Scouting Age Ranges in Queensland.
This is the most common question asked of the Branch Youth Program Team!
While there are targets for progression from one section to another, there is significant flexibility available for Units to consider the needs of the Youth Member and the logistical requirements of the Group.
Example: Some groups will progress a group of youth members between sections together to simplify the weekly program.
Extensions in age range apply only to the current section for that youth member. All age range extensions must be considered for each section based on the youth member’s needs at that time.
| Section | Age Range | Standard extension |
| Joey Scouts | 5 up to 8th birthday | Complete progression by 9. |
| Cub Scouts | 8 up to 11th birthday | Complete progression by 12. |
| Scouts | 11 up to 15th birthday | Complete progression by 15. |
| Venturer Scouts | 14 to 18th birthday * + if at school | Complete progression by 18 or 31 December in the year they turn 18 if at school when turning 18. |
| Rover Scouts | 18* to before 26th birthday | No extension available |
18* Requires meeting adult membership requirements and Blue Card and Mandatory On Demand Modules.
Further Extensions to Age Range (Joey, Cub, Scout & Venturer Scouts)
There may be occasions where the developmental needs of a Youth Member require a further extension in age range for their current section. This should occur in consultation with the youth member’s parents/guardians, the Group Council, and the youth member where possible. An extension in section purely to facilitate the completion of a Peak Award is generally by itself not considered an appropriate justification.
Granting an extension in age range must follow the defined process:
- An initial six months can be approved by the Group Leader in consultation with their District Commissioner. This extension must be notified to the Branch Support Office who will notify the sectional Branch Commissioner.
- A further six months must be approved by the relevant sectional Branch Commissioner.
- Subsequent six-month extensions must be approved by the Assistant Chief Commissioner Youth Program, on recommendation from the Branch Commissioner.
When contacting your Branch Commissioner, please ensure you provide:
- What is the situation that requires the youth member to remain in the current section? What is preventing them from progressing to the next section?
- What is the plan to enable the Youth Member to transition to the next section?
- How long is the extension required for?
Further Extensions to Age Range (Rover Scouts)
QBSI does not provide for any extension to age range for Rover Scouts. If a Rover Scout believes they have exceptional circumstances requiring an extension to their Rover Scout Membership, a request for exemption from the QBSI from the Chief Commissioner is required, based on advice from the QBRC Chair and Assistant Chief Commissioner Youth Program.
Starting in a section early (Prior to Age Range)
QBSI does not provide for youth to commence in a section (and hence earn achievements in that section) prior to that section’s age range. A youth from a younger section can participate in activities with an older section in the period leading up to their progression to the older section (aka “linking activities”) and / or on joint section nights, however any achievements earned are awarded in the younger section.
Questions?
Questions from Adult Leaders about this guidance should initially be made to the appropriate sectional Branch Commissioner or Branch Advisor.
Reference: QBSI 2.1
2.1.3 SECTION AGE RANGES
- The Joey Scout must have had their fifth birthday and be eligible for school prior to commencing and are able to commence their progression to the Cub Scout Section at any time after their eighth birthday and will have completed their progression by their ninth birthday.
- Cub Scouts must have had their eighth birthday prior to commencing in this Section and are able to commence their progression to the Scout Section at any time after their eleventh birthday and will have completed their progression by their twelfth birthday.
- Scouts must have had their eleventh birthday prior to commencing in this Section and are able to commence and complete their progression to the Venturer Scout Section in the lead up to their fifteenth birthday
- Venturer Scouts must have had their fourteenth birthday prior to commencing in this section and may commence their progression to the Rover Scout Section in the lead up to their eighteenth birthday. If they are 18 but not completed Year 12, they may (with the approval of the Unit Council), stay in the Venturer Scout Section until December 31st of their 12th year of school.
- Rover Scouts must have reached their 18 birthday and cannot stay in the Unit after their 26th birthday.
There is flexibility in regard to the above age ranges to suit the capability of individual members. Rovers must conclude before their 26th birthday.
Section | Age Range |
Joey Scouts | 5 up to 8th birthday |
| Cub Scouts | 8 up to 11th birthday |
Scouts | 11 up to 15th birthday |
Venturer Scouts | 14 to 18th birthday * + if at school |
Rover Scouts | 18* to before 26th birthday |
18* Requires meeting adult membership requirements and Blue Card and Mandatory On Demand Modules.
2.1.10 EXTENSION BEYOND AGE RANGE
It is recognised that some young people with cultural needs or disabilities may require additional considerations regarding age and their developmental levels. In these cases, where it is considered desirable for a young person to continue Scouting in a Section beyond the nominated age range of the Section, following discussion with the Youth Member, parents/care giver and the Group Council, the Group Leader in consultation with the District Commissioner may grant an extension of time beyond the age range of that Unit.
Extensions beyond six months must be referred to the sectional Branch Commissioner. The sectional Branch Commissioner may extend the period for a further six months.
If a further extension is considered necessary, then the Deputy Chief Commissioner (Youth Program) is to be consulted. Notification of any extensions should be forwarded to the Membership Support Officer at the Branch Support Office for noting and necessary liaison.
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