The new centres are likely to be situated in Great Tower in Cumbria, Downe in Kent, Gilwell in east London, and Youlbury in Oxfordshire. Barney Poulton, programme and development adviser at the Scout Association, said: "They will try to compete against external providers. Ordinary camp sites are being under-used."
In a statement, the Scout Association said: "There can be few, if any, Scout groups for whom access to a local camp site to undertake basic camping is a major problem. Basic camping skills lie at the heart of the movement's activity programme. The centres of excellence will be developed to offer day and residential opportunities to youth groups outside Scouting, as well as schools."
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