Do you take boys and girls?
Yes, we have boys and girls in Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.
What age range is in each Section?
The youngest section is the Beaver Colony, where boys and girls can start age 6 if we have space available. Then we have a Cub Pack (ages 8 to 10.5) and a Scout Troop (ages 10.5 to 14). Between the ages of 13 and 14 the Scouts will be offered the opportunity to join Explorer Scouts, which meet at Cranley Gardens
Will my child be able to go camping?
Scout Association rules limit the length of time Beaver Scouts can be in the care of our Group to a maximum of 24 hours at a time. Any overnight trips have to involve them sleeping in a suitable building and all cooking is done in kitchens. We normally have 1 or 2 Sleepovers locally every year.
Cub Scouts can go away for longer periods, usually over the course of a weekend, and sleep in tents or buildings. We have our own tents, which adults pitch for them, and usually aim to camp at least twice a year. All cooking is done by adults in our own Mess Tents on a series of stoves. Camps can be anywhere in the country.
Scouts can camp for longer and, whether it’s a Group tent or their own, are expected to pitch their own tents and to do some of their own cooking. Our Scout Troop is very active and camps range from a few days locally to a week or longer much further afield.
Will they earn any badges?
In all Sections certain parts of the normal term programme will contribute to a badge provided the child (a) turns up and (b) actually takes part / completes the activity. This is recorded on record sheets for each child.
Many badges actually then require at least one item to be completed by the child outside of the normal weekly meeting. This might include things like taking part in an annual RSPB bird watch, writing a report, drawing a poster or keeping a record over a given period of time. So a child might do 3 out of 4 things at weekly meetings but if they don’t complete the final requirement and bring it in (for example a poster) they simply won’t earn the badge.
How do we know what’s going on?
Once a child joins the Scout Group a parent is asked to register for access to our website. Before the start of every term we place the full term programme for each Section on the website, but we do strongly recommend it is checked each week in case of changes.
We also send out updates and other important information via email so it is important we have a valid email address and that you check it regularly
Why do all the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts have to attend St George’s Day?
In the words of our founder Lord Baden-Powell – “St George is the Patron Saint of Scouting. When he was faced by a difficulty or danger, however great it appeared (even in the shape of a dragon) he did not avoid it or fear it, but went at it with all the power he could put into himself and his horse. That is exactly the way in which a Scout should face a difficulty or danger, no matter how great or terrifying it may appear or how ill-equipped they may be for the struggle. A Scout should go at it boldly and confidently, using every power that they can to try to overcome it, and the probability is that they will succeed.
On St George’s Day all Scouts remind themselves of their Promise and of the Scout Law. Not that a Scout every forgets either, but on St. George’s Day a Scout makes a special point of thinking about them. Remember this when St George’s Day comes round again”
Why do all the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts have to attend Remembrance Parade?
All the leaders appreciate the effort made by the youngsters in keeping their scouting Promise by taking part, as in doing so they show that they understand just a small part of what it means to be a Beaver, Cub or Scout. In today’s busy world it is good to see that, for just a few hours on just one day a year, other activities such as football, rugby, swimming and more can be put aside – because without those who we remember none of us would have the opportunities we take for granted today J It’s also great to see whole families coming along to join us.
If a meeting isn’t at Scout HQ why can’t you arrange transport?
This matter is a tricky one for us due to Scouting rules, car seat legislation and insurance. The only transport we can organise really is to hire minibuses / coaches but that adds a lot to costs. Offering to take children in other parents cars is not something we can arrange but… if you do have a problem with an event or activity please let the Section leaders or me know and we’ll put you in touch with other families who might be able to arrange transport in our mini bus (usually numbers are too high)help.
Depending on numbers we will occasionally be able to take the scouts in our mini bus eg: Gliding as this is limited to 10 or the Cub Water Activity Day at Essa.
Why can’t Scouts go paint balling?
It is currently a banned activity within Scouting as it does not have a national approved regulating body with set rules etc, plus it involves a sport where physical missiles actually hit participants. (Although if Scouts are old enough there is nothing stopping them doing it with their friends).