About - FAQ & Glossary

What are the different levels in Scouting-  the ages and the differences between them?

There are five Sections in Scouting;

• Beaver Scouts are aged 6,7, 8
• Cub Scouts are aged 9, 10, 11
• Scouts are aged 12, 13, 14, 15
• Venture Scours are aged 15, 16, 17
• Rovers are aged 18-25 and may include Young Adult Scouters (for example a 25 year old who is an Adult Scouter with Cubs)

As Youth Members progress in age and experience, the  planning and support role of the Adult Scouters reduces, but essentially every Youth Member of Scouting Ireland takes the same Scouting Promise and engages in similar activties, tailored for their ability and age. A seven year old Beaver will enjoy the adventure of camping for two nights at Larch Hill campsite as much as a 15 year old Scout will enjoy wild camping on a mountainside during a Mountain Pursuit Challenge. Scouting will grow with them.

How does our local Group interact with Scouting Ireland?

Scouting Ireland is the national organisation for Scouting in Ireland. Run mostly by volunteers (with a handful of fulltime staff) they provide training, support and fundraising help for Adult Scouters countrywide.

They  work with other national Scouting organisations worldwide. They operate National campsites  at Larch Hill, Lough Dan, Mount Melleray, Castle Saunderson, Killaloe. They  design and produce the badges, uniform and publications that Scouts use in their activities.

They also organise national events which are attended by Scouts of all ages from across the country (Beaver Santa Days, JamÓige, Jamborees, Moots, Mountain Pursuit Challenges, Phoenix, and many more). Scouting Ireland is a registered charity operated for the benefit of the Youth Members and committee roles like Chief Scout, Treasurer, National Secretary are voted for by youth and adult members at National Council meetings.

What happens at weekly meetings?

Every Section and every Group is different and will be working on different challenges with the Youth Members.

It could be Beavers playing team games and learning how to put up a tent before they go on camp. It could be Cubs working in their Six to plan an event in their local community. It could be Scouts researching an overseas hostelling trip or practising their pioneering skills before a Phoenix. It could be Ventures checking gear before a wild camping expedition. The Rovers could be fundraising to work with a remote community and repair a medical clinic.

Every week is different but will usually feature team work, learning by doing, and plenty of fun and adventure, outdoors whenever possible.

What activities do they do outside of the weekly meetings?

Again, this will vary with age and from Group to Group. Examples include maintaining boats, practising for a regatta, a treasure hunt, hillwalk, slumberparty, zoo visit, litterpick, St. Patrick’s Day parading, orienteering, visiting an airport, shelter building in the woods, learning campcraft, taking part in mountain skills events, or trying out canoeing. The variety is huge but the common thread is that activities will be outdoors if possible and will be planned jointly – Youth members and Adult Scouters working together to invent fun challenges for their team to enjoy.

What about the uniform?

The uniform is available from The Scout Shop online and at their stores in Bray, Cork and Dublin. We’ve more detail on the uniform and badges here.

When will my child move up to the older section e.g. Cubs to Scouts?

When they reach the correct age. Your local Group may gather a few friends togther to move at the same time. They may chose a specific time of year (e.g. September) - check with your local Adult Scouter for details.

What equipment do they need (excluding uniform)?

Check with your local Adult Scouters. They will probably need raingear (Scouting events in Ireland can sometimes encounter the Irish weather) and hiking boots for hill walking, a sleeping bag, mat and rucksack for camping. Nautical adventures come with their own requirements but often your Scout Group will have some you can borrow.

Ask for a list and suggestions of local places you can buy the gear. Many outdoor stores give a discount to Scouting ireland and can have good sales if you buy out of season. Your Group may have a second-hand-box to help with costs. There’s much more detail about gear and how to buy well here.

How much does it cost? Is it expensive to be in Scouts?

Costs vary from Group to Group and depend on the activities provided, transport costs, and if the Group has a Den of their own or has to rent a hall. Check with your local Group for details. Adult Scouters give their time for free and are aware of the costs parents face. They do their best to run events as cheaply as possible so that Scouting is available to every child.

Typically there will be a small charge for the weekly meetings, the annual registration fee to Scouting Ireland (covering insurance, Scouter training, campsite maintenance and many other items), and additional fees for outings like camps, coach-hire, overnights.

Outdoor gear can be expensive but items like ruckracks and sleeping bags should last for years and be useful outside Scouts too. Gather it gradually, re-use anything you can from home (school back-packs for day hikes, Dad’s old flask, etc), share between siblings. The right outdoor equipment keeps your Scout warm, dry and happy on adventures.

Will there be camping trips?

Yes!

The younger Scouts go for shorter trips, the older ones go for longer ones or overseas.

My child has a medical condition – can they still join Scouts?

Scouting is open to all. Talk to your local Adult Scouters and explain the condition to them. There’s an Activities Consent Form that you’ll be asked to fill out so the Scouters know how to help your child. Many of the Adult Scouters are also trained first-aiders and/or parents themselves and will be happy to help. You could consider joining as an Adult Scouter and being on the spot to help your child.

How often do they meet?

This varies. Typically Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts meet every week. Ventures and Rovers meet less often and more informally. Some Groups do not meet over school holidays while others will as it gives them a chance to seek better weather or have longer adventures. Ask locally.

What skills do they learn?

Each Group, and Section, will pick and choose which skills they are learning depending on equipment, costs, Adult Scouter skills, interests of the Youth Members etc. There are nine Adventure Skills – Camping, Backwoods, Pioneering, Emergencies, Hillwalking, Air Activities, Paddling, Rowing, and Sailing.

Along the way they will also be exposed to teamwork, leadership, public speaking, planning, budgeting, packing, and many other confidence boosting skills without even noticing it.

How is Scouting Ireland funded? Where does the annual registration fee go?

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I want my child to join Scouting but I’ve been told there’s a waiting list – help!

Many Groups have waiting lists because demand for places out-strips the number of adult volunteers or the size of the hall. Contact your local Group to get more information about this and to sign up your child on the list. Also, consider becoming an adult volunteer yourself. You don’t have to have been a Scout when you were younger, you don’t need to be the next Bear Grylls. Full training is provided and enthusiasm goes a long way. Your child will probably love sharing Scouting with you.

How do I sign up my child for Scouting?

Sign-up is handled locally. Use our Group Locator to find your nearest Group.

Are the Leaders Garda vetted and trained?

Yes. We are committed to Scouting Safely.

More Questions?

If your child is already involved in Scouting, ask one of your local Adult Scouters. Otherwise, Contact Us.