How to Get Involved with Scouts (scouts.org.uk)

Updated

The way to get involved with Scouts is to start at scouts.org.uk and follow the route that matches you: find a local group for a young person, or sign up as an adult volunteer. Scouts is a UK organisation that says it helps over 460,000 girls and boys each year build skills for life through fun and adventure. The site is the front door; the actual joining happens through local groups and sections.

Two routes in

Your situation What to look for on the site What happens next
A young person wants to join Joining information and a way to find local groups You connect with a local group and the section for that age range
An adult wants to help Volunteering information You register interest and discuss a role with a local group
A parent or carer exploring options Joining information plus the site's explanation of purpose and benefits You decide whether to approach a local group

Joining as a young person

  1. Go to scouts.org.uk and open the joining section.
  2. Use the local group search to find groups near you.
  3. Note the sections offered — Scouts is organised by age ranges, so the right section depends on the young person's age.
  4. Contact the local group through the details provided and ask about availability and how to visit.

Expected result: you have a named local contact and know which section fits. A common sticking point is that a nearby group may not have space in the relevant section; in that case, widen the search area or ask about waiting lists.

Volunteering as an adult

  1. Open the volunteering pages on scouts.org.uk.
  2. Read the role types to see what fits your time and skills — support can be regular or occasional.
  3. Register your interest through the site so a local group can follow up.
  4. Discuss expectations with the group: time commitment, any checks required, and training.

Expected result: a conversation with a local group about a specific role. The frequent snag is assuming you must commit to leading a section; many volunteer roles are behind-the-scenes or flexible.

What to check before you commit

  • Age and section fit — confirm the age range for the section before contacting a group.
  • Location and travel — search a realistic radius, not just the closest group.
  • Time — ask what a typical month looks like for the role you're considering.
  • Safeguarding and checks — adult roles involve checks and training; ask the group what applies to you.

If you're not ready to join

The site also explains what Scouts does and the benefits young people gain, which is useful for deciding whether the organisation fits. Use that context first, then move to the joining or volunteering route when you're ready.