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 for all five sections is based around three main themes: outdoor and adventure, world and skills. In each section a range of badges and awards are there to support all aspects of Scouting, including the three main themes as well as, leadership, teamwork and personal development. The programme should be delivered in a balanced way that incorporates elements from each theme, to offer young people the most interesting, diverse and high quality experience, enabling every young person to achieve the top award in that section. The programme is designed to be progressive through the sections to offer young people an appropriate level of challenge
The Scouting programme for all five sections is based around three main themes: outdoor and adventure, world and skills. In each section a range of badges and awards are there to support all aspects of Scouting, including the three main themes as well as, leadership, teamwork and personal development. The programme should be delivered in a balanced way that incorporates elements from each theme, to offer young people the most interesting, diverse and high quality experience, enabling every young person to achieve the top award in that section. The programme is designed to be progressive through the sections to offer young people an appropriate level of challenge
Badges and awards
The Scouting Programme is made up of a range of badges and awards for each section. There are different types of badges and awards as follows:
Activity Badges
Many of the badges available are activity badges and are specific to each section. These allow young people to develop existing skills and interests, but also to try new things and form new interests. They are designed to be achievable to young people working individually outside their section, on something that is of particular interest to them.
Staged Activity Badges
These badges are available to young people from Beavers to Explorers, and aim to provide an ongoing challenge through the sections. Young people can begin at whichever stage offers them an appropriate level of challenge.
Challenge Awards
These Awards support the main themes of the Programme; outdoor and adventure; world and skills. They require young people to take part in a range of activities to develop their skills and understanding in a specific area. Explorers do not have Challenge Awards, but they do have Challenge Areas that reflect the themes.
Core Badges
In addition, there are a number of special badges, obtained upon joining or moving on from the section, or for time spent in the Scouting Movement.
Occasional Badges
These are badges that celebrate a special occasion, camp, event or anniversary (for example, Cubs 100) and can be created locally. These can be worn on uniform for a period of time. For guidance on occasional badges, click here.
Fun Badges
These are non-uniform badges, and are often worn on camp blankets.
Activity Badges
Many of the badges available are activity badges and are specific to each section. These allow young people to develop existing skills and interests, but also to try new things and form new interests. They are designed to be achievable to young people working individually outside their section, on something that is of particular interest to them.
Staged Activity Badges
These badges are available to young people from Beavers to Explorers, and aim to provide an ongoing challenge through the sections. Young people can begin at whichever stage offers them an appropriate level of challenge.
Challenge Awards
These Awards support the main themes of the Programme; outdoor and adventure; world and skills. They require young people to take part in a range of activities to develop their skills and understanding in a specific area. Explorers do not have Challenge Awards, but they do have Challenge Areas that reflect the themes.
Core Badges
In addition, there are a number of special badges, obtained upon joining or moving on from the section, or for time spent in the Scouting Movement.
Occasional Badges
These are badges that celebrate a special occasion, camp, event or anniversary (for example, Cubs 100) and can be created locally. These can be worn on uniform for a period of time. For guidance on occasional badges, click here.
Fun Badges
These are non-uniform badges, and are often worn on camp blankets.