purpose of Scouting

Scouting in the UK is organised through The Scout Association. The Scout Association has a clear purpose:

'To help young people achieve their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential as individuals, as responsible citizens and as Members of their local, national and international communities'.

Even if we can’t solve all the problems in the world, we can help to make it a better place. We do this by helping young people to develop as active members of the community.

Scouting makes a positive contribution to society by helping young people to develop as active members of the community:

who are self reliant
who are caring
who are responsible
who show commitment.

Scouting works well when young people enjoy learning by doing in partnership with adults.

They do this by:

taking part in a variety of activities and new experiences
exploring the outdoors
participating in teams
taking responsibility for themselves and other.

Our method for giving young people the opportunity to learn by doing is called the Programme.

The Programme is a seamless progression of training, activities and awards that covers everything that young people do in Scouting from the ages of 6 to 25.

The Programme involves helping young people to grow in six Personal Development Areas, these are:

Body
Mind
Faiths and Beliefs
Relationships
Community
Surrounding

All adults in Scouting have a responsibility to make sure that the Programme is fun and exciting. We must also make sure that it is safe. The Scout Association’s policies, rules, code of behaviour, advice on Child Protection and safety policy are there to help adults make sure the young people in their care stay safe while they enjoy themselves and learn. There are special training and requirements to take young people on nights away, and to lead adventurous activities such as mountaineering and water activities.

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