Scouts Today

The Scout Section is for young people, usually aged between 10½ and 14 years. A young person can come in to the Troop at 10 as spaces become available, and may stay until they are 15 years old. The Scout Troop is the third and final Section in the Scout Group.

8th Ashford 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.

8th Ashford Scouts take part in a balanced programme that helps them learn 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

Being outdoors is important, 8th Ashford Scout Leaders have a very strong empasis on practical hands on experience, over half the program is given to taking part in both the traditional Scouting skills, such as camping, survival and cooking as well as the wide range of adventurous activities, anything from climbing to yachting.

The international aspect gives Scouting a special appeal and many Scouts now travel abroad during their time in the Section. Here at 8th Ashford Scout Troop every second year the Leaders organise a very popular Remembrance Day Camp in Europe, the Scouts then follow this with an evening presentation of their experience to family, friends and members of 8th Ashford. Scouts may also during their time in the Troop have the opportunity to attend World Jamboree events, the Scouts at 8th have opportunities to take part in International camps and experiences both on home soil, each of them a unique experience in its own right.

Scouting is about being with friends, as part of a team, participating fully in the adventure and opportunities of life.

The Scout Promise is:

On My Honour, I promise that I will do my best, To do my duty to God and to the Queen, To help other people And to keep the Scout Law.

The Scout Law is:

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.

The Scout Motto is:

Be Prepared