10 Things you may not know about Scouting

1. Scouting is for girls as well as boys.

Girls and young women make up almost 10 per cent of the Movement in the UK constituting one of our biggest development areas. We are pleased to tell people that we are the country's largest mixed organisation for young people.

2. Scouting is a global movement.

Scouting is active in more than 216 countries and territories with more than 28 million members worldwide.

3. Young people can join at any stage of their development.

If you are aged between 6 and 25, then you can start Scouting almost immediately. You do not have to have been a Cub to be a Scout. We welcome late starters!

4. The Scout Association is a Registered Charity.

The Scout Association is a non-profit organisation that supports the work of Scouting in the UK. We work with a number of ethical partners on projects and resources that are beneficial to both the organisation involved and our Members. Donate or find out about sponsorship opportunities.

5. Scouting is great value!

Scouting membership represents outstanding value. With weekly activities including abseiling, canoeing, archery, caving, climbing and karting, there are few other organisations who can offer so much for so little. Typically, a year's Scouting cost less than a single ballet or piano lesson.

6. Robert Baden Powell, the Founder of Scouting was recently voted the 13th most influential person of the 20th Century.

Great Scott!

7. Famous former Scouts include Paul McCartney, Billy Connolly, Stephen Spielberg and David Beckham.

Scouts go on to excel in the worlds of business, sport, entertainment and the media. Our fun, flexible programme helps young people develop team skills, leadership qualities and lasting friendships. We believe in supporting tomorrow's leaders today.

8. Each day 100,000 people in the UK take part in Scouting activities.

That's more than the Millennium Stadium can hold!

9. Scouting for Boys, Baden-Powell's blueprint for the Scout Movement is one of the most popular books of all time.

B.-P's famous 1908 book became the publishing phenomenon of the 20th century, enjoying worldwide sales second only to the Bible. The title was recently re-issued by Oxford University Press with a new introduction by Professor Elleke Boehmer.

10. Scouting will be 100 in 2007

The centenary of Scouting will be celebrated all over the world, culminating in 21st World Jamboree at Hylands Park, Chelmsford Essex. The event will involve more young people from more countries than the Olympic Games.

It has never been easier to get involved with Scouting

Call us on 0845 094 6136 to find out how.