Youth Programme

Scouting offers a diverse and exciting selection of activities and experiences that are key to attracting and retaining young people.

The Scouting Programme provides adventure and challenge to young people in an age-appropriate way, helping them with their personal development and to grow their confidence. The programme of activities is planned by the sectional leadership team in partnership with young people. The programme should be flexible and have room to adapt and accommodate the needs of the individuals in the section.

The Scouting Programme provides a structure of badges and awards, which are progressive through the sections, and based on several objectives. The objectives are based on Scouting’s Purpose to ‘actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society’.

The Scouting Programme for all five sections is based around three main themes: outdoor and adventure, world and skills. This programme of activities is planned by the leadership team in partnership with young people, and should incorporates elements from each theme, to offer young people the most interesting and diverse experience.

There is flexibility within Scouting which means that all young people, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy and achieve. The Programme should be flexible and have room to adapt and accommodate the needs of the individuals in the section, with the focus being on personal development.

A quality programme is challenging, relevant and rewarding for every young person.

What we mean by challenging:

• more opportunities for outdoor and adventurous activities in safe environments
• gaining confidence by participating in new or less familiar activities and stepping out of their comfort zones
• all young people regardless of their abilities, can enjoy and achieve

What we mean by relevant:

• young people shape the programme based on what they want to learn and explore
• ensuring the needs of every young person are met
• responding to what young people are currently inquisitive about and reflecting this in the programme

What we mean by rewarding:

• developing skills for life, including teamwork, leadership and personal development
• supporting young people with their progression through the sections
• young people are excited about Scouting, having fun and increasing in confidence
• All young people should have the opportunity to achieve the top award for their section.

To achieve the Chief Scouts Bronze, Silver and Gold young people must complete all of the Challenge Awards and a selection of Activity and Staged Activity badges. For the Chief Scout Platinum, Diamond and the Queen’s Scout Award, members complete challenges, nights away and activities on the themes of International, Community and Values. These are also linked to the Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.

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