Information for Parents and caregivers
Scouting means unforgettable experiences, friendships, and adventure!
In scouting, children spend time in nature. Together with other kids of the same age they undertake a wide range of activities and they start to take responsibility for themselves and others at an early stage in their lives. Scouts acquire skills for their future, experience adventures and make friends for life.
Scouting in a Nutshell
Scouting means unforgettable experiences, friendships, and adventure!
The activities usually take place on Saturday afternoons, and we also organise exciting camping trips away.
- Scouting is the largest youth organisation in Switzerland and exists all over the world.
- Everyone is welcome in Scouting, regardless of culture, religion or gender.
- Joining the Scouts costs little money (compared to other leisure activities).
- Scouting takes place in groups (scout sections) all over Switzerland.
Find a scout group near you and get in touch.
What you need to know about Scouting
Scouting activities usually take place on Saturdays: groups meet to do outdoor games, crafts, treasure hunts, knots and bushcrafts, cooking, or learning first aid.
All children and teenagers are welcome. For children and young adults with special needs there is a dedicated group.
Children from the age of five can become members – Scouting has five different levels with age-appropriate activities. From the age of 13 onwards, scouts can join courses and start assuming responsibility for a group.
Just pop in. Visit a scout group in your area without any obligation and if you like it, the leaders will gladly give you a registration form.
Of course! There are regular dedicated try-out-days. Upon request you can also join in for some Saturday sessions to get a taste of Scouting. Just contact a scout group in your area.
If you come regularly, you’ll feel comfortable more quickly and you’ll get more out of Scouting. The activities are also more fun if many scouts join.
The uniform and scarf are the fundamental pieces of equipment. Since activities are frequently outside (even in rainy weather), we recommend good shoes and robust clothes. Basic equipment further includes a backpack or bag with a small notepad, pens, cord, a pocket knife, matches, old newspapers, emergency cash, a first aid kit and a plastic bag.
Scouting is organised according to the principle «young people are guided by young people». Young adults from seventeen years of age are part of a team that leads scout groups and organises scouting activities. Older scouts are responsible for the leadership teams and for organising the group. All of them are volunteers.
Young leaders are supported and advised by a network of more experienced leaders and a trained coach. These offer valuable feedback and support in difficult situations.
The Swiss Guide and Scout Movement offers many different trainings. The courses are taught by experienced trainers. The basic training and some further education modules are offered as Jugend+Sport (J+S) courses. J+S is the federal sports promotion programme for children and young people.