What is Scouting?
Scouts Australia provides young people aged 5 to 25 with fun and challenging opportunities to grow through adventure. With around 70,000 members, Scouts Australia is one of the largest youth development organisations in Australia. What makes us unique is our diverse range of activities that develop skills in young people such as leadership, teamwork, problem solving and communication from the age of 5 years old.
​
Today’s Scouts can take part in an extraordinary variety of outdoor activities, from ‘traditional Scouting skills’ such as camping and bushcraft, through to more extreme challenges such as abseiling, overnight hiking, rafting, canoeing, canyoning, snow activities, rock climbing, sailing… even flying!
​
The Scouts Australia Program also incorporates contemporary issues such as youth health, ‘responsible risk-taking’, vocational skills, and issues pertinent to Indigenous Australians. We offer an Award Scheme that encourages participation in the full range of activities available and provides recognition of individual achievement.
​
Scouts Australia is an accredited member of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), which has over 40 million members in 169 National Scout Organisations around the world.
What to expect?
When your child joins Scouts, they join a world bursting with adventure, laughter, and discovery. Every week brings something new — cooking over a campfire, exploring the bush at night, building shelters, learning first aid, or simply working together to solve challenges and create memories with friends.
​
Scouting is all about fun with a purpose. Your child will gain confidence by trying things they never thought they could do, learn to lead and to listen, and discover the joy of teamwork. Whether they’re hiking, camping, earning badges, or helping their community, they’ll be growing every step of the way — often without even realising it.
​
Our leaders are here to make sure every adventure is safe, supportive, and full of encouragement. They’re trained, passionate, and love seeing Scouts light up when they master a new skill or overcome a challenge. We take great care to create an environment where every child feels included, valued, and proud of what they can achieve.
​
Scouting began over a century ago with a simple idea — to turn children’s natural curiosity and sense of adventure into something that helps them for life. That spirit is still alive today. Through hands-on experiences and shared adventures, your child will learn resilience, responsibility, and respect — all while having an amazing time with new friends.
​
Our leaders volunteer because we’ve seen the magic that Scouting brings — the confidence that grows, the laughter that fills campsites, and the sparkle of pride when a Scout realises just how capable they really are.
​
We can’t wait for your child to join the adventure — and we think you’ll soon see why Scouting is one of the best journeys they’ll ever take!
Global youth movement
Scouts Australia is a member of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, the peak Scouting body with 167 member Scouting organisations from nearly all countries around the globe. Scouts Australia delivers World Scouting’s fundamentals through a program designed around the Australian context. Members of Scouts Australia are regularly invited to travel and participate in World Scouting activities such as World Jamborees or participate in World Scouting Initiatives.