The Scout Troop is the third section in the Scout Group, above Beavers and Cubs. The Scout Section is for young people aged between 10½ and 14 years. There is some flexibility in the age range: young people can join from age 10, and can move to Explorers between age 13½ and 14½. It may sometimes be appropriate to extend this flexibility for young people with additional needs.
You probably know the Lingo by now, but here are some new ones:
- The Scout Promise – each Section has a ‘Promise’ which is a simple way to help young people (and adults) keep the Fundamentals of Scouting in mind. The Promise is the commitment made by all Members as they join Scouting
- Scout Troop/Patrol Leader – A Scout Troop is divided into small groups called Patrols, each headed up by an older Scout called a Patrol Leader, and often with an Assistant Patrol Leader.
Activities and Achievements
Scouts aims to build and develop young people’s confidence, sense of adventure and outdoor skills, as well as encouraging them to explore their beliefs and attitudes and be creative. It offers them the independence to put these skills into practice at camps and even on international trips. Participation rather than meeting set standards is the key approach, and there are a number of badges and awards that Scouts can gain to recognise their achievements. Scouts are encouraged to work together and take the lead on all sorts of projects, from community based work to planning games and activities for their meetings.
Scouts are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities as part of their programme including:
- Traditional Scouting skills
- Camping
- Survival
- Cooking
- Adventurous activities, from abseiling to zorbing
- Camps and residential experiences.