Scouts is an outdoor adventure and youth development program for children and teenagers in the Sutherland Shire. Open to boys and girls from age five, Scouts combines weekly group activities, camping, bushwalking, practical skills, teamwork and leadership opportunities.
Local Scout Groups operate across the Sutherland Shire, including Caringbah, Gymea, Engadine, Heathcote, Bangor, Oyster Bay and surrounding suburbs. Activities are organised into age-based sections, allowing children to join at different stages without needing previous Scouting experience.
Most groups meet weekly during school terms, with additional camps, excursions and outdoor adventures throughout the year. Meeting days, times and activities vary between groups.
Scouts Australia is a youth development organisation that helps young people build confidence, independence, resilience, friendships and practical life skills through adventure and hands-on experiences.
Unlike a traditional sporting competition, Scouts offers a varied program combining outdoor recreation, physical challenges, creative activities, problem-solving and community involvement.
Activities may include:
Activities become progressively more challenging as children grow older. Not every group offers every activity.
Scouts is divided into five age-based sections, with activities adapted to children’s abilities, interests and development.
Joey Scouts introduces younger children to Scouting through games, discovery, creativity and simple outdoor adventures.
Activities focus on making friends, sharing, teamwork, exploring nature and developing independence.
Children can join after their fifth birthday, provided they attend school full-time.
Cub Scouts offers more adventurous activities while developing confidence, responsibility and teamwork.
Children may participate in camps, bushwalks, outdoor cooking, navigation, group games and badge challenges.
The Scouts section introduces more advanced outdoor experiences and greater responsibility.
Activities may include overnight camping, hiking, navigation, pioneering, water activities and group expeditions.
Young people are encouraged to help plan activities, solve problems and develop leadership skills.
Venturer Scouts offers teenagers opportunities to take greater responsibility for their adventures and personal development.
Activities can include expeditions, adventurous sports, camping, community projects and leadership challenges.
Rover Scouts provides young adults with opportunities for adventure, friendship, community service and leadership.
Age transitions can vary depending on individual circumstances and the relevant Scout section.
Scout Groups are located across several areas of the Shire.
Not every group necessarily offers every age section, and meeting days and available places differ. Families should check the official Scouts NSW Group Finder before enquiring.
Most Scout Groups hold regular meetings during school terms, generally outside school hours.
Weekly meetings can include indoor games, practical activities, outdoor skills, challenges and preparation for upcoming adventures.
Camps and excursions may take place on weekends or during school holidays.
The amount of outdoor activity varies depending on the children’s age group, the local Scout Group and the planned program.
The Scouts NSW state membership fee for April 2026 to March 2027 is advertised at $300 per year.
A one-off administration fee of $60 applies to new members.
Families may also need to pay:
Scout uniforms generally include a section-specific shirt, scarf and badges.
Families should request a complete breakdown of costs from their preferred local group before registering.
Scouts NSW advertises a free trial period of four to six weeks for new members.
This gives children an opportunity to experience weekly activities, meet the leaders and other members, and decide whether Scouts suits them.
To get started, families can:
Children can join Scouts at different ages and do not need to have participated in Joey Scouts or Cub Scouts previously.
Scouts includes an achievement program that recognises personal development, practical skills, outdoor experiences and community involvement.
Children work towards badges and awards by completing challenges suited to their age and interests.
The program encourages young people to become increasingly involved in planning activities, making decisions and leading others as they develop.
Scouts offers Sutherland Shire children an alternative to traditional organised sport, combining physical activity, adventure, social interaction and practical learning.
Families may choose Scouts because:
Scouts may suit children and teenagers who:
Use the listings below to explore Scouts options in the Sutherland Shire, then contact your preferred group for current meeting times, availability, trial arrangements and membership information.
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