Information for parents

1. About Scouting
2. Learning life skills
3. Happy, healthy, confident kids
4. Caring, community and leadership
5. Scouts Australia Sections
6. How to get involved as a parent
7. Safety
8. Costs
9. More information

1. About Scouting

Scouting is all about teaching children and young adults to “Be Prepared” for life’s challenges and helping them to develop a strong sense of self and community responsibility... while having a great time! Scouting encourages kids to have fun, to make new friends, to get involved in outdoor adventure, to participate in community service and to pursue fulfilling personal interests.

Scouts Australia aims to help kids achieve their full potential through individualised, enjoyable, adventurous and challenging programs with a focus on leadership and teamwork. Emphasising peace, education and understanding, Scouting transcends all cultural, religious, racial, political, age and gender barriers. Scouts Australia also welcomes membership enquiries from those with intellectual or physical disabilities.

2. Learning life skills

Children grow fast and revel in new activities. At a relatively young age they quickly become ready to look for new challenges beyond the family and school. In Scouts, children learn independent thinking, social interaction, leadership skills, problem-solving and responsibility. Girls and boys are equally involved, and as Scouts progress through the age-based Sections they take on more responsibility for organising and running their own activities and challenges.

3. Happy, healthy, confident kids

The best thing for a child’s development is diversity in what they do and what they experience. Social interaction with peers outside a formal school environment is invaluable in helping a child’s development. Non-competitive activities where children can develop at their own pace are terrific for building their self-esteem and confidence.

Scouting keeps kids mentally and physically active through problem-solving activities and outdoor pursuits such as bushwalking, water sports, aerial challenges, bushcraft, camping, kayaking, abseiling and climbing. Scouts are also encouraged to express themselves creatively in a variety of ways.

4. Caring, community and leadership

A great milestone for children is when they learn to take responsibility for themselves and become concerned for others. Scouting provides an environment which fosters leadership and encourages tolerance and consideration of others. Scouts also learn to respect and care for the environment, and to ‘give back’ to the community.

5. Scouts Australia Sections

Click on a link below to read more about each age-based Section.

Joey Scouts (age 6 – 7.5)
Joeys introduces boys and girls to the world of friendship, problem-solving and adventure through stories, games and craft activities.

Cub Scouts (age 7.5 – 10.5)
Cub Scouts learn new skills while spending weekends camping and learning bushcraft. They collect special badges to demonstrate their skills and achievements.

Scouts (age 10.5 – 14.5)
Scouts allows boys and girls to develop their confidence and learn to work as part of a team. Scouts learn essential outdoor safety skills as well as participate in a variety of physical and intellectual activities.

Venturer Scouts (age 14.5 – 17.5)
Venturer Scouts is built around a do-it-yourself program of fun and adventure. Venturers run their own Venturer Unit (with adult guidance) and get involved in outdoor activities, writing, performing and community service initiatives.

Rovers (age 17.5 – 26)
Rovers is a mix of social and physical activities where ‘Crews’ are involved in planning and running their own programs. This allows them to develop their personal abilities while also making lifelong friends.

6. How to get involved as a parent

Parents can help by:

• Showing interest and encouragement;
• Providing transport;
• Helping to raise money;
• Giving time to participate with your kids;
• Volunteering for duties such as Scout Hall set up or clean up;
• Becoming a trained Leader.

7. Safety

All parents are concerned about the well-being of their children, which is why Scouts gives child safety the highest priority.

Scouts Australia must be satisfied that prospective Leaders are suitable role models for young people and are not likely to expose them to any physical or emotional harm. Suitability is assessed through interviews, reference checks and background police checks. Approved adult Leaders receive comprehensive and ongoing training in dealing with children and the various aspects of Scouting.

Scouting caters for medical, physical and dietary requirements by obtaining all the necessary information to allow Leaders and other helpers to take appropriate action. At least one person trained in first aid attends all major events.

Scouts Australia has a National Safe Practice Policy as well as a National Risk Management System which has been developed in conjunction in accordance with AS/NZS 4360-2004.

8. Costs

Scouts Australia endeavours to keep the cost of Scouting minimal. Each boy or girl pays a small annual subscription, and from time to time there may be an extra charge to cover special events such as a camp, holiday or Jamboree.

Uniforms are required (shirt, scarf and woggle). Click here for a list of products and retailers.

9. More information

For more information contact your State Branch or freecall 1800 SCOUTS (1800 726 887).

Back to Join the adventure!

Scouts Australia