Scout Welcome Pack Page 1



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Penkridge scout Group Welcome Pack

Group Name 15th Stafford (Penkridge) Scout Group

Cub Section 15th Stafford (Penkridge) Cherokee Cub Pack

or "Cherokee's"

Meet on Monday

Time 7.30 to 8.45 pm

Location Penkridge Scout Head Quarters

Goods Station lane

Penkridge

Staffordshire

ST19 5AU

Web site

Tel. 01785 715325 Robert Turner Akela

Reg. Charity No. 524531

Est. 4 Jan 1912

Run By. Entirely by volunteers

Please complete the last 3 pages of this booklet and return it to your cub leader at the next meeting.

Don't forget to sign by the 3 red cross at the back

THIS WELCOME PACK BELONGS TO

CONTENTS

Penkridge scout Group Welcome Pack 1

CONTENTS 2

Introduction From Your Cub Scout Leader 3

Contact details for the scout group 4

General Information 5

What is Scouting? 5

Promise & Law 5

Uniform 6

Investiture 6

Sixes 7

Badges & Awards 7

Pack Night Programme 8

Procedures for entering and leaving the Scout Centre 8

The Groups Leaders 9

Behaviour & Discipline 9

A Cub Scout’s Obligations 9

Parental Support – We Need You! 10

Financial Matters 10

Subscriptions 11

Subscriptions – by Gift Aid 11

Camps & Trips 11

Cheques should be made payable to: Penkridge Scout Group 11

Activities & Supervision 11

Group Newsletter – Akela’s Shout 12

Other Sections 12

District & Special Events 12

Questions & Answers 12

Adults Help Out - Case study 13

Chris - Parent Helper 13

Andrew – County Commissioner 14

Tina – Beaver Colony Administrator 14

APPENDIX A 15

Health & Safety Policy Of Penkridge Scout Group 15

APPENDIX B 15

Young People First Policy 15

APPENDIX C 15

Group Antibullying Policy 15

MEMBERSHIP - INFORMATION. Page 1 of 3 17

Gift Aid declaration 3 of 3 19

Introduction From Your Cub Scout Leader

If your child is joining us from another Group or is new to Scouting, we welcome you to 15th Stafford (Penkridge) Scout Group, one of the largest and most successful groups in Staffordshire.

If your child has been a Beaver with us you will already know a lot about the way the Group works, in that case this booklet should act as a reminder. You may like to read “The cub Section” to find out about the pack and keep the rest for reference.

In this booklet we tell you about your local Group and introduce you and your child to the cub Section which they are now ready to join.

Let me take the opportunity to remind you of what Scouting is about. It aims to appeal to a young person’s desires for fun and adventure provided through attractive and active programmes. It provides opportunities for developing in young people the qualities that

• make good citizens;

• honour,

• self discipline,

• dependability,

• respect for others

• self reliance.

Young people learn by doing, and Scouting offers activities to capture their imagination and enable each individual to find something in which to participate, develop skills and gain confidence. As far as possible, these activities take place outdoors as in camping, hiking, caving, sailing, mountaineering and many others, alongside a training programme which is structured from Beaver Scouts to Explorer Scouts. Scouting teaches what is not learnt at home or at school and assists in character development.

However, we rely on adult volunteers to make it all possible, either as leaders to run meetings, camps and so on, or as supporters to provide the material requirements and assist the leaders with the running of activities. We hope your child will enjoy the new challenge and build on the skills he/she has already acquired.

As you probably know, when your child joined the Group you became members of the Group Council, which usually meets once a year at the Group AGM. Thank you for your participation so far. We hope you will continue to ensure the Group survives and flourishes by either helping with a section, helping with the general running of the Group or helping with at least two fundraising events a year.

Please complete the Membership Information form at the end of the booklet if you have not already done so or wish to update information, and return it to your child’s section Leader as soon as possible.

Thank you

Robert Turner

Akela

Cub Scout Leader (CSL)

| |

Contact details for the scout group

|GROUP SCOUT LEADER |TONY BIRCH |01785 714139 |

| | | | |

|[pic] | | | |

| |ONTARIO |Monday |5.45 pm to 7:15 pm |

| | |Ages |53/4 to 81/2 years |

| |BEAVER SCOUT LEADER |TRICIA ADAMS | |

| |Assistant Leader | | |

| |Assistant Leader | | |

| | | | |

|[pic] |MOHAWKS | | |

| | |Thursday |7.30pm to 9 pm |

| | |Ages |8 to 11 years |

| |CUB SCOUT LEADER |NILS WYLDBORE |01785 713949 |

| |Assistant Leader | | |

| | | | |

| | | | |

| | | | |

|[pic] |CHEROKEE | | |

| | |Mondays |7.30 pm to 8.45 pm |

| | |Ages |8 to 11 years |

| |CUB SCOUT LEADER |ROBERT TURNER |01785 715325 |

| |Assistant Leader |Steve Keasey | |

| |Assistant Leader |Glen Brooks | |

| | |Dan Watkins | |

| | |Mo Ellam | |

|[pic] |HATHERTON TROOP | | |

| | |Tuesday |7 pm 9 pm |

| | |Ages |10 to 15 birthday |

| |SCOUT LEADER |PAUL BRAMLEY |07768 257345 |

| |Assistant Leader |Andy Brown |07894 201908 |

| | | | |

| | | | |

|[pic] |7 ARCHES | | |

| | |Wednesday |7.45 pm 9.45 pm |

| | |Ages |14 to 18 birthday |

| |EXPLORER SCOUT LEADER |LEE ADAMS | |

| |Assistant Leader | | |

| | | |

|GROUP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE | | |

| |Chairman |Richard Jones |01785 711286 |

| |Secretary |Penny Wyldbore | |

| |Treasurer |Keith Macaulay | |

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General Information

This information pack has been compiled as an introduction for Parents containing information about Scouting and

the 15th Penkridge Scout Cherokee cub pack.

Cherokee Cubs meet Monday evenings from 7:30 – 8.45 p.m. at Scout HQ, Goods Station Lane, Penkridge. Please note we are closed on Bank Holidays and during the Six Week summer Holiday.

Please take the time to read the information in this pack as it is there for your information and contains some

important points to note.

When you have read all of this pack please complete the slip at the end and return it to a leader.

If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact any of the leaders.

What is Scouting?

Scouting is an international, uniformed, youth movement. It is divided into several main sections

• Beaver Scouts 6-8 years of age.

• Cubs 8-10½ years of age.

• Scouts 10½-14 years of age.

• Explorer Scouts 14-18 years of age

• Scout Network 18-25 years of age

The aims of scouting are clearly stated but can be basically surmised as providing an opportunity for young people

to develop, to learn and to enjoy themselves. Scouting can offer a wide range of skills and services and is open

to any young person, of any creed or colour, mental or physical capabilities and of any sex.

All scout sections rely upon a balanced programme. There are Challenge badges that complement the balanced

programme. These have been developed to extend Cub Scouts' skills and experience. The Challenges are optional

and continue throughout the Sections providing continuity from 6 to 25. There are 32 Activity badges specially

designed for the Cub Scout section, along with the four Staged badges. Additionally there are three awards to be

completed in association with other sections of the Group. The Chief Scout's Silver Award is the highest award in

the Cub section.

Scouting is not just about schemes, awards and badges. The 'games' and adventurous activities are very important

to scouting, not just because they are enjoyable, but because they are also important in the young persons

development. If you still have any doubts or questions about Scouting, please speak to one of the leaders or take

a look at one of the scout websites.

Promise & Law

The important underlying values of Scouting are surmised in the Cub Promise and Law. Each member ‘agrees’ to

these values when they are ‘Invested’.

The Cub Promise -

• I promise that I will do my best

• to do my duty to my God and to The Queen

• to help other people and to keep the Cub Scout Law

The Cub Scout Law -

• Cub Scouts always do their best,

• think of others before themselves

• and do a good turn every day.

Uniform

Scouting is a uniformed organisation. All Cubs are expected (indeed are required) to wear uniform for Pack Meetings, when arriving and departing from events and for parades. Cubs should take pride in their uniform and do their best to look after the uniform and to look smart. Cubs are not expected to wear a uniform until they have been ‘invested’ (officially joined the Pack). The uniform is available from many local stores. If you want any details on prices or where to obtain the uniform, please ask one of the leaders.

Cub Scout Uniform consists of :

• Green Cub Scout Jumper (& optional Group T-Shirt)

• Group - Light blue and navy necker or Scarf - See Below

• Woggle

• Black Trousers/Skirt (school style)

• Black Shoes

• Pen/Pencil, Paper, 2 Handkerchiefs & A4 Folder (This is for keeping handouts in for parents to read)

• Cub Powerpack record book - See Below

Please note we will provide the Necker and Powerpack book when a new cub is invested. This is at an extra cost of £10.00. If you have a necker already the cost is only £5.

Investiture

To invested as a Cub Scout , you will need to complete the following over a 3 to 4 week period with Akela.

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Find out how Scouting began

Learn the Cub Scout Law and Promise

Learn the Salute, Sign and handshake

Learn about Grand Howl

Design an invitation card

The Investiture Ceremony

Cubs will need a Cub Scout Uniform.

The Pack will form a circle around Akela and the Sixer will bring up the Cub to be invested and say “This is .... and he would like to become a Cub Scout”

Akela - “Do you want to become a Cub Scout?”

Akela - “What is the Cub Scout Law?”

Cub - “Yes, Akela I do”

Cub - to state the Law

Akela - ”Are you ready to make your Cub Scout Promise?”

Cub - “Yes, Akela I do”

Akela - ”Pack, please make the Scout sign”

Cub - to repeat the Promise after Akela

Akela - ”I trust you to do your best to keep this Promise. You are now a Cub Scout in the worldwide family of Scouts”

Akela - Present the Neckerchief and badges

Cub - to salute the pack and rejoin Six and can now take part in the Grand Howl

The investiture will be held at the start of the night, parents are welcome the following dates have been set for this year please see the wall programme in the SCOUT HQ. Cubs may also be invested on Camp.

Please note we will provide the Necker and Powerpack book when a new cub is invested. This is at an extra cost of £10.00. If you have a Necker already the cost is only £5. Subs will also be due on the night.

Sixes

Cub Scouts borrows a great deal of its ‘system’ from the ‘Jungle Book’ by Rudyard Kipling. The Cubs meet in a group called a Pack (as in a Pack of Wolves). The leader of the Cub Scout section is Akela and other leaders may take Jungle Book names such as Bagheera, Baloo, Kaa etc.

At the beginning and end of each pack meeting the Cubs hold a type of ceremony called a ‘Grand Howl’ as well as Flagbreak/Flagdown.

The Cubs in the Pack are organised into Sixes. Each six has their own colour and the Cubs in that six wear a woggle on their scarf of that colour. Each six will contain approximately six cubs of a range of ages. New Cubs will usually be put into a six where they know at least one other cub. Each six has a ‘Sixer’ who is ‘in charge’ of the six. He/She is helped by a ‘Seconder’. A cub is not usually made up to a Seconder or Sixer unless they have shown their competence and good behaviour.

If your child is unhappy with any aspect of their six, or if they have a problem with any other members of the pack, please let one of the leaders know.

The colour of our sixes are based on the colours of the Cherokee nation’s flag.

Black, Blue, Green, and Yellow

Badges & Awards

Cub Scouts will work towards many badges during their time in the Pack. There is detailed information available about these badges and their requirements. A Cub may begin working towards badges as soon as they first come to the Pack. Badges will not be worn until they are invested, and then they will be worn on the uniform. The various badges will involve work at the Pack meeting, sometimes work at special events or camps, and also a certain amount of work to be completed at home. If your child wishes to undertake any of the badgework, please discuss it with a leader.

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Pack Night Programme

The Cub Scout Section works to a loose program each night.

7.30: p.m. Flag/Inspection/Subs.

7.35 p.m. Game

7:50 p.m. Badge Work etc

8:30 p.m. Game

8:40 p.m. Sixes/Notices/Flag Down/Dismiss

Come in and see what happens if you want to know more!

The Cubs will be inspected each week for their uniform and general appearance. These scores are totalled monthly and yearly, with a trophy and prize going to the highest scoring Cub each time. The words ‘Games’ and ‘Work’ are used loosely as all of the nights activities are presented in a fun and interesting way. Often the Cubs will be playing a ‘Game’ whilst learning some important scouting skills, or they may be doing some really enjoyable ‘Work’ without realising it. If you have any questions regarding the Pack night programme please come and ask one of the leaders, perhaps you could even ask to stay for a night to see what they get up to!

Procedures for entering and leaving the Scout Centre

You won’t usually be able to get into the Centre until a key holder arrives to open the gates. Please do not drive down the access road as it is very narrow and there is no room for parking on site.

If you drive to the H Q, please take special care as there may be young people in the vicinity.

When picking up children, park in Goods Station Lane and, remember not to block the neighbouring drives when parking, you can then come to the Centre on foot.

The Groups Leaders

(Almost) all adults in Scouting, including Uniformed Leaders are volunteers. They give their time for free, they do not get paid. The leaders at Penkridge are all experienced leaders and have been in the Scouting movement for, oooh, far too long! All of the leaders are committed to the enjoyment and teaching of the kids and give up a great deal of their spare time, effort and money in order to achieve this.

A uniformed leader, and indeed any form of ‘helper’ or leader at the group, has to complete a form which is sent to the local District Commissioner, and then to HQ where checks are made to ascertain the individuals suitability for working with young people. Uniformed leaders have to attend an appointments committee meeting before being awarded their ‘Warrant’. They also have to attend a series of training courses before they gain their ‘Wood Badge’. The Cub Scout Leader (Akela –) has overall responsibility for the Cub Pack and the activities which members take part in. The services of others may be sought for instruction in particular activities such as First Aid, Climbing etc. The Cub Scout leader delegates responsibilities to Assistant Leaders (Bagheera, Shere Khan) and helpers. Older Scouts or Explorers may be asked to help at times as well.

Each section (Beavers, Cubs or Scouts) has its own team of leaders and they are run independently, although

there are close links with all the sections in the Group. The Group Scout Leader (Mr. Tony Birch) provides support for all the sections and is charged with the task of developing Scouting throughout the Group. In addition to the uniformed leaders, there is a dedicated team of adults (see We Need You!) who are responsible for keeping the Group running through such activities as fund-raising and maintaining the Group’s equipment. The efforts of all these people are co-ordinated by the Group's Chairman.

Behaviour & Discipline

All Cubs are expected to behave well and appropriately. Inappropriate behaviour will not be accepted. Generally speaking, minor incidents will be dealt with at the leaders discretion (e.g. A simple ‘telling off’, sitting out the game, extra work). More serious examples, in particular bullying and fighting, will result in the Cub’s parents being contacted and, depending upon the circumstances, suspension for a number of weeks. Older Cubs, and in particular Sixers and Seconders, will be expected to set a good example to younger members of the Pack.

Occasionally we will have members in the Pack with special needs. If your child requires any additional help with any activity, or has any particular needs please speak to one of the leaders.

A Cub Scout’s Obligations

Members of the Penkridge Cub Pack are expected to take an active role in the activities of the Pack. The following should be considered the minimum commitment from a Cub:

Attend all Scout Meetings unless ill or away

Take part in St. George’s Day Parade in April in Stafford

Take part in the Remembrance Sunday Chruch Parade - in Penkridge

Attend at least two Scouting events during the year

If a Cub has to miss meetings due to any other commitments, they should talk to one of the leaders.

A large number of other events are organised for the Cubs throughout the year, and it is hoped that Cubs will attend most, if not all of these events in order to take advantage of the wide range of opportunities available. (see District Events and other upcoming events in the newsletter, Akela’s Shout).

Parental Support – We Need You!

As a new cub pack part of your obligation of joining is that you volunteer your time to help us and your cub. We expect our parents to come down on a Monday night to help out once every six weeks. This is so we always have enough adult supervision to provide a fun packed night. What nights can you Do?

Help is need in many areas and your support is essential if the group is to continue running as it should. The weight of responsibility should not fall on the heads of a few volunteers, and your child will also benefit from a demonstration of your commitment to the Pack as well as their own. Parents are asked to help in any manner they can. This means the small details at the very least, like ensuring that their child arrives in time for the Pack meetings, helping out on a Pack night by setting up the tables or perhaps helping to clear up for a week or two. Ideally we would like your help in many other areas. If you wish to help out at a Pack night or special event, please speak to one of the leaders as you may have to complete a clearance form for the Scout Association to ensure the safety of all members of the Pack.

All parents are invited (and expected to attend) the Annual General Meeting, the exact times and dates of which will be circulated in advance. This is extremely important as it is when the Committee is elected and the Fund Raising committee is organised. Important details on what is happening in the group are discussed and it gives you the chance to air your views and put forward your suggestions.

Fund Raising is a very important part of ‘Behind-the-scenes’ scouting and all parents are encouraged to come forward with ideas and offers of help regarding fund raising. The group has a great deal of camping and scouting equipment that cost a sizeable sum of money to maintain, in addition to the nominal amount to keep each section running. If you have any questions or suggestions please speak to one of the leaders.

All Parents are asked to be vigilant in bringing their children directly into the building and ensuring a leader knows they have arrived, and also to collect them promptly from within the hall.

Financial Matters

Our Scout Group is administered and run by the Group Council, or parent committee, which is made up of the parents of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. The main task that faces the committee is that of fund-raising. As a parent of a Group member, you are automatically a member of the Group Council and at our Group AGM, usually held during June each year, you have the right to elect members to serve on the Group Council Executive Committee, which is the workhorse of the Group Council.

We are a voluntary organisation, which receives no financial support from local or central Government. We must raise all funds ourselves, which is sometimes a very daunting task. We have to rely heavily on the support of parents in all our fund-raising efforts. As a parent of a Scout we shall be looking for your support, not only in fund- raising, but also as a member of the Group Council, we would be looking to you to serve on the Executive Committee sometime in the future.

The Leaders do their best to offer quality scouting for the lowest possible cost. The main source of income is the membership subscriptions paid by all members. This is currently taking in the form of weekly ‘Subs’ of £90 per year for Cubs. This subscription not only covers the basic costs of the sections but a sizeable chunk of this goes to the Scout Association to pay for the ‘Insurance’ for each member of the group. This will cover each member at any scouting event.

Camps and some special events will also require a certain cost to be covered. Costs vary and details will be circulated in the Group Newsletter, Akela’s Shout well in advance of the date. For camps we run a ‘Camp Bank’ whereby the cost can be spread out in small payments over a number of weeks. Please ask for details. If you have any difficulty with payment or have any questions about what happens to the money you pay in to the group, please feel free to ask one of the leaders for a discrete and private talk.

Subscriptions

Membership subscriptions are levied three times a year on

1st April £30.00

1st September £30.00

1st January £30.00

They are calculated on an annual basis and revised annually. You will receive a request for payment in the first weeks of term and will be asked complete a form on the front of an envelope. Please bring cheques only to the next meeting.

The current subscriptions in 2010 are £90 per annum (£30 per term).

PLEASE MAKE ALL CHEQUES PAYABLE TO “PENKRIDGE SCOUT GROUP"

Subscriptions – by Gift Aid

We wish to collect all subscriptions by Gift Aid. The Scout Group reclaims the tax as a recognised and registered charity in the same way as other well known charities e.g. Cancer Research. The tax is reclaimed as it has already been paid through the donor’s taxed income. This means that for every £1 of subscriptions you pay the group can claim back 28p. This is obviously a very advantageous method of the group increasing its annual income and is put to good use in the equipment and activities that the group provides.

More info @ . Please complete the last page of this booklet.

Camps & Trips

Throughout the year there will normally be many opportunities for the Cubs to enjoy a camp or a special ’trip’ out.

Each camp requires a form to be completed and signed (a copy of which is available from the leaders) and all other single events and day trips will require a second permission form. This second permission form will only need to be signed once and will cover your child for almost every single ‘special event’.

Payment for camps usually consists of a deposit when a Cub signs up and then a balance closer to the event. Deposits are not refundable and no discounts can be offered if the Cub cannot attend all days of a particular camp.

The deposits are often used to pay for buildings and transport months in advance.

Cheques should be made payable to: Penkridge Scout Group

Activities & Supervision

An important part of the appeal of Scouting is the provision of adventurous activities. The Scout Association has strict rules regulating these activities and, when appropriate, trained instructors are used for these activities. Adventurous activities or trips are often organised throughout the year as part of the Cubs programme and there will occasionally be an extra charge for certain events. When camping, full details and a full kit list will be issued prior to the event.

Leaders have to follow and abide by the rules and guidelines laid down in the Scout Association publication ‘Policy, Organisation & Rules.’

If you wish to see a copy of P.O.R., or a copy of the Pack night programme, or if you wish to know more about this subject please feel free to ask one of the leaders.

Group Newsletter – Akela’s Shout

The Group publishes its own newsletter, which is distributed to parents of members of all the sections. The newsletter contains a wide variety of information, from regular details on upcoming events, to reports and follow- ups on past events. The members of the group contribute to the newsletter themselves and it often contains some excellent articles from the youngsters themselves.

Anyone is free to offer contributions, and all sensible contributions will be put into the newsletter. If you wish to make a contribution or if you have any questions please speak to Akela.

It is vital that you read the newsletter.

Other Sections

When a cub approaches the age of 10½ they will begin to look towards moving up to the Scout Troop. Initially they will be asked to participate in a 6-week transition period where they attend both Cubs and Scouts (the Scouts meet in the same place, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Tuesdays). They will also have to complete certain requirements for their Membership Badge before they can be invested as a Scout. Parents will only be charged one subscription fee during this time. More information is available from the Cub Scout Leader and the Scout Leader.

District & Special Events

Throughout the year there is a wide programme of activities and events available to Cub. These will often be District Events where they involve Cubs from all the groups Stafford. Details of the dates and activities are published in advance in the Newsletter, and a yearly diary will be distributed when the dates have been finalised.

Questions & Answers

Q. Are there Pack Meetings all the year round?

A. The Tuesday Pack Meetings are normally held throughout the year, school holidays included. The only Tuesdays we don’t meet are over a couple of weeks over the Christmas break. If this changes we will let you know through our news letter

Q. Is it necessary for my child to go to every Pack Meeting?

A. The meetings are designed so that skills learnt one week are built on in subsequent weeks. So if they miss too many Meetings they will start to feel left out of things.

Q. What if my child decides they do not want to be a Pack anymore?

A. It’s a voluntary organization for them, as well as for the Leaders, so they are entitled to make that decision. And children’s interests do change as they grow up. But we would appreciate being told if they are not going to come anymore. So that their six don’t have to live with a gap in their ranks, for one thing! And we would like to know the reason, in case there’s a problem in the Pack that we need to tackle.

Q. You say I will be notified of activities, changes for future Meetings, and so on. How?

A. Usually by means of a note given to the Cubs at the end of a Meeting and via the groups newsletter, Akela’s Shout. In addition there is a notice board at the front entrance of the main hall with posters detailing most of the upcoming events.

Q. What happens if my child loses their Group Scarf, Handbook, woggle or anything else they have been given?

A. They need a Scarf, woggle and Handbook and if they lose them, or the dog eats them, we will replace them. But we will ask you to pay the cost, so that the Pack funds don’t suffer.

Q. Where can we get the equipment/books/scarves etc?

A. Uniform, record and hand books, folders and other equipment can either be purchased through the group or we can recommend a reputable store or website. Please speak to a leader for more information and up to date prices.

Q. What if I have any concerns?

A. Your child has an absolute right to be comfortable at Troop Meetings and Activities. If anything happens that makes them, or you, concerned or worried or if the behaviour of a Leader is in any way inappropriate then you must let us know.

Q. There is a waiting list, why is this?

A. We have 32,000 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.

Q. Will my child be insured when on Scout activities?

A. Yes. All Members are covered under our Personal Accident and Medical Expenses Policy.

Q. How much does it cost to send my child to Scouts?

A. This will cost £90 per year which is collected, termly. This fee covers the cost of the upkeep of the meeting place and so on. 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.

Q. What do Scouts wear and where can I buy it?

A. Scouts wear a uniform of black 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 scarf or necker, the colour of which varies depending on the Group. Uniform can either be bought from Scout Shops or your local district scout shop (the adults in your child's Group will be able to give you more information).

Q. Is there a planned programme of activities for Scouts?

A. Yes. Behind the fun of Scouting, there is an educational programme which was completely redesigned in 2001 following years of work with educationalists and youth workers. Whilst Groups will undertake different activities from each other, the main programme areas are: Outdoor and Adventure; Global; Community; Fit for Life; Creative; and Beliefs and Attitudes. Group Leaders are trained to deliver this programme.

Q. My child is a Scout but we are moving house, how can I enrol him/her in a new Group?

A. 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.

Adults Help Out - Case study

'It’s easy for parents to get involved in Scouting. Here are some different experiences of parents who have enjoyed helping out.

Chris - Parent Helper

A friend of mine who is a Beaver Leader mentioned that she was short of help and I volunteered to give her a hand for a few weeks.  I didn’t know much about Scouting, just the old fashioned views most people have. I quickly found out what Scouting really is and it certainly has been an eye opener.  It’s great fun and children can achieve so much even at such a young age.  I enjoy it much more than I thought I would.

I made the decision recently to take on the role of permanent Helper for the Colony and I haven’t looked back.  The most rewarding thing for me is following the progress and development of the Beavers.  They are each with us for 2 years and it is an amazing journey for them too, you see their confidence growing and that’s why I do it.

I have two children myself so I am a busy mum.  My Scouting commitment is only one hour a week but I get so much satisfaction from it.

Scouting has changed my views on how children can progress and become really confident just by having fun.  The activities we do in the summer are what I enjoy most whether it’s taking the Beavers out for mini-treks or cooking outside.  I now have a totally different outlook on volunteering.

Andrew – County Commissioner

I used to be a Cub Scout some years previously but had lost contact with Scouting before I met my wife. She and her family were very involved and I started to get involved to support them. I found that I enjoyed working with young people and felt I had something to offer. When my son became a Beaver I decided it was time to give something back and offer my skills and experience to Scouting.

I made contact with a County Commissioner who was very supportive and actively attempted to find me a suitable role. I began volunteering as a member of the District Executive Committee, became District Secretary, then District Commissioner and finally County Commissioner. I really enjoy being part of a team, contributing to the success of Scouting, working with young people and understanding the issues they face today. Through using my work skills, I believe I have provided leadership, direction, structure and professional administration to the District and County.

Tina – Beaver Colony Administrator

‘I first got involved with Scouting through my daughter. When she joined Beavers, I got chatting to the Chairman of the District at an event. I mentioned that I work in administration, and she said that the District was looking for someone to help with administration for the monthly newsletter. I felt this was something I could do easily, and without committing too much time, so I asked her to tell me a bit more about what it would entail. I now send out the newsletter once it has been written and printed by other volunteers. I like being able to help my daughter’s Group in a way that suits my skills and availability. There’s no pressure and everyone works to their own schedule.’

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APPENDIX A

Health & Safety Policy Of Penkridge Scout Group

It is the policy of 15th Stafford (Penkridge) Scout Group, in accordance with the policy of The Scout Association, that Scouting will be provided in a safe manner without risk to health, so far as is reasonably practicable.

The 15th Stafford (Penkridge) Scout Group Scout Group accepts that this responsibility ranks equally with the other responsibilities incumbent upon those providing Scouting activities and functions.

It is the responsibility of all those involved with Scouting in 15th Stafford (Penkridge) Scout Group Scout Group to seek, so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure that:

All activities are conducted in a safe manner without risk to the health of the participants;

The provision and maintenance of equipment and buildings for Members of the Scout Association and others is safe and without risk to health and adequate for their welfare; information, instruction, training and supervision are provided with the object of ensuring the health and safety of all those involved in Scouting activities or who may be affected by them;

appropriate arrangements are made to ensure safety and the absence of risks to health in connection with the use, transport, storage and handling of equipment, and substances which are inherently or potentially dangerous.

APPENDIX B

Young People First Policy

It is the policy of The Scout Association to safeguard the welfare of all Members by protecting them from physical, sexual and emotional harm.

The Scout Association is committed to:

Taking into account in all its considerations and activities the interests and wellbeing of young people.

Respecting the rights, wishes and feelings of the young people with whom it is working.

Taking all reasonable practicable steps to protect them from physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and promoting the welfare of young people and their protection within a relationship of trust.

All adults aged eighteen or over, no matter what their role or involvement within Scouting, are responsible for putting this policy into practice at all times.

APPENDIX C

Group Antibullying Policy

"Children have the right to protection from all forms of violence (physical or mental). They

must be kept safe from harm and they must be given proper care by those looking after them".

[The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 19]

The Scout Association is committed to this ethos and seeks to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the prevention of all forms of bullying among Members. To this end all Scouting activities should have in place rigorous antibullying strategies.

Responsibility within the AntiBullying Policy

It is the responsibility of all adults in Scouting to help develop a caring and supportive

atmosphere, where bullying in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Adults in Scouting should:

be aware of the potential problems bullying may cause;

be alert to signs of bullying, harassment or discrimination;

take action to deal with such behaviour when it occurs, following Association policy guidelines;

provide access for young people to talk about any concerns they may have;

encourage young people and adults to feel comfortable and caring enough to point out attitudes or behaviour they do not like;

help ensure that their Group/Section has a published policy or charter to promote good behaviour.

Group policy on bullying

1. Definition of bullying:

Bullying is defined as a deliberate attempt to intimidate or persecute another person, by physical or psychological means. Any such behaviour is clearly at variance with the Scout Law.

2. All members of the Group, young and old, have a plain duty to avoid acting in an overbearing way. However, it must also be recognised that:

It is necessary for good order and safety, and entirely in keeping with the Scout ethos, for clear instructions to be given by those in charge of activities, which can include other youngsters, and for appropriate action to be taken if these instructions are not followed.

It is particularly important for the effective operation of the Patrol system in the Scout Troop that the ability of Patrol Leaders to organise their Patrols should not be allowed to be undermined by misconceived complaints of bullying. Allowances must be made for the relative inexperience of Patrol Leaders in carrying out their duties.

Whilst it is normal and healthy for youngsters playfully to tease each other, this must not be confused with bullying and if this is suspected then the leaders will take appropriate action.

Whilst it is quite possible for a person wrongly to perceive a threat which is not intended, each situation will need to be dealt as and when it arises and any action taken will be based on the outcome of an investigation.

3. Any member of the Group who feels he/she is being bullied in any form should inform the

most appropriate adult (Section Assistant, Section Leader Group Scout Leader) who will take the matter to whomever he/she feels is an appropriate person within the Group.

That person must act in accordance with “Policy, Organisation and Rules” Rule 2.5 above.

4. Any member of the Group who becomes aware that another member is being bullied should take suitable action to deal with this situation, as above, or report it to the Group Scout Leader.

5. The Group Scout Leader will take the ultimate responsibility for listening to all grievances within the Group, advising, and where he/she considers it desirable, taking action to remedy any situation. If the Group Scout Leader is unable to resolve the situation, he/she will refer to the District Commissioner.

MEMBERSHIP - INFORMATION. Page 1 of 3

Not only does this form give us important information it also enables parents to take part in activities (If only for providing transport to and from camp) having been ‘cleared’ by the Scout Association, a necessary process before all adults have contact with young people. Please return this form to your child’s section Leader at his next meeting or email it and copy to rturner@turnerconstruction.co.uk.

Child’s Name: Date of Birth:

Section: (e.g. Cubs) Date Filled In

PARENTS / GUARDIAN CONTACT DETAILS

Parents / Guardians Names: Father /Mother

Address:

Post Code:

Tel. No: Mobile No’s.: Father Mother

Email address: Father

Email address: Mother

Name and telephone of 2 other Emergency Contacts during meetings:

1)

2)

School: Faith:

Fathers Occupation:

Mothers Occupation:

Relatives in Group / Friends in section:

Younger Siblings Names & Ages

Older siblings Names & Ages

MEDICAL DETAILS

Doctors Name Doctors Address

Child’s special needs medical, dietary, social, educational:

National Health Service Number

Allergies?

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION. Page 2 of 3

Child’s Name:

Section:

As mentioned already it is a requirement of your child’s membership that you either help with a section, help with the general running of the Group or help with two fundraising events per year. If you want further details on these please either contact your child’s section Leader, or Tony Birch. Could you please indicate your preference below:

| |Mother |Father |

|Help on Cub Nights every Six weeks | | |

|Help at a camp etc | | |

|Help with transport for camp (Have Van/lorry for | | |

|transporting equipment | | |

|Help with fundraising: | | |

|Help with building maintenance | | |

|Help with grounds maintenance: | | |

|Help with cleaning of the Centre: | | |

|Please indicate if either of you have ever been | | |

|involved in Scouting or Guiding as a member or | | |

|helper | | |

Data Protection

I accept that the Scout Group will be keeping information about my son’s/daughter’s membership of the Scout Movement for Scouting purposes.

I give explicit consent to the holding of information of my son’s/daughter’s health; disabilities; religion/faith; race/ethnic origin again for Scouting purposes.

I give/do not give consent to the disclosure of any of information held to third parties associated with the Scout Movement in order that they may offer products and services which may be of interest.

Please note this information will be held on computer for the Group’s use.

Parents Signed_________________________________________________ Date______________

PHOTOGRAPH CONSENT

I give permission as the parent or guardian of the named person above for their likeness to be used

for the purposes of Penkridge Scout Group's internal and external publications, newsletters, presentations and Penkridge Scout Group's Website, and local/national newspaper articles.

If it is given, you may remove your permission at any time by contacting the scout leader.

Parents Signed_________________________________________________ Date______________

Gift Aid declaration 3 of 3

Please help us to raise some money just by us doing some basic paperwork!!

It costs you nothing other than the 5 minutes it takes to fill out the form. The other parents that agreed to gift aid last year allowed us to claim over £1500 in Gift Aid from the Government

15th Stafford (Penkridge) Scout Group

Please notify the charity

All gifts of money that I make today and in the future as GIFT AID donations; OR

All gifts of money that I have made in the past 6 years and all future gifts of money that

I make from the date of this Declaration as GIFT AID donation

Please tick the appropriate box

You must pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April one

year to 5 April the next) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that the charity or Community

Amateur Sports Club will reclaim on your gifts for that tax year

Donor’s details

Title Initial Surname

Home Address

Postcode

Date Signature

Please notify the charity if you

1. Want to cancel this declaration.

2. Change your name or home address.

3. No longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains.

Tax claimed by the charity

• The charity will reclaim 28p of tax on every £1 you gave up to 5 April 2008.

• The charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 you give on or after 6 April 2008.

• The Government will pay to the charity an additional 3p on every £1 you give between 6 April 2008 and 5 April 2011. This transitional relief for the charity does not affect your personal tax position.

If you pay income tax at the higher rate, you must include all your GIFT AID donations on your Self Assessment tax return if you want to receive the additional tax relief due to you.

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