Telstar Scout Group Luxembourg – Our Story
Telstar Scout Group Luxembourg began its journey on 8 November 1974, offering English-speaking Scouting for the growing number of expat families. From its humble beginnings, with Cub Scouts forming in 1975 and Beavers in 1986, the Group has grown into a thriving community that welcomes young people from diverse backgrounds. Today, Telstar offers Scouting to children aged 6-18 across four sections: Beavers (6-8 years), Cubs (8-10½ years), Scouts (10½-14 years), and Explorers (14-18 years), providing a space for fun, learning, and friendship.
Why Telstar Was Formed
In the early 1970s, after Ireland and the UK joined the EEC, Luxembourg saw a wave of English-speaking families arriving. Although existing Luxembourgish Scout groups were open, language was a major hurdle for many of these new arrivals. Telstar was formed to fill this gap, offering Scouting in English while still adhering to the training scheme and spirit of the British Scout Association. What started as a small group meeting in homes and garages has now become an integral part of Luxembourg’s Scouting landscape.
A Group Without Borders
From its inception, Telstar has been an international group, welcoming boys and girls of many nationalities who speak English. We are part of British Scouts Western Europe (BSWE), operating under the World Scout Flag, and we proudly wear the UK Scout uniform. In 1985, Telstar joined FNEL (Luxembourg’s National Federation of Scouting), which has fostered close ties with local Scouts and helped us to be an active participant in international Scouting events.
Finding a Home
For years, Telstar struggled with finding permanent meeting spaces, moving from homes to garages to schools. In 1992, the Group finally secured a hut in Rollingergrund, but this dream ended when the building required extensive renovations. Since then, Telstar has continued to find meeting places across Luxembourg. The recent allocation of a new Scout Hut in Hamm, thanks to our dedicated leaders and support from the Ville de Luxembourg, marks a major milestone. Construction on this new hut is set to begin, and we hope to move in by the end of 2025.
Highlights of Our Journey
Over the decades, Telstar has proudly participated in many World Jamborees, FNEL events, and British Scouting activities, giving our Scouts incredible opportunities for adventure, cultural exchange, and leadership. In 1985, joining FNEL cemented our place in Luxembourg’s Scouting family, enabling closer collaboration with local and international groups. The Group follows the Scout Association Training Scheme and wears UK Scout uniform. We join in FNEL activities where we can as well as Benelux Districts and BSWE County events. The promise made is an official, modified version of the British one used by many Groups abroad.
Looking to the Future
As we reflect on 50 years of Scouting in Luxembourg, our commitment to creating a nurturing environment for young people to learn, grow, and make lifelong friendships remains strong. Whether through outdoor adventures, community service, or global exchanges, Telstar helps shape future leaders and responsible citizens.
Our biggest challenge continues to be recruiting more leaders and volunteers, but we’ve always found a way to move forward. If you’re interested in becoming a part of our Scout family—whether as a leader, helper, or supporter—we would love to hear from you. Reach out to the Group Scout Leader at gsl@telstar.lu.
Telstar isn’t just about Scouting—it’s about being part of a global community, learning valuable life skills, and making memories that last a lifetime. We look forward to continuing this journey for many more years to come.
