Scout and Guide Thanksgiving Service

What is the Thanksgiving Service?

The Thanksgiving Service is a national celebration of the volunteering that takes place within Scouting and Guiding.

Thanksgiving is a special church service hosted by both the Scouts and Guides at Westminster Abbey. The Scouts and Guides have a historic relationship with Westminster Abbey which makes this celebration possible.

The event features hymns, readings, prayers, a colour party led by flagbearers, and young people delivering testimonies about their time in Scouting or Guiding.

Westminster Abbey features a memorial plaque to Robert and Olave Baden-Powell and many attendees like to visit this plaque after the service to give thanks for their roles in setting up the Scouting and Guiding movements.

The occasion is also an opportunity for Scouts and Guides to celebrate the achievements of some of their longest serving volunteers, and those who have been awarded some of the association’s top honours, such as the Silver Wolf award.

Who attends?

The event is normally attended by 2000+ adult members of Scouting and Guiding and their guests. Volunteers travel from across UK to attend.

Tickets are not available for general sale, but are gifted to certain members to recognise their service to the Scouting or Girlguiding movements.

Top award holders such as recent Silver Wolf awardees may also receive tickets to attend, in light of their accomplishment.

Though the event takes place in a national Church of England venue, and features some elements of Christian ritual, it is our aim to provide an inclusive service that celebrates the achievements of all members, regardless of their personal faith and beliefs.