The Scouting movement is now a worldwide movement running in most countries from the UK to Japan, over the many years the programs have been running it has changed a great deal. The movement employs a program of non-formal education with emphasis on practical activities in the outdoors. Most countries have Scouting programs aimed at five different age groups from 6 years to early 20's.

Scouting began in 1907 when R.S.S. Baden-Powell, Lieutenant General in the British Army, held the first Scouting encampment at Brownsea Island Scout camp, England. He was at that time a good friend of William Alexander Smith, founder of the Boys' Brigade. In 2006, Scouting and Guiding have over 38 million members in 217 countries and territories represented through different Scouting associations at the international level. The works of Ernest Thompson Seton and Daniel Carter Beard were influential in the early development of Scouting.

One of the major aspects of being a part of one of these groups is the focus on camping and the outdoors. During the time that a member is part of the Scouting groups they will have had many camping trips organised helping them appreciate the environment and also how to survive in the wilderness causing as little damage as possible.

The movements' main aim is to teach by fun. On the excursions that often last a weekend, children will play games and participate in activities that they will find fun but that will also be teaching them so basic, and very useful survival skills including such simple things as finding shelter when there doesn't seem to be any.