Skills for Life, Since 1907

Scouting has been helping young people grow in confidence and gain skills for life for over a century.

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It all started with Robert Baden-Powell in 1907 and one big idea: young people thrive when they’re trusted, challenged, and given space to explore.

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Today, Scouts is a global movement with millions of members — and right here at 4th Newcastle, we’re proud to be part of that adventure.

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Sections: The Journey Through Scouts

Young people join Scouts in age-based groups called sections. Each one is tailored to their stage in life — helping them make friends, discover their world, and take on challenges, step by step. You don’t have to start at the beginning — young people can join any section at any time, no matter their previous experience.

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• Squirrels (4–6 years)

• Beavers (6–8 years)

• Cubs (8–10½ years)

• Scouts (10½–14 years)

• Explorers (14–18 years)

• Network (18–25 years)

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Right now, we run Beavers, Cubs and Scouts at 4th Newcastle — and we’re working on launching Explorers (14–18 years) soon. Because why should the adventure stop early?

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Badges, Awards & Big Achievements

Scouts is all about progress, not perfection.

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Along the way, young people earn badges — celebrating everything from learning a new skill to leading a hike. It’s a fun way to recognise effort, perseverance, and achievement.

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Each section also works towards their Top Award — whether that’s the Chief Scout’s Bronze, Silver or Gold. And for those who keep going? There’s the King’s Scout Award: the ultimate challenge in youth Scouting.

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More Than Activities: A Way of Living

Scouting isn’t just about campfires, tents, and badges (though we love those too). It’s about values, promises, and possibilities. Because what we believe shapes everything we do.

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As Scouts, we are guided by a set of shared values that underpin everything we do. These aren't just rules; they are ideas to live by:

• Integrity: We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.

• Respect: We have self-respect and respect for others.

• Care: We support others and take care of the world in which we live.

• Belief: We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.

• Cooperation: We make a positive difference; we cooperate with others and make friends.

 

In Scouts:

• Who you are matters just as much as what you do.

• The Promise, Law and Values aren’t rules to memorise — they’re ideas to grow with.

• They help us look after each other, challenge ourselves, and imagine a kinder, fairer, more adventurous world.

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Why It Matters

From your very first session to your proudest campfire moment, the message is the same:

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👉 You belong. You matter. You’re capable of more than you know.

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Every badge, every camp, every team game leaves you with something useful — from tying knots to leading people.

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That’s what we mean by Skills for Life. And that’s why we’re Scouts.

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