Scouts is an organisation dedicated to giving children from the age of 4 up to the age of 18 life skills and education about the outdoors.

With activities that range from knot-tying and pioneering to kayaking and camping, everyone attending whether they’re leading or participating is bound to have a fun time.

Mike Woods has provided several insightful reasons as to why he believes scouts has benefits for everyone, and why he also enjoys being a scout leader at his local group, 1st Rhu Scouts.

 “I joined because we lived 30 minutes from our scout hut - so when I dropped Jack and Imogen off for beavers I would be travelling for the entire time of their session - so I might as well be useful”

“Scouting for leaders is about delayed gratification - it’s that involvement and guidance in young people's lives - helping to shape them into balanced members of society and reach their potential”

When asked whether scouting was advantageous for his kids, he wholeheartedly endorsed it.

“Absolutely - there is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child - we form a part of that village”

The worldwide scouting community is a welcoming place, where everyone is part of the family, no matter where they come from.

If you don’t believe it, the Rhu explorer troop (ages 14 - 18) has expressed how scouting has given them experiences that they have enjoyed greatly.

“The best experience is meeting new people and making new friends, I would recommend scouting to anyone who wants to be pushed out of their comfort zone and try new things” 

- Caitlin Harrison, 16

The experience and skills that scouting will give you, whether you are a child, a parent, or just a volunteer, is one you won’t get anywhere else.