Signing Your Child Up for the Scouts in France
Ask a scout group about ages, meetings, camps and fees, then hear all about your child's first outing.
France has several scout associations, from the large Scouts et Guides de France to the secular Éclaireuses Éclaireurs de France; groups are run by young volunteer leaders, often holding the BAFA youth-leader certificate. Children aged roughly 8 to 11 are louveteaux (cubs), meet one or two Saturdays a month at the group's local (hut), and go on a summer camp under canvas. Fees are often based on family income and many groups take chèques-vacances; parents usually say vous to the leaders, while leaders and children use tu.
- 1
Mon fils voudrait faire les scouts.
My son would like to join the scouts.
- 2
Ils peuvent commencer à quel âge ?
What age can they start?
- 3
À partir de huit ans, chez les louveteaux.
From eight, with the cubs.
- 4
Vous vous retrouvez tous les combien ?
How often do you meet?
- 5
Un samedi sur deux, l'après-midi.
Every other Saturday, in the afternoon.
- 6
Qu'est-ce qu'il doit apporter ?
What does he need to bring?
- 7
Un goûter et une gourde.
An afternoon snack and a water bottle.
- 8
Il aura son foulard à la première sortie.
He'll get his neckerchief on the first outing.
- 9
Il y a un camp l'été ?
Is there a camp in the summer?
- 10
Ils dorment sous la tente pendant dix jours.
They sleep under canvas for ten days.
- 11
Qui sont les chefs ?
Who are the leaders?
- 12
Ce sont des bénévoles formés.
They're trained volunteers.
- 13
On peut payer en plusieurs fois ?
Can we pay in instalments?
- 14
Vous acceptez les chèques-vacances ?
Do you accept holiday vouchers?
- 15
Léo, dis bonjour à ta cheffe.
Léo, say hello to your leader.
- 16
Tu t'es bien amusé ?
Did you have a good time? (to your son)
- 17
On a construit une cabane dans les bois !
We built a den in the woods!
- 18
Il est revenu plein de boue.
He's come back covered in mud.
- 19
Il s'est fait plein de copains.
He's made lots of friends.
- 20
On récupère les enfants à 17 h au local.
We pick the children up at 5 pm at the scout hut.