Scouts (10½–14)

What are Scouts?

The Scout Troop is the heart of the 44th Croydon. and where our Air Scouts specialism really comes to life. Scouts aged 10½ to 14 are organised into Patrols, each led by a Patrol Leader, giving young people real responsibility and leadership experience.

Our Scouts take on bigger challenges, longer expeditions, and develop skills that will stay with them for life. The programme is shaped by the Scouts themselves through the “You Shape” approach, meaning they have a genuine say in what they do each term.

Air Scouts: our specialism

As an Air Scout Group, the 44th Croydon places a special emphasis on aviation activities within the Scout section. Alongside the full Scouting programme, our Scouts get opportunities that most groups don’t offer:

• Model aircraft building and flying
• Principles of flight, navigation, and meteorology
• Visits to airfields, air traffic control centres, and aviation museums
• Flight simulator sessions
• Air rifle shooting
• Working towards the Air Activities staged badges

The Air Scouts programme gives our members a unique edge. combining traditional Scouting adventure with the thrill of aviation.

What else do Scouts do?

Beyond the Air Scouts specialism, our Troop enjoys the full range of Scouting activities:

• Weekend and week-long camps
• Expeditions and hikes, including overnight backpacking
• Kayaking, climbing, and other adventurous activities
• Pioneering and bushcraft
• Community service and fundraising projects
• District and county competitions
• International Scouting opportunities

Scouts can work towards the Chief Scout’s Gold Award. the highest award in the Scout section and a significant achievement recognised by employers and universities.

A typical term

Each term blends regular meeting-night skills sessions with outdoor adventures. A typical term might include weekly meetings focused on badge work and patrol challenges, a day hike, an Air Scouts activity day, and a weekend camp. Scouts also take part in district-wide events and competitions throughout the year.