What is Scouting?
Scouts Australia provides young people aged 5 to 25 with fun and challenging opportunities to grow through adventure. With around 70,000 members, Scouts Australia is one of the largest youth development organisations in Australia. What makes us unique is our diverse range of activities that develop skills in young people such as leadership, teamwork, problem solving and communication from the age of 5 years old.
Today’s Scouts can take part in an extraordinary variety of outdoor activities, from ‘traditional Scouting skills’ such as camping and bushcraft, through to more extreme challenges such as abseiling, overnight hiking, rafting, canoeing, canyoning, snow activities, rock climbing, sailing… even flying!
The Scouts Australia Program also incorporates contemporary issues such as youth health, ‘responsible risk-taking’, vocational skills, and issues pertinent to Indigenous Australians. We offer an Award Scheme that encourages participation in the full range of activities available and provides recognition of individual achievement.
Scouts Australia is an accredited member of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), which has over 40 million members in 169 National Scout Organisations around the world.
What We Deliver
Scouting fosters young people’s development and character socially, physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually.
We provide opportunities that are adventurous, fun, challenging and inclusive.
Our Philosophy
Scouts Australia accepts the principles upon which Scouting worldwide is based. Find out more about our Vision, our Mission and our Values as outlined in the National Policy and Rules.
Part of a World-Wide Movement
Scouts Australia is a member of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, the peak Scouting body with 167 member Scouting organisations from nearly all countries around the globe. Scouts Australia delivers World Scouting’s fundamentals through a program designed around the Australian context. Members of Scouts Australia are regularly invited to travel and participate in World Scouting activities such as World Jamborees or participate in World Scouting Initiatives.
Recognition of Achievement
Scouts Australia knows the value of encouraging young people to set personal goals, then recognising their achievements. From as young as six, youth members can participate in an award scheme suitable for their age group.
So too, our adult Leaders are recognised in an award scheme recognising their contributions to the Movement.
Our Promise and Law
All Scouts in Australia make the Australian Scout Promise and agree to follow the Australian Scout Law which outline our values, and are the foundations of the Scouting program.
History of Scouting
Scouting was founded by Lord Robert Baden-Powell in 1907, and had arrived in Australia by 1908. Since that time, Lord Baden-Powell’s vision has grown into one of the World’s largest youth development movements.
Upcoming Events
Scouts is all about fun, friendships and ‘learning by doing’. Scouting events deliver all three! Check out some of the major national Scouting events and opportunities on offer. State based Scouting events can also be found on State Branch websites.
