Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
Fees for all Sections are £13 per month paid throughout the year, £157 per year. There is also an additional charge of £6 when the Youth Member takes their initial promise to cover the cost of the badges, woggle and neckerchief, £10 if a large necker is required (Explorers). Payment by Standing Order is preferred.
Do we have to pay up front?
There is no upfront payment required. We allow the first four weeks as a trial period to see if you like coming to Scouts before payment is required.
Do you operate Gift Aid?
Yes as a registered charity (Charity number: 503763) we do benefit and claim Gift Aid. Donating through Gift Aid means we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give. It will not cost you any extra. We will provide a Gift Aid Declaration with the payment details. See the Gift Aid website for details how the scheme works.
Do you have reduced fees for additional children from the same family?
Generally we don’t lower fees for additional family members other than within the proviso below.
What if I can’t afford the fees?
We do offer limited support for those that legitimately cannot afford to cover them. If you would like any further details please follow the Contact Us link with your details and we will get in touch.
What if my child requires additional support?
Scouts is open to all and we will support any additional needs that we can. The Scout Hut has wheelchair access as well as a separate disabled toilet. If your child needs a carer, parent or other adult with them they are welcome to come along to the meetings and events with the child. This could be to directly support your child or within a wider volunteering role but they would be on site in case they are needed. If you have further questions please Contact Us.
My child attended another Scout Group and didn’t like it, will they be okay here?
Each Scout Group is run to the same overall Scout Association rules but each is Group is run by individuals. In addition each Section within the Group is also run by individuals. This means that attending different Groups and Sections will give slightly different experience. If your child did not enjoy ettending another Group they may enjoy ours. Similarly if they do not enjoy their Scouting with us we would encourage them to still try Scouting on another Section night or at another Group.
Do you have a waiting list?
We do run a waiting list at times a section may be full but also if a place needs to be secured for a future date, ie child is too young for the section required, you may just be moving to the area or a childs has another activity that is coming to an end on the relevant evening.
How do you keep our details secure?
Along with the vast majority of Scout Groups we use an online utility called Online Scout Manager (OSM) to collect and maintain records. OSM is written and maintained by an existing Scout Leader to both cover the requirements leaders have to run a Section as well as comply with all external and security requirements. There is provision for parents to login and keep their details up to date as well as track the progress of their children.
Where do I get the uniform from?
There are a number of local uniform suppliers or you can buy it directly from the Scout Shop online. See the Uniform page for details.
Do you support Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme for non Scout members?
To take part in the full DofE programme within Scouts you must be a member of either Explorer or Network Scouts. If you are looking just to complete the volunteering or service to the community requirements then we support that for the duration you require. See our volunteering section for further details.
Is Scouts a Christian organisation?
Scouts is open to those of all faiths and spiritualities, and none. Check out the selection of Scout Promises to see that all are welcomed and catered for.
Can girls joins Scouts?
Girls first joined the Scout Movement in 1976 as Venture Scouts, the Section which previously catered for 15-20 year olds. In 1991 UK Scouting became fully mixed, and on 1 January 2007 it became compulsory for all Groups to ensure provisions were in place to accept girls into all Sections.