Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: What is Scouting?
A: Scouting offers challenge and adventure to 400,000 young people and 100,000 adults across the UK. We believe in helping our Members fulfil their potential by working in teams, learning by doing and thinking for themselves. We give people of every background the chance to stretch themselves, learn new skills and make life-long friends.


Q: Who can be a Scout?
A: Scouting is open to all young people of every faith and background. We also provide fulfilling volunteering opportunities for adults, as leaders, assistants or administrators.


Q: How much does it cost?
A: £45 per term.  You will be sent a reminder by the Group Treasurer telling you when subscriptions are due.  Please pay promptly.  This represents excellent value for money.  All the Leaders are volunteers and do all they can to ensure that all the money the Group raises goes straight into Scouting activities and the equipment needed to run them. Activities and camps are charged separately by the sections on a basis just to cover costs.
Bursaries are available - we believe that no young person should be prevented from joining because of cost.


Q: Before my child joins, can we see what it's like?
A: Of course! Contact us and we can arrange for both parents and young people to come and visit, and see for yourselves what Scouting is like. To enquire about places in each section, please check the Joining Us webpage as some sections may currently be at full capacity. The membership application form is available to download as PDF file from here.


Q: Are young people kept safe in Scouting?
A: Absolutely. We take safety and child protection very seriously. All volunteers are DBS checked, and our adventurous activities must fulfil specific health and safety criteria.


Q: What will my child do in Beavers/Cubs/Scouts?
A: He/she will go through a progressive training programme consistent with the Scouting method and the aims and objectives of the Scout Association - learning through doing and taking increasing responsibility for themselves and others.  Above all they will have fun at the 19th through regular weekly section meetings and opportunities for camps, sleepovers, hikes, days out, District competitions and more.


Q: What is investiture?
A: Once your son/daughter is comfortable in their new section, their leader will decide when they are ready to be invested.  This will involve a short ceremony to which you will be invited. It’s not scary! You will need to get a uniform but the Group scarf and woggle will be provided.


Q: What is expected of my child?
A: It is true to say that your child will only get something out of Scouting if they are prepared to put something in. We understand that there are a great number of demands on young people and you have to prioritise. We do expect a certain level of commitment, if only in recognition of the work our (volunteer) leaders put in to prepare section meetings and activities. The courtesy of a phone call from you if your child cannot attend is much appreciated. (Please see our Attendance Expectations policy.)


Q: What is expected of parents & guardians?
A: Please help us to support your son or daughter in all their Scouting activities. Read newsletters and section letters, take note of activity dates & times, drop off and collect your child on time. Please respond to requests promptly and fill in permission to camp forms, medical forms etc when required - we are not allowed to take your child away without them. Also, do remember our leaders are all 100% volunteers, giving up their spare time to help our younger generation get the most out of Scouting.


Q: What is the Group Executive Committee?
A: This is a committee of parents, leaders and supporters of the Group who meet on a regular basis to govern the Scout Group and ensure it is run in accordance with Scout Association Policy and Rules. We are a registered charity and some of the Executive Committee serve as Trustees of the charity.


New Parent Welcome Booklet

The Scout Group regularly holds new parents' evenings to introduce parents to the group and answer any questions. A useful summary booklet has been produced and can be downloaded here:

 

Parents_Information_Booklet.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [2.5 MB]
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