Scouting is an international, uniformed, youth movement. It is divided into several main sections both accepting boys and girls. The Scout Association offers everyday adventure and activity to almost 400,000 young people across the UK. The Movement is the largest co-educational youth organisation in the world, with over 28 million Members in 216 countries and territories.
.gif){kind=small}
What is scouting?
Scouting aims to provide a safe and fun environment where young people can develop their full intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual potential and become responsible Citizens in their community. Scouting requires regular commitment of its members at weekly meetings, on hikes, camps, district and fundraising events. Scouts learn through doing and playing a part as a team member. Our Scout Group is run by voluntary leaders, who give up their time to ensure our young people get the best out of Scouting.
.gif){kind=small}
What is the scouting aim? 
The aims of scouting are clearly stated but can be basically surmised as providing an opportunity for young people to develop, to learn and to enjoy themselves. Scouting can offer a wider range of skills and services than perhaps other, more 'specialised', youth organisations could provide. Scouting is open to any young person, of any creed or colour, mental or physical capabilities and of any sex..gif){kind=small}
New Chief Scout
Bear Grylls will be the new and the youngest ever Chief Scout of the UK Scout Association. The famous adventurer takes over when current Chief Scout, former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan, completes his five year tenure in July. He becomes the 10th Chief Scout. Grylls, 34, said he wanted to encourage more adults to volunteer so the 33,000 youngsters on waiting lists could join Scout groups. He also hopes to increase the 90,000 adult volunteers offering more than 200 activities and to dispel the image of scouts from simply singing around campfires in old-fashioned uniforms..gif){kind=small}
Our commitment
In Scouting, our adults have a responsibility to make sure that the Programme is fun and exciting. We must also make sure that it is safe. The Scout Association's policies, rules, code of behaviour, advice on Child Protection and safety policy are there to ensure our young people stay safe while they enjoy themselves and learn. 
Adults also have fun in scouting. Adults in Scouting are from all walks of life. Yet the one thing they share is the enjoyment of helping young people reach their potential. Adults follow a training Scheme that enables adults to gain the skills necessary to deliver and support the programme of scouting
.gif){kind=small}
BEHAVIOUR and DISCIPLINE
All members of our Accrington St Pauls Barnfield scouting group are expected to behave well and appropriately. Self-discipline is essential and inappropriate behaviour is not acceptable. Generally minor incidents are dealt with locally.
The beavers and cubs run a system where the young people have warnings first then for more serious issues they will be issued with a yellow card which will result in parents and guardians being informed. The other type of card issued is a red card where the young people are suspended for a week or two to reflect on their behaviour.
The scouts behaviour policy uses a traffic light system that can be found here in more detail.
We like to praise and reward all young people with rewards and different sections have different ways of doing this. These could include points for their group, well done claps, extra time for games, going out on trips to the local bowling alley, swimming and very good behaviour results in being allowed to attend camps.
.gif){kind=small}
Centenary of Scouting
The Scout Association celebrated its Centenary in 2007 by holding many events including the 21st World Scout Jamboree which was attended by 28,000 people.
To celebrate the centenary the Royal Mint issued a commemorative 50 pence coin into general circulation. Next time you have a 50p in your hand have a look and see if its one of these.
