The opportunity for a young person to progress through the sections within Scouting is fundamental. All young people should be encouraged to move into the next Section at, or near to the core age range of the Section. The Programme and awards for each Section have been designed with these core age ranges in mind, and have been developed primarily for participation and involvement with the required flexibility to allow all young people to enjoy and achieve.
It is important that the needs and interests of any young person and particularly those with additional needs are kept in mind and regularly reviewed. This will support identifying occasions where further flexibility may be required to enable a young person’s full participation in Scouting.
It is therefore essential that leaders talk to each other and share information. This might cover information about a specific additional need, medical information, participation in the Programme, personal likes and dislikes.
The young person themselves and their parents or carers should be involved in discussions.
There is already flexibility in the age ranges for moving from one Section to the next.
Section |
Age Range |
Flexibility |
Beavers | 6 - 8 years old | 5 ¾ and up to 8 ½ years old |
Cubs | 8 - 10 ½ years old | 7 ½ and up to 11 years old |
Scouts | 10 ½ - 14 years old | 10 to 14 ½ years old |
Explorers | 14 - 18 years old | 13 ½ and up to 18 years old |
Scout Network | 18 - 25 years old | Members cease to be members of Network on their 25th birthday and should be encouraged to take on a suitable adult role in Scouting Scouting eg. Section Leader or member of a Scout Active Support Unit. |