About Scouting
Hitchin District has more than 900 young people in Scouting, spread across the five nationally recognised sections: Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Scout Network. Each section has its own balanced programme of activities, badges and awards.
Young people take part in a wide range of age-related activities as diverse as cooking, kayaking, expeditions, photography, climbing and survival. As a Scout you can learn survival skills, first aid, computer programming or even how to fly a plane. There’s something for everyone. It’s a great way to have fun, make friends, get outdoors, express your creativity and experience the wider world.
Beavers (6–8)
Beaver Scouts are our youngest members. They usually meet weekly to take part in a wide range of activities including games, crafts, singing, visits and good turns, along with plenty of outdoor activities.
They will also have the opportunity to take part in the fun and excitement of camps and sleepovers. It may be the first time they spend a night away from home so it’s a real adventure for them.
Cubs (8-10½)
A Cub Scout Pack can have up to 36 Cub Scouts and is split into smaller groups called Sixes. Cubs take part in a wide range of activities designed to be interesting and challenging. A Cub Scout meeting consists of games and activities with plenty of time spent outdoors.
Camps and holidays are some of the most memorable events of the year for Cubs.
Scouts (10½-14)
Each Scout Troop consists of small units of six to eight Scouts called a Patrol, usually led by a Patrol Leader. Outdoor activities feature prominently, with the highlight being camping. Throughout the year, Scouts learn various skills, such as map reading, camp cooking and first aid in preparation for camp.
Rock climbing, potholing, gliding, photography and international experiences are just some of the things they get up to.
Explorer Scouts (14–18)
Explorers are encouraged to lead themselves in deciding the programme and direction of the Unit, with support and guidance from leaders. The section also includes the Young Leaders’ Scheme, where young people are able to take on a leadership role in one of the younger sections.
There is wider scope for activities like offshore sailing, campaigning, performing, parascending, mountaineering and expeditions
Scout Network (18-25)
Scout Network is the fifth and final section of the Scouting movement for young people. Scout Network members take part in a variety of activities, which they undertake and organise themselves with the support of a Scout Network Leader.
Example activities include abseiling, camping, circus skills, climbing, go-karting, gorge walking, hiking, pioneering and watersports.
Visit the Hitchin Network website at network.hitchinscouts.org >
Scout Active Support
Scout Active Support allows people to give their time to Scouting on a flexible basis. People can still be involved in Scouting without the full-time commitment of being a leader. Scout Active Support is for anyone over the age of 18 years. It is a way for adults to volunteer time to Scouting in a flexible way that suits them.
There is no requirement to have been involved in Scouting before joining. All that is required is a willingness to volunteer some time to support Scouting.
What help can they give? A District Scout Active Support Unit can be a source of extra adult help in Leader absence. Or they can teach skills that the existing Leader team do not have. A District Scout Active Support Unit can provide catering at District events during the year. This could include District Camps, Activities and the District AGM.
