Frequently Asked Questions
Uniform Badge Positions
Squirrel Scouts |
Beaver Scouts |
Cub Scouts |
Scouts |
Why does the Scout Group has a waiting list?
We have 30,000 young people on waiting lists around the country due to a shortage of adults.
If there is a waiting list for the Group your child hopes to attend you could think about joining us yourself. We always welcome any help from parents. With more adult help our waiting lists for young people would be shorter and more young people will be able to experience the adventure of Scouting
If there is a waiting list for the Group your child hopes to attend you could think about joining us yourself. We always welcome any help from parents. With more adult help our waiting lists for young people would be shorter and more young people will be able to experience the adventure of Scouting
Will my child be insured when on Scout activities?
Yes. All Members are covered under our Personal Accident and Medical Expenses Policy
How much does it cost to send my child into Scouting?
17th Nene (The Hamptons) Scout Group charge £10.00 per month (£120.00 a year) plus a one off non-refundable £5.00 joining fee. This fee covers the cost of the hire of venue, membership to the Scout Association, Equipment and resources for section nights. Trips, camps and activities are usually charged separately. Cost should not be a barrier to anyone taking part in Scouting and if this is an issue, you can speak to the local Section Leader in confidence.
Is there a Uniform and where can I buy it?
Yes there is a Scouting uniform of blue trousers and a coloured sweatshirt, shirt or polo shirt (which varies depending on the age range). All Scouts (adults and young people) wear a coloured necker of Orange with a Purple boarder to show that they are part of 17th Nene (The Hamptons) Scout Group. Uniform can either be bought from Scout Shops Ltd or a local supplier (The Section Leaders will be able to give you more information).
My child is a Scout but we are moving house, how can I enrol him/her in a new Group?
Firstly, you will need to tell your child’s current Group that you are leaving the area. Then call the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818 and we will be able to put you in touch with a volunteer in the area you are moving to. If you are moving abroad we will be able to give you the details of the Scout head office in this country.
When will my child be invested?
This is normaly about 4 weeks after starting in the section, your Section Leader will be in contact prior so you can come and watch.
My child is moving up a section; what do I need to do to help them prepare?
When the time comes to move up to the next age range, a young person can have mixed feelings: excitement at moving on, sadness at leaving friends behind. Making the transition as smooth as possible goes a long way to helping your child settle into their new section.
Your child is automatically placed on the waiting list for the next section. Your Section Leader will be in touch to talk you through the process of moving up. Also be aware that meeting times and places may be different in the next section.
If your child has friends in their section that they want to move up with, make sure that the section leader knows about this so that they can help if possible. This could also be a good opportunity to arrange sharing transport to and from meetings.
Your child is automatically placed on the waiting list for the next section. Your Section Leader will be in touch to talk you through the process of moving up. Also be aware that meeting times and places may be different in the next section.
If your child has friends in their section that they want to move up with, make sure that the section leader knows about this so that they can help if possible. This could also be a good opportunity to arrange sharing transport to and from meetings.
How can I help with Scouting?
There are many ways in which you can give your time to help Scouting whatever your gender, age, abilities and skills. Simply let us know your availability and how you would like to help and we will match this to roles within our Group.
I don’t have a background in Scouting, does this matter?
No previous Scouting experience is needed. Energy and enthusiasm are the qualities we are looking for.
My child is in Scouting, is there anything I could do to help?
The short answer is yes. Many of our helpers and Leaders are parents of our youth Members. This is for a number of reasons including being able to see first hand how Scouting benefits young people and wanting to give something back, being able to spend more time with their child and realising that volunteering for Scouting is enjoyable and teaches them new skills. Speak to your child’s Section Leader to discuss how you might become involved.
I will only be able to help out on a flexible basis is this ok?
Yes. There are many different ways to help in Scouting and many of these can be adapted to suit your needs. Whether you can help out once a fortnight, month or term or just at special events or camps, there is bound to be a role you can play.
Are there any age restrictions on helping out?
As long as you are over 18 years of age, you can help out as an adult volunteer in Scouting. There is no upper age limit for adult volunteers. If you are aged between 14-18, there is the option of becoming a Young Leader.
Do your Leaders get paid?
Unfortunately, as Scouting is a voluntary organisation we are unable to pay volunteers for the time they give to Scouting.
What are the benefits of helping out?
There are a number of benefits you can gain from volunteering. Spending time with your child, learning new skills and contributing to your community are just a few of the reasons why our current Leaders choose to spend some of their spare time in Scouting.
I don’t have a specific skill but am keen to help out, what can I do?
Everyone will have a skill, attribute or ability that they can pass on to our young people. One of the best things about volunteering however, is the chance to learn new skills you may not have been able to otherwise.