The 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 their community;

• who are self-reliant
• 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.

Our method of 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 4 to 25.

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 are there to help adults make sure that the young people in their care stay safe while they enjoy themselves and learn.