Scouting in Wales

Scouting in Wales provides an overview of Scouting activities in Wales. Scout troops have existed in the country since 1908 with the largest number of Scouts and volunteer leaders today linked to the Scout Association of the United Kingdom. This is done through ScoutsCymru, the Welsh Scout Council who split the region further into four regions and a total of 12 Scout Areas. In addition to the Scout Association, there are also traditional Scouting groups belonging to the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association and a number of Scouting clubs within Universities which are affiliated to the Student Scout and Guide Organisation.

ScoutsCymru, formerly known as ScoutsWales and the Welsh Scout Council, is the Country Scout Headquarters for Wales and supports the development of The Scout Association programme in the country. It was first established in 1925 and is distinct from the other country Scout headquarters as a number of matters are undertaken by the UK headquarters at Gilwell Park but does have a role in tailoring the Scout Association programme and message to Wales such as providing programme resources and support in the Welsh language in line with legislation. There are 14,000 young people and 5,000 adult volunteers in ScoutsCymru.

Prior to the formal establishment of the Welsh Scout Council, the appointment of Chief Scout of the Principality of Wales was held by Edward, Prince of Wales from 1911 and held this position until he became official patron of the Scout Movement across the British Empire on becoming King Edward VIII in 1936. The current name of ScoutsCymru was adopted on 1 March 2016, Saint David's Day, to reflect the pride of the Welsh roots of the organisation and to reflect a commitment to the culture of Wales.

ScoutsCymru has a similar organisational structure to England with four regions, 12 Scout Areas supporting local Scout districts and groups. The lead volunteer for Wales, the Chief Volunteer for Wales, leads Scouts Cymru and since 2018 this has been Rhian Moore. They are supported by a team of volunteers, collectively branded as TeamCymru, including a Youth Lead for Wales; a Trustee Board to govern the charity; and paid members of staff based at the headquarters in Caerphilly.

ScoutsCymru also operate a number of properties and sites that are available for other Scouts to use. This includes meeting rooms at their HQ in Caerphilly, the Yr Hafod mountaineering hostel in Snowdonia that is part of the Scout Adventures grouping and the Cornel Scout Centre in Snowdonia with indoor accommodation and camping space.

Scouts in Wales wear the same uniform as the wider Scout Association but with the addition of a badge showing the flag of Wales on each shoulder. Similarly, the ScoutCymru scarf design is red with green and white borders to match the flag of Wales. There are a number of badges and awards specific to Welsh Scouts which are awarded by ScoutsCymru HQ:

A number of events are organised on a Wales-wide basis coordinated by ScoutsCymru. Such events include Beaver Scout Leaders' Conference, Wales Cub Fun Day, All Wales Scout Camp and AWESOME.

Brecknock Scout Area is located within the Powys Welsh Scout Region and covers an area approximate to the historic county of Brecknockshire. It includes much of the Brecon Beacons National Park and is rural in nature. It is led by an area commissioner, along with other volunteers at area and district levels. The area is split into three Scout districts that support the nine Scout groups in the area: