2025 has been quite the journey for UK Scouting. Some sections are absolutely thriving, volunteers are stepping up in record numbers, and we’ve seen some genuinely exciting innovations. But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing — there are challenges we need to talk about honestly.

Let’s dive into what really mattered this year.

The Squirrel Effect

If there’s one story that defined 2025, it’s the explosive success of Squirrels. The youngest section grew by nearly a third this year, bringing thousands of four and five-year-olds into the movement. It’s been brilliant to watch — these little ones are loving it, and parents are queuing up to get their kids involved.

But here’s where it gets complicated. While Squirrels are booming, Beavers and Cubs have been quietly declining for the third year running. It’s creating a bit of a bottleneck in the progression pathway, and honestly, it’s something we need to figure out before it becomes a bigger problem.

The good news? Young Leaders are stepping up like never before. Over 21,000 young people are now supporting programmes across the country, bringing fresh energy and ideas to sections everywhere.

Badges That Tell a Story

I did something a bit different this year — I reached out to the Scout Store and asked them which badges flew off the shelves. Their answer was fascinating.

The top sellers were the Poppy and Scouts uniform badges marking VE Day 80 and Remembrance, followed by the new World Membership Badge, and then the Joining In and Teamwork Award badges. What does that tell us? That tradition, identity, and progression are still absolutely central to what Scouting means.

We also saw some cracking new badges this year. The Explorer Space Activity Badge launched with Tim Peake himself, which was pretty special. There’s a brand new Money Making Badge teaching young people about financial literacy and enterprise — skills they’ll actually use in real life. And the Physical Recreation Badge got a refresh with a focus on wellbeing and active lifestyles.

Where Scouting’s Making Real Impact

The Explorer programme got a complete redesign this year, and from what I’m hearing, it’s landing well. It’s more flexible, more skills-focused, and designed to keep older Scouts engaged when they’re at that tricky age where a million other things are competing for their attention.

Community impact projects have really ramped up too, especially through Earth Tribe initiatives. And there’s been a genuine push on inclusivity — more sections opening in deprived areas, more diverse volunteers coming through, and nearly a third of all members now being female.

Six Scout Groups received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service this year, including 71st Doncaster Hunafa, 6th Gosport Air Scouts, and 77th Glasgow Disabled Scouts. That’s the kind of recognition that shows the real difference groups are making in their communities.

The Challenges We Can’t Ignore

Let’s be honest about what’s not working.

Volunteers are stretched thin. Even though we’ve got thousands more adults involved, many Leaders are juggling multiple roles and facing real burnout. The workload hasn’t gotten easier just because there are more hands on deck.

Digital transformation has been a bit of a mixed bag. New systems for training and records were supposed to make life easier, but login issues and patchy adoption have frustrated more than a few people.

And then there’s the cost-of-living reality. We’re trying to expand into areas where Scouting is needed most, but resources, venues, and subscription costs remain genuine barriers for families already struggling.

Looking Ahead

2025 gave us plenty of wins — Squirrels thriving, volunteers stepping up, new badges that actually matter, and a stronger focus on youth voice and inclusivity. But it also showed us where the cracks are forming.

The question for 2026 is whether we can keep the momentum going in the sections that are growing, while fixing what’s not working in the ones that are shrinking. Can we support volunteers before they burn out? Can we make the digital stuff actually