WELCOME PACK
Frequently Asked Questions....
HOW CAN MY CHILD JOIN?
You've found us! So you have made the first step! Next you need to get in touch with a Volunteer Section Leader for your child(ren)'s age group which you can find here.
Scouting is open to all, and we welcome discussions with parents/carers that allow us to be able to make adjustments to ensure that everyone can join in the fun. If you have any questions about accessibility, chat with the leader as soon as you are in touch with them. By discussing this from the start, parents/carers can work in partnership with volunteer leaders to make sure their child has what they need in place to help them get the most out of their scouting experience.
You will need to complete a Young Person's Joining Form and give this to the Leader for when your child starts. This can be downloaded here.
Scouting is open to all, and we welcome discussions with parents/carers that allow us to be able to make adjustments to ensure that everyone can join in the fun. If you have any questions about accessibility, chat with the leader as soon as you are in touch with them. By discussing this from the start, parents/carers can work in partnership with volunteer leaders to make sure their child has what they need in place to help them get the most out of their scouting experience.
You will need to complete a Young Person's Joining Form and give this to the Leader for when your child starts. This can be downloaded here.
Is there a waiting list?
Lots of young people want to join in the scouting fun so there may be times when you have to wait for a space to become available for your child(ren), especially for the younger sections. However get in touch with the section volunteer leader for your child(ren)'s age group here and they will be able to let you know if your child(ren) can start straight away, or if not, they will take your details to make sure your child(ren) get to start as soon as they can.
Often waiting lists can be resolved by parents and other adults helping in some way. Regardless of skillset or availability theres an opportunity for everyone to contribute. Volunteering your time to scouting is easier than you think and doesn't have to mean making a regular commitment.
Often waiting lists can be resolved by parents and other adults helping in some way. Regardless of skillset or availability theres an opportunity for everyone to contribute. Volunteering your time to scouting is easier than you think and doesn't have to mean making a regular commitment.
How can my child benefit from joining scouts
There are so many benefits to scouting!....
Your child(ren) is likely to grow in confidence as they make new friends and learn new skills. They will develop resilience and a growth mindset, learning to be do-ers and give-it-a-goers. Along the way, they will achieve awards and badges which make them feel proud and valued. They will develop social skills, an understanding of others, our environment and of community and will be encouraged in developing a sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency. They will get to spend time outdoors as well as indoors, learning all sorts of new, interesting and fun skills that they might not otherwise experience. They will have opportunities of having days out and nights away. They will learn the benefits of working together and how to problem solve and make decisions while having to think about other people's points of view...... And they will have lots of fun!
Your child(ren) is likely to grow in confidence as they make new friends and learn new skills. They will develop resilience and a growth mindset, learning to be do-ers and give-it-a-goers. Along the way, they will achieve awards and badges which make them feel proud and valued. They will develop social skills, an understanding of others, our environment and of community and will be encouraged in developing a sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency. They will get to spend time outdoors as well as indoors, learning all sorts of new, interesting and fun skills that they might not otherwise experience. They will have opportunities of having days out and nights away. They will learn the benefits of working together and how to problem solve and make decisions while having to think about other people's points of view...... And they will have lots of fun!
How do I know if scouting is right for my child(ren)?
Scouting is for everyone. If you have any questions about accessibility, have a chat with the volunteer leader for your child(ren)'s age group. By being upfront about additional needs from the start, we can work together to make sure everyone can join in the fun on their own terms. If you'd like to know what the Scout Association has to say about additional needs you can read more here
We offer your child(ren) the opportunity to "try it out" for a couple of weeks before committing, so you should be able to tell after a couple of weeks if they are going to like scouts.
Once they have joined we have no doubt you will see and hear evidence from them that they are enjoying and getting something positive from their experience. However if you are at all concerned about your child(ren) at scouts then please talk to their section volunteer leader so we can support you child(en) and resolve anything if they are struggling with something.
We offer your child(ren) the opportunity to "try it out" for a couple of weeks before committing, so you should be able to tell after a couple of weeks if they are going to like scouts.
Once they have joined we have no doubt you will see and hear evidence from them that they are enjoying and getting something positive from their experience. However if you are at all concerned about your child(ren) at scouts then please talk to their section volunteer leader so we can support you child(en) and resolve anything if they are struggling with something.
How much does it cost?
The cost per term is £40 (There are 3 terms each year starting in January, April and September). Payment is due at the beginning of each term and can be paid by bank transfer. Parents will receive an invoice from the Treasurer (please be sure to check your junk mail if you haven't received it within a couple of days of the start of term!). This fee goes towards paying for your child(ren)'s Scout Association membership, insurance, equipment, building upkeep and programme resources. Unfortunately it doesn't cover everything so we are always grateful for parent support when we are fundraising.
If you are a tax payer we would be grateful of you would complete a Gift Aid Form which you can download here. Gift Aid is a tax relief set up by the Government to enable charities to claim back 25p for every eligible £1 donation that is made to a charity. As the Group is a charity, we are able to claim 25% on eligible donations made to us by UK taxpayers which includes any subscription fees we receive from parents or carers.
Scouting is designed to be an affordable way to learn lots of new skills through a single membership. Nobody should feel excluded because of money worries. We try to keep any extra activity, event and camp fees as low as possible. We endeavour to give parents notice of these and are happy to arrange payment plans for these. If you have any concerns about costs, speak to your volunteer leader in confidence, to see what the Group can do to help.
Your child(ren) will need a uniform shirt/jumper (depending which section they are in). They should wear comfortable trousers/shorts and footwear that is appropriate for active or possibly messy activity. For formal 'smarter' events they can wear school trousers and school shoes.
Group neckers are available to purchase from the Group and will be presented to your Child(ren) on "investiture" (i.e. on joining)
Equipment is provided for young people for their activities. They might however be asked to bring things with them on occassion, such as a water bottle, a torch, day backpack for some outdoor activities. Most of these things will be the sorts of things they may already have for school. As they move through the sections and their activities become more advanced they may need things like walking boots, a sleeping bag and a backpack (eg for camps or hikes). If you ever struggle with any items on a camp kit list, leaders are available for advice and the Group also has a small amount of items that can be borrowed - just ask!
Of course if your child(ren) has a particular interest they may like to have their own items! Some of these things can be great present ideas! This could include things such as a buoyancy aid, a compass, a flint & steel, or even their own hike tent! However these latter types of items are provided for them by the Group and they do not need to own their own.
If you are a tax payer we would be grateful of you would complete a Gift Aid Form which you can download here. Gift Aid is a tax relief set up by the Government to enable charities to claim back 25p for every eligible £1 donation that is made to a charity. As the Group is a charity, we are able to claim 25% on eligible donations made to us by UK taxpayers which includes any subscription fees we receive from parents or carers.
Scouting is designed to be an affordable way to learn lots of new skills through a single membership. Nobody should feel excluded because of money worries. We try to keep any extra activity, event and camp fees as low as possible. We endeavour to give parents notice of these and are happy to arrange payment plans for these. If you have any concerns about costs, speak to your volunteer leader in confidence, to see what the Group can do to help.
Your child(ren) will need a uniform shirt/jumper (depending which section they are in). They should wear comfortable trousers/shorts and footwear that is appropriate for active or possibly messy activity. For formal 'smarter' events they can wear school trousers and school shoes.
Group neckers are available to purchase from the Group and will be presented to your Child(ren) on "investiture" (i.e. on joining)
Equipment is provided for young people for their activities. They might however be asked to bring things with them on occassion, such as a water bottle, a torch, day backpack for some outdoor activities. Most of these things will be the sorts of things they may already have for school. As they move through the sections and their activities become more advanced they may need things like walking boots, a sleeping bag and a backpack (eg for camps or hikes). If you ever struggle with any items on a camp kit list, leaders are available for advice and the Group also has a small amount of items that can be borrowed - just ask!
Of course if your child(ren) has a particular interest they may like to have their own items! Some of these things can be great present ideas! This could include things such as a buoyancy aid, a compass, a flint & steel, or even their own hike tent! However these latter types of items are provided for them by the Group and they do not need to own their own.
Where can I get uniform?
We hold some second hand uniform at a reduced cost. Money raised from the sale of this goes back to the Group. If your child(ren) no longer need theirs we are always happy to receive donations of uniform to help those who need it. Please get in touch with Michelle who leads the fundraising team and holds second hand uniform stock.
New uniform can be bought online however where possible we encourage parents to purchase uniform at the Colchester Scout Shop who are now based at Mill Race Garden Centre on Saturday mornings. Please remember to tell them you are with Mersea Scout Group, as a small amount from the sale will then come back to us to help with the purchase of award badges for the young people.
New uniform can be bought online however where possible we encourage parents to purchase uniform at the Colchester Scout Shop who are now based at Mill Race Garden Centre on Saturday mornings. Please remember to tell them you are with Mersea Scout Group, as a small amount from the sale will then come back to us to help with the purchase of award badges for the young people.
My child is in scouting, is there anything I can do to help?
Yes!!....
Firstly, there are things you can do directly, that will help support your child(ren) in scouting. Such as encouraging them and supporting them in participating in activities and award work they can do in their spare time, such as encouraging them to keep their uniform smart and to turn up on time. Also by letting us know if there is anything that might be affecting their ability to enjoy their time at scouting; this might include sharing information about any additional needs they may have so we can make sure they get the most out of scouting or it might be about something that is going on temporarily in their life that is stressful and might impact their emotional wellbeing. We don't need to know lots of detail but just understanding that they might need a bit of extra space or distraction etc can be helpful.
Secondly, help or supporting the Group in our fundraising events is really important. We cannot run effectively without fundraising so anything you are able to do to help with this is great! Your help could include sharing our events with family and friends or on social media, helping to print or put up posters, attending an event, making a cake, donating an item or giving a little of your time in some way.
Other Volunteering.....
Many of our volunteers 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 Volunteer 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.
I don’t feel I have any suitable skills; how can I get involved?
Parents can volunteer and help in many ways; you don’t have to be a regular Bear Grylls - though of course if you are you're in the right place!! But you might have first aid knowledge that you could teach the group, or you might be able to teach our Scouts a thing or two about DIY or do some DIY jobs in the background. If you’re good with accounts, with IT or media, administration, writing, or if you’re a culinary whizz..... Everyone has a skill (whether you know it or not) and we can make use of it.
There's no pressure to continue as a volunteer, but hopefully we'll be able to inspire you by showing how easy and rewarding it can be to volunteer with Scouts.
Do I have to wear uniform?
No. Although Scouting is a uniformed organisation, not all adults in Scouting wear a uniform.
Firstly, there are things you can do directly, that will help support your child(ren) in scouting. Such as encouraging them and supporting them in participating in activities and award work they can do in their spare time, such as encouraging them to keep their uniform smart and to turn up on time. Also by letting us know if there is anything that might be affecting their ability to enjoy their time at scouting; this might include sharing information about any additional needs they may have so we can make sure they get the most out of scouting or it might be about something that is going on temporarily in their life that is stressful and might impact their emotional wellbeing. We don't need to know lots of detail but just understanding that they might need a bit of extra space or distraction etc can be helpful.
Secondly, help or supporting the Group in our fundraising events is really important. We cannot run effectively without fundraising so anything you are able to do to help with this is great! Your help could include sharing our events with family and friends or on social media, helping to print or put up posters, attending an event, making a cake, donating an item or giving a little of your time in some way.
Other Volunteering.....
Many of our volunteers 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 Volunteer 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.
I don’t feel I have any suitable skills; how can I get involved?
Parents can volunteer and help in many ways; you don’t have to be a regular Bear Grylls - though of course if you are you're in the right place!! But you might have first aid knowledge that you could teach the group, or you might be able to teach our Scouts a thing or two about DIY or do some DIY jobs in the background. If you’re good with accounts, with IT or media, administration, writing, or if you’re a culinary whizz..... Everyone has a skill (whether you know it or not) and we can make use of it.
There's no pressure to continue as a volunteer, but hopefully we'll be able to inspire you by showing how easy and rewarding it can be to volunteer with Scouts.
Do I have to wear uniform?
No. Although Scouting is a uniformed organisation, not all adults in Scouting wear a uniform.
Where do award badges go on my child's uniform?
A guide to the badges a young person may be awarded, where to place them and which ones transfer through the sections can be found here. If in doubt please ask a Leader. We would advise against using glue or iron-on tape to place badges so that you can transfer them to the next uniform or to a blanket, and also so you can pass on your uniform
Click here for your guide to badges and awards!
Click here for your guide to badges and awards!
My child is due to move up a section, how can I support them in preparing for this?
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.
First of all, your child(ren) will move up automatically with priority over waiting lists. You can start to discuss the next step up in the 6 months before they are due to move up. Some young people move up a little early some need a little more time. There is something called the "Moving On" Award which the young person does in the transition from one section to another and will likely involve them attending both their current section meeting and their new section meeting for a couple of weeks so they get used to the change. If your child has friends in their section that they want to move up with, make sure that the section volunteer leader knows about this so that they can help where possible. This could also be a good opportunity to arrange sharing transport to and from meetings. Find out ahead of time about the meeting times and places for the next section so you can plan for any changes.
First of all, your child(ren) will move up automatically with priority over waiting lists. You can start to discuss the next step up in the 6 months before they are due to move up. Some young people move up a little early some need a little more time. There is something called the "Moving On" Award which the young person does in the transition from one section to another and will likely involve them attending both their current section meeting and their new section meeting for a couple of weeks so they get used to the change. If your child has friends in their section that they want to move up with, make sure that the section volunteer leader knows about this so that they can help where possible. This could also be a good opportunity to arrange sharing transport to and from meetings. Find out ahead of time about the meeting times and places for the next section so you can plan for any changes.
Is there a plan for each term? How do I know what my child will be doing / what they have done?
Yes, there's always a plan (and often a contingency plan! Weather etc can affect the initial plan!). Behind the fun of scouting, there is an educational programme. While every scout group will plan and do different activities, there are three main programme themes; outdoor & adventure, skills and world. The volunteer leaders in each section are trained to plan and provide a varied, challenging and safe programme.
You will be able to access an online platform called Online Scout Manager to view your child(ren)'s progress with activity and award badges, and you may either see their term's programme listed there or communicated to you via other methods. Please check with the section volunteer leader how the section does this.
You may also see photo or video updates in a closed group on facebook or WhatsApp with what your child(ren) are doing (providing you have given photo consent)
You will be able to access an online platform called Online Scout Manager to view your child(ren)'s progress with activity and award badges, and you may either see their term's programme listed there or communicated to you via other methods. Please check with the section volunteer leader how the section does this.
You may also see photo or video updates in a closed group on facebook or WhatsApp with what your child(ren) are doing (providing you have given photo consent)
How are adult volunteers screened and what safety measures do the Scout Association have in place?
Our volunteers undergo a screening process when starting their role. This includes a Police Records Check (enhanced DBS), an appointment panel interview for which they will provide two personal references. Volunteers leaders will be well versed in risk management and our Duty of Care through their training process.
We have safety and risk management policies in place which, for instance, require that there must always be two appropriate adult volunteers present with any number of children, each section has a specific young-person-to-adult-ratio that they must adhere to, to run safe meetings, and all activities are risk assessed.
For more information on how we keep your child safe click here
We have safety and risk management policies in place which, for instance, require that there must always be two appropriate adult volunteers present with any number of children, each section has a specific young-person-to-adult-ratio that they must adhere to, to run safe meetings, and all activities are risk assessed.
For more information on how we keep your child safe click here
Is scouting a religious organisation?
The Scout Association is not a religious organisation, it is an inclusive and values-based Movement. Membership is open to young people and adults of all faiths and beliefs, including those with the absence of an affirmed faith, humanists or atheists, but who share our values. Our values are integrity, respect, care, belief and cooperation. A key element of the programme is spiritual development and exploring different faiths, beliefs and attitudes; we encourage learning, understanding and acceptance of each other. There are a range of variations of the Promise (a commitment made by all members), to account for different age ranges, faith and beliefs and nationalities.
DO YOU HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION OR ARE UNCERTAIN ABOUT ANYTHING YOU HAVE READ? SPEAK TO YOUR CHILD'S SECTION VOLUNTEER LEADER OR PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE HELP OR ADVICE.
RULES, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
GROUP GENERAL POLICIES - General information about how the Group is managed (this document is under review and we are endeavouring to get the latest version agreed)- if you wish to see the current document please contact us.
CODE OF CONDUCT - We expect that all volunteers and young people will act in accordance with the Scout Association Fundamentals for scouting as follows:
The Promise and Law
The Scout Promise and Law are the simple way in which we help young people and adults to remember and think about the fundamentals of Scouts. It’s therefore vital that every member considers the Promise and discusses its meaning before making the Promise and being invested into Scouts. There are four versions of the Promise appropriate to different age groups. There’s one for Squirrels, one for Beavers, one for Cubs, and one Scouts, Explorers, Network and adults. Each version is written to be appropriate to the broad level of understanding of each of the age groups within the movement. There are various word choices in the Promise to reflect different faiths and those of no faith. All versions of the Promise can be found here
The Purpose of Scouting
Scouts exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
Our Scout Values
As Scouts, we are guided by these values:
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.
Belief: We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.
Cooperation: We make a positive difference; we cooperate with others and make friends.
The Scout Method
Scouts takes place when young people, in partnership with adult volunteers, work together based on the values of Scouts and:
The Scout Law
Adult and youth members show their Scouts' Values within the seven Scout laws:
The Promise and Law
The Scout Promise and Law are the simple way in which we help young people and adults to remember and think about the fundamentals of Scouts. It’s therefore vital that every member considers the Promise and discusses its meaning before making the Promise and being invested into Scouts. There are four versions of the Promise appropriate to different age groups. There’s one for Squirrels, one for Beavers, one for Cubs, and one Scouts, Explorers, Network and adults. Each version is written to be appropriate to the broad level of understanding of each of the age groups within the movement. There are various word choices in the Promise to reflect different faiths and those of no faith. All versions of the Promise can be found here
The Purpose of Scouting
Scouts exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
Our Scout Values
As Scouts, we are guided by these values:
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.
Belief: We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.
Cooperation: We make a positive difference; we cooperate with others and make friends.
The Scout Method
Scouts takes place when young people, in partnership with adult volunteers, work together based on the values of Scouts and:
- enjoy what they are doing and have fun;
- take part in activities indoors and outdoors;
- learn by doing;
- share in spiritual reflection;
- take responsibility and make choices;
- undertake new and challenging activities; and
- make and live by their Promise.
The Scout Law
Adult and youth members show their Scouts' Values within the seven Scout laws:
- A Scout is to be trusted.
- A Scout is loyal.
- A Scout is friendly and considerate.
- A Scout belongs to the worldwide family of Scouts.
- A Scout has courage in all difficulties.
- A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property.
- A Scout has self-respect and respect for others.
SAFE GUARDING - "Where ever we go, what ever we do, we put young people's safety and wellbeing first". All you need to know is here
Safety of our infrastructure, equipment, activities, the public, volunteers and young people is held in high regard. If you wish to see any of our risk assessments please ask.
The Scout Association provides all adult volunteers with a 'Yellow Card' and all Explorer Scout Young Leaders with an 'Orange Card' which act as a reminder of their training in staying safe and safeguarding and a 'Green Card' which covers policy on Scouting and Alcohol.
Safety of our infrastructure, equipment, activities, the public, volunteers and young people is held in high regard. If you wish to see any of our risk assessments please ask.
The Scout Association provides all adult volunteers with a 'Yellow Card' and all Explorer Scout Young Leaders with an 'Orange Card' which act as a reminder of their training in staying safe and safeguarding and a 'Green Card' which covers policy on Scouting and Alcohol.
CONSTITUTION - Mersea Island Scout Group adopt the Scout Association UK policies (POR). The constitution is available to view here
GDPR - Scout Association Policy available to view here
REGISTRERED CHARITY No: 269182 Charity Commission for England & Wales