Scout Network is the fifth and final section of the Scouting movement. Its also open to both women and men. From the time of Baden-Powell, there have been arrangements for young people who wanted to continue after their time in the Scout Section, and in 1967, Venture Scouts were formed from the existing Senior Scout and Rover Scout Sections.
During the late 1990s we decided that, to meet the changing needs of young people, there should be two sections for the over-14s: Explorer Scouts for 14 to 18-year-olds, and the Scout Network for 18 to 25s.
Basics
Scout Network gives opportunities to 18-25 year olds, who have an interest in Scouting, and opportunity to expand their own personal development and have fun.
Programme
Scout Network members take part in a variety of activities, which they undertake and organise themselves under the leadership of a District Scout Network Commissioner and sometimes with the support of a Programme Coordinator.
The Programme is divided into three Programme Areas: Community, International and Adventure.
Scout Network – Queen’s Scout Award and Scouts of the World Award
The Queen’s Scout Award must be completed before a Network Member reaches their 25th birthday. Take a look at our badge support blog for the Queen’s Scout Award and all the support materials. Upon completing the Queen’s Scout Award, which is the highest award for youth members in the UK, award holders will be invited to Windsor Castle to celebrate their achievement.
The Queen’s Scout Award is designed to be challenging but entirely flexible to suit the needs of the young person engaged in it. To complete it, participants must undertake six items from the International, Community and Values (ICV) list.
The Scouts of the World Award is a unique opportunity, specifically for Scout Network members. It requires participants to undertake a project of their choice within the themes of Peace, Environment and Development, either within the UK or abroad. This is an opportunity for Scout Network members to have an impact on their local, national or international community. It complements both the Queen’s Scout Award and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award. For information about upcoming Discovery Events, which Scout Network members need to attend to start their Award, check out the UK Scout Network website.
Completing either of these top Network awards can help develop lifelong key employability skills, that can help young people in their future college or university application, careers and leadership in Scouting. Find out more here.
Chief Scout awards are available for all the Scouting sections as they progress. Finally leading to the Queens Scout award which is presented at Windsor Castle.
Joining
All young adults, that are members of the association and are aged between 18 and 25 in Scouting are members of the Scout Network.
This applies to members holding the following roles:
• Section Leader / Assistant Section Leader (all sections)
• Group Scout Leader / Assistant Group Scout Leader
• Scout Active Support Manager
• District Commissioner / Deputy District Commissioner / Assistant District Commissioner
• District Explorer Scout Commissioner
• District Scout Network Commissioner
• District Scouter / District Explorer Scout Leader
• County Commissioner / Deputy County Commissioner / Assistant County Commissioner (including Area/Region/Bailiwick alternatives)
• County Training Manager / Local Training Manager (including Area/Region/Bailiwick alternatives)
• County Scouter (including Area/Region/Bailiwick alternatives)
• Safeguarding Awareness Co-ordinator
• County Media Manager (including Area/Region/Bailiwick alternatives)
• District and County Youth Commissioners
To find details of your nearest Scout Network contact the Information Centre at info.centre@scouts.org.uk.
Or contact us using our general contact form
