A Guide for New Members and their Parents
Bedford St Andrews Scout Group are part of the Bedfordshire District. 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.
We are a uniformed organisation
On evenings listed as Full Uniform, then Scouts must wear a shirt, neckerchief with woggle, Scout trousers and a belt. We also expect suitable footwear, black shiny on a full uniform night, and tough boots or strong shoes on an activity night. For water events, only the neckerchief and woggle are required, along with a full change of casual clothing and spare shoes is vital!
• Dark green long-sleeved shirt
• Navy Blue Activity Trousers
• Group neckerchief (blue and white) and woggle
• Brown leather belt with buckle bearing the Scout Badge should be worn with trousers when the shirt is worn and is optional for use under the sweatshirt.
There is also an Activity Uniform for the messy and active activities. This uniform is a 1st Stotfold Scout hoodie and the navy blue uniform trousers.
Uniforms can be purchased from the Scout Shop at Boyd Field, which is open on a Tuesday evening 7:00pm to 8:30pm. This is our local shop and proceeds go back into the Biggleswade District, so support it if you can. They are also available on-line at www.scout-uniform.co.uk
Get to know your kids better. Send them away.
Camping is an integral part of Scouting and we try to organise several camps every year. These are 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 holidays, lasts a week, and is away from the local area.
See the events calendar for details of current and future camps.
Money Matters
Scouts are changed subs 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 3 and placed in an envelope marked with the Scout’s name or by bank transfer.
Leader Contacts
If you have any problems or queries, please don’t hesitate in contacting any of the leaders. You can find there details on the Contacts page. We are there to help you and your child.
Health/Contact Information
We have personal information forms that we require to be filled in. These will give us all the information required should there be any need to contact parents or for medical purposes.
The forms list contact information and medical information. You will be given the relevant forms when your child starts at cubs.
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.
What is Scouting?
Scouting offers challenge and adventure to 400,000 young people and 100,000 adults across the UK. We do some pretty amazing things in Scouting, but for us, adventure is a way of life and not just an activity or expedition. Our Scouts grow in confidence by trying out new skills and stretching themselves. Whether it’s an Explorer trying out his French on an international trip or a Scout leading his Patrol for the first time, each time we challenge ourselves, it’s a step forward. When a Scout stands up to a bully, or sticks up for what they believe in; that’s an adventure.
“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.
What do we do?
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.
he 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
How to find out about activities and events
The best way is to check this website! Our programmes are uploaded here three times a year. If you prefer things printed out and stuck to the fridge, then a programme and information pack is also e-mailed out three times a year giving you a detailed set of events showing all the organised activities over the coming months.
We usually tell the Scouts what’s coming up the following week, or if it’s notable, in the coming weeks (such as a camp, parade or big activity) But if you are not sure about the arrangements for a Troop activity then simply have a chat with a Leaders after a Troop meeting or contact them on their phone. Copies of important letters can also be found on the troop letters page.
You don’t need to travel to the other side of the world to make a difference
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 Beaver Scout Pack please contact your Beaver 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