Badge Placement Gamlingay Scouts
Scouts Badges
Gamlingay Scouts - Thursdays
Pathfinder Scouts - Fridays
Scouts are between the ages of 10½-14.
We like getting out doing things and we hope you would like to join us. We also want to make your introduction
into one of our Troops as easy as possible so here are some details about us and how we operate.
We run two Scout troops. They meet at the following times during school terms:
Thursdays – 19:30 -21:00
Fridays – 19:45 – 21:30
In this time, you will meet the people in the Troop and will join a Patrol, a group of 4 to 6 others led by more experienced Scouts. Where possible, we will fit you into a Patrol where you already know someone. The Patrol will look after you and all you have to do is join in.
When you decide that you like what we do and want to stay with us then it is time to become a Scout by getting invested. To do this you will need a uniform. This consists of Scout Shirt (green), our Scout Group neckerchief (which is plain maroon) and a leather woggle. Scout Activity trousers (blue), and a Scout belt can be useful as well but are optional (otherwise school uniform trousers).
The uniform can be bought from our District Scout Shop, run by volunteers, which is open between 7.00 and 8.30 on Tuesday and Thursday evenings during term time at Boyd Field Campsite, Henlow. Contact 01462 638895. You can also buy uniforms online at http://shop.scouts.org.uk/
When you have settled into the Troop and you have your uniform, then you can be invested. We will arrange a suitable date, and we hold investitures at the beginning or end of our Troop nights so that parents or family can attend if they wish.
Details of where to place badges on the uniform of your Scout can be found here.
It is good practice as well as Scout Association policy to have at least two adults present at all Troop events. Whilst we do have two permanent leaders, there may be occasions where we only have one Troop Leader available to attend. Therefore, we may occasionally ask parents to assist us in running meetings so that there are always other adults present during Troop nights. We hope that all parents are involved equally and it may mean attending one or two evenings per year at the most. You get involved as much or as little as you wish with the programme on the night. No special expertise is needed. Arrangements are made with us as and when the need arises.
Scouts is all about getting outdoors and camping if we can. To do this the same Child Protection rules apply and so we may need some volunteers to help attend camp. As this means getting more involved it requires helpers to go through the Scout Association DBS authorisation process. We have some parents who have done this but other helpers are always needed and welcome. Let us know if you are interested.
We operate a balanced programme intended to give each individual the opportunity to learn new skills, try a broad range of challenges and find out about both teamwork and themselves. We do this in an environment where risks have been assessed and where training has been given, but overall, the emphasis is on each Scout to learn by doing, for themselves and their Patrol. And most importantly to have fun in the process.
Our Code of Conduct and disciplinary procedures for all of our age groups / sections are based on these core values of Scouting:
Integrity: We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.
Respect: We have self-respect and respect for others.
Care: We support others and take care of the world in which we live.
These core values will be shared with members of each section as part of our annual programme in an age-appropriate open forum led by section leaders. We expect all young members of our Group to follow these core values and principles at all times
Scouts are expected to wear their uniform to all meetings unless otherwise instructed. Ideally wear a T-shirt underneath so that during games and strenuous activities they can take part comfortably out of uniform. When uniform is not required for a particular meeting, we will let you know beforehand.
We ask you to let us know by email if your Scout is not attending a weekly meeting; this will help us schedule out programme accordingly. It also helps us to understand attendance patterns and gauge that we are getting things right and engaging the young people. If we know your Scout cannot come to a particular meeting. we will record this as such, rather than mark them down as just being absent.
Parents/guardians of Scouts are asked to drop off their young people no more than 5 minutes before the meeting or activity is due to start. Parents/guardians should ensure that their young person enters the building safely and in the presence of a leader. Please remember that the area outside the HQ is a busy car park and is not an area where young people should be congregating or playing before or after a meeting or activity.
It is the Groups policy that at the end of any meeting or activity, leaders will ensure that Scouts are only released back into the care of their parents/guardians. If for any reason this arrangement may change then we ask that Parents/Guardians pre-advise the section leader of any changes to collection arrangements of your Scout on a case-by-case basis. We would also ask you to ensure that you are ready to collect your Scout from the HQ or place of activity promptly at the end of the session. For safety reasons, Scouts will not be allowed to cross the car park unattended to meet parents/guardians in their car.
We are aware that the age range of the Scouts is between 10 and 14. Their pick up and drop off arrangements may well change over time. We therefore request that if you wish to allow your Scout to be able to walk to and from Scouts unaccompanied, that you update their membership information via their section leader or via the Parent Portal on Online Scout Manager (OSM). Should these circumstances change again, we ask that you advise your section leader by email.
An explorer, adventurer and TV presenter, Dwayne's been seen in BAFTA nominated Channel 5 series Race to the Pole, on BBC Springwatch, Countryfile, National Geographic and Disney+.
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