Update | 26 February 2021

Where to find programme resources

There are a lot of resources now available to support volunteers deliver amazing programmes, but it can be hard to work out what’s new and where to find it. We've gathered together lots of information about ideas for things you could try.

A Beaver in a blue jumper smiles while kneeling down and holding onto a football.

Programme resources

Your first port of call for when planning a fantastic programme should be Running your section. There's lots of resources and advice for each section, from welcoming new members to brilliant badges.

If you want to explore some all our Scouts activities, our Activities finder has lots of different activities! Use the filters to narrow down your search by location, cost, time, section, skill needed and more.

You can also find some great advice on adapting your activities and making reasonable adjustments, so everyone can join in, including adjustments to our Badges and Awards.

A warm welcome and quick filler games

Take a look at our activities for a warm welcome with these simple icebreakers and fun games. You might also find yourself with some unexpected extra time and need some quick games in your back pocket, so take a look at our 10-minute filler games.

Two Scouts in orange helmets and harnesses hold on to each other while crate stacking.

Adventurous activities

Adventure is out there! From abseiling to zorbing, take a look at our adventurous activities to keep you on your toes. You'll need to check out our activity permit scheme.

You might want to look at our Nights Away guidance and permit for camping, sleepovers and residential events, too. You can even do Nights Away for younger sections, so everyone can get involved.

Occasions and events

Take a look at our Occasions and Events to find out what's coming up, including some suggested activities, to make sure you cover all those important dates in the diary.

Make sure you save a slot in your programme for some of the new resources we’re developing to support national awareness days, weeks and months, such as putting Pride in your programme and Black History Month. While the themes may be celebrated on certain days or during certain weeks, you can always fit them around your schedule and do them later or earlier in the month.

There are lots of great things happening in Scouts, too! Make sure you're key up-to-date with all the latest Events happening in Scouts across the UK.

Four Cubs smiling and looking at each other while sat around a table outside.

Staying safe

Staying safe is the most important part in any Scout meeting or activity. Make sure to regularly check out our activity and safety updates.

Take a look at our general activity guidance, as well as our Safety and Safeguarding information.

Remember to tell parents and carers what you're doing, as well as gain their permission, with an activity information form and always have an InTouch system in place, too.

Three Squirrels in red jumpers crouch on the grass looking engaged while more Squirrels stand behind them.

Social media and emails

If you’d like some new ideas each week, make sure to follow us on social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as we regularly post activities that you could try. You can even take a look at the activities on our YouTube channel, including our Squirrel songs.

Don’t forget, you can also get inspiration sent straight to your inbox. We always share new programme resources in the monthly members email.

Activities to help others and our planet

Take a look at how you can help others through your Scouts programme and find activities to support, inspire and make a difference to your local community. You may also want to try our WWF or Generation Green activities to help the planet.

A Cub wearing a green uniform and yellow and purple necker looks straight ahead at some wood planks.

Brilliant badges

You name it, we’ve got a badge for it - over 200 of them actually. Scouts work together on badges at their weekly meetings, away at camps and events, or at home. Badges are easy to earn, and you don’t need anyone special to sign them off.

There's never any pressure to do badges. Scouts can do as many or as few as they like.

Find out all about our amazing Scouts badges for each section:

There are also lots of ways to present your badge work. Take a look at 70 fun ways to help you show off all your hard work to complete each requirement!

A group of Scouts in blue and red life jackets paddle together in canoes.

Go global

Take a look at our suggestions to help create a programme with activities from around the world. You might want to have a go at travelling the world without even leaving your meeting place!

Saving money and resources

It can be hard to run a low-cost, fun and exciting programme, as well as teach young people about saving and budgeting. Here are some handy resources: