The first girls joined Scouting in 1976 and today over half of all leaders in Wales across Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers are women. Despite this, it’s a common misconception that Scouting is for boys.
This year’s campaign highlights the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality, something we’ve been working towards for a long time. Scouting is about building skills for life and enjoying new experiences, these opportunities are open to everyone.
Society is richer if young people from all walks of life are given the chance to access adventure as they are growing up.
All groups across Wales welcome girls and it’s our ambition to encourage many more to join. Here are some thoughts from girls across Wales involved in Scouting.
I enjoy being a Squirrel and like learning new things. I like earning badges from taking part in fun activities with all the other children.
I love coming to squirrels. I enjoy every session but especially the ones where we help our local community.
I like making things, like when we made paper aeroplanes.
I like going to camp and eating marshmallows.
I enjoy Beavers because of the fun and adventure. I also enjoy being able to make so many new friends across the group. My favourite adventure since starting Beavers was the nature night hike where I was able to hear all the birds and bats.
I enjoy Beavers because I am able to take part in adventurous activities and I find it really fun. I also really like making new friends in Beavers. My favourite activity was the nature night hike, but I also enjoyed making a cave and going caving in our hut.
I enjoy Cubs because it’s fun and you get to do fun stuff! Fires, tents and meeting new friends!
I love Scouts, I feel like it would be better if more girls were encouraged to do it.
Explorers has brought me so many fun adventurous experiences and has made me gain a lot of confidence.
I would definitely recommend!
Being part of Explorers these last two years has taught me valuable Scouting skills and teamwork within a fun, supportive community.
I have been in Scouting for 17 years and have achieved the highest awards possible within the movement as a young person … I have an eye for inclusion and want to make everything as diverse and inclusive as possible.
We know that lots of people assume that Scouts is just for boys. It’s ok for girls not to be interested in Scouts but it’s important that every young person feels welcome. If you’d like to encourage more girls to join your Section, please get in touch with our Scouting Support Team who can give you lots of tips.
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