Challenge & Adventure
Welcome to the Scout area of our District website. We have 14 Troops of Scouts within Barking & Dagenham and a very active programme throughout the year.
Scouts in B&D get the chance to take part in swimming galas, sports days and football competitions. They are tested on their abilities across a wide range of skills with competitions seeing them do first aid, building bridges, survival exercises, incident hikes. They are challenged across a diverse range of skills, from cyclo crosses to camping competitions.
Scouts is for 10½ to 14 year olds who like being challenged and want to better themselves. Scouts usually meet once a week as a "Troop". The Troop is run by trained, voluntary leaders and helpers.
For further information contact: Richard Blunden | adcscouts@barking-dagenham-scouts.org.uk
Further Information
How old are Scouts?
Scouts are aged between 14 - 18 years.
What do they do?
Scouts:
- make their own decisions
- plan their own activities
- challenge themselves
- work as a team
- learn about leadership and commitment
- undertake outdoor activities and challenges
- help others
- undertake advanced proficiency schemes
- become Explorer Scouts
Take a look at the photos to see what Scouts get up to. You can also take a look at some of the events and activities that Scouts in Barking & Dagenham get a chance to enjoy. The best way to find out what Scouts get up to is to find your nearest group and go and see for yourself!
Scout Promise
I promise that I will do my best
to do my duty to my God and to The Queen
to help other people and to keep the Scout Law
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
What badges do they earn?
Scouts can gain a wide range of badges and awards. There are Group Awards that allow all members of the group to work together and Challenge Awards that are gained as part of a balanced programme.
With 70 badges available, ranging from Aeronautics to Writer, Street Sports to Caver, Dragon Boating to Orienteer, Parascending to Pioneer, Camp Cook to Interpreter, there is something to seriously challenge the most able of young people.
What do they wear?
Scouts wear a full uniform. Scouting is a uniformed organisation and the uniform tells everyone that you are a Scout. For instance, people can tell what Troop you belong to by looking at the colour of your scarf. The uniform consists of:
- Teal green long sleeved shirt or Group T-shirt
- Group Scarf
Most Troops will have other items of uniform. The exact details differ from Troop to Troop. The following may be included as part of your uniform:
- Long trousers
- Activity Trousers
- Black shoes
- Notebook, pencil, handkerchiefs
How do I join?
Perhaps you know a friend who is a Scout...ask them if you can come along to a Troop meeting and see what all the fuss is about. Take a look at the groups page to find the nearest Scout Troop to where you live. You can complete a join form or contact the DC (District Commissioner) who will give you any details you may wish to know.
Most groups will be glad to let you stay for a night or two to see what it is like. You will need to bring your parent/guardian along so that a few forms can be filled in. If you enjoy Scouting (and many people do!) you can find out how to become a full member from the leaders at your chosen group.
Background and History
The Scout Troop
Scouts meet in a group called a Troop. The Scouts themselves are responsible for the majority of the organisation and running of the Troop. It is they who decide what they should do, when they should do it and how it should be done. Leaders in a Scout Troop should be seen more as a 'safety officer' and advisor rather than a teacher in charge of a class.
The Patrol
In a Scout Troop the Scouts are divided into smaller groups called Patrols. Each Patrol will normally have around 6 Scouts and is distinguished by their own patrol name and patrol badge.
A Patrol Leader (PL) is responsible for their patrol and will often act as the organiser and trainer for all events involving their Patrol and the Troop as a whole. They are ably assisted by an Assistant Patrol Leader (APL).
The PL's and APL's report to a Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). The SPL will take charge of most of the day to day running of the Troop and should be responsible for the lions share of organisation within the Troop.
Scout Motto
The Scout Motto is
Be Prepared
As a Scout you will always want to be prepared for anything.
Flag Ceremonies
There is usually a Flag Ceremony where the whole Troop will face the Union Flag and the designated Scout will walk to the flag. For the opening ceremony the Scout will pull a string to 'break' the flag (let the flag fly freely). Everyone then salutes the flag at the same time as this Scout to show their loyalty to the Queen and country they are living in. For the closing ceremony the Scout face the flag while standing at alert while it is lowered.
The Salute and the Scout Sign
All members of the Scout Movement use the same salute. The salute is made with the right hand and is only used when you are standing at Alert. It is used as a greeting and as a sign of respect. Scouts salute with three fingers to remind you of
....your promise to do your duty to God, and to the Queen and to help other people....
The Scout Sign is similar to the salute but you hold your hand at shoulder height. It is only used when someone is making or renewing their Promise.
The Handshake
Scouts greet each other in a special way. They always shake hands with their left hand. The origins of this custom come from when Baden-Powell was a soldier in Africa. He saw lots of tribal chiefs who carried spears and shields. He noticed that it was a sign of great trust to offer your left hand when shaking hands. This is because if you shake with your left hand you will have to put down your shield while the other person still has a spear in their hand!