The Scout Section is for young people, usually aged between 10½ and 14 years. A young person can come into the Troop at 10 and may stay until they are 14½ years old. The Scout Troop is the third section in the Scout Group, above Beavers and Cubs.

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.

Activities

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 their achievements there are a number of challenge awards and activity badges.

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 them develop their creative talents. It also provides opportunities to explore their own values and personal attitudes.

International Scouting

its international aspect gives Scouting a special appeal and many Scouts now travel abroad during their time in this section. In 2007, 40,000 Scouts from around the world attended the World Scout Jamboree in the UK and Scouts regularly participate in international camps and experiences both on home soil and abroad, each of them a unique experience in its own right.

Structure

A Scout Troop is divided into small groups called Patrols, each headed by an older Scout called a Patrol Leader and often an Assistant Patrol Leader.

Badges

Once you are invested as a Scout you can put badges onto your uniform, if your earn all your challenge badges (the hexagonal ones) you can earn your gold award (the final one).