections and introducing new badges such as IT, Public Relations and even Street Sports!
The Sections
Scouting is open to all young people ages 6 to 25 of every faith, ability and background. There are five Sections;
- Beavers (6 – 8 years)
- Cubs (8 – 10 years)
- Scouts (10 – 14 years)
A Scout Group is normally made up of a Beaver Colony, Cub Pack and Scout Troop
- Explorer Scouts (14-18 years)
- Network Scouts (18-25 years)
The Explorer Unit and Scout Network are based in the District or County.
The generic term for Members from all of these Sections is ‘Scouts’
The Programme
Whilst the activities they take part in will depend on their age, each Section gives young people the opportunity to learn by doing. The main programme areas are: Outdoor & Adventure, Global, Community, Fit for Life, Creative and Beliefs & Attitudes. Adult Leaders are trained to deliver this programme, ensuring our young people stay safe whilst they enjoy themselves and learn.
The adventure of a lifetime
Scouting is all about adventure – at all levels and in many forms. Rather than just extreme sports, it encompasses the many ways that Scouting challenges and stretches the lives of young people. To a Beaver Scout, waking up the morning after his or her first night away from home is as much an adventure as a member of the Scout Network hang-gliding or scuba diving. It’s all possible in Scouting.