Scouts have been told to be slightly less prepared than usual. Penknives may have formed as much part of the scouting experience as badges and campfires, but according to advice from the Scout Association they must no longer be brought on camping trips, except when there is a “specific” need.

Modern Britain’s knife culture, including the rise in fatal stabbings, has been cited by troop leaders — although some have countered that the code contradicts the tradition that Scouts are to be trusted for their honour.

The advice, published in the official in-house magazine, Scouting, says that confusion over the legality of carrying a knife in public has made it necessary to revise the rules.

Dave Budd, who trains Scouts on the safe use of a knife, said that the rise in knife crime — up by 50 per cent in just one year — had made “clarification” of the guidance necessary.

He wrote: “Scouts often have the need for a good knife, and in the early days every Scout was actively encouraged to put a knife on their belt. Sadly, there is now confusion about when a Scout is allowed to carry a knife.

“The series of high-profile fatal stabbings highlighted a growing knife culture in the UK. I think it is safest to assume that knives of any sort should not be carried by anybody to a Scout meeting or camp, unless there is likely to be a specific need for one. In that case, they should be kept by the Scout leaders and handed out as required.”

The Scout Association has defended its position, arguing that even those who pledge to do their duty for God and country cannot be immune from Britain’s contemporary knife culture.

Under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, anyone can legally carry fold-up knives with blades that are shorter than three inches.

It is illegal to sell knives to anyone under 18 in England and Wales, and anyone under 16 in Scotland.

The Scout Association, which begins a new season with a recently crowned Chief Scout, Bear Grylls, has now supplemented that with its own advice. It includes recommendations that knives should be carried to and from meetings by an adult, and must not be carried around campsites, which are considered public places.

Scouts were at one point allowed to carry a sheath knife on their belt as part of their uniform, but in another change to the traditions originated by Lord Baden-Powell a century ago the advice also states that knives must not be worn with uniform, except for reasons of religion.

Sheila Burgin, a troop leader for Sevenoaks Scout Group in Kent, criticised the guidance. She said: “The Scout Association doesn’t want to be in trouble for encouraging people to carry knives, but I think it is very sad. It’s health and safety gone mad.

“Scouts by law are allowed to have Swiss army knives. I think this is going too far — you just don’t know when a Scout will need a knife.”

Ms Burgin also argued that the advice went against the spirit of the Scout code of honour.

“The first Scout Law is ‘The Scout is to be trusted,’ ” she said. “Scouts love having knives and using them properly. If you teach children to use a knife properly, they won’t abuse it. If someone wants to cause harm, they will do it anyway. It is a real shame it has come to this.”

However, a Scouts spokesman insisted that young people could still learn important skills without penknives. “The Scout Association plays a key role in helping young people develop the confidence, maturity and self-esteem they need to play active and responsible roles in their communities, and to resist the peer pressure that may attract them into local gang culture,” he said.

“We believe that young people need more places to go after school and at weekends, where they can experience adventure without the threat of violence or bullying and the need to carry weapons. Scouting helps to prepare young people with valuable life-skills, while keeping them safe by not carrying knives.”

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