Scout and Guide Thanksgiving Service
What is the Thanksgiving Service?
The National Scout Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving is a special church service hosted by The Scout Association at Westminster Abbey. It is a national event to celebrate and give thanks for all the volunteering that takes place within Scouting.
The occasion is an opportunity for Scouts to celebrate the achievements of some of their longest serving volunteers, and those who have been awarded some of the association’s top honours, such as the Silver Wolf award.
Historically the service was an annual event jointly hosted with Girlguiding but since the last joint event in 2019, it has been a Scout led event taking place every other year.
Westminster Abbey features a memorial plaque to Robert and Olave Baden-Powell and many attendees like to visit this plaque before or after the service to give thanks for their roles in setting up the Scouting and Guiding movements. The historic relationship Scouts (and Guides) have with Westminster Abbey which makes this celebration possible.
Who attends?
The event is normally attended by 2000 adult members of Scouting from across the UK, British Scouting Overseas and British Overseas Territories travel to London to attend with their guests.
Tickets are not available for general sale but are gifted to certain members to recognise their service to the Scout Movement. In recent years, priority has been given to adults who have gained their Silver Wolf or Silver Acorn award. A small number of others may also receive tickets to attend in recognition of their contribution and service to Scouts.
About the service
The service features hymns, readings, prayers and young people delivering testimonies about their time in Scouts. Led by the UK Chief Volunteer, the Scout Promise is renewed by all members of Scouts.
Though the event takes place in a national Church of England venue, and features some elements of Christian ritual, it is our aim to provide an inclusive service that celebrates the achievements of all members, regardless of their personal faith and beliefs.
Additional information
Gallery
You can now view a selection of photos from the 2026 event. Photography by Stephen Way.
Credit to the Dean and Chapter of Westminster/Picture Partnership.