West Sussex Scouts

Scouting - what it's all about
Scouting for young people is provided in 5 sections Beavers Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Explorer Scouts and the Scout Network.The Scout Fellowship, as well as supporting the Sections also maintains a lively programmme of its own. Information about the sections and some of their past, present and future activities can be found below and on the following pages.Links to the National HQ pages will be found at the bottom of each section.

Beaver Scouts		Cub Scouts
Beaver Scouts are young people usually aged between six and eight years old. They belong to the first and youngest Section in the Scouting family and move to the next Section, Cub Scouts, between eight and eight years six months. Easily recognised by their distinctive turquoise sweatshirts, Beaver Scouts enjoy making friends, playing games, going on visits and helping others. They usually meet together once a week in a Beaver Scout Colony. HQ Link		There are loads of fun things that you can do as a Cub Scout. You will get a chance to try lots of different activities like swimming, music, exploring, computing and collecting. See what Cub Scouts in West Sussex get up to HQ Link

Scouts		Explorer Scouts
The Scout Section is for young people, usually aged between 10½ and 14 years. The Scout Troop is the third and final Section in the Scout Group. Scouts are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities as part of their programme. "Participation" rather than meeting set standards is the key approach and for the Scout who wants to be recognised for his or her achievements there are a number of Challenges Awards and Activity Badges. Scouts take part in a balanced programme that helps them to find out about the world in which they live, encourages them to know their own abilities and the importance of keeping fit and helps develop their creative talents. It also provides opportunities to explore their own values and personal attitudes. HQ Link		Explorer Scouts are young people, usually aged between 14 and 18 years old. They make up the fourth Section of the Scouting family. There are many types of Explorer Scout Units, some may be linked to your local Scout Group, others may be based around different activities. Not all Units meet each week, because you will often be out and about at weekends or in the holidays doing activities. There will be times when you will be busy doing other things such as exams, and being an Explorer Scout will have to fit around these. As an Explorer Scout, you will get the chance to work with other Explorer Scouts in your District, not just your Unit. By doing this, you will get the chance to do many more actvities, not just the ones your Unit organises. HQ Link

Scout Network		Scout Fellowship
All members of The Scout Association between 18 and 25 years are members of the Scout Network. As a member of the Scout Network you could be: a member of a local Network a Leader with another Section a Helper of Skills Instructor a member of the Scout Fellowship a member in another capacity Local Networks, can be based at County, District or Group; some may be focused around a specific activity or location, e.g. Gang Show, Activity Centre, climbing or canoeing. Scout Network programmes will reflect the huge variation in Members' interests. Some local Networks will have activities that concentrate on one area of the programme, whilst others will have a wider range. One of the key elements is the opportunity to get away, either under canvas or in other accomodation. HQ Link		Is a group of adults who have one thing in common - a wish to support Scouting. A Scout Fellowship welcomes men and women of all ages, interests and backgrounds. There is no need to have been involved in Scouting or Guiding before, all that is required is a willingness to give some of your time to Scouting. In return you will make friends and be able to join with others doing whatever you decide. A Scout Fellowship has its own social and activity programme. The aim of the Scout Fellowship is to "Provide Active Support", with the emphasis being very much on supporting the youth programme in an active manner, at all levels of the Association from the local Scout Group to National level. HQ Link
Chief Scout's Award Registration card (the 'Orange' card)
The Chief Scout's Gold, Platinum and Diamond County Certificate Reception Application form (otherwise known as the Orange Card) is available for download here as a PDF file Please note the address for the return of the card is incorrect. The cards are being amended, but in the meantime the correct address is West Sussex Scouts County Office Lodge Hill Watersfield Pulborough West Sussex RH20 1LZ