Scouts
How old are Scouts?
Scouts are the third section in the Scout Association, and the final section within a Scout Group. Members are usually aged between 10½ and 14, though young people can join any time between the age of 10 and 11 . They usually move to the next Section, Explorer Scouts, when they are about 14 (any time between the age of 13½ and 14½). Groups will have their own arrangements regarding starting and moving on ages, depending on numbers within the different sections and waiting lists.
What do Scouts do?
Scouts usually meet once a week for around two hours. A group of Scouts is called a Troop. There can be up to 42 young people in a single Troop. The Scouts may also be part of a smaller group within their Troop, known as a Patrol.
Scouts take part in a 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.
Scouting is about being with friends, as part of a team, and participating fully in the adventure and opportunities of life. Scouts take part in many District and County outings and events, including camps, competitions and hikes. Some Scouts also get the opportunity to travel abroad to international events such as jamborees.
Sea Scout Troops
Some Scout Troops are "Sea Scouts". Their programme is the same as the usual Scouting programme but with more emphasis on water activities. Most Sea Scout Troops will own their boats and many have a boat base either at their HQ or nearby. Although we are a long way from the sea, we do have the River Thames and several reservoirs nearby: we have three Sea Scout Troops in the District, at 22nd, 33rd and 40th Oxford.
What do Scouts wear?
Scouts wear a teal green shirt or blouse, navy blue activity trousers or skirt, a group scarf with a woggle, and a Scout belt. Sea Scouts replace the green shirt with a blue one and may also wear a hat. Official uniform clothing can be bought from local uniform suppliers and also online from the Scout Shop.
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