A guide to new members and their parents
1st Stotfold Ridgway Scout Troop are part of the Biggleswade
District in the county of Bedfordshire..
Our members are girls and boys aged between 10½ and 14, and they
take part in an active, exciting, fun, and adventurous programme
of activities. We camp several times through the year.
Scouts wear a uniform. Scouting is a uniformed
organisation and the uniform indicates to everyone that you are a Scout. The Uniform can be brought from one of the area Scout Shops or from the Scout Shops online store.
Camping is an important part of Scouting and we try to organise several camps every year.
These are usually at weekends, or during the school holidays. Our summer camp, which is seen as the main camp of the year, is during the school summer solidays, lasts a week, and is away from the local area. A list of past and present
camps can be found on the Scout Troop Camps Page.
Scouts are changed subs of £2.00 per week which covers normal weekly meeting costs, insurance, upkeep of the Scout Hut and the troop administration costs. Camps are charged in addition to this, as are special meetings such as bowling, skiing, karting and most weekend activities.
We do not accept any cash payments and ask that subs are paid termly or half termly. Payment should be by cheque, made payable to 1st Stotfold Ridgway Scout Troop and placed in an envelope marked with the Scout's name.
If you have any problems or queries, please don't
hesitate to contact any of the leaders.
When you join you will receive a personal information
form. It is important that you complete this form fully and
honestly - no matter how small or trivial the problem, just in case
anything should happen whilst we are in charge of your child, which
may require medical assistance.
A copy of the Group Personal Information Form can
be found on the Group Forms Page. Please return these forms to a Leader
as soon as possible.
When attending a camp you will be asked to complete
a permission to camp form. This asks for more detailed information
required for a camp.
Scouts were started over 100 years ago, by Sir Robert Baden-Powell. He was a soldier, and
got the idea while he was serving in the African town of Mafeking.
He brought this idea home to England after the war, and tried it
out with several groups of young boys from all over the country,
and from different walks of life. This ended up with him organising
a camp on the now famous Brownsea Island.
The old fashioned approach of 'DYB DYB DYB' and
wide brimmed hats went out of the window at the review of Scouting
in 1964, so we won't make you wear silly hats unless you want to.
Scouting still remains one of the biggest
movements in the world.
Scouts is the next step on from Cubs and in Scouts you will participate in activities which will
test you to the limits both mentally and physically. The leaders will try to encourage
you to do this as much as possible, but in the end, it is down to
you to show us what you can do.
"It is a movement, because it moves forward.
As soon as it stops moving, it becomes as Organisation, and is no
longer Scouting. -- Sir Robert Baden-Powell.
Scout activities are a combination of
learning and having fun. They learn about themselves and how to look
after themselves, they get to know people from their local
community. They find out about life in other countries and explore
through organised activities. They care by helping those around
them.
The Scout programme and activities are based on
six Programme Zones, these are:
- Scoutcraft & Adventure
- Global
- Community
- Fit for Life
- Exploring Beliefs & Attitudes
- Creative Expression
It is by participating in a Balanced Programme
that the Scout experiences Scouting. The Balanced Programme provides
opportunities for growth and development in Six personal development
areas. These are:
- Body
- Mind
- Faith & Belief
- Relationships
- Community
- Surroundings
What badges do they have?
Scouts can gain a wide range of badges and awards.
Every now and then there are special events that
allow you to wear a special badge for a short period of time. These
normally stay on your uniform for around a year. When the time comes
to remove the badge you can add it to your collection. Many Scouts
keep a collection of badges and may even add them to a 'camp
blanket' which makes a good talking piece when you wear it around
the campfire.
"How do I find out about these activities and events?"
A programme and information pack is e-mailed out 3
times a year giving both parents and Scouts a detailed programme showing all the organised events for the next few months.
These are also available online on the programme page.
If
you are not sure about the arrangements for a Troop activity, do
have a chat with the Leaders after a Troop meeting or contact them
at home. Copies of important letters can be found on the troop letters page.
Your child may come home from a Troop meeting and
say "I need to know how to build an open fire for camp!"
Your child expects you to be interested and will
get much more out of Scouting if you are prepared to offer your
support. There are lots of ways in which you can help, for
example:-
- Helping prepare refreshments for a Group event
- Helping transport Scouts to events and outings
or move kit to camp
- Supporting the Scout Group's social events, Annual
General Meeting, and Open Evenings
- Joining the Scout Group Executive Committee to
help them raise funds and manage the Scout Group.
The Group Executive Committee
Each year, the Scout Group elects an Executive Committee consisting
of a number of parents and various Leaders in the Group to carry
out the day to day tasks of running the Scout Group. They
are responsible for purchasing equipment and maintaining Group property.
The function of the Group Executive Committee is also to support
and help the Scout Group Leader carry out his or her role in maintaining
an effective and successful Scout Group.
What do you gain from helping?
You will have the opportunity to meet a variety of new people and
make a real contribution to help your local community. Please
do not be shy to offer your help and if you feel you have any skills
to offer to the Scout Troop please contact your Scout Leader. By
playing your part and supporting your child you will share the enjoyment,
friendship and fun of the Family of Scouting.
The Scout Promise
On my honour,
I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to God and to the Queen
To help other people
And to keep the Scout Law
The Scout Law
A Scout is to be trusted
A Scout is loyal
A Scout is friendly and considerate
A Scout is a brother to all Scouts
A Scout has courage in all his difficulties
A Scout makes good use of his time and is careful
of possessions and property
A Scout has respect for himself and for others |
