We like getting out doing things and we hope you would like to join us. We also want to make your introduction into our Colony as easy as possible so here are some details about us and how we operate.
We run two Beaver colonies. They meet at the following times during school terms:
Wednesdays – 17:30 – 18:30
Fridays – 18:15 – 19:30
In this time, you will meet the people in the Colony and will join a lodge, a group of 4 to 6 others led by more experienced Beavers. Where possible, we will fit you into a lodge where you already know someone. The lodge 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 Beaver by getting invested. To do this you will need a uniform. This consists of Beaver Sweatshirt (blue), and our Group neckerchief (which is plain maroon). We provide the woggle at investiture. Scout Activity trousers 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 Colony 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 Colony nights so that parents or family can attend if they wish.
Details of where to place badges on the uniform of your young Beaver can be found here
It is good practice as well as Scout Association policy to have at least three adults present at all Colony events. Whilst we do have two permanent leaders, there may be occasions where we only have one or two Colony Leaders available to attend. Therefore, we may occasionally ask parents to assist us in running meetings so that there are always other adults present during Colony 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.
Beavers 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 Beaver to learn by doing, for themselves and their lodge. 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.
All Beavers 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 Beaver 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 Beaver cannot come to a particular meeting. we will record this as such, rather than mark them down as just being absent.
Parents/guardians of Beavers 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 into a leader’s care. 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, Beavers will only be released directly back into the care of their parents/guardians on a one-to-one basis. 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 Beaver on a case-by-case basis. We would also ask you to ensure that you are ready to collect your Beaver from the HQ or place of activity promptly at the end of the session. For safety reasons, Beavers will not be allowed to cross the car park unattended to meet parents/guardians in their car.
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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