You are the Adventure
No matter who you are or where you are from, there is an adventure for you in the Scouts. Where the trail ends, in the slope up a mountain and when we set sail towards an open sail, it waits for you. What are you waiting for?
What is the Scouts?
Scouts are formed and grow with our adventures. That means that everything we do outside leave trace within us. When we explore and experience nature, we gain courage, self esteem and friend for life.
We are over 83 000 scouts, both children and adults, all over Sweden in 280 municipalities.
How does it work?
A regular scout-meeting usually last 1-2 hours in the afternoon or evening, typically during a weekday. During the the weekends us scouts go on sleepovers or hikes, and during the summer we usually go on a camping trip for a longer time, typically a week.
We experince small and big adventures, when we sleep away from home for the first time, or climbs trees with new friends. During our adventures we get to know each other and ourselves along side getting to know nature better and gain skills for life. That builds relationships for life. The scouting method is all about try yourself, learning by doing, and to work in smaller groups.
What does Scouts do?
To be engaged in the Scouts is mostly about a lot of fun activities, everything from learning how to be a good friend to learn how to make a fire. We are typically in nature on a hike, in a kayak, on skis or just bathing in the forest. Scouts go on sleepovers in the forest, maybe in a shelter we build together. Through scouting you get to experience many adventures and at the same time grow as a person, become braver and practice cooperation and critical thinking.
We learn together
We are outside as much as possible and work together in small groups, patrols. We learn about nature, ourselves and each other.
This means that everyday we contribute to a more open society in a space that is coloured by diversity and respect, something that is more important now than ever. That we have 100 years of experience about how to be active in nature, means that we also have experience we gladly share - everything from group dynamics and leadership to personal development and stronger self worth.
Diffrent age categories
In the Scouts we have five different age categories; Spårare (Trackers), Upptäckare (Explorers), Äventyrare (Adventurer), Utmanare (Challengers) and Rovers. This gives the scouts appropriate activities that fits them.
As the scouts grow and become older and more experienced, the activities are adapted to fit them. This is so that the scouts grow their own way and in as many ways as possible.
When can I become a scout?
You can always become a scout, you can't be too old! Contact a scout group and register your interest. The group will contact you and tell you when, where and how you can become a scout. You can ask them if there's a line and if you can start the next semester. There can be many groups near you, you can contact multiple groups, see the link below.
If there's a line it usually means that the group needs more leaders to be able to accept more scouts. Many groups give priority to scouts whose parents can become a leader. You as a leader don't need to have any experience in being a scout your self, this can be your epic adventure as well and learn a long the way. If you are interested in becoming a leader, just ask about the possibility! The groups are often happy to have more leaders!
What does it cost?
What does it actually cost to be a scout and what do I need to keep track of?
The Scouts cost differently depending of which group you are a part of. It can be anything from 100-1000 SEK but is usually around 300 per semester. However, it is important that everyone can be a Scout. If you need support with costs, you can get help from the Scouts support fund (Scouternas Stödfond)
Clothes and equipment
What do you really need to become a scout? Not much, but here you will get some tips and advice on good things to have or to start with.
FAQ
Are the Swedish scouts linked to the church?
The national organization of the Swedish scouts is not affiliated with any religion or political party. The scouts is a democratic movement for everyone. There are some scout groups with different focuses and interests. In common for every scout group is that we use the scouting method and that de development of youth by adventure and community. Some scout groups are connected to a church, most of them are not. Find you scout group here (https://www.scouterna.se/hitta-scoutkar/) and see which one is the best for your interests.
How do I find a Seascout group?
There is seascout group with different focuses. Seascouts generally spend a lot of time sailing by the coast. Most of the seascout groups are named Sjöscoutkår (seascout group in Swedish) in their name. Go to this link (https://www.scouterna.se/hitta-scoutkar/) and search for “Sjöscoutkår” and pick one you like. Then just make your way to the contact information make first contact.
What kind of equipment do I need to be a scout?
You don’t need anything special to become a scout. But there is some stuff that can be good to borrow or get after a while for example: rainwear, sleeping bag, sleeping mattress, hiking boots or rubber boots, mess kit, water bottle and finally a scout uniform (t-shirt, shirt and/or scarf).If you’re going away on a sleep over or camp we have a few tricks in our packing list (https://www.scouterna.se/aventyr-och-lager/packlista/).
What can I do if the scouting group has a queue?
First ask how long the queue is and what your chances are for beginning this semester. If there are more scout groups near you, you can contact more than one and ask them if they have availability. If there is a queue, it usually means that the scout group needs more leaders to accept more scout. It’s common that scout groups give scouts with an adult that become a leader priority. If you’re interested in becoming a leader, ask the scout group about the possibilities. Maybe you and some other parents can start a new section in the scout group?
How do I become a scout?
Contact a scout group and let them know that our interested. The scout group will contact you shortly and tell you when, where and how you can become a scout. If there is multiple groups near you, you can contact all of them and wait for an answer. Find your closest scout group here (https://www.scouterna.se/hitta-scoutkar/).
Who can join?
Everyone! Most of the scout groups have activities for scouts ages between 7-25. Some scout groups offer activities for children below 7 know as family scouting (familjescouting) where even the youngest can experience the adventure that is scouting alongside their families. Adults are always welcome to volunteer. Scout groups maybe need a cashier, drivers to a camp, a cook, a lodge caretaker, or maybe a new leader. Contact your closest scout group and find out how you can help!
Does the scouts have activities for adults? When I read on this website, I get the notion that it only up to 25 years old.
The scouts is an organization for children and youths. The aim of the scouts is to make children and youths into secure and responsible members of society. The scouting program is until age 25.
Many adults volunteer to support young people’s development, in different ways. It incredibly fun and developing, and a foundation for the scouts to be functioning. Adults engage as scout leaders, planning a camp, volunteering at camps, in working groups locally or nationally, board member, just to name a few. For the volunteers in the scouts there is leadership courses via “Scouternas Folkhögskola” (Scout Folk High School) and meeting points organized by the regional or national organization. The goal is always to develop and engage children and young people.
What does it cost to be a scout?
Scouting is a relatively cheap After-school activity. The fee per semester is different in each scout group because the group decides that for themself. The cost per semester can be anywhere between 90-1050 but is usually around 300-500 kronor. To go on sleepovers and on camps its usually another cost for food and transportation. The scouts have a support fund where members can apply for funding for semester fees, summer camps, and equipment. Ask your scout group.