It is an unavoidable truth. Those of us lucky enough to live comfortably in a modernised society also inhabit a very materialistic one, and it’s hard not to feel affronted by the endless assault of advertising on our screens and streets. Fortunately, not all commercial activity is for commercial gain and where we decide to spend our spare pennies, if not pounds, can have a positive impact. Many charities also run their own retail stores that reinvest all of their profits back into the charity to support the work they do. The Scout Store, and all previous permutations of it, has been proudly not-for-profit ever since the first street shops popped up across the country in 1917. When giving to charity, it’s nice to know where your hard-earned money ends up, and for Scouting, the potential is limitless. From scarves to souvenirs, tents to trousers, every purchase from the Scout Store gives something back to the youngsters the Movement was made for. For every item bought (and it’s not just woggles, surprisingly!), all profits go back to the Scout Association, providing over 160,000 volunteers with the resources and equipment to give around 460,000 young people those incredible opportunities so unique to Scouting. And this monumental Movement, which has equipped thousands of young people and Leaders with skills for life, also supports more 8,000 communities. Because everything we give to Scouts, they return in kind to the world around them. 
From Beavers through to Network, the Scouts, bolstered by new skills and sense of social responsibility, continue to play an important role in the community, from raising money for cancer care charities to actually taking to the streets to share food and supplies among the homeless. Some have supported mental well-being campaigns, raising mental health awareness across the country among people of all ages in efforts to destigmatize a traditionally taboo topic. All these activities, which serve the community while both building and showcasing the considerate spirit of Scouts, wouldn’t be possible without the guidance and support of their Leaders. And this is where your purchases really pack a punch. Proceeds from the Scout Store go straight back into UK Scouting to fund training for the vital volunteers, and the resources that support the young Scouts on their unique adventures. So, whether you want to treat a top troop Leader with a Copa gin glass for their evenings off, or an especially adventurous Explorer (the 100 years of Gilwell gifts have a touch of the Middle Earth about them), you’re just a few quick clicks away from investing a little bit more in Scouting. Behind the scenes of this online offering is the team at Scout Store HQ, Lancing, who are dedicated to sourcing quality products, while meeting the needs of today’s Scouts. Even the uniform and casual clothing are made with adventure in mind, so that wet weekend away in the mud can be washed away ready for the next patrol meeting.
From Beavers through to Network, the Scouts, bolstered by new skills and sense of social responsibility, continue to play an important role in the community, from raising money for cancer care charities to actually taking to the streets to share food and supplies among the homeless. Some have supported mental well-being campaigns, raising mental health awareness across the country among people of all ages in efforts to destigmatize a traditionally taboo topic. All these activities, which serve the community while both building and showcasing the considerate spirit of Scouts, wouldn’t be possible without the guidance and support of their Leaders. And this is where your purchases really pack a punch. Proceeds from the Scout Store go straight back into UK Scouting to fund training for the vital volunteers, and the resources that support the young Scouts on their unique adventures. So, whether you want to treat a top troop Leader with a Copa gin glass for their evenings off, or an especially adventurous Explorer (the 100 years of Gilwell gifts have a touch of the Middle Earth about them), you’re just a few quick clicks away from investing a little bit more in Scouting. Behind the scenes of this online offering is the team at Scout Store HQ, Lancing, who are dedicated to sourcing quality products, while meeting the needs of today’s Scouts. Even the uniform and casual clothing are made with adventure in mind, so that wet weekend away in the mud can be washed away ready for the next patrol meeting.