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The structure of Scouting for the 14-25 year old age range is changing considerably. While Venture Scouting is disappearing, the most successful aspects have been retained in the new Explorer Scout and Scout Network Sections. The structure of these sections gives flexibility to create the right provision in each area.

As with Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts and Explorer Scouts, members of the Scout Network will have the opportunity to work for many awards, the highest being the Queen's Scout Award.

The Scout Network is different to the other four Sections. It is run for the members by the members. Each individual member aged 18-25 in the County or Area is registered with a Scout Network Administrator. They are responsible for maintaining the list and communicating with the Members. Within the Network there will be young people in a wide variety of roles. Members of the Scout Network can be a Warranted Leader in another Section, a Helper, Skills Instructor or Administrator, a member of the Scout Fellowship or a member of a local Scout Network.

The provision of a Scout Network is managed by the County/Area Scout Network Commissioner (CSNC or ASNC). They are responsible for the Scout Network and for getting young people involved in all aspects of Network life. Sometimes, Members will want to get together as a local Scout Network and arrange a programme of activities. Each member of the Scout Network can put in their own level of commitment - if they are away (for example, at University) they can also get involved in their new County/Area Network, and find out about the activities taking place there.

As we move on from the current Venture Scout Programme to the new Sections, it is important that we recognise the achievements already achieved by young people. Outlined below is a suggestion - but it is only a suggestion. If you want to work it differently - then please do. You should be fair towards your Venture Scouts. No young person should lose out or feel they are moving backwards because of the changeover. If in doubt, be generous.

Venture Scouts should complete the Award that they are currently working on before changing. The Award can be completed even after a Venture Scout has moved on to Explorer Scouts or the Scout Network.

Yes, they can wear badges for the current award scheme below their new badges.

There is plenty of useful information in many of the current Venture Scout resources. This should not be discarded. If it works well, then you should continue to use it.

Your changeover to the new Programme needs to be a part of a co-ordinated plan managed by your District, County or Area. UK Headquarters will continue to support the current Programme until the end of 2003. You should only change over once you are comfortable with the operation of the new Sections and have the necessary structure in place to support them. Al Venture Scout Units should be closed down by 31st December 2003.

Your current Group scout Leader, Assistant District Commissioner (Venture Scouts), District Commissioner, County Commissioner, County Scout Network Commissioner are all there to support you in changing to the new Programme.

• The new range of publications
• Articles in SCOUTING Magazine
• Pages on ScoutBase UK
• District Leaders' meetings