How to continue Scouting when you go to university

Starting university is an exciting milestone filled with new experiences and opportunities. For many young people who have grown up in Scouts, it may also bring some uncertainty about continuing their Scouting journey. However, the good news is that Scouting doesn’t have to end when you leave home for university. 

There are plenty of ways to stay involved in Scouting while you’re studying. Many universities across the UK have groups which are part of The Student Scout and Guide Organisation (SSAGO) – in Wales, you can find these at Bangor University, Aberystwyth University, Swansea University, and the University of Wales Trinity St David. SSAGO is a non-uniformed group that lets you continue or even start your Scouting or Guiding journey while at uni. The clubs usually meet once a week and take part in all sorts of activities, from adventurous outings to social events and community service projects. 

If your university doesn’t have a SSAGO, you can still get involved with local Scouting. You could join a local Network group – the Scouting section for 18 to 25 year olds – if there’s one in your new town or city. Plus Scout groups across the UK are always on the lookout for new volunteers. Whether you want to run a Cubs or Beavers group, get involved in planning big events as part of an area or county team, or help out every now and again, there’s a role for everyone. These opportunities are excellent for personal growth, adventure, and meeting new people as you adjust to a new area of the UK for your studies. 

Here, Scouts from across Wales explain how Scouting while at university helped them make new friends, feel a part of their new community and develop skills that will help them in their future careers.  

Izzy, from Cardiff, says joining her university’s Student Scout and Guide Organisation has given her the confidence to face life’s challenges

“I’ve been involved in Scouting for 16 years, starting as a Beaver at six. Before turning 18, I progressed through all the sections at 2nd Llandaff and Phoenix Explorer Scout Unit in Cardiff North District. Alongside Scouting, music has been a huge part of my life, and in 2019, I joined the National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra as a violinist, performing across the West Midlands, including a memorable concert at Coventry Cathedral. 

“In 2020, I moved to Birmingham to study stage management at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. My degree allowed me to work in various backstage roles, culminating in an unforgettable experience as an Assistant Stage Manager at the 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Throughout university, I stayed active in Scouting, joining SSAGO and serving as an Assistant Scout Leader in Birmingham and Cardiff. I also became Deputy Area Youth Commissioner for Communications for Cardiff and Vale Scouts. 

“Scouting has enriched my life with lifelong friendships and valuable skills. I feel this will help me in the future as the skills I have learnt I can take into everyday life as well as teach the next generation. I am always looking ahead at the next adventure, and I believe that the friendships I have made along the way will help me in my confidence and ability to go ahead in life where there may be difficult challenges. I know I can always rely on those friends to be there should I ever have an issue, which is something I highly value.” 

Leah, from Aberaeron, says Scouting at university helped her make new friends and have more opportunities and adventures – even on the other side of the world 

“When I moved to Cardiff to study geology, I was fortunate to already know many Scouts from the area through events like the All Wales Scout Camp and Jamboree. This made it easy to get involved with a local group during my studies, which led to new social events, training, and opportunities. I also served as a Trustee for ScoutsCymru and continued supporting my local area. The flexibility of these roles allowed me to stay active in Scouting no matter where I was. 

“I did my third year abroad, studying in Australia. One of the benefits of Scouting while at university was that, despite being on the other side of the world, I was also able to get involved in Scouts there and had access to so many more friends, opportunities and adventurous experiences I couldn’t have otherwise.  

“Scouting gave me a strong sense of community and support, whether I was in Cardiff or across the globe. It was a constant in my life, helping me navigate challenges, stay connected, and feel supported throughout my university years.” 

Kathy, from Cardiff, says helping to establish a Student Scout and Guide Organisation at university gave her a much-needed escape from academic pressures and made her feel a part of the community 

“Scouting has always been a big part of my upbringing, thanks to my family’s involvement. I started as a young participant and later became a leader before heading off to university in Worcester in 2021. Worcester was the perfect distance from home, and I studied for a Bachelor of Science in Paramedic Science, which is now the main route into the profession in the UK.  

“During my time at university, I stayed connected with Scouting by joining a local group as an Assistant Cub Leader and actively participating in the local Network, which introduced me to other students and local scouts. 

“Throughout my three years at university, I became involved in area and district events, helping to organise some towards the end of my studies. I also helped establish a SSAGO (Student Scout and Guide Organisation) at my university to foster a sense of belonging for fellow Scouts. Scouting not only allowed me to meet like-minded individuals and form new friendships but also provided a much-needed escape from academic pressures. It made the transition to university life smoother and helped me feel integrated into the local community, enriching my overall experience.” 

Gethin, from Cardiff, says Scouting has given him leadership skills and culturally enriching experiences and provided a break from hectic uni life 

“During my time at university, Scouting was always there for me as a form of routine, as well as a way to have a break from hectic uni life, with lectures, essays, or even going out on nights out. 

“I began studying psychology and education at Aberystwyth University in 2020. My first year coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, making it difficult to find a new Scout group while adjusting to university life and building friendships in the halls. By my second year, however, I was determined to get back into Scouting and joined Eir ESU, a group meeting in a church on the outskirts of town. I served as a leader from September 2021 until summer 2023, helping run sessions and offering support to the Explorers. In July 2023, I completed my King’s Scout Expedition, canoeing on the River Wye. 

“Throughout this past year, I’ve had many enriching experiences, including hosting a joint meeting with the Girlguiding unit for Founders’ Day, where the Explorers learned about different cultures and foods worldwide. Taking 3rd Aberystwyth Scouts to the All Wales Scout Camp pushed me to grow as a leader. I also accompanied Penparcau ESU and Scouts to the Great Tower in the Lake District, where the Scouts and Explorers had a packed week of activities.  

“Having Scouting always gave me time to enjoy myself and the things I had always done, and a chance to focus on my leadership skills which I inevitably used throughout my university life during socials or musical theatre rehearsals.   

“Scouting kept me going throughout my entire university experience and it enriched it much more than I believed it could have.” 

How to find a new Scout group when you get to university

Whether you’re studying outside of Wales like Kathy and Izzy or staying local like Gethin and Leah, Scouts can remain a constant in your university life. If you’re interested in joining a SSAGO, find out if your university has a chapter here. Fill out the joining information or contact your Students’ Union for more details.

If you’re looking to volunteer with a Scout group or join the local Network, there are many ways to get involved. Use the resources on the Scouts UK website here or contact the local areas via their Facebook pages.