Who we are and what we do
Scouting is for everyone. Scouting encourages young people from all backgrounds, male and female, to have self-belief and a voice. It helps them develop physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually. We call this ‘everyday adventure’. They just call it fun. Our young people take part in hundreds of activities like skateboarding, kayaking, camping, cycling and community projects. But they also get to find out what it means to take a risk, lead a team, make friends and discover that life is as much about possibilities as it is about challenges.
Helping young people develop
The Scouting formula is simple. Using volunteer adult leaders and basic facilities, young people develop trust, integrity and a spirit of adventure. Our Scouts are today's happiest, healthiest and most productive citizens; some of them will be tomorrow's leaders. It's how Richard Branson, Barack Obama and David Beckham got their start in life.
Fun and adventure
Adventure is at the heart of everything we do. It is the single most important thing that sets Scouts apart. It's exciting being involved with us. We believe that through the everyday adventure of Scouting, young people and adult volunteers regularly experience new challenges that enrich their lives.
Get involved
To provide everyday adventure to the UK's young people we need more adult volunteers to add to the 100,000 already taking part. Scouting is about meeting new friends, sharing adventures and making the most of life's opportunities. We make it as easy and safe as possible for young people to push the boundaries of their own experience.
The Formal Aims of Scouting
The Purpose of Scouting
Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
The Values of Scouting
As Scouts we are guided by these values:
• Integrity - We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.
• Respect - We have self-respect and respect for others.
• Care - We support others and take care of the world in which we live.
• Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.
• Co-operation - We make a positive difference; we co-operate with others and make friends.
The Scout Method
Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:
• enjoy what they are doing and have fun
• take part in activities indoors and outdoors
• learn by doing
• share in spiritual reflection
• take responsibility and make choices
• undertake new and challenging activities
• make and live by their Promise
Joining Scouting
Scouting is open to all young people aged 6 to 25 of every faith and background. The three sections in our group are for those from their sixth birthday to their fourteenth. However, our group is currently quite full, as are most within a mile or two of Blackheath, so if you would like your child to enjoy the Scouting experience please consider joining another Scout group near where you live. Even then you may have to join a waiting list. Apply here via the Scout HQ website. This will also confirm whether we are your nearest Scout Group.
Sections for older young people, which are known as Explorers or Network members, meet elsewhere so to apply to join them please also apply via the link above.
There is a rule in scouting that transferring between two groups can only happen either because the family have moved into a new area in which case you should contact Scout HQ via their website (click here) or with the prior approval of both Group Scout Leaders. There is more on this click here.
We will also welcome adults (over 18's) who would like to be involved as Leaders or if you do not have the time for a regular commitment there could still be a role for you. Please email us here.
Finally, we have a membership policy which sets out the order of priority for joining the group and what we expect by way of good attendance or behaviour. The main point for those who wish to join the group is that they must be on the waiting list whether they are a sibling of a current member of the group or not.