Derwent and Dove

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ABOUT

The world Scout movement began in 1907 with an experimental camp on Brownsea Island, Dorset. During the week-long camp, Robert Baden-Powell and a small party of boys put into practice his ideas for training young people.

Today Scouting is an international movement for boys and girls and now has over 25 million members worldwide spread through 217 countries. Scouting in the UK is organised through The Scout Association who are based at Gilwell Park near London. Scouting areas are split into its counties and these are made up of districts. The Derwent & Dove is one of the Scouting Districts of Derbyshire.

The Balanced Programme of activities developed by the Scout Association spans the 6-25 age range and this age range is made up of five Sections. Each Section has its own identity, ethos and style. They all have voluntary adult support which varies in style in the different age groups.

The Scout Association has a clear purpose:

'To help young people achieve their full
physical, intellectual, social and spiritual
potential as individuals, as responsible
citizens and as Members of their local,
national and international communities'.

Beaver Scouts (6 - 8 years)
Cub Scouts (8 - 10½ years)
Scouts (10½ - 14 years)
Explorer Scouts (14 - 18 years)
Scout Network (18 - 25 years)


	Beaver Scouts for 6 to 8-year-old boys and girls take part in a balanced programme and work towards Challenges and Activity Badges. There are opportunities to learn about themselves, explore their feelings and develop good habits of health and personal safety. They get to know people, finding out about those in their family, the family of Scouting, the local community and the wider world. Beaver Scouts discover science, nature and technology, exploring the natural and man-made world. Beaver Scouts meet once a week and wear a uniform consisting of a turquoise sweatshirt and Group Scarf.

	Cub Scouts are young boys and girls aged between 8 and 10½ years old and they form the largest Section of Scouting in the UK. Cubs works in small groups called Sixes and have a great deal of fun and adventure. The Cub Scout programme can include camping, exploring, helping other people, taking care of the environment, being creative and cooking. Cub Scouts are rewarded with badges and awards in recognition of the effort made by each young person at their own level of development. Cub Scouts wear a uniform consisting of a dark green sweatshirt and Group Scarf.

	Scout troops are for boys and girls aged between 10½ and 14 years, who want to make friends and develop their widening interests in ways that are both educational and fun. With the emphasis on adventurous activities, action and involvement, Scouting means more than just camping. hiking, rock climbing, gliding, sailing, pioneering, canoeing, parascending, abseiling, first aid, motor mechanics, electronics, amateur radio and photography are just some of the things they do. Their uniform of activity trousers, with teal green long sleeved shirt and group Scarf, reflects their adventurous lifestyle.

	Explorer Scouts are young people usually aged between 14 and 18. They make up the fourth Section of the Scouting family.The Explorer Scout Unit will primarily be Leader led, with as much participation in decision making by young people as possible. Explorer Scouts are often out and about at weekends or in the holidays doing activities. Explorer Scouts are given the opportunity to become young leaders and assist with other Scout sections and at the same time are also able to participate in all the Explorer Scout activities of the Balanced Programme. All Explorer Scouts wear a uniform consisting of beige shirt and blue activity trousers, group scarf and they have a wide choice of optional items.

	All members of the Scout Association between 18 and 25 years are members of the Scout Network.The Scout Network programmes reflect the huge variation in members' interests. Network Scouts also have awards and badges like the other sections and a programme of a wide range activities. One of the key elements is the opportunity to get away, either under canvas or in other accomodation.