AGESCI has a federal structure, composed of regional sections, provincial/diocesan sections and local
groups. The region with more AGESCI members is
Emilia-Romagna (13.2% of the total), followed by
Veneto (13.1%) and
Lombardy (10.7%), all three in
northern Italy. As a result, 49.6% of AGESCI members are in northern Italy (29.7% in
northeast Italy and 19.9% in
northwest Italy), 20.5% in
central Italy and 29.4% in
southern Italy and the
Isles. Veneto is first by groups (11.5%) and units (12.1%). There are three age ranges in AGESCI, present in most groups and forming three different types of units, following the traditional age group format: •
L/C:
Lupetti and/or
Coccinelle (
Wolf Cubs and/or
Brownies), aged 8–11/12, organised into packs; •
E/G:
Esploratori and
Guide (
Explorers and
Guides), aged 11/12–16, organised into
troops, subdivided in patrols; •
R/S:
Rover and
Scolte (
Rover Scouts and
Ranger Guides), aged 16–21, organised into crews. Units can be only-male, only-female or coeducational. In the latter case they have to be led by a male leader and a female leader. Mono-sex E/G units are quite frequent (as of 2024, 47% of the total in
Liguria, 43% in
Marche, 39% in Emilia-Romagna, 36% in Veneto, 29% in
Sardinia, 29% in
Campania, 21% in
Tuscany, 18%
Sicily, 17% in
Lazio, etc.). L/C mono-sex units are rare and are more likely in regions where the
Coccinelle have a strong tradition and presence (mainly: 23% in Marche, 20% in Sardinia and 17% in Emilia-Romagna). Finally, R/S mono-sex units are even rarer (2% in Sicily and Campania). Each group is co-ordinated by two group leaders and directed by a
comunità capi (leaders' community), where all adult leaders and at least a
priest belong. It meets quite often (weekly in most cases) to plan all educational activities in the group. Its work is driven by a multi-year (usually three-year)
progetto educativo (educational plan), which gives a common thread to the program of all units, ensuring a common focus across all age ranges. Rover scouts and ranger guides may join a group's leaders' community upon completing their education and leaving the crew; more specifically, this moment is marked by a ceremony called
partenza (departure). In order to be awarded of the
Wood Badge, scout leaders need to go through a lengthy training, mainly consisting of three formation camps, as well as a few years of service before, between and after these camps. In 1986
Pope John Paul II was given the Wood Badge insignia as honorary AGESCI leader. ==See also==