About Us

WHAT IS SCOUTING?

Scouting is an international movement with over 50 million members worldwide, spread through 216 countries and territories. The number of countries recognising the value of Scouting and accepting its principles is increasing and there are only six countries in the world who do not offer Scouting to young people.

In total there are over 550,000 people in membership throughout the United Kingdom. This includes over 140,000 adults who have taken up appointments as voluntary leaders, administrators and supporters.

The Scout Association in the UK accepts members of all major faiths and offers equal opportunities for both boys and girls no matter what their social, religious or ethnic background may be. Since 1991, girls have been members in Beaver Scout, Cub Scout and Scout Sections. This complemented the admission of young women to the Venture Scout Section in 1976. In 2002 the Scout Association launched a new programme for young people aged 6-25. In 2018 the Scout Association began a five year growth and development programme, with the aim to increase the number of young people being supported and given opportunities to learn skills for life. In September 2021, a new section was added to the Scouting family when Squirrel Scouts was launched for children aged 4-6 years old.

OUR GROUP

The 1st Lifton Scout Group was formed in 1972, we are an active group with four sections (Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts) and over 100 young people. These young people are supported by around 25 adult volunteers and many parents. We are always keen to welcome new volunteers to the leadership team. We are actively seeking new leaders, so that we can accommodate all those young people on our waiting lists.

THE PURPOSE OF SCOUTING

Scouting in the UK is organised through The Scout Association. The Scout Association has a clear purpose: ‘To help young people achieve their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities’. Even if we can’t solve all the problems in the world, we can help to make it a better place. We do this by helping young people to develop as active members of their community; young people who are self-reliant, caring, responsible and show commitment.

Scouting works well when young people enjoy ‘learning by doing’ in partnership with adults. They do this by taking part in a variety of activities and new experiences exploring the outdoors, participating in teams, taking responsibility. Our method for giving young people the opportunity to learn by doing is called the Programme.

The Programme is a seamless progression of training, activities and awards that covers everything that young people do in Scouting from the ages of 4 to 25. All adults in Scouting have a responsibility to make sure that the Programme is fun and exciting. We also make sure that it is safe. The Scout Association’s policies, rules, code of behaviour, advice on child protection and safety are there to help adults ensure that the young people in their care stay safe while they enjoy themselves and learn.

Being a Scout has always been about so much more than knowing how to put up a tent (although we are known to be exceptionally good at it). Inspired by their Founder in 1907, Scouts were encouraged to stand up for what they believe in and blaze a trail. In ‘doing their best’ for themselves and for others, the original Scouts set themselves apart from their other friends. From the very beginning, they were kind, considerate and always ready to help other people. ‘A Scout is a friend to all,’ Baden-Powell wrote in Scouting for Boys. This book would go on to sell over 100 million copies and launch a worldwide movement.

THE SCOUT PROMISE

Scouting has a simple and positive promise that is required to be made by all members. The Promise together with the Scout Law, gives a distinctive ethos to the practices of the Movement and acts as a bond with Scouts in other countries. The three key principles are:

• Duty to self
• Duty to God
• Duty to others.

Everyone in Scouting expresses their membership and acceptance of the three key principles by taking the Promise and following the Scout Law.

Squirrel Scouts, Beaver Scouts and Cub Scouts have their own special Promise and Law, suitable for their age range.

The Scout Promise (several versions are available, as we are open to people of all faiths)

On my honour, I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to God and to the King,
To help other people
And to keep the Scout Law.

On my honour, I promise that I will do my best
To uphold our Scout values, to do my duty to the King,
To help other people
And to keep the Scout Law.

Other alternative wordings can be viewed on the Scout Association website.

The Scout Law

• A Scout is to be trusted.
• A Scout is loyal.
• A Scout is friendly and considerate.
• A Scout belongs to the worldwide family of Scouts.
• A Scout has courage in all difficulties.
• A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property.
• A Scout has self-respect and respect for others.

The Scout Motto
Be prepared!