The Royal Air Force (RAF)
See how the RAF supports our Air Activities staged badge with a range of fantastic STEM resources and events.
Why we work together
The Royal Air Force (RAF) is passionate about equipping young people with the skills they need to soar.
The RAF sponsors our staged Air Activities badges across all Scout sections and is on hand to share expert knowledge in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
The RAF provides Scouts with
- Resources to complete the Air Activities badges,
- Access to STEM-based activities, challenges and competitions,
- The opportunity to attend exclusive events - including museum takeover days - where Scouts can learn from RAF STEM ambassadors and work towards or complete their badges in a single sitting.
Free tickets to New Scientist Live
Thanks to our partnership with the RAF, we're excited to offer Scouts the chance to attend New Scientist Live at the London Excel again this year for free.
We've been gifted 1,000 tickets – 500 for Saturday 10 October and 500 for Sunday 11 October – giving young people and volunteers the opportunity to experience one of the UK's biggest celebrations of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
How to request your tickets
If you'd like to attend, simply complete the form below to request your tickets.
New Scientist Live will review requests as they come in and let you know if we've been able to reserve tickets for your group. As demand is expected to be high, we recommend submitting your request as soon as possible.
Please note that your tickets are not confirmed until you've told us your final numbers.
Confirm your places
If your ticket request is successful, you'll need to confirm how many people will be attending by 16 September.
If we don't receive your final numbers by this date, we'll reallocate your reserved tickets to groups on the waiting list. This helps make sure as many young people as possible can benefit from this fantastic opportunity.
Help us make every ticket count
The RAF has generously donated these tickets to Scouts. Adult tickets are normally worth £47 each, while child tickets are worth £20 each, making this an incredible opportunity for our members.
Last year, there was huge demand and a long waiting list. Unfortunately, a large number of reserved tickets weren't used because groups didn't let us know they no longer needed them. As a result, many young people missed out.
By only requesting the tickets you need and letting us know if your plans change, you'll help us make sure every ticket is used and as many Scouts as possible can enjoy New Scientist Live.
We can't wait to see Scout groups making the most of this brilliant weekend of discovery and inspiration!
Planning a day trip with your Scouts?
Visiting the Royal Air Force Museums is a great way to bring the Air Activities staged badges and their content to life. Try something new together, entry is often free, or available at a discounted rate for groups.
Always check the opening details on the websites for museums before planning your trip.
Free Scout Takeover Days 2026
Work towards or even complete stage one or two of the Air Activities badge in a single day at RAF Midlands or RAF London Museums.
RAF Museum London
10 October 2026
RAF Museum Midlands
3 October 2026
Shuttleworth Museum
27 October 2026
Tickets are required, please see the RAF Museum website for more information.
Badges and resources
With the Air Activities staged badges, all Scout sections can explore the secrets and science of flight. They'll learn about the workings of an aircraft, how to chart a journey across the sky and how to prototype their own flying machine.
Keen to get stuck in? Activities for all six badges are available on the Programme Planning Tool.
The Royal International Air Tattoo
Unfortunately RIAT has been cancelled for 2026 due to the ongoing situation in the middle east. We're sure that it will be happening again next year though, so keep a look out for more information in the next few months on how to get your free tickets to RIAT 2027.
The RAF offers a range of hands-on activities for Scouts, from one-hour STEM sessions to full-day programmes, challenges and competitions.
For more information, contact the RAF Youth and STEM team.
About the RAF
The RAF is the air component of the United Kingdom's Armed Forces, the other services being the Royal Navy and British Army. It's the oldest independent air force in the world.
The RAF's mission is to support the objectives of the British Ministry of Defence, which are to "provide the capabilities needed: to ensure the security and defence of the United Kingdom and overseas territories, including against terrorism; to support the Government’s foreign policy objectives particularly in promoting international peace and security."
The RAF describes its mission statement as "... [to provide] An agile, adaptable and capable Air Force that, person for person, is second to none, and that makes a decisive air power contribution in support of the UK Defence Mission."
The mission statement is supported by the RAF's definition of air power, which guides its strategy. Air power is defined as "the ability to project power from the air and space to influence the behaviour of people or the course of events."
If you would like to contact the RAF Youth Engagement Team please email them at [email protected]. Learn more about the RAF on the RAF website.
The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT) is the youngest member of the Royal Air Force family of charities and has had a significant and positive impact on the lives of many young people. Through the support of a wide range of projects and initiatives, particularly those focused on supporting STEM, the RAFCT strives to improve the lives and opportunities of young people across the UK.
Stuck on a STEM badge or activity? Get a boost from a real-life superhero! Ask a STEM Ambassador to join your session.
These free science, tech, engineering, and maths experts can help ensure your learning adventures are fun and successful.
Discover the wonders of science and STEM with the brand-new Curious Minds Blanket Badge!
Great all year round as well as Science Week, we’re inviting Scout groups of all ages to get involved in fun STEM activities. With support from our STEM partners—RAF, Raspberry Pi, Rolls-Royce, and the UK Space Agency. Together we’ve created this badge to inspire curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving.
STEM is for everyone, no matter your age or background. So, let’s explore, ask questions, and celebrate the excitement of discovery together!
Useful Links
View all Scouts activities for Science week
Squirrel Scouts Activities for Science Week
Beaver Scouts Activities for Science Week
Cub Scouts Activities for Science Week
Get your Air Activities Staged Badges
Buy your badges from Scout Store
The RAF has created a range of workbooks that can be used as part of the Air Activities Staged Badge.
This workbook has been created for teachers and leaders and complements the Primary Activity Workbook.
Please click on the link to find out more.
The RAF has created a range of workbooks that can be used as part of the Air Activities Staged Badge.
Please click on the link to find out more.
The RAF has created a range of workbooks that can be used as part of the Air Activities Staged Badge.
Please click on the link to find out more.
The RAF has created a range of workbooks that can be used as part of the Air Activities Staged Badge.
Please click on the link to find out more.
The RAF has created a range of workbooks that can be used as part of the Air Activities Staged Badge.
This workbook has been created for teachers and leaders and complements the Generation Tempest Activity Workbook.
Please click on the link to find out more.
The RAF has created a range of workbooks that can be used as part of the Air Activities Staged Badge.
Please click on the link to find out more.