Age groups

In Kara-Karhut, the Scouts are divided into six age groups in accordance with the youth program. These groups guide skill development in a progressive manner: the youngest learn through play, while the older ones develop leadership skills. However, all age groups are united by Scouting values, learning by doing, camping and friendship.

Cub Scouts

Cub Scouts (aka. “kolkat”) are Scouts aged 7–10, led by an adult leader. Their program consists of exploring Scouting skills, learning new abilities, and playing games. They learn to function within their own group—known as a cub pack—and to take responsibility for their own actions. They complete specific program tracks defined by The Guides and Scouts of Finland, earning a fabric badge for each one to attach to their Scout shirt.

In addition to weekly meetings, the Cubs participate in the scout troop’s “Karhunkaato” camp in the autumn, a joint camp for Adventurers and Cubs in the spring, as well as summer camps and scout competitions designed for their age group.

Scouts of the age of 10-14

Adventurers

Adventurers are Scouts aged approximately 10–12. They are led by a trained group guide who is at least 14 years old. Together with their patrol, Adventurers learn wilderness skills—such as pitching a shelter, building a campfire, and first aid—as well as how to take on some responsibility and work together.

In addition to weekly meetings, Adventurers go on two outdoor trips a year with their own patrol and participate in scout competitions designed for their age group. They also take part in the troop’s autumn camp “Karhunkaato”, a joint spring camp for Adventurers and Cubs, and summer camps. During their final year as an Adventurer, the Scout participates—in a group of two or three—in a one-day scouting skills test of class III organized by Wilderness Scouts of Lake-Espoo, where they can put the skills they have learned into practice. After completing the challenge, the Adventurer makes the Scout Promise and receives the age-group completion badge.

Trackers

Trackers are Scouts aged approximately 12–14. They are led by a trained group guide who is at least 14 years old. The Tracker program focuses on learning more challenging wilderness skills and applying previously learned skills. They learn to operate independently during camps and competitions, assist younger Scouts, and take responsibility for their patrol’s activities. Experiences shared with friends are a key part of the Tracker activities.

In addition to weekly meetings, the Trackers go on two outdoor trips a year with their own patrol; participate in the troop’s autumn camp “Karhunkaato” and their own spring camp for Trackers only. They also take part in scouting competitions and summer camps, including large-scale camps. During the final spring of this age group, the Tracker participates in the group guide training of the Wilderness Scouts of Lake-Espoo and, if they wish, an overnight scouting skills test of class II in a group of two or three. Upon completing the challenge, the Tracker receives the age group’s completion badge.

Leaders

Explorers

Explorers are Scouts aged 14–17. Transitioning to this age group marks a shift, as the Scout begins to engage in voluntary activities and becomes an integral part of the troop’s operations. Many Explorers choose to act as leaders for younger Scouts and take on other roles vital to the troop. Friendships formed earlier deepen during this stage, and the Scouts enjoy an increasingly diverse range of experiences.

At the Explorer age level, the number of Scouting events extending beyond the local troop level increases, and Scouts have the opportunity to meet new people. Explorers can also participate in international Scouting activities.

Within the scout troop, Explorers get to plan and participate in their own meetings. They go on hikes and camps together and also take part in trips organized for the troop’s leader team. They participate in scouting competitions together and act as leaders on camps organized for younger age groups. Beyond the troop level, there are many events organized exclusively for this age group, and these are highly popular.

Rovers

Rovers are Scouts aged 18–25 who play a key role in the troop’s activities. They often take on bigger leadership roles that require being of legal age. Rovers also support younger leaders in their roles.

The Rover Scout program is built around activities planned by the Rovers themselves. The goal is to organize meaningful activities on a schedule that fits everyone’s calendars without becoming overly burdensome.

We always have room for more Rovers in our troop, so you are welcome to join even if you have absolutely no experience!

Adults

A Scout over the age of 25 who enables the activities of younger Scouts through their contribution. For adults, Scouting offers diverse opportunities to challenge themselves and try entirely new things through various roles. An adult might be a old stager or someone who joined Scouting only in adulthood. Roles are available at all levels of complexity. Adults can act, for example, as leaders of Cub Scout packs or as guides for specific age groups. Leading a summer camp together with a co-leader can also be a truly rewarding and educational experience. Our troop certainly has plenty of engaging opportunities for new adult members as well.

Joint events are organized for adults and Rovers, such as the Campfire Summit gathering. Adult groups can also participate together in scout competitions. Other leadership programs aimed at adults include the troops trips and hikes for all leaders.