Guides Catholiques de Belgique

What Guides Catholiques de Belgique does

Guides Catholiques de Belgique (ASBL, trade name "Les Guides") is a Catholic youth movement founded in 1915 (organized formally circa 1923) and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, recognized by the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles and affiliated with WAGGGS. The organization serves approximately 24,000 members across five age-based Branches — Nuton (5-7), Lutin (7-11), Aventure (11-15), Horizon (15-17), and Route (17+) — through a federated network of local Groups and Units across Wallonia and Brussels. Its core operational technology is SCRIBe, a proprietary member database and management platform that handles registrations, camp declarations, insurance tracking, training parcours, and government subsidy claims (ONE) across the movement.

The organization's business model is a hybrid non-profit funding stack: recurring annual membership cotisations, government subsidies from ONE and Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (allocated based on camp declarations), tax-deductible donations through a Support Fund focused on climate and inclusion themes, uniform and merchandise sales distributed via the Abatex retail network and lascouterie.be, and publication sales through [email protected]. The movement also operates the Domaine de Mozet, a meeting and accommodation center (CRH) in the Namur region that serves as a service delivery, training, and revenue-generating venue. Volunteer Animateurs (animators) are recruited from age 16+, trained through a multi-tier program (Anim1, Anim2, Anim3, FAn, UniFor, ForFor, ForCor), and remain the operational backbone of the movement. The organization maintains 66 employees across its headquarters (Ixelles), a regional office in Louvain-La-Neuve, and the Domaine de Mozet training center.

Name

Guides Catholiques de Belgique

Legal name

Guides Cathriques de Belgique asbl

Website

https://guides.be

Company type

Private

Founded year

1923

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Guides Catholiques de Belgique (Les Guides) is a Belgian Catholic youth movement (ASBL) serving 24,000 members ages 5-17+ across five age-based Branches in Wallonia and Brussels, funded by memberships, government subsidies, and donations, with SCRIBe as its core management platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Movement Services

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps (72121), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Group Camping & Scout Camps (THAGAOAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Life Skills & SEL Camps (Confidence, Executive Function, Social Skills) (EDAMALAO), Guided Tours & Interpretive Services (Ranger-Led, Naturalist, Cultural Interpretation) (THAAAGAB), Educational & Student Multi-Day Tour Operators (THAKADAJ)

Keywords

• Youth movement
• Scouting programs
• Pedagogical publications
• Outdoor camping
• Youth development

Headquarters

HQ city

Bruxelles (Ixelles)

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Cotisations: Annual membership fees paid by members. Cotisations are collected through SCRIBe. Children not yet registered are insured for 3 meetings before paying a cotisation. Intendants and guests pay a separate guest cotisation for one-off camp participation.
2. ONE Subsidies: The movement receives government subsidies from ONE (Office de la Naissance et de l'Enfance) and Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, distributed to Groups based on camp declarations made via SCRIBe.
3. Donations: The ASBL runs donation campaigns, notably a Support Fund (Fonds de soutien) focused on climate and inclusion themes. Donations of €40+ are fiscally deductible (30% tax reduction).
4. Uniform and Merchandise Sales: Uniforms and Guides merchandise are sold through the Abatex retail network (physical stores and online via lascouterie.be). The former economat locations were closed in January 2015.
5. Pedagogical Publications: Pedagogical publications (chansonnier Tempo, Anime tes... dossiers, Le Monde des Nutons, etc.) are sold via [email protected].

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Guides Catholiques de Belgique (Les Guides) is a Belgian Catholic youth movement that organizes age-based group activities, outdoor camps, formations, and pedagogical programs for children and young people aged 5 and above across Wallonia and Brussels. It serves over 24,000 members through five branches (Nuton, Lutin, Aventure, Horizon, Route), supported by volunteer animators, regional cadres, the SCRIBe member management platform, and the Domaine de Mozet training center.

Product overview

Guides Cathiques de Belgique operates the Les Guides youth movement with five age-based branches (Nuton, Lutin, Aventure, Horizon, Route) serving over 24,000 members. The organization offers SCRIBe as its core member database and management system, manages the Domaine de Mozet accommodation center, and provides a portfolio of pedagogical publications including the Anime tes Lutins dossier, En Route! guide, Le jeu et la veillée, and standardized camp preparation documents. Tote-bags merchandise supports group fundraising. The offerings form a cohesive ecosystem combining youth development programs, administrative tools, training materials, and physical facilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Branche Nuton: Branch for children aged 5-7 years
• Branche Lutin
• Branche Aventure
• Branche Horizon
• Branche Route
• Domaine de Mozet
• SCRIBe

Products and services

• Les Guides Movement A youth movement organized into five age-based branches (Nuton 5-7, Lutin 7-11, Aventure 11-15, Horizon 15-17, Route 17+) offering group activities, camps, training, and personal development programs for over 24,000 children and young people in Belgium.
• SCRIBe Central member database and management platform for managing member information, training records, camp declarations, attendance tracking, insurance documentation, and subsidy applications across the entire Guide movement.
• Domaine de Mozet A Centre de Rencontres et d'Hébergement (CRH) located near Namur that provides environmental education and citizenship programs for youth groups, with accommodation and meeting facilities for camps and group activities.
• Anime tes Lutins A comprehensive pedagogical dossier for the Lutin branch (ages 7-11) containing Branch method guidelines, Contrées activity domains, badge systems, Sentier progression framework, and Les Échos de la Ronde storytelling materials.
• En Route! A pedagogical publication for the Route branch (ages 17+) providing guidance on service, engagement, autonomy, Group management, international opportunities, and camp planning tools.
• Le jeu et la veillée A pedagogical dossier covering game and campfire (veillée) construction techniques, including creativity frameworks, decoration elements, activity balancing, and practical guidance for animators.
• Préparation et Engagement de Camp Camp preparation and commitment documents for Nutons-Lutins-Aventures and Horizons-Routes branches, including budget templates, checklists, and validation procedures.
• Nouvelle Préparation de Camp Revolutionized camp preparation documents for Nutons, Lutins, and Aventures branches. Features a simplified one-page format with 5 indispensables, a checklist, and supporting templates for planning and budgeting.
• Tote-bags Guides Branded tote bags sold as merchandise to help groups finance their activities and projects.

Quantifiable outcome

• 24,000 members served across Belgium
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered moderate, core and minor.

• ONE, Tourisme Wallonie and VISITWallonia.bemoderateGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 July 2026Joint photo competition 'Capture la Wallonie' inviting Guides members to photograph Wallonia during their camps. Prizes are vouchers for attractions/museums worth €500-1,000 for groups, valid during the 2027 season.
• Abatex / La ScouteriecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2015Since January 2015, the partnership with Abatex replaced the previous economat system. Uniforms and merchandise are sold through 10+ physical points of sale across Belgium and via the lascouterie.be online store.
• ONE (Office de la Naissance et de l'Enfance)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe ONE is a key institutional partner that provides subsidies to the movement based on camp declarations. Groups declare their camps via SCRIBe, and the ONE distributes subsidies to eligible camps and activities.
• Fédération Wallonie-BruxellescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe movement is officially recognized by the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles as a youth organization, which enables access to subsidies, institutional support, and legitimacy.
• WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe movement is affiliated with WAGGGS, the global umbrella organization for girl guides and girl scouts, providing international connections, resources, and identity.
• Guiding and Scouting Belgium (GSB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Belgian federation bringing together guiding and scouting organizations, facilitating cross-border cooperation, shared tools (e.g., camp preparation documents), and joint initiatives.
• Atouts CampsmoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerAtouts Camps is an ASBL that delivers a quality label for youth movement camp sites, improving quality, safety, and financial accessibility. The Guides work closely with Atouts Camps to promote quality camp locations.
• CanvasCampmoderateChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCanvasCamp is a Belgian manufacturer of high-quality round tents (alternative to patrol tents) that provides Guides members with a 10% discount via promo code GCB _ 10% _ reduc. Tents are designed to last over 20 years.
• GN-ProductsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGN-Products is a Belgian tent manufacturer and retailer launched by former scouts. They offer competitive pricing on patrol tents, chapiteaux, and repairs, and open their workshop to those wanting to learn tent repair. Prices from €425 for Canadian tents.
• T-EventminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorT-Event rents and sells quality tents to youth movements, founded by 4 former animateurs from Overijse. Guides members receive an additional 5% discount on purchases. Multiple tent models available including Canadian, Chapiteau, Seniors, Shelters, and Bell tent.
• EuropcarmoderateChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Guides have contracted with Europcar for a rental agreement offering members advantageous rates, no deposit guarantee, insurance coverage, reduced minimum driver age (19 instead of 25 in Belgium), free additional drivers, and 24/7 roadside assistance in Belgium and abroad.
• La Maison des femmes de Louvain-la-NeuveminorOthersBeneficiary of the 2026 menstrual hygiene product collection campaign. The Collectif des Femmes accompanies women toward autonomy, inclusion, and fulfillment. The campaign aims to collect 500 packets of hygiene products.
• Les Casas Vesta et Frida (Samu Social Bruxelles)minorOthersBeneficiary of the menstrual hygiene product collection campaign. Transitional housing facilities for women and single-parent mothers managed by Samu Social Brussels.
• Sang Souci (Planning familial, Liège)minorOthersBeneficiary of the menstrual hygiene product collection campaign. Sang Souci distributes free periodic protections via a network of partner associations and provides menstrual health education materials.
• Centre de Prêt de Matériel de NaninneminorOthersThe movement directs Groups to the Centre de Prêt de Naninne for tent and equipment loans. The Carrick can provide contact information for Groups with spare tents if the Centre's stock is insufficient.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Scouts et Guides Pluralistes de Belgique: Belgium's largest pluralist (non-confessional) scouting movement, serving similar youth age groups across Wallonia and Brussels. Directly competes for the same member families with a comparable camp-based pedagogical model, but without the Catholic identity.
• Girlguiding UK: UK sister organization within the WAGGGS global network, operating the same five-Branch age progression model (Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers). Provides a useful operational benchmark for membership scale, governance, and digital engagement strategies.
• Les Scouts ASBL: Belgian French-speaking scouting federation operating parallel programs, training pipelines, and camp infrastructure in the same geography. Directly competes for members and animateurs in overlapping Regions.
• Fédération des Scouts de Belgique: National umbrella organization coordinating Catholic and pluralist scouting federations in Belgium. Operates shared camp infrastructure and training programs that overlap with the Guides' offerings, and is a direct competitor for adolescent members.
• YMCA Belgium: International youth development organization active in Belgium, offering outdoor activities, group lodging, and youth programs that compete for the same families and animateur volunteers in the Wallonia-Brussels region.

Others

• La Ligue des Familles: Belgian francophone family-services umbrella organization that advocates for parents and youth across Belgium. Comparable as an institutional partner and donor channel for youth movements serving the same demographic.
• Atouts Camps ASBL: Quality-label ASBL that accredits Belgian youth-movement camp sites. Partners directly with the Guides on camp safety and financial accessibility standards; relevant as an industry-shaping peer rather than a direct competitor.

Regional players

• KEKI (Kind en Gezin) Youth Initiatives: Flemish counterpart youth-services authority that funds and coordinates youth activities in Flanders. Relevant as a regional comparison for subsidy models, even though the Guides do not operate in its territory.
• Chirojeugd Vlaanderen: Largest Flemish youth movement, offering similar age-grouped activities and camp-based programming. Comparable in scale and operational model, but serves the Dutch-speaking community the Guides cannot reach.

Broad incumbents

• WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts): Global umbrella organization to which Guides Catholiques de Belgique is affiliated. Coordinates international events, advocacy, and shared pedagogical resources across 150+ national member organizations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/GuidesBe
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/GuidesBelgique
• Facebookfacebook.com/GuidesBe
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/guidesbe
• Instagraminstagram.com/GuidesBe

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Guides Catholiques de Belgique