Who are Scouts?
Scouts are young people aged 10½ to 14 years old who love adventure, exploring new challenges, and making lifelong friends. As part of the global Scouting movement, Scouts are united by their shared values of friendship, resilience, and respect.
Our Scout Troop provides a space where young people can develop life skills, build confidence, and enjoy the thrill of discovering their own potential. Scouts are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the exciting opportunities that Scouting offers.
The Scout section is known as a Troop. Within the Troop the Scouts are divided into small groups called Patrols which are named after animals. Each Patrol has more experienced Scouts in charge (Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders)
When they are around 13½ Scouts move on to Explorers [link]. There is some flexibility over timing moves between sections to make sure young people are ready for the next step in their Scouting journey and to allow friends to move together. These decisions are taken by the Leaders in discussion with young people.
What do Scouts do?
Scouts at 1st Malden meet every Wednesday during term time from 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm. Scouts dive into a wide range of activities that inspire curiosity, creativity, and teamwork. From outdoor pursuits like camping, hiking, and survival skills to hands-on projects, community service, and earning badges, there’s always something new to try.
Above all, being a Scout is about making memories, having fun, and growing into capable, compassionate individuals ready to take their place in the world.
Key highlights of what our Scouts do include:
- Adventure and Exploration: Learn navigation, explore nature, and tackle adventurous activities like climbing or kayaking.
- Skill Development: Gain practical skills such as cooking, first aid, and leadership.
- Community Involvement: Take part in volunteering projects and give back to the community.
Spending time outdoors is a vital part of Scouting. Whether it’s hiking through the woods, building a shelter, or simply sitting around a campfire, nature provides a unique setting for learning and personal growth. Studies have shown that time spent in the outdoors can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance mental health. For Scouts, these experiences help build resilience and provide a sense of calm and clarity in an increasingly busy world.
Scouts also work towards achieving awards, including the prestigious Chief Scout’s Gold Award, by completing challenges that test their skills, determination, and teamwork.
Scout Badges
By trying new activities and learning new skills Scouts earn Challenge badges (such as Skills, Outdoor and Teamwork) which build toward being awarded the highest award in Scouts: the Chief Scout’s Gold Award.
They can also earn Activity badges such as Artist, Chef, Digital Maker, Mechanic, Navigator and Water Activities. With so many to choose from there’s a badge to suit every Scout.
Find out more about awards and badges on the Scout Association website.
The Scout Promise
Scouting is a values based organisation open to people of all faiths and of none. Versions of the Scout Promise are available to reflect this. After a few weeks, when they are ready, Scouts make their promise in front of the Troop and wear their complete uniform for the first time.
Scout Law
- A Scout is to be trusted.
- A Scout is loyal.
- A Scout is friendly and considerate.
- A Scout belongs to the worldwide family of Scouts.
- A Scout has courage in all difficulties.
- A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property.
- A Scout has self-respect and respect for others.
Scout Motto
“Be Prepared”
The Promise and Law encourage Scouts to live by principles of trust, loyalty, courage, and respect, while the motto emphasizes readiness for life’s challenges and opportunities. These are cornerstones of the Scouting experience and help young people develop into responsible and caring individuals.
Uniform
You don’t need a uniform to join, but once children have settled in and know that they want to continue they will need to get a uniform. We can sometimes supply second hand uniform or even help with the cost if this is a problem for you. See our ‘Information for Parents’ for more information about uniform.
Wearing your uniform with pride is an important part of being a Scout. It makes them feel part of a team and it gives Scouts a place to show off all the brilliant badges they earn.
Scout uniform consists of a green Scout shirt with badges sewn on and a green 1st Malden scarf with a leather woggle. Scouts also wear navy blue activity trousers which are used in all sections with the addition of a Scout belt. In the warmer months Scouts can wear a purple 1st Malden polo shirt instead of their sweatshirt. This is provided free of charge by the Scout group.
Who Leads Scouts?
All of our leaders are trained volunteers, working to make sure Scouts is safe and open to all. Some volunteer at the Troop week in and week out. Others visit occasionally to help run a session or drop in to share their skills. No matter how much time you have spare, find out about volunteering on your own terms.
You can volunteer with us here.
