So what do you do?

We are a movement with over 5,000 young people supported by over 1,800 volunteer adults across the whole of Gloucestershire with one clear vision: By 2023 we will have prepared more young people with skills for life, supported by amazing leaders delivering an inspiring programme. We will be growing, more inclusive, shaped by young people and making a bigger impact in our communities.

We seek to provide opportunities for as many young people as possible to have fun, explore new challenges and develop a huge range of skills that will be useful throughout their lives. Whether that be teamwork, leadership, cooking, caring for others or simply caring for themselves.

Where do you meet?

There are sections that meet all over Gloucestershire. Have a look at the map below to help find your local one. Use the tool to select or hide our groups, Explorer units or District & County HQ.

View Gloucestershire Scouts in a larger map.

How are the age ranges split?

We have five youth sections each covering an age range, running activities suitable to the age and abilities of the young people.

Beaver Scouts (Ages 6 – 8)

Easily recognised by their distinctive turquoise sweatshirts, Beaver Scouts enjoy many different activities including going on visits, games, crafts, making friends and helping others.

They usually meet once a week. Some Beaver Scout Colonies also organise occasional sleepovers (indoors and outdoors).

Each District in Gloucestershire also organises a number of activities each year where Beaver Scouts from across the District can come together for a fun day, outing, or maybe a Christmas party. Beaver Scouts is all about having fun with your friends.

Cub Scouts (Ages 8 – 10½)

There are loads of fun things that you can do as a Cub Scout. You will get a chance to try lots of different activities like exploring the world around you, how to look after yourself and stay fit and healthy, music, hiking, sports, crafts, games, water sports, swimming, using a map and compass to find your way and many more.

After completing some challenges and activities, if you tried hard and did your best you will get a badge to wear on your uniform. As well as meeting each week Cub Scouts also go on day visits to places that are interesting and fun. Sometimes you will be able to go camping with the rest of your pack, sleeping in a tent and do lots of outdoor activities.

There are also District and County events where many Cub Scouts come together to enjoy big events with lots of exciting things going on that you can take part in.

Scouts (Ages 10½ – 14)

Gloucestershire Scouts take part in a wide range of activities and “participation” rather than meeting set standards is the focus. For Scouts who want to recognise achievements there are awards and badges.

Scout troops usually meet once a week, but also have an active programme of activities at weekends and during school holidays. Scouts are often outdoors doing a wide range of adventurous activities, anything from abseiling or hill walking to sailing or raft building, as well as traditional Scouting such as camping and cooking.

But Scouts is not just for the adventurous, Scouts develop creative talents, find out about the importance of keeping fit and explore the world in which they live.

Explorer Scouts (Ages 14 – 18)

There are many types of Explorer Scout Units in Gloucestershire, some are based around different activities (specialising in, for example, mountain-craft or water activities), while others support Young Leaders. Most do a wide range of different things. You will often be out and about at weekends or in the holidays doing activities. There will be times when you will be busy doing other things such as exams, and being an Explorer Scout will have to fit around these.

As an Explorer Scout, you will get the chance to work with other Explorer Scouts in the District, not just your Unit. By doing this, you will get the chance to do many more activities, not just the ones your Unit organises.

There is also the opportunity to work towards gaining the Chief Scout’s Awards and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.

Scout Network (Ages 18 – 25)

Scout Network is the section for 18-25 year olds who want to take part in Scouting activities themselves either as well as, or instead of, leadership with other sections.

Network is member-led, so they do whatever the members want to do! Gloucestershire Network offer a variety of local, county, national and international activities, as well as the opportunity to complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s, Chief Scout’s and Queen’s Scout Awards.

What are leaders paid to do all this?

Nothing at all. All leaders within Scouting are volunteers who give up their time simply because they enjoy it, find it rewarding and have fun too! Most groups do charge a subscription but this is all spent on insurance, hall hire, kit and activities.

Isn’t it all about woggles and tents?

With over 200 activities on offer and half a million members there’s more to scouts than just tents and woggles. Have a look at the video below to see what we mean.

I’m over 18 do I have to become a leader?

No. There are many more ways in which you can get involved in Scouting. Maybe you would like to work as a group secretary, treasurer or chairman. Perhaps you enjoy fundraising, maintenance or it could be that you could offer a particular skill. Get in contact and we’ll help you find a role that’s perfect for you.

I’m Interested. How can I become involved?

If you or your child are ready to start the adventure then fill in our joining form or call the County office on (01452) 814256 (9.30 am – 4.30 pm Monday to Friday).

We’ve also got lots of opportunities for adults to get involved.

Got any more questions?

We’ll happily answer your questions just contact us

Who maintains this website?

Gloucestershire’s online Scout Active Support – We are the unit that support this site and also are willing to help support any other online system within Gloucestershire Scouting – for more about us click here.