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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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August 2024

Find activity ideas for occasions and events in August.

Find inspiration for occasions and events to plan into your programme in August. You can view the PDF version of our August calendar or find even more ideas on this page. 

Illustrated calendar for August 2024 in grid format
  • Takeover Gilwell events
  • World Scout Scarf Day (Thursday 1 August)  
  • S’mores Day (Saturday 10 August) 
  • Afternoon Tea Week (Monday 12 August to Sunday 18 August)  
  • International Youth Day (Monday 12 August)  
  • National Tell A Joke Day (Friday 16 August)  
  • International Geocaching Day (Saturday 17 August) 
  • World Photography Day (Monday 19 August) 
  • Paralympic Games - Paris 2024  (Wednesday 28 August onwards) 
  • Toasted Marshmallow Day (Friday 30 August) 
  • National Beach Day (Friday 30 August)

Olympic Games (26 July to 11 Aug)

Get inspired, as thousands of athletes from around the world compete in the Summer Olympics (Paris 2024).

Activities to try:

South Asian Heritage Month (18 July to 17 Aug)

Explore the diverse heritage and cultures of South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, The Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka).  

Activities to try: 

Takeover Gilwell events

Summer-camp style events for Cubs, Scouts and Explorers.

Take part in an action-packed programme at Gilwell Park, the original home of adventure and skills for life.

Find out more about the Takeover Gilwell events on our National Events page.

World Scout Scarf Day (1 Aug)

Every year, Scouts worldwide celebrate Scouting by wearing their scarves (neckers) in public. The date marks the very first Scout Camp on Brownsea Island in 1907. 

Activities to try: 

S’mores Day (10 Aug)

Celebrate the gorgeously gooey campfire treat, of toasted marshmallows, sandwiched between sweet crackers or biscuits. 

Activities to try: 

Afternoon Tea Week (12 - 18 Aug)

Celebrate the British tradition of an afternoon treat, made up of tea, sandwiches, scones and cake.  

Activities to try:

International Youth Day (12 Aug)

International Youth Day is about issues facing young people, and empowering them to have their say and make change.  

Activities to try:

National Tell a Joke Day (16 Aug)

Bring even more smiles and laughter to your meeting, on National Tell a Joke Day.  

Activities to try:

International Geocaching Day (17 Aug)

Join the global treasure hunt, and use navigation skills to hide and seek hidden treasure.  

Activities to try:

National Fajita Day (18 Aug)

Eat some fabulous fajitas on this fun food celebration day.

Activity to try:

World Photography Day (19 Aug)

An annual, worldwide celebration of the art, craft, science and history of photography. 

Activities to try:

World Humanitarian Day (19 Aug)

World Humanitarian Day is a global celebration of people helping people. 

Activities to try: 

National Knife Day (24 Aug)

Learn about knife safety while completing some traditional scouting activities.

Activities to try:

Paralympic Games (28 Aug to 8 Sept)

Get inspired, as thousands of disabled athletes from around the world compete in the Paralympic Games (Paris 2024). You could try one of these Paralympic sports.

Activities to try:

Toasted Marshmallow Day (30 Aug)

Celebrate the classic campfire treat, and a firm favourite of Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers around the world. 

Activities to try:

National Beach Day (30 Aug)

Celebrate your affinity for the coast National Beach Day. This event raises our awareness of the beauty of beaches while also calling attention to keeping them clean and safe.

Activities to try: