{"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/4lph4xkg/ad-1.jpg","width":1920,"height":960,"altText":"Air Scouts in front of a Royal Air Force Plane","caption":"","link":null},{"type":"","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp data-start=\u0022811\u0022 data-end=\u00221220\u0022\u003EAir Scouts take part in \u003Cstrong data-start=\u0022835\u0022 data-end=\u0022871\u0022\u003Eall standard Scouting activities\u003C/strong\u003E, but with a special emphasis on \u003Cstrong data-start=\u0022904\u0022 data-end=\u0022930\u0022\u003Eaviation and aerospace\u003C/strong\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022811\u0022 data-end=\u00221220\u0022\u003ETheir activities include:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022811\u0022 data-end=\u00221220\u0022\u003E\u2708\uFE0F Learning about aircraft and aerodynamics\u003Cbr data-start=\u00221003\u0022 data-end=\u00221006\u0022\u003E\uD83D\uDEE9\uFE0F Visiting airfields, museums, and RAF bases\u003Cbr data-start=\u00221052\u0022 data-end=\u00221055\u0022\u003E\uD83D\uDEE0\uFE0F Aircraft model building and drone flying\u003Cbr data-start=\u00221099\u0022 data-end=\u00221102\u0022\u003E\uD83C\uDFAE Flight simulators and aviation technology\u003Cbr data-start=\u00221146\u0022 data-end=\u00221149\u0022\u003E\uD83C\uDF96\uFE0F Earning \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/staged-badges/air-activities/\u0022\u003Eaviation-related badges\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cbr data-start=\u00221184\u0022 data-end=\u00221187\u0022\u003E\uD83D\uDE80 Exploring space and rocketry\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u00221222\u0022 data-end=\u00221392\u0022\u003ESome groups even offer opportunities for actual \u003Cstrong data-start=\u00221270\u0022 data-end=\u00221292\u0022\u003Eflying experiences\u003C/strong\u003E, including gliding and powered flight, often in partnership with the RAF or private flying clubs.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u00221222\u0022 data-end=\u00221392\u0022\u003EAir Scout Group sections can include Squirrels (aged 4-6) , Beavers (6 -8), Cubs (8-10) , Scouts (10-14), Explorers (14-18) and Network (18-25).\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#6310bc","title":"What are Air Scouts?","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp data-start=\u002241\u0022 data-end=\u0022437\u0022\u003EIn the 1930s, Scout Troops near to airfields and gliding clubs started to include air activities in their programme, and an Air Patrols pamphlet was produced.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u002241\u0022 data-end=\u0022437\u0022\u003EAir Scouts were officially recognized in\u00A0\u003Cstrong data-start=\u0022174\u0022 data-end=\u0022182\u0022\u003E1941\u003C/strong\u003E, during World War II, when there was a growing interest in aviation. The movement aimed to provide young people with aeronautical knowledge and skills, supporting the war effort by encouraging interest in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and aviation careers.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp data-start=\u0022439\u0022 data-end=\u0022780\u0022\u003EAfter the war, Air Scouts continued to evolve, maintaining their focus on aviation but expanding into modern aeronautical technologies, aerospace engineering, and even space exploration themes. Today, they remain a popular section within the UK Scouting movement, offering young people the opportunity to explore flight-related activities.\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#6310bc","title":"History of Air Scouts","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWorried about your finances? See if you qualify for extra support through a \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-things-locally/grants-and-funds-for-your-local-group/grants-from-uk-scouts/air-scouting/\u0022\u003Egrant\u003C/a\u003E, whether it is for providing gliding scholarships, equipment, refurbishment of HQs, or just training for Air Scouts. There are plenty of opportunities available\u2014just make sure you meet the requirements!\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Check what grants may be available for your group","id":null,"url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-things-locally/grants-and-funds-for-your-local-group","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":null,"title":"Funding and Grants","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E2025 marks the 75th Anniversary of the RAF Recognition Scheme:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli data-start=\u0022396\u0022 data-end=\u0022496\u0022\u003EThe group must be an\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong data-start=\u0022419\u0022 data-end=\u0022455\u0022\u003EAir Scout Troop or Explorer Unit\u003C/strong\u003E registered with The Scout Association.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-start=\u0022500\u0022 data-end=\u0022644\u0022\u003EThe group should have a strong focus on \u003Cstrong data-start=\u0022542\u0022 data-end=\u0022573\u0022\u003Eaviation-related activities\u003C/strong\u003E (e.g., aircraft visits, aviation badges, and aeronautical training).\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-start=\u0022648\u0022 data-end=\u0022733\u0022\u003ELeaders must commit to incorporating RAF-supported activities into their program.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Requirements to become RAF Recognised"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli data-start=\u0022769\u0022 data-end=\u0022860\u0022\u003EThe group applies for \u003Cstrong data-start=\u0022793\u0022 data-end=\u0022819\u0022\u003ERAF Recognition Status\u003C/strong\u003E via The Scout Association and the RAF.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-start=\u0022864\u0022 data-end=\u00221011\u0022\u003EThe application typically requires evidence of \u003Cstrong data-start=\u0022913\u0022 data-end=\u0022953\u0022\u003Eaviation-related Scouting activities\u003C/strong\u003E and engagement with local airfields or aviation groups.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Apply for Recognition"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli data-start=\u00221047\u0022 data-end=\u00221129\u0022\u003EThe RAF may send an officer to \u003Cstrong data-start=\u00221080\u0022 data-end=\u00221102\u0022\u003Einspect and assess\u003C/strong\u003E the group\u0027s suitability.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli data-start=\u00221133\u0022 data-end=\u00221217\u0022\u003EIf the group meets the standards, they are granted official \u003Cstrong data-start=\u00221195\u0022 data-end=\u00221214\u0022\u003ERAF Recognition\u003C/strong\u003E.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Inspection and Approval"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli 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