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The Scout Network, is a section of The Scout Association in the United Kingdom for 18 to 25 year olds, introduced in 2001 and, along with the Explorer Scout section, replaced the Venture Scouts (which was for 15.5 to 20 year olds). Network is the responsibility of Counties/Area.

Organisation

Following the review of Scouting in 2001, the Scout Network was introduced to replace the Venture Scouts as the senior section.

There were a number of significant differences between the organisation of the Venture Scouts and the Scout Network. Firstly, the age range was moved to include 18 to 25 year olds (the Explorer Scout section was introduced to fit between Scouts and Scout Network. The administration of the Scout Network is now the responsibility of the County or Area, whereas the Venture Scout Units were attached to local Scout Groups. Finally, the section was to be led from within, where the membership would provide the leadership necessary, under the guidance of an appointed County Scout Network Commissioner.

For various reasons, the Scout Network suffered from a poor start, with almost all Counties having little or no membership in the section. This led to a subsequent review in 2006, which has concluded that a more structured leadership needs to be in place within the Counties. The County Scout Network Commissioner can now supported by a number of County Scout Network Advisors. Their responsibilities are mutually agreed and are largely either role-based or geography-based. Each County, therefore, can have multiple Local Networks which are independent but also participate in County-wide activities. Local Networks are placed where needed, and can cover a District, part of a District, or even a number of Districts. The 2006 review introduced the option for a District to hold responsibility for a Scout Network, though this change must be agreed by the District Commissioner, County/Area Commissioner and County Scout Network Commissioner.

A member of a Network can - and usually does - have a role as an Adult Leader in the Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Explorer Scouts, or assist their District, or Area/County at support Level, or they can just go to Network meetings.

They also have the possibilities of joining Musical Bands and working on their Duke of Edinburgh's Award and the Association's progressive award scheme, culminating in the Queen's Scout Award.

Some Universities have a Student Scout and Guide Organisation groups attached to them, which members can join.

Awards

There are several awards available in the Network Scout Section, and these badges are almost the same as the ones that are available in the Explorer Scout Section.

• The Network Scout Moving On Award
• The Network Scout Membership Award
• The Chief Scout's Diamond Award
• The Queen's Scout Award
• The Explorer Belt

Events and Activities

There are many camps that Network members are able to attend, and each Network member is not restricted to their own Area or County. As a general rule if there is an event you want to take part in you are more than welcome to notify the responsible Area/County and go along. These can range from Monopoly Run in London to Evo in Hampshire. The biggest of these events is the National Gathering, held around Easter of each year at Great Tower Scout Campsite. These types of events tend to include evening discos and parties, live music, and many different activities. Expeditions also figure as part of the residential programme. Some events are designed for people who only come form that area/county and it is normally advertised as such.

See also

External links

• Details of awards
• Official Scout Network Page
• Scout Network in Scotland Page

• Scouting in the United Kingdom