Zurich's landscape for youth scouting and guiding activities is robust, largely composed of local units focused on community integration and practical skills development. The vast majority of offerings fall into the 'budget' price band, typically involving nominal membership fees rather than high per-session costs, making regular participation accessible. Parents should anticipate programmes centred around outdoor adventure, skill-building, and weekend engagement. For those seeking a traditional Swiss scouting experience, groups like Pfadi Rudolf Brun and Pfadi Gloggi offer proven structures, while those looking slightly further afield might investigate Pfadi Albis & Felsenegg «Graffiti» for its strong outdoor focus.
See our top picks
Pfadi Rudolf Brun
This unit offers trial availability, which is a significant advantage for younger members or those new to scouting who want to test the weekly programme before committing.
PfPfadi Züri
As the central hub connecting official units, this structure often allows for placement in local groups where fees are kept to a minimum, generally involving only nominal membership costs across the board.
Pfadi Gloggi (Pfadikorps Glockenhof)
While most groups stick to weekly meetings, this centrally located Gloggi unit provides a consistent structure that often translates into dependable scheduling for regular attendance.
18 Scouts & Guides Providers in Zurich
This is the central hub to connect with all official scouts & guides units operating within the Zürich canton for older primary and secondary children.
The official Cantonal Association website provides a comprehensive overview and links to join the many local scouts and guides groups operating across Zürich for primary and secondary aged children. These local units structure their scouts & guides activities around outdoor skills, community projects, and fun group games throughout the week and on weekends.
- Use the main site to find a troop near you
- Activities are typically scheduled after school or weekends
- Focus is on personal development and nature exploration
A well-reviewed local scouts & guides group providing a structured weekly program for primary and secondary school children in Zürich.
Pfadi Rudolf Brun runs regular scouts & guides sessions for children in the Zürich area, focusing on strong local connections and building team spirit through outdoor adventures. This group welcomes primary and secondary kids for weekly meetings and larger weekend camping excursions, fostering responsibility among young members.
- Check their schedule for specific section meeting times
- Offers a chance to join outdoor-focused activities
- Strong focus on the spirit of scouting in Zürich
A dedicated local unit for scouts & guides lessons in Zürich, serving the Friesenberg community with standard programme elements.
The Pfadi Friesen unit organizes regular scouts & guides activities for primary and secondary children based in the Friesenberg area of Zürich, maintaining the core values of the movement. They facilitate skill-building games and group challenges designed to develop leadership and outdoor awareness in their young members.
- Unit is based near the Friesenberg area of Zürich
- Check website for current age section schedules
- Focus is on traditional scouts & guides framework
A community-focused scouts & guides unit for primary and secondary children, meeting regularly in the 8051 area of Zürich.
Pfadi Lepanto provides enriching scouts & guides classes for primary and secondary age children in the eastern part of Zürich, encouraging teamwork and adventure. Children participate in planned weekly gatherings and longer, more immersive weekend camps that build practical outdoor skills away from the city.
- Located in the 8051 area of Zürich
- Standard scouts & guides activities offered year-round
- Focus on teamwork in group settings
A long-standing scouts & guides provider in Zürich's Affoltern district, offering consistent, structured programming for primary and secondary youth.
This local scouts & guides group in the Affoltern area of Zürich offers engaging programmes for primary and secondary youth, emphasizing personal growth through outdoor learning. Children meet regularly for scout-style activities, developing skills in knot-tying, navigation, and group cooperation under adult guidance.
- Unit meeting base is in the 8046 Affoltern district
- Sessions are structured around the official scouting curriculum
- Good option for consistent after-school engagement
A highly-rated, centrally located scouts & guides unit in Zürich's 8001 district, perfectly positioned for after-school engagement for primary and secondary kids.
Pfadikorps Glockenhof runs traditional scouts & guides activities for primary and secondary children right in the heart of Zürich, offering a centrally accessible option for city families. Members engage in a balanced programme of indoor team building and outdoor explorations tailored to their specific age section.
- Central Zürich City location near Sihlstrasse
- Focus on traditional scouting elements and group challenges
- Unit operates consistent weekly and term-time events
An active local scouts & guides group in Zürich 8047, offering a standard developmental programme for primary and secondary school youth.
Pfadi Walter Tell hosts regular scouts & guides classes for primary and secondary children in the 8047 district of Zürich, emphasizing fun and practical skills development. The programme incorporates group activities designed to build camaraderie and confidence through structured play and outdoor challenges throughout the year.
- Meets regularly in the 8047 district of Zürich
- Standard scouting programme for primary and secondary ages
- Outdoor elements are a key part of their schedule
A strong local scouts & guides provider serving the Vennes area of Zürich, known for organising engaging weekend activities for its youth members.
This dedicated scouts & guides unit for the Vennes community in Zürich, located near Leimbachstrasse, engages primary and secondary children with varied outdoor and group activities. They maintain a lively schedule of weekly meetings and larger events designed to promote active citizenship and teamwork for all members.
- Unit based near Leimbachstrasse in Zürich 8041
- Consistent weekly meetings schedule for all sections
- Focus on outdoor skills development for primary and older kids
A highly-rated scouts & guides unit operating near Zürich in Stallikon, providing extensive outdoor and practical skills training for primary and secondary youth.
Serving the Albis and Felsenegg areas near Zürich, this scouts & guides group offers robust programming for primary and secondary children based out of their Stallikon location. The activities centre on nature exploration, crafting useful outdoor gear, and building strong social bonds through shared challenges and weekend camps.
- Group is based in Stallikon, adjacent to Zürich
- Activities include building and outdoor survival skills
- High level of positive feedback for their events
A highly-rated scouts & guides unit in Regensdorf, providing a comprehensive programme for primary and secondary children in the immediate Zürich surroundings.
This scouts & guides group operates in Regensdorf, serving the Furttal area just outside Zürich, and welcomes primary and secondary children to their regular sessions. Their programme balances structured learning, such as learning local history and nature identification, with energetic team games and longer excursions.
- Group is based in Regensdorf, serving the Furttal region
- Offers standard scouts & guides programme for youth
- Check the website for meeting times in your section
A dedicated scouts & guides unit near Zürich in Weiningen, offering an outdoor-centric programme for primary and secondary school aged children.
Pfadi Altberg hosts scouts & guides programmes for primary and secondary children based in Weiningen, an area near Zürich, focusing heavily on outdoor activities and nature appreciation. Children learn foundational scouting skills during regular after-school or weekend sessions, preparing them for longer camps.
- Group meets in Weiningen, north-west of Zürich city
- Programme covers skills relevant to primary and older youth
- Check website for specific section meeting times
A unique scouts & guides unit in Zürich, leveraging its proximity to Lake Zurich to incorporate water-based activities into its primary and secondary programme.
Seepfadi Zürich offers scouts & guides activities near the lakefront for primary and secondary youth, incorporating water-based fun into their regular schedule. This local unit provides a blend of traditional scouting skills, team building, and opportunities for sailing or water sports depending on the age group's focus.
- Meets near the lakefront in the 8038 district
- Programme often includes lake-related activities
- Good choice for children interested in the water
Pfadi Züriberg
A community-based scouts & guides option situated in Zürich's Züriberg area, providing programmes for primary through secondary school aged children.
Pfadi Züriberg runs traditional scouts & guides sessions for primary and secondary children in the desirable Züriberg area of Zürich, offering local access to scouting adventure. This unit keeps its focus on developing self-reliance and group cooperation through structured weekly meetings and planned outdoor events.
- Located in the Züriberg district of Zürich
- Focuses on standard scouting structure for youth
- Expect a mix of indoor and outdoor sessions
A local scouts & guides troop for children in Illnau-Effretikon, providing a full programme near Zürich with activities suited for primary and secondary ages.
This scouts & guides unit serves the communities of Illnau-Effretikon and Lindau, offering structured outdoor learning for primary and secondary children just outside Zürich's direct boundary. They host regular meetings during term time that cover everything from basic survival skills to community service projects for their youth members.
- Located in Illnau-Effretikon, near Zürich's northeast
- Standard scouts & guides activities for primary/secondary kids
- Consistent schedule of after-school or weekend events
An alternative youth organisation in Zürich 8046 offering community and structured activities suitable for primary and secondary aged children, potentially including scouting elements.
Adventjugend organises youth activities in the 8046 Zürich area, which may align with general scouts & guides principles of outdoor activity and personal development for primary and secondary children. This group offers a structured environment within a specific faith-based context for young people seeking community and adventure near Affoltern.
- Located in the 8046 district of Zürich
- Check how their programme aligns with scouting principles
- Religious affiliation may influence some activities
This Baden-based provider offers a vibrant community feel and is known for its varied outdoor excursions for older primary and secondary age children.
Although located just outside Zürich in Baden, this group provides lively scouts & guides adventures, focusing on teamwork and outdoor exploration for older children. Their programme encourages self-reliance through campouts and challenging group projects for kids in the primary and secondary years. See their site for current meeting times outside central Zürich.
- Meets in Baden, near the Zürich region
- Strong emphasis on group challenges and learning
- Outdoor focus suits children who love nature
Offering scouts & guides classes in central Zürich 8001, Pfadi Gloggi has a perfect 5.0 rating and balances city-based learning with outdoor adventure.
Pfadi Gloggi runs engaging scouts & guides programmes right in the heart of Zürich near Sihlstrasse, perfect for families seeking central weekend activities for primary and secondary kids. This highly-rated group balances city-based learning with outdoor excursions, providing a well-rounded scouting experience. Enrolment for their regular term sessions is available via their website.
- Extremely central location in Zürich near Sihlstrasse
- Known for excellent after-school and weekend activities
- Covers a broad age range within scouting
This Zürich 8046 club provides a values-focused alternative to traditional scouts & guides classes, suitable for primary and secondary school children.
Adventjugend runs structured youth club activities in the 8046 Zürich area, which often include elements aligned with guides and scouts programming for primary and secondary ages. Their focus integrates character development with regular outdoor and indoor group activities near Wolfswinkel. While not strictly a Pfadi group, it offers a similar framework for ongoing youth engagement in Zürich.
- Offers a scouting-like structure in 8046 Zürich
- Activities are values-based and community-oriented
- Check their contact page for programme details
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do kids scouts & guides classes cost in Zurich?
The good news is that the vast majority of scouting and guiding activities in Zurich operate on a very affordable model. Most providers list their costs under the 'budget' band, meaning fees are generally nominal membership costs rather than substantial session prices. Parents should expect to pay low annual or termly membership contributions rather than high per-class rates.
What age can kids start scouts & guides classes in Zurich?
The availability starts quite early in the Zurich area, with many groups welcoming children from the preschool age bracket onwards. The programmes primarily serve primary school children, continuing robustly into the secondary school years, ensuring a continuous pathway for development.
What should I look for in a beginner scouts & guides class?
For a child new to scouting, look for units that explicitly mention a welcoming community atmosphere and a focus on general activities rather than immediate, intense skill progression. A local focus helps integrate the child easily, and having a trial session available, though not universal, is certainly a bonus for gauging fit.
Can my child try a scouts & guides class before committing?
Trial availability is not a standard feature across all eighteen providers listed, but it is offered by some established local units. If trying before enrolling is essential, checking the details for groups like Pfadi Rudolf Brun will reveal whether they permit a trial session to assess suitability.
Where in Zurich can I find kids scouts & guides classes?
Classes are spread throughout the canton, with a high concentration in central Zürich city districts like 8001, 8051, and 8047. However, excellent options exist in neighbouring municipalities such as Stallikon and Regensdorf, often providing a more dedicated local or outdoor focus.
Are the group sizes manageable for individual attention?
Most scouting and guiding units listed maintain a medium group size. This size typically allows leaders to manage necessary safety standards while still providing enough interaction for individual guidance and fostering strong group camaraderie among the primary and secondary aged participants.
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