As a parent, we know you naturally will have a lot of questions. If you’ve reviewed the information about each individual section and still have further questions, we are hoping some of the commonly asked questions below may help:
What if my child does not know anyone?
They soon will!
We are friendly, and have boys and girls of all interests and ages so there is bound to be someone they get on with, but don’t worry as the leader will ‘buddy’ them with someone. You’ll be surprised at how quickly they make friends.
I’m dyslexic / am on the autism spectrum: can I still join?
Of course! You’d be surprised how many of our Scouts and leaders have some kind of learning difficulty. Just make sure we’re aware so we can make sure you are supported. We may ask a parent to come along to help out with ratios if we need to give you one to one support.
How much does everything cost?
Our membership subscription is currently £10 a month. We prefer for parents to set up a standing order or pay by bank transfer. We understand that some parents may not be able to afford this or personal circumstances may change and they find themselves experiencing financial hardship; this shouldn’t stop a child being able to join us. Whilst we don’t have huge pots of money, we do have a hardship fund which is to help in such circumstances. If you find yourself in this position please speak in confidence with the Group Scout Leader and we will do what we can to help.
The cost of Camps vary, depending on if we are in a tent or a building. We only charge the cost of the camp and to help parents we try to spread the cost over a couple of months.
Where can I get my uniform from?
The easiest place is PMG Schoolwear on Church Square, High Wycombe (opposite MacDonalds) but you can also order online at Scout Shop. You will need the Section jumper. You may want to buy activity trousers and a belt too.
Upon investiture you will be provided with a red-and-green neckerchief and a woggle. We will also give you your starter badges: don’t wear badges from an old shirt unless you know you are entitled to them (for example, you can wear the staged activity badges, moving on award and Chief Scout’s Bronze Award if you earned them in Beavers and moving to Cubs).
How can I get there if my parents can’t take me?
Parents (not leaders) are responsible for transport, but if you’re struggling let us know and we’ll try to put you in touch with another parent who lives close to you.
What if I get home and I just feel too tired to come out Scouting. Is that a problem?
One way in which we are different from most other sections is that we don’t mind if you want a week off occasionally. Obviously if you are a vital part of a competition team or coming on a camp it won’t be a great choice, but if it’s a normal Scout meeting that’s fine. You don’t need to let us know or give a reason. If you are missing for a few weeks we’ll drop you an email to check everything is OK and if we don’t hear from you in two months we’ll assume you have left, so don’t leave it too long!
Camp
When’s the next camp?
We organise a Group camp twice a year, dependant on leader availability. This is for all sections (Beavers, Cubs and Scouts). One during the Summer Term, when we are in tents; and the other during the Autumn Term, in a purpose built building which consists of en-suite dorm rooms. In addition, from time to time, each section may take part in County camps. All information about camps are sent out to parents a couple of months in advance to the camp. We normally take a deposit at the time of signing up for camp, with the balance due a week or so before it takes place.
I need a special diet – will that be a problem on camp?
No – we have Scouts who require vegetarian, allergy or cultural diets – so we can easily cater for special diets if we know your requirements: make sure your section leader is made aware of this.
I’ve not slept away from home before!
We have one or two Scouts occasionally who are “first time campers” and we take extra care to make sure you are with a friend or friendly person, usually in quite a small tent with only 2 or 3 people in. For Beavers, this is highly likely to be their first time away from home, they may never have experienced a ‘sleepover’ even with family members. Rest assured we will help ease their fears and make their camp a memory they won’t forget. They will be buzzing with excitement when we announce the next camp and will beg you to allow them to come! We can give advice on what sort of camping stuff to bring, so please speak with a leader before you go out to buy new items.
My child still wears nappies or pull-ups at night, will that be an issue?
Absolutely not! There is no reason why they can’t camp like everyone else.
Just let the section leader know. All our leaders are sensitive when it comes to self-awareness and they will keep it discreet and discuss with you and your child a plan of action for when on camp!
What happens if my daughter starts her period whilst on camp?
It can be very daunting and embarrassing for the individual but rest assured we won’t add to their embarrassment. We take spare sanitary items with us on all camps for such emergencies. All they have to do is just ask one of the female leaders present.
My child needs to take medication, what do I need to do?
Inform your section leader. Prior to each camp, parents will be asked to complete a form identifying if there child has a medical condition and if they require medication to be administered whilst on camp. All you need to do is fill out that form.
You will be asked to place your child’s medication into a clear sealable bag in which you will need to ensure your child’s name is clearly written and the form enclosed describing what the medication is, the dosage, frequency required, and any special notes such as ‘to be stored in the fridge’ and upon arrival at camp this will need to be handed to a leader. If your child is old enough to administer there own medication the same process will happen to ensure the safekeeping of the medication but they can then administer it themselves in the presence of a leader.
What about insurance?
Scout insurance covers all our activities. It does not, however, cover loss or damage to small gadgets such as phones, cameras or games, so guard them well! We ask that anything that is precious or sentimental is not brought to meetings or events.
What happens if I don’t like it and want to leave?
We’d be sad to see you go, but occasionally we do have members who give Scouting a go but decide it’s not for them. Make sure you chat to a leader about it – maybe there is something we can change to make it more fun. But if not, then that’s fine – just let us know that you are leaving and it will be OK – no need to feel guilty. The main reason people don’t continue is they don’t really like outdoor activities and camping – which is all right but they are two things we aren’t about to stop doing!
What if I have more questions?
Please contact us.