Skills for Life – How South Ribble Scouts Prepares Young People for the Future

Scouts is much more than outdoor activities, it’s a programme designed to give young people the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to thrive in life. In South Ribble, over 1,700 young people take part each week, developing abilities that stay with them for life.

Across all sections Squirrels (4–5), Beavers (6–8), Cubs (8–10½), Scouts (10½–14), Explorers (14–18), and Scout Network (18–25) young people are encouraged to explore their potential, try new challenges, and contribute positively to their communities.

Discover more about how Scouts help young people develop in our Skills for Life: How Scouts Sets Young People Up for Success.

Confidence and Leadership

Scouting gives young people opportunities to take responsibility and lead. Whether it’s guiding a group activity, mentoring younger members, or supporting an event, young people develop confidence in real situations.

National surveys show that young people in Scouts develop leadership and teamwork outcomes consistently over time. (Scouts UK Impact on Young People report)

Explorer Scouts and Scout Network members take these opportunities further, often running activities, planning events, and supporting younger sections — gaining real-world leadership and project management experience. A fantastic example of this is highlighted in our Scout Network 2025 success stories, where young adults achieved King’s Scout Awards, Explorer Belts, and other prestigious awards, demonstrating leadership, resilience, and Skills for Life in action.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Scouting encourages young people to work together, solve problems, and support one another. Group projects, team challenges, and collaborative problem-solving are regular parts of the programme, helping young people develop communication, teamwork, and resilience.

Independent research has found that Scouts demonstrate higher levels of leadership, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence compared with non-Scouts.

Activities like our Youth Skills Day give Scouts, Explorers, and Scout Network members real-life practice in teamwork and planning, helping them grow both personally and socially.

Discovering New Interests and Practical Skills

Scouting gives young people the chance to explore a wide variety of activities, from creative projects and STEM challenges to community service and citizenship. Scouts, Explorers, and Scout Network members regularly step outside their comfort zone, helping them discover new interests and build practical life skills.

Nationally, over 80% of young people report that Scouting has helped them try things they wouldn’t have done outside of the movement. (Skills for Life strategy)

At South Ribble Scouts, young people take part in activities ranging from STEM badges and creative challenges to community projects, all helping them grow in confidence and practical skills. Many of these achievements are celebrated in our Top Awards 2025 stories, highlighting badges and awards earned by Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts — reflecting confidence, teamwork, and resilience.

Skills That Last a Lifetime

The Scouts’ Skills for Life approach develops essential skills in five key areas:

1. Confidence – stepping up and trying new things

2. Teamwork – collaborating and supporting others

3. Leadership – motivating peers and making decisions

4. Resilience – overcoming challenges and adapting to new situations

5. Community Engagement – positively contributing to South Ribble and beyond

These outcomes reflect the Scouts UK vision for preparing better futures. (Skills for Life strategy)

Optional: Lifelong impact research also suggests that involvement in Scouting and Guiding in childhood is linked to better general health in later life.

Get Involved

Scouting provides opportunities for everyone. Young people can join as Squirrels (4–5), Beavers (6–8), Cubs (8–10½), Scouts (10½–14), Explorers (14–18), or Scout Network (18–25). Adults can volunteer in a wide range of roles — from helping deliver programmes and leading activities to supporting behind the scenes.

Whether you’re helping deliver programmes, running activities, or supporting administration, your contribution makes a real difference.

Yes, we’re serious about skills—but we’re also serious about fun. Scouts is where lifelong friendships are made, marshmallows are toasted, and young people are inspired to dream big. Whether kayaking for the first time or earning their first badge, every step is filled with encouragement, excitement, and growth.

Help your child gain skills that last a lifetime — and start their journey to becoming a team member, team leader, innovator, and changemaker. Join South Ribble Scouts today