Network - 18 to 25 years
Try more. See more. Do more. At Network, you’ll stand on your own two feet, and make memories to last a lifetime.
What is Scout Network?
Joining Scout Network for 18 - 25 year olds is a flexible way to continue your personal development through Scouting. As a Member of Scout Network you can tailor your experience to your own interests and your own commitments. Earning Top Awards or focusing more on the social aspects and meeting new people, we have it all. Being a part of Network also allows you to stay involved in Scouting without committing to the responsibility of being a Leader (unless you want to!)
What do Network members get up to?
The short answer = whatever you want.
We understand life can be busy, especially around university, studies or first jobs, so none of our activities are mandatory; but we do like to hear from you every now and then! Our Network meet roughly once a month online to plan for upcoming events and have a social games night, and then we have in person camp, trips and activities throughout the year.
Structure of Scout Network
British Scouting Overseas has four Networks, each one linked to one of the BSO Districts. All Explorers in a District will join the same Network once they turn 18, regardless of which Explorer Unit they come from.
If you turn 18 and are based with an active Explorer Unit you might choose to continue going to Explorer meetings to spend time with your friends.
This is absolutely fine but you must be registered as a member of Network as you cannot be an Explorer once you turn 18. When registered then you are covered by the Scout Insurance to join the same activities and camps. And then you have the choice to join Network events on top!
If you do attend camps with anyone under 18 you must have valid disclosure and background checks in place and won’t be able to do things such as sharing tents with anyone under 18. Speak to your Explorer Leader to find out more about your options.
Who can be a Member?
It doesn’t matter where you come from, or where you are located, if you have a link to BSO you are welcome to join us. Some of our existing members are from the UK and have grown up in other countries, some are other nationalities but were/are a part of a BSO Scout Group where they live. Some of our members are currently studying or working in the UK, many are still located overseas.
Being a Network member you choose how much you are involved in. But if you are a member you have the opportunity to:
- connect with other Network Members
- get involved with projects and expeditions
- attend international camps as participants, IST, or even as a Leader with the BSO Contingents
- work towards earning the Top Awards
- take an Area or District role, such as Youth Commissioner
Awards
Completing awards challenges you to do more, learn more and be more. See what’s on offer and start your journey to the top.
How do I Sign Up?
Anyone who wants to join should fill out the Network sign-up form here. A Commissioner will then register your details onto Compass (the online database for those aged 18+ in Scouting) and send you your membership number.
Does it Cost Anything?
There are no membership fees to join Network. However, you will need to buy your own uniform and if you attend any events you will need to pay for your own costs involved for travel, event fees, supplies etc.
Uniform
The network uniform is the same as the Leader’s shirt in stone, as pictured left, and each District has a necker and badge. You will need to buy these items yourself, but we can help advise you with where to get them from.
Communication
Some of our information goes out by email, but mostly we use Whatsapp to communicate in group conversations. Please make sure you save the Commissioner’s phone number in your contacts so we can use the broadcast function on Whatsapp.
