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Volunteering at Scouts is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing at Scouts. Read more

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Adult to Young People ratios

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Squirrels

Indoors: One adult to six Squirrels, plus the leader-in-charge. A minimum of three adults regardless of the number of Squirrels attending.

Outdoor activities held away from the usual meeting place: One adult to four Squirrels, plus the leader in charge. A minimum of three adults regardless of the number of Squirrels attending.

Nights away experiences (led by Nights Away Permit Holder): One adult to four Squirrels, plus the leader in charge. Minimum of three adults must be present.

Beavers

Indoors: Minimum of two adults present.

Outdoor activities held away from the usual meeting place: One adult to six Beavers, plus the leader in charge. Minimum of two adults present.

Nights away experiences (led by Nights Away Permit Holder): One adult to six Beavers, plus the leader in charge. Minimum of two adults must be present overnight.

Cubs

Indoors: Minimum of two adults present.

Outdoor activities held away from the usual meeting place: One adult to eight Cubs, plus the leader in charge. Minimum of two adults present. 

Nights away experiences (led by Nights Away Permit Holder): One adult to eight Cubs, plus the leader in charge. Minimum of two adults must be present overnight.

Scouts

Indoors: Minimum of two adults present.

Outdoor activities held away from the usual meeting place: The recommended minimum ratio for outdoor activities held away from the usual meeting place is one adult or helper to 12 Scouts. As a minimum, there must be two adults or helpers present at least one of whom must have a full adult appointment with the Troop.

Nights away experiences (led by Nights Away Permit Holder): One adult to twelve Scouts. Minimum of two adults must be present overnight.

It's possible for young people to hold a Nights Away Event Passport, which allows them to run a nights away event for their peers, without adults present. In which case, the ratios will not apply.

Explorers

For all Explorer Scout regular indoor meetings, a minimum of two adults must be present and a minimum of two adults for all nights away activities. For all meetings and activities, leaders should assess the risk and make sure that there are enough adults present to keep everything safe while the section is running. This risk assessment may mean that more adults are needed than the minimum ratios. It's possible for young people to hold a Nights Away Event Passport, which allows them to run a nights away event for their peers, without adults present. In which case, the ratios will not apply.

Ratios for online Scouts

There must be at least two adults present at all times during any online activity. Ideally both adults should be Scout volunteers, but you can use a parent rota to support as you would normally do.

Young people must never be left in a one-to-one situation with an adult. This protects us all and underlines our commitment to effective safeguarding.

Learn more about staying safe online