Scouting is a great hobby for adults

Scouting is a captivating hobby – also for adults. You don’t need to have previous experience in order to join. You can start to develop new skills also as an adult. Guiding and Scouting for adults is a combination of a fun hobby and meaningful volunteering. You will get to know new people, experience and learn new things while supporting children and adolescents and bringing joy to their life.

Guiding and Scouting is a flexible free time activity that you can modify to suit yourself. You can personally decide how much time you want to dedicate to volunteering. Guiding and Scouting offers a wide variety of activities for you to participate in. Guiding and Scouting offer innumerable tasks – and you can invent new ones!

How can adults join Guiding and Scouting in Finland?

Guiding and Scouting takes place in local groups, and you can find one in almost any municipality in Finland. Adults run the everyday operations of local groups and organise various events and activities. They also participate in courses and training sessions as well as local and national events. In many local groups, adult Guides and Scouts can also organise activities for themselves and gather, for example, monthly.

In local groups, adults can participate in weekly activities as leaders for small group, assist in excursion arrangements or renovate a Scout cabin – there are plenty of tasks available. Adults are also needed in projects and as helping hands. Whether you are familiar with organisational finance, be able to cook for a large group or have DIY expertise, you can share your skills with others. Alternatively, if you want to learn something completely new, that is also possible in Guiding and Scouting!

I started Scouting in adulthood and led a group of Cub Scouts in Lauttasaari. I got a great and fascinating hobby and I have met many new people. I never stop admiring the amazing team spirit of Scouts. This has been an experience that combines my interest in nature and teamwork, and I have learned new skills. The good atmosphere is engaging. At least for me, this is the best form of voluntary work! -Riitta-

Picture: Otto Virtanen

Comprehensive education system

You don’t need to know everything when joining the activity – the Guides and Scouts of Finland (and its local organisations) offer a comprehensive education system. You can get training for leading a group, operating with young people, woodcraft and first aid skills, and much more. In Scouting, learning goes beyond theory. Much of learning happens naturally by trying, failing and trying again with the support of others. The Scout education and experience in voluntary work are also a great additions to your CV.

When starting Guiding and Scouting, you can take the Welcome to Scouts training package online. The package offers basic information for everyone who starts Guiding and Scouting as an adult.

If you are interested in nature, working with children and adolescents, hiking, sailing, instructing – or paperwork – there is a place for everyone in the Guides and Scouts.

Membership fee

Voluntary adults must pay the membership fee of the Guides and Scouts, which is about 100 euros per year. The sum depends on the annual fee of the local group and the Guide and Scout district. After paying the membership fee, you can participate in the local Scouting activities. In addition, you can participate in local and national hikes, camps, competitions, events, and training. Small participation fees are also collected for hikes, camps, and events. Read more about membership fees and invoicing.

How can I join?

Contact the local group leader of your area and explain what kind of wishes you have for the hobby. Local group search helps you to find Scouts in your area. Also Scout districts help you to find a suitable local group and assignment for you.

Find your local group

Top image: Katri Jävenpää