About us

Scouting is open to all young people aged 6 to 25 of every faith and background. There are also plenty of opportunities for adults to become involved as Leaders, Assistants or Administrators.

The aim of the Scout Association is to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.

The Method of achieving the Aim of the Association is by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout Promise and Law, and guided by adult leadership.

The Gillingham District covers Gillingham, Brompton, Twydall, Rainham, Parkwood, Wigmore and Hempstead. Within this area there are 14 scout groups and 7 explorer scout units offering young people - male and female - of all ages the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities. Most of the groups have a Beaver Scout Colony (6 - 8 years), Cub Scout Pack (8 - 10.5 years) and Scout Troop (10.5 - 14 years). In addition Explorer Scout Units (14 - 18 years) are based at seven of the groups. Click here to find your nearest Group.

How Scouting started

Lord Robert Baden-Powell of Gilwell (1857-1941) was a decorated soldier, talented artist, actor and free-thinker. Best known during his military career for his spirited defense of the small South African township of Mafeking during the Boer War, he was soon to be propelled to extraordinary fame as the Founder of Scouting.

He had been impressed during the siege at how boys had used their initiative under pressure to make themselves useful and capitalize on limited resources. Already thinking of developing a training programme for young people Britain, he was urged by friends to re-write his handbook for soldiers (Aids to Scouting) for this younger audience.

In 1907 he held an experimental camp on Brownsea Island, Poole, Dorset, to try out his ideas. He brought together 20 boys, some from public schools and some from working class homes, and put them into camp under his leadership. The whole world now knows the results of that camp.

Scouting for Boys was published in 1908 in six fortnightly parts at 4d a copy. Sales of the book were enormous and boys soon formed themselves into Scout Patrols. What had been intended as a training aid for existing organizations became the handbook of a new and, ultimately, worldwide Movement. B-P's great understanding of young people obviously touched a fundamental chord both in this country and others. In September 1908, B-P set up an office to deal with enquiries pouring in about the Movement.

Scouting for Boys has since been translated into many different languages and dialects.

Some 28 million young people worldwide now take part in the adventure of Scouting and in 2007 the Movement celebrates its centenary.

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