1st stanstead abbotts -...

BUNTINGFORD SCOUT GROUP

ADULT INDUCTION BOOKLET

Buntingford Scout Group

ContentsWelcome to our Scout Group.......................................3Introduction to Scouting..............................................5

The Five Sections.....................................................................................5The Purpose of Scouting..........................................................................6The Principles of Scouting........................................................................6The Structure of Scouting........................................................................7The Scout Group......................................................................................8Adult Leadership and the Group Executive Committee...........................8Financing.................................................................................................9

Beaver Scouts...........................................................10Who is Beaver Scouting for?..................................................................10The Beaver Scout Promise.....................................................................10The Motto...............................................................................................10The Beaver Scout Uniform.....................................................................10How Beaver Scouts are organised.........................................................10Investiture..............................................................................................10What do Beaver Scouts do?...................................................................11Beaver Scout Programme......................................................................11Programme Zones.................................................................................11Methods.................................................................................................11Badges and Awards...............................................................................11

Cub Scouts................................................................15Who is Cub Scouting for?.......................................................................15The Cub Scout Promise..........................................................................15The Cub Scout Law................................................................................15The Motto...............................................................................................15The Cub Scout Uniform..........................................................................15How are Cub Scouts organised?............................................................16Investiture..............................................................................................16What do Cubs do?..................................................................................16Cub Scout Programme...........................................................................16Programme Zones.................................................................................16Methods.................................................................................................17Badges and Awards...............................................................................17

Scouts......................................................................20Who is the Scout Section for?................................................................20The Scout Promise.................................................................................20The Scout Law........................................................................................20The Motto...............................................................................................20The Scout Uniform.................................................................................21How are Scouts organised?....................................................................21Investiture..............................................................................................21

Adult Induction Booklet 1


What do Scouts do?...............................................................................21Scout Programme..................................................................................21Programme Zones.................................................................................21Methods.................................................................................................22Badges and Awards...............................................................................22

About our Scout Group..............................................25 Beaver Scout Colony.............................Error! Bookmark not defined. Beaver Scout Colony.............................................................................25 Cub Scout Pack.....................................................................................25 Cub Scout Pack.....................................................................................26Scout Troop............................................................................................26The Group Scout Leader........................................................................26Group Executive Committee..................................................................26Where we meet......................................................................................27The Group website.................................Error! Bookmark not defined.A wider view..........................................................................................27Uniform and badges...............................................................................28The Adult Uniform:.................................................................................29

Adult Support...........................................................30A quick checklist….................................................................................30Who to ask for help................................................................................30Adult Training........................................................................................31Where to go for more information.........................................................31

And Finally….............................................................33Frequently Asked Questions..................................................................3310 things you may not know about Scouting.........................................34

The Scout Group Structure & People..........................35



WELCOME TO OUR SCOUT GROUPThank you for agreeing to take on a role in the Scout Group. This booklet gives you a brief overview of Scouting in our local area, key contacts, and an idea of what you will be doing and what resources and help you should receive.

Buntingford Scout Group aims to offer challenge and adventure to all its members. We believe in helping our young people fulfil their potential by working in teams, learning by doing and thinking for themselves. We’re working to make Scouting available to all and we’re passionate about what we do.

Through the adventure of Scouting, young people get to take risks in a safe environment and have their first taste of responsibility. We give young people experiences they’ll never forget. The sort of adventure we offer is the chance to experience something different and the opportunity for young people to discover their potential. When a Beaver Scout wakes up the morning after a sleepover, or a Cub Scout has just got over her fear of heights by completing her first abseil – that’s adventure!

All this is made possible by the efforts of our dedicated team of hard working voluntary adults. Our training scheme and one-to-one support ensures that each of our volunteers gets to make the best use of their skills and talents.

Our adults have a responsibility to make our Programme fun and exciting. They also make sure that it is safe. Our policies, rules, code of behaviour and advice on child protection and safety are there to ensure our young people stay safe while they enjoy themselves and learn.



Thanks once again, and welcome aboard!



INTRODUCTION TO SCOUTINGScouting is an international Movement with over 28 million Members worldwide spread across 216 countries and territories. The number of countries recognising the values of Scouting and accepting its principles are steadily increasing.

The Scout Association in the UK accepts Members of all major faiths and offers equal opportunities to all young people in the community, no matter what their social, religious or ethnic background may be. Scouting is not a religious body. It is an organisation which encourages young people to grow spiritually and develop within their own faith and denomination. It has a positive policy of integration and welcomes children and young people who have physical and mental disabilities.

There are about 500,000 people in Membership throughout the United Kingdom. This includes about 100,000 adults who have taken up Appointments as voluntary Leaders, Administrators and Supporters.

During 1991, girls were admitted to the Beaver Scout, Cub Scout and Scout Sections. This complemented the admission of young women to the Venture Scout Section in 1976.

During the spring of 2002 The Scout Association launched a new Programme for young people aged 6-25. This was the largest change to our curriculum for nearly 40 years. A careful strategy of change management was devised to help people move forward into delivering a totally new way of providing Scouting, particularly the 14-25 age range. Two new Sections were created to replace Venture Scouting: Explorer Scouts (14-18) and the Scout Network (18-25). This coincided with a complete re-branding of The Scout Association.

The Five SectionsAt whatever age, a young person in the Movement is a ‘Scout’.

The Balanced Programme spans a 6-25 age range, divided up into five Sections. Each Section has its own identity, ethos and style. They all have adult support which varies in style in the different age groups.

• A Beaver Scout Colony has members aged between 6 and 8

• A Cub Scout Pack has members aged 8 - 10½.

• A Scout Troop is for young people aged from 10½ - 14 years.

A Scout Group comprises one or more of each of the above three Sections.

An Explorer Scout Unit is for young people from 14-18 years old. Explorer Scout Units are part of a Scout District, although some are attached to Groups.

A Scout Network is for young people aged 18 - 25 years old. Scout Networks are the responsibility of the Scout District, County or Area.



The Purpose of ScoutingScouting in the UK is organised through The Scout Association. The Scout Association has a clear purpose:

'To help young people achieve their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential as individuals, as responsible citizens and as Members of their local, national and international communities'.

Even if we can’t solve all the problems in the world, we can help to make it a better place. We do this by helping young people to develop as active members of the community.

Scouting makes a positive contribution to society by helping young people to develop as active members of the community:

• who are self reliant

• who are caring

• who are responsible

• who show commitment.

Scouting works well when young people enjoy learning by doing in partnership with adults. They do this by:

• taking part in a variety of activities and new experiences

• exploring the outdoors

• participating in teams

• taking responsibility for themselves and other.

Our method for giving young people the opportunity to learn by doing is called the Programme. The Programme is a seamless progression of training, activities and awards that covers everything that young people do in Scouting from the ages of 6 to 25.

The Programme involves helping young people to grow in six Personal Development Areas, these are:

• Body

• Mind

• Faiths and Beliefs

• Relationships

• Community

• Surrounding

All adults in Scouting have a responsibility to make sure that the Programme is fun and exciting. We must also make sure that it is safe. The Scout Association’s policies, rules, code of behaviour, advice on Child Protection and safety policy are there to help adults make sure the young people in their care stay safe while they enjoy themselves and learn. There are special training and requirements to take young people on nights away, and to lead adventurous activities such as mountaineering and water activities.

The Principles of ScoutingScouting has three key principles:

• Duty to Self • Duty to Others • Duty to God



Everyone in Scouting expresses their Membership and acceptance of the key principles by making the Scout Promise and following the Scout Law. The Scout Promise and Law gives a distinctive ethos to the practices of the Movement and acts as a bond with Scouts worldwide.

The Structure of ScoutingThe UK Scout Association is led by The Chief Scout, the most senior volunteer role. The current Chief Scout is Bear Grylls, who took over the role from Peter Duncan in July 2009.

The administrative structure of The Association enables the effective delivery of the Programme. It is organised at four levels:

1. The Scout Group

2. The Scout District

3. The Scout County (or Area in Scotland)

4. National Headquarters

In many ways, each level operates independently and each ‘unit’ is a charity in its own right. The larger units provide facilities, activities and support beyond the resources of the smaller ones.

Within each Scout Group they will be one or more Beaver Scout Colonies, Cub Scout Packs and Scout Troops.

See the diagram below for how the structure fits together:



The Scout GroupThe Scout Group is where Scouting happens locally for the first three Sections. In some cases Explorer Units may be affiliated to the local Group. Scout Groups are the bases for the 'family' of Scouting for those aged 6 to 14. Younger Members are able to feel confident and happy about moving through the Sections at this local level. It is within this framework of the Scout Group that the Law and Promise are fulfilled. The Group also provides a secure base for the development of the individual young person.

Scout Groups work because they offer a close level of support for the young people in their care. They know the community and the needs of its young people.

When a young person joins a Section their parents are usually expected to:

• support the young person

• show interest and support the Section's activities

• support the local Group in fundraising, social activities, offers of skills and other help, where appropriate.

What makes Scout Groups successful is their ability to:

• deliver enjoyable high quality Programmes for young people

• focus on the fun and friendship that Scouting brings

• involve parents/carers

• respond to local needs

• be positive and progressive.

Adult Leadership and the Group Executive CommitteeEach Scout Group is led by a Group Scout Leader (GSL) who will make every effort to ensure that each Section in the Group has an adequate leadership team. They will also ensure that the development of the young people is co-ordinated throughout their progress in Scouting. An essential part of this process is support to all of the adults who are involved in Scouting.

The GSL is helped by those adults who work directly with the young people and by the Group Executive. The Group Executive Committee exists to support the Group Scout Leader in meeting the responsibilities of their appointment. The Committee is responsible for:

• the maintenance of the Group's property and equipment

• the raising of funds and the administration of the Group's finance

• the insurance of persons, property and equipment

• Group public occasions

• assisting with the recruitment of Leaders and other adult support.



The Group Chairperson leads the Group Executive Committee. The members of the Group Executive Committee include:

• The Group Chairperson

• The Group Treasurer

• The Group Secretary

• The Group Scout Leader

• The Cub Scout Leader(s)

• The Beaver Scout Leader(s)

• The Scout Leader(s)

• Any other adults elected by the Group Council at the Group’s Annual General Meeting

All Scout Groups are educational charities and some, depending on their size, have to register with the Charity Commission. The Group Executive Committee forms the Board of Trustees for the Scout Group and is responsible for statuary reporting to the Charity Commission.

Once a year the Group must hold an Annual General Meeting of the Group Council, which is all the adults connected to the Group (leaders, parents, etc). The AGM reports on the year’s events and elections of the Group’s Officers and Executive will take place. This provides a forum for comment and future planning.

The Group should be an integral part of the community that it serves, both providing help to the community and receiving support from the community to carry out its work with young people.

The Scout District and Counties/Areas take on the roles of the Group for Explorer Scouting and the Scout Network respectively.

FinancingScout Groups, Districts and Counties/Areas are entirely self-financing. A Membership Subscription is payable by all Members of The Association to meet local and national support costs. The way that these costs are met is by the Group asking Beavers, Cubs and Scouts to pay regular subscriptions to meet some of the costs and through regular fundraising to fund the balance of the Group’s costs.

We ask all members to set up a monthly standing order and complete a gift aid form which ensures the money reaches each section.

This money is then held in each sections account, once expenses to cover the HQ, capitation (annual insurance for all members) are deducted and managed centrally.

Each section is responsible for providing the treasurer with the names of those in their sections at the beginning of each term so money can be allocated to the correct section. The leaders of the section are responsible for making sure parents are given the standing order mandate and collecting the gift aid form off of parents.



BEAVER SCOUTSSince Beaver Scouts became a part of The Scout Association in 1986, it has been one of the quickest growing Sections. It currently has somewhere in the region of 100,000 members in 7,000 Colonies! The Beaver Scout Colony will tend to meet weekly for about an hour, but they will also have the chance to go on a residential experience every year and there might also be day trips away.

Who is Beaver Scouting for?Beaver Scouting is open to young people aged between six and eight years old who want to join and can make the Beaver Scout Promise.

The Beaver Scout PromiseScouting differs from many organisations in that it requires its Members to make a Promise. The wording for Beaver Scouts is simpler than that of the Scout Promise, it is:

I promise to do my bestto be kind and helpfuland to love God.

Different wordings of the promise are available for those of different faiths who may prefer not to use the word “God” and for those with special circumstances and needs.

By making the promise a young person becomes a Member of the worldwide Movement; they become a Scout.

The MottoThe motto for all Members of the Movement is: Be Prepared.

The Beaver Scout UniformBeaver Scouts wear a turquoise sweatshirt. They also wear a scarf (sometimes called a “necker”), which varies in colour from Scout Group to Scout Group. They also have a woggle, to keep their scarf up. Traditionally all Beaver Scouts wear a maroon coloured woggle, but they may also wear a woggle of the colour of the Lodge they are in (see below on how Beaver Scouts are organised). There are several other items of optional uniform.

How Beaver Scouts are organisedBeaver Scouts meet together as a Colony and work within a variety of small groups called “Lodges”. A team of adults will run the Beaver Scout Colony. Some will be uniformed Leaders, others may be informal Assistants or helpers. Explorer Scouts who are Young Leaders might also assist the leadership team in the running of the Colony.

InvestitureMaking the Promise is the most important act in Scouting and is common to every Section. Scouting has a special ceremony for making the Promise called Investiture or



being invested. When a young person makes their Promise they receive their Group Scarf, The Membership Award and are welcomed as a new Member into the Scout family.

What do Beaver Scouts do?Beavers take part in a wide range of activities. These include making things, singing, playing games, going out on visits, investigating nature, listening to stories, learning how to be safe and most importantly, making new friends. They do this through taking part in a programme of activities provided by the leadership team.

Beaver Scout ProgrammeThe philosophy underpinning the programme is that every Beaver Scout should participate in a Balanced Programme over a period of time. This ensures that all young people experience a quality programme covering a wide range of subjects, so that they develop in all of the Personal Development Areas. To help, the Balanced Programme is divided into a number of Programme Zones and Methods.

Programme ZonesThe following are the six Programme Zones for Beaver Scouts. As part of the Balanced Programme they will take part in activities from all the zones regularly.

• Beliefs and attitudes

• Community

• Creative

• Fitness

• Global

• Outdoor and Adventure.

MethodsThese Zones are delivered using 12 methods, which give the programme variety and range. The Zones give Beaver Scouts the opportunity to:

• Help others

• Play games

• Explore their world

• Undertake prayer and worship

• Listen to stories

• Follow themes

• Go on visits

• Make things

• Meet new people

• Act, sing and make music

• Chat

• Go outdoors

Badges and AwardsEven though the emphasis is on a Programme that is balanced with a variety of activities, there are still badges and awards for Beaver Scouts to aim for during their time with the Colony. Badges and awards are given in recognition of the effort made by each young person at their own level.



The Membership AwardThis Award helps the young person understand the commitment they are making when they make the Promise and become a Member of the Movement. It covers the history, traditions and practices of Scouting.

Joining In AwardsThe Joining In Awards recognise a commitment to Scouting. They celebrate Beaver Scouts participating in a Balanced Programme over a period of time. They are awarded on the anniversary of the young person joining Scouting.

ChallengesThe Challenges complement the Balanced Programme. These have been developed to extend Beaver Scouts' skills and experience in a particular area. There are six Challenges in the Beaver Scout Section:

• Adventure

• Air Activities

• Animal Friend

• Creative

• Experiment

• Explore

• Faith

• Health & Fitness

• Healthy Eating

• Hobbies

• Imagination

• Safety



Staged Activity BadgesIn addition to the Beaver Scout Activity Badges, there are six Activity Badges staged across all the Sections, which gives a young person the opportunity to develop an area of interest throughout their time in Scouting from 6 - 18. They are:

• Emergency Aid

• Hikes Away

• Information Technology

• Musician

• Nights Away

• Swimmer

Partnership AwardsPartnership Awards are designed to encourage Sections to work together, and for Scouts to work with other young people in their community. There are three Partnership Awards:

• The International Friendship Award

• The Environment Award

• The Faith Award

Chief Scout’s Bronze AwardThis badge is the highest award available in the Beaver Scout Section. It is gained by completing:

• Creative Challenge

• Fitness Challenge

• Friendship Challenge

• Global Challenge

• Outdoor Challenge

• Promise Challenge

The Chief Scout’s Bronze Award can be worn on the Cub Scout Uniform once they move onto Cubs.

The Moving-On AwardThis helps ease the transfer of a Beaver Scout to the Cub Scout Pack. It also allows the Beaver Scout to be invested into the Pack immediately, recognising that they are already Members of the Scout Movement.

Beaver Scout SleepoversSleepovers give young people their first experience of a night away from home without their parents/carers. They are intended to plant a ‘seed’, which then grows as the young person moves through the Sections. Leaders have to be specially trained before they may take young people away, so you know they will always be in safe hands. Sleepovers in the Beaver Scout Section must be indoors and must not exceed 24 hours. They provide an excellent opportunity for young people to try out activities that are not possible at the regular Colony Meeting. As you might imagine, the whole atmosphere of living together even for a short while as a Colony is very special for the young people involved.



Beaver Scouting…it’s just the start!While a young person is in Beavers they will have fun, make friends and get to do exciting activities that they wouldn’t get to do anywhere else. But this is just the start! Beavers are the first step in Scouting for future development as individuals and Scouts. It will seem that they have only just started before it will be time to ‘swim up’ to Cubs!

Resources for Beaver ScoutsBeaver Scouts have their own special handbook called The Beaver Scout Logbook. It is a Beaver Scout’s guide to the programme and has lots of space for them to colour things in, draw and learn about Scouting.



CUB SCOUTSCub Scouting began in 1916, and has gone from strength to strength ever since. Currently there are somewhere in the region of 140,000 Cubs in nearly 8,000 Packs! Many Cub Scouts will have been Beaver Scouts, but some will join Scouting for the first time as Cubs looking for fun, adventure and friendship.

Who is Cub Scouting for?Cub Scouts is open to young people aged between eight and ten and a half years old who want to join and can make the Cub Scout Promise.

The Cub Scout PromiseScouting differs from many organisations in that it requires its Members to make a Promise, the wording for Cub Scouts is slightly simpler than that of the Scout Promise. It is:

I promise that I will do my bestto do my duty to God and to the Queen,to help other peopleand to keep the Cub Scout Law.

Different wordings of the Promise are available for those of different faiths who may prefer not to use the word 'God' and for those with special needs and circumstances.

By making the Promise a young person becomes a Member of the worldwide Movement; they become a Scout.

The Cub Scout LawEvery Cub should know their Cub Scout Law, put simply it is something they should try to remember in their everyday lives. The Cub Scout Law is:

Cub Scouts always do their best,think of others before themselvesand do a good turn every day.

The MottoThe motto for all Members of the Movement is: Be Prepared.

The Cub Scout UniformCub Scouts wear a green sweatshirt. They will also wear a scarf (sometimes called a “necker”), the colour of which varies from Scout Group to Scout Group. They will also have a woggle, to keep their scarf up. The woggle will normally be of the colour of the six they are in (see below on how Cub Scouts are organised). There are many other items of optional uniform.



How are Cub Scouts organised?Wolf Cubs, as they were originally called in 1916, used Rudyard Kipling’s story The Jungle Book as their theme. Some Packs continue to do this today. They use characters and events as an inspiration for the names of Leaders (such as Akela for the Cub Scout Leader) and activities.

Cub Scouts meet together as a Pack and work within a variety of small groups called “Sixes”. A team of adults will run the Cub Scout Pack, usually led by an Akela. Some will be Uniformed Leaders, others may be informal Assistants or helpers. Explorer Scouts who are Young Leaders might also assist the Leadership team in the Pack.

InvestitureMaking the Promise is the most important act in Scouting and is common to every Section. Scouting has a special ceremony for making the Promise called Investiture or being invested. When a young person makes their Promise they receive their Group Scarf and the Membership Award or their Moving-On Award and are welcomed as a new Member into the Scout Family.

What do Cubs do?Cubs take part in a wide range of activities that are designed to be interesting and to challenge them. At the same time they have fun, adventure and make friends along the way. They do this through taking part in a programme of activities provided by the Leadership team such as: camping, playing games, trying new things and exploring the outdoors.

Cub Scout ProgrammeEvery Cub Scout participates in a Balanced Programme over a period of time. This ensures that all young people experience a quality programme covering a wide range of subjects. To help, the Balanced Programme is divided into a number of Programme Zones and Methods to ensure Cubs develop in all the Personal Development Areas.

Programme ZonesThe following are the six Programme Zones for Cub Scouts. As part of the Balanced Programme they will take part in activities from all the zones regularly.

• Beliefs and Attitudes

• Community

• Fitness

• Creative

• Global

• Outdoor and Adventure



MethodsThese Zones are delivered using 11 methods, which give the programme variety and range. The Methods are:

• Make things

• Games

• Singing, stories and drama

• Visits and visitors

• Outdoors

• Activities with others

• Help other people

• Themes

• Prayer, worship and reflection

• Team challenges

• Try new things

Badges and AwardsEven though the emphasis is on a Balanced Programme of activities, there are still badges and awards for Cub Scouts to aim for during their time with the Pack. Badges and awards are given in recognition of the effort made by each young person at their own level.

The Membership AwardThis award helps the young person understand the commitment they are making when they make the promise and become a Member of the Movement, if they have not been a Beaver Scout. It covers the history, traditions and practices of Scouting.

Joining In AwardsThe Joining In Awards recognise a commitment to Scouting. They celebrate Cub Scouts participating in a Balanced Programme over a period of time. They are awarded on the anniversary of the young person joining Scouting.

ChallengesThe Challenges complement the Balanced Programme. These have been developed to extend Cub Scouts' skills and experience in a particular area. The seven Challenges in the Cub Scout Section are:






• Community Challenge

• Outdoor Plus Challenge

Activity BadgesActivity Badges are optional, but they provide an opportunity to reward a young person who has taken part in an activity over a period of time. They should raise interest and extend a young person's skills throughout their time in Scouting. There



are 33 Cub Scout Activity Badges, ranging from Book Reader to Navigator to Water Activities

Staged Activity BadgesIn addition to the Cub Scout Activity Badges, there are six Activity Badges staged across all of the Sections, which gives a young person the opportunity to develop an area of interest throughout their time in Scouting from 6 –18. These are:

• Emergency Aid

• Hikes Away

• Information Technology

• Musician

• Nights Away

• Swimmer

Partnership AwardsPartnership Awards are designed to encourage the Sections to work together, and for Scouts to work with other young people in their community. There are three Partnership Awards:



• The Faith Award

Chief Scout’s Silver AwardThis badge is the highest award available in the Cub Scout Section. It is gained by completing:







The Chief Scout’s Silver Award can be worn on the Scout Uniform once the Cub moves onto Scouts.

The Moving-On AwardThis badge helps ease the transfer of a Cub Scout to the Scout Troop. It also allows the Cub Scout to be invested into the Troop immediately, recognising that they are already Members of the Scout Movement.

Pack Holidays and CampingAsk any current or former Cub about what they remember most (and enjoyed most!) about being in Cubs and they will probably say Pack holidays or going camping. Camps give the Pack the opportunity to go away together. Camps and Pack holidays are an opportunity for Cubs to take part in activities that they would not otherwise be able to do at regular Pack meetings. The experience of being away with the Pack is a very special experience for Cubs.

Why get involved? Cubs gives young people a taster of the exciting activities they will do more of in Scouts. They will go camping, try adventurous activities outdoors, make new friends and enjoy themselves whatever they are doing!



Resources for CubsCubs have their own special handbook called the Powerpack - full of useful information about badges and what Cubs do. It’s full of stickers, facts and fun things to do!



SCOUTSThe Scout Section has existed since Scouting began in 1907. Though the Section has gone through many changes its values and fundamental principles have remained unchanged. Today there are over 100,000 Scouts in 6,600 Troops across the UK.

Who is the Scout Section for?Scouts is open to young people aged between ten and half and fourteen years old who want to join and can make the Scout Promise.

The Scout PromiseScouting differs from many organisations in that it requires its Members to make a Promise. The Scout Promise is the same for Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Members of the Scout Network and adult Members of the Association. It is:

On my honour, I promise that I will do my bestto do my duty to God and to The Queen,to help other peopleand to keep the Scout Law.

Different wordings of the promise are available for those of different faiths who may prefer not to use the word “God” and for those with special needs and circumstances.

By making the Promise a young person becomes a Member of the worldwide Movement; they become a Scout.

The Scout LawThe Scout Law is a set of ‘rules’ that Scouts should do their best to live their life by. They are based on the Laws that Baden Powell came up with, but have evolved to reflect changing times. The Laws are:

1. A Scout is to be trusted.

2. A Scout is loyal.

3. A Scout is friendly and considerate.

4. A Scout belongs to the worldwide family of Scouts.

5. A Scout has courage in all difficulties.

6. A Scout makes careful use of time and is careful of possessions and property.

7. A Scout has self-respect and respect for others.

All Adult Leaders make exactly the same Promise as Scouts.

The MottoThe Motto for all Members of the Movement is: Be Prepared.



The Scout UniformScouts wear a teal coloured shirt. They will also wear a scarf (sometimes called a “necker”), the colour of which varies from Scout Group to Scout Group. They will also have a leather woggle, to keep their scarf up. Activity trousers and a Scout belt are also parts of the Scout uniform and there are several optional items available as well!

How are Scouts organised?Scouts meet together as a Troop and work within a variety of small groups called Patrols. A Scout called a Patrol Leader leads the Patrol. The Patrol Leaders work with the Leadership Team in setting the programme and in decisions affecting the Troop. The Patrol system is one of the important ways that young people can take responsibility for themselves and others. A volunteer leadership team made up of uniformed Leaders and other informal Assistants and helpers will guide the Troop. Explorer Scouts who are Young Leaders might also assist the leadership team in the Troop.

InvestitureMaking the Promise is the most important act in Scouting and is common to every section. Scouting has a special ceremony for making the Promise called Investiture or being invested. When a young person makes their Promise they receive their Group Scarf, The Membership Award (for those coming into Scouting for the first time) or their Moving-On Award (if they have been in Cubs) and are welcomed as a new Member into the Scout Family.

What do Scouts do?Scouts normally meet once a week for a couple of hours. It is an opportunity for them to catch up with friends, learn new skills and explore issues relevant to their age group. They will also have their chance to say what they want to do!

Scout ProgrammeScouts are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities as part of their programme. On top of the adventure of outdoor activities that forms a large part of the Scout Section, a Balanced Programme will help them find out about the world in which they live, encourage them to know their own abilities and the importance of keeping fit and help to develop their creative talents. It also provides opportunities to explore their own values and personal attitudes and develop in all the Personal Development Areas.

Programme ZonesThe following are the six Programme Zones for Scouts; as part of the Balanced Programme they will task part in activities from all the Zones over a period of time. They are:

• Outdoor and Adventure

• Global

• Community

• Fit for Life



• Creative Expression • Beliefs and Attitudes

MethodsThese Programme Zones are delivered using ten methods, which give the programme variety and range. The methods are:

• Activities Outdoors

• Games

• Design and Creativity

• Visits and Visitors

• Service

• Team-Building Activities

• Activities with Others

• Themes

• Prayer, Worship and Reflection

• Technology and New Skills

Badges and AwardsWhile the emphasis is on a Balanced Programme of activities, there are still badges and awards for Scouts to aim for. Badges and awards are given in recognition of the effort made by each young person at their own level.

The Membership AwardThis award helps the young person understand the commitment they are making when they make the Promise and become a Member of the Movement, if they have not been a Cub Scout. It covers the history, traditions and practices of Scouting.

Participation AwardsThe Participation Awards recognise a commitment to Scouting. They celebrate Scouts participating in a Balanced Programme over a period of time. They are awarded on the anniversary of the young person joining Scouting.

ChallengesThe Challenges complement the Balanced Programme. These have been developed to extend Scouts' skills and experience in a particular area. There are nine Challenges in the Scout Section:


• Outdoor Plus Challenge

• Expedition Challenge

• Adventure Challenge






Activity BadgesActivity Badges are optional, but they provide an opportunity to reward a young person who has taken part in an activity over a period of time. They should raise interest and extend a young person's skills throughout their time in Scouting. There are 69 Scout Activity Badges, ranging from Astronomer to Circus Skills and Canoeist.



Staged Activity BadgesIn addition to the Scout Activity Badges, there are six Staged Activity Badges staged across the all Sections. These give a young person the opportunity to develop an area of interest throughout their time in Scouting from 6 –18. These are:



• The Faith Award

Chief Scout’s Gold AwardThis badge is the highest award available in the Scout Section. It is gained by completing:

• The Promise Challenge

• The Community Challenge

• The Fitness Challenge

• The Creative Challenge

• The Global Challenge

• The Outdoor Challenge

plus two of the following three:

• The Outdoor Plus Challenge • The Adventure Challenge

• The Expedition Challenge

The Chief Scout’s Gold Award can be worn on the Explorer Scout Uniform once the Scout moves onto Explorer Scouts.

The Moving-On AwardThis Award helps ease the transfer of a Scout to the Explorer Scout Unit. It also allows the Scout to be invested into the Unit immediately, recognising that they are already Members of the Scout Movement.

Scouting OutdoorsScouting has a reputation as an outdoor organisation based on strong traditions of camping and other outdoor pursuits. This is reflected in the Balanced Programme, with about half the programme taken up by the Outdoor and Adventure Programme Zone. Scouting offers a range of activities for Scouts away from their home throughout the year, lots of camps and when possible a longer camp in the summer. These are an important part of Troop life and everybody is encouraged to go.

Scouts… Taking the Lead!Scouts have the opportunity to make more and more decisions for themselves about they want to do and want to get out of Scouting. The opportunities will be there for them to take part in a wide range of activities and to gain a variety of skills and knowledge. They will get to learn more about themselves by not only taking responsibility for themselves, but for others as well.

Resources for ScoutsScouts can track their own progress through the awards using their own Scout Record Book. They can also find out what’s required to complete badges with the Scout Badge Book. Thirdly, the Scout Skills Cards contain practical information and tips to get up to speed with some Scouting Skills.



ABOUT OUR SCOUT GROUPBuntingford Scout Group is based at our Scout Headquarters in Bowling Green Lane, Buntingford. The Group was started in the 1920s and attracts young people from Buntingford, Cottered, Hare Street, Great Hormead and many other villages.

We have over 130 young people in the Group today, supported by over 30 adult volunteers.

Our Scout Group is made up of six Sections, each led by a Section Leader who is assisted by a team of adult Leaders, Section Assistants and Young Leaders:

Rib Beaver Scout ColonyThe Rib Beaver Scout Colony is led by Sue Jordan

Email: [email protected]

Meeting Times: 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm on Thursdays

Quin Beaver Scout ColonyThe Quin Beaver Scout Colony is led by Claire White

Tel: 01763 273019

Email:

Meeting Times: 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm on Fridays

Griffins Cub Scout PackThe Griffins Cub Scout Pack is led by Jamie King (until May 2014)

Tel: 07896992835


Meeting Times: 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm on Tuesdays

Hawks Cub Scout PackThe Hawks Cub Scout Pack is led by Mark and Gemma Perryman

Tel: 07736676028


Meeting Times: 6.30pm to 8.00pm on Thursdays



Phoenix Scout TroopThe Phoenix Scout Troop is led by Sandra Sanderson

Tel: 01763 271616

Email:

Meeting Times: 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm on Fridays

Taurus Scout Troop- currently closedThe Taurus Scout Troop is led by

Tel:

Email:

Meeting Times:

The Group Scout LeaderThe Scout Group is led by the Group Scout Leader, Jo McNamara. Jo’s contact details are:

Tel: 01763 273459/ 07917664737


Group Executive CommitteeOur Group Executive Committee meets about ten times a year to discuss matters including:

• Finance, including insurance

• HQ maintenance

• Fundraising

• Any public event

The Group ChairpersonThe Group Executive Committee is chaired by Doreen Milne. Doreens’s contact details are:

Tel: 01763 272080 Email: [email protected]



The Group Treasurer The Group Treasurer is VACANT . Contact Jo

The Group Minutes SecretaryThe Group Minutes Secretary is Sandra Sanderson. Sandra’s contact details are:

Tel: 07831452817 Email:

There are several other lay members of the Executive Committee who each provide specific skills or represent the parts of the different Sections (Cubs, Beavers & Scouts) as parents.

Where we meetAll our Sections hold their normal meetings in the Group’s headquarters in Bowling Green Lane.

The full postal address of the Scout Headquarters is below and can be used for official correspondence in place of your home address if you wish.

Buntingford Scout Group HQBowling Green LaneBuntingfordHerts

Our Bookings Secretary, Ruth Vincent, manages ad-hoc bookings for the Scout Headquarters. Ruth’s contact details are:

Tel: 01763 271909 Email: [email protected]

A wider view Ware & District ScoutsBuntingford Scout Group is part of Ware & District Scouts. There are eight Scout Groups in Ware & District; the other Scout Groups in the District are

• Hunsdon

• Great Amwell

• 2nd Ware (St. Mary’s)

• 3rd Ware

• 5th Ware

• 1st Braughing

• Stanstead Abbots

The District is led by the District Commissioner (DC), Karen Hale. The DC is assisted by the District Team which includes a number of Assistant District Commissioners (ADCs) each with their own specific responsibilities. There is also a District Executive Committee which functions much like the Group Executive Committee but at the District level.

The District Team and District Executive Committee include:

• Simon Roberts, ADC (Beaver Scouts)

• Trevor Byworth, ADC (Cub Scouts)



• Pat Horridge, ADC (Scouts)

• Martin Vaughan, District Chair

• Keith Jennings, District Explorer Scout Commissioner

• Peter Raymen, Explorer Scout Leader (Young Leaders)

• Sue Vaughan, Local Training Manager

• Karen Hale, District Commissioner

• John Crown District Appointments Secretary

The District has its own headquarters in Broadmeads, Ware, which is also the location of the local Scout Shop.

Hertfordshire ScoutsWare & District is within Hertfordshire Scout County, led by Rikki Harrington, County Commissioner. There are 17 Districts in Hertfordshire. You can find out more about the County at their website here: www.hertfordshirescouts.org.uk.

Uniform and badgesYou can purchase adult uniform from the Ware & District Scout Shop Agency. They can be found at the Ware & District Scout HQ, Broadmeads, Ware, SG12 9HY. The shop is open 7pm to 9pm every Tuesday in term time. It is staffed by fellow Scouting volunteers and the profits fed back into local Scouting, which helps to keep our members’ subscriptions lower.

The Scout Group is willing pay for the standard uniform for any adult that helps with the Group. Please speak to the GSL for more information.

You can also purchase badges, books and other resources for yourself and the young people in your section from the Ware & District Scout Shop Agency. The Group has a credit account at the shop so you can purchase resources for your section without needing cash.

The District Badge Secretary, Geoff Tolfts, makes badges available at the same place and time as the Scout Shop. You can pre-order badges with the badge Secretary to ensure that they are in stock and to avoid waiting for the order to be put together.

Kaz White, District cub leader, is also the badge secretary for Buntingford and you can place orders directly from her and pick up from her in Buntingford.

The Adult Uniform:The basic uniform for an adult comprises:

• Stone coloured long sleeve shirt

• Navy blue coloured activity or formal trousers

• Leather belt with Scout buckle

• Scarf in Group Colours (green and gold) and woggle.


http://www.hertfordshirescouts.org.uk/


Various optional items of uniform are also available. The badges are placed on the uniform shirt as shown in the diagram below.



ADULT SUPPORTAs an adult in Scouting there is a wide range of support available to you.

A quick checklist…All new adult volunteers should receive the following resources….

Yellow CardA small card which contains The Scout Association’s Child Protection Policy. All adults working in Scouting must have a copy.

Welcome PackYou will be sent this directly from National Headquarters once your Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) clearance has been returned and your provisional appointment is issued, to welcome you into Scouting. It should answer some of your questions about what Scouting is, how it works, and what support is available for you in your role.

Appointment CardThis will be sent to you directly once you have completed your ‘Getting Started’ training and your full appointment has been issued. An appointment certificate will also be presented locally.

Scouting magazineScouting magazine is sent to all adult members every other month. You will also receive a supplement with the magazine. The most appropriate supplement for your role (Beaver, Cub, Scout or Management) will be included with it.

If you are missing something please contact the Group Scout Leader.

Who to ask for helpIf you have a question or concern about Scouting, try asking the other adults in your section.

The next step is to speak to the Group Scout Leader. As the line manager of all the adult leaders in the Group, the GSL should know the answers to most questions, or at least be able to point you in the direction of someone who does.



Adult TrainingAs part of your role you will receive training to help you gain the skills that you will need. The Scout Association operates a flexible modular Adult Training Scheme, which covers all of the knowledge you will need, and takes into account any skills and experience that you may already have. The first thing to do is to get in touch with your Training Adviser, who can be allocated to you soon after starting in Scouting. Your Training Adviser will be able to explain the training scheme and help you decide what training is appropriate for you.

The first piece of training that you will need to complete is ‘Getting Started’. This is made up of three modules: Essential Information, Tools for the Job, and a Personal Learning Plan. The Personal Learning Plan helps you to plan what learning you need to do, and what knowledge or skills you can already bring to your role.

Details of the adult training scheme are available online at www.scouts.org.uk/learnersresources.

Where to go for more informationThere is a wealth of information and resources available to support you in your role, here are some you may find useful.

Scouting WebsitesWare & District website www.WareAndDistrictScouts.org.uk

Hertfordshire County website www.HertfordshireScouts.org.uk

National website www.scouts.org.uk & www.scoutbase.org.uk

The Scout Information CentreThe Information Centre is based at Gilwell Park and provides a single point of contact if you are seeking information or resources relating to any aspect of scouting. It is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 12 noon on Saturday.

Phone: 0845 300 1818Email: [email protected]: www.scouts.org.uk

ResourcesA wide range of information and resources to support you in your role in Scouting are available online. You may need your membership number (found on your appointment card or the carrier sheet of your copy of Scouting magazine) to sign in.

www.scouts.org.uk/supportresources


http://www.scouts.org.uk/supportresources

http://www.scouts.org.uk/


Programmes OnlineProgrammes Online is a web based tool designed to make it easier for adults to plan programmes for young people. It contains hundreds of programme ideas and activities for you to try.

www.scouts.org.uk/pol

Policy, Organisation & RulesLike any large and established organisation, especially one that regularly provides a wide range of activities, some adventurous, to young people, we need to follow rules and guidance. The Scout Association’s rule book, called Policy, Organisation & Rules (POR) can be found online. It does exactly what it says on the tin! You should take a look at POR and over time become familiar with its content. If you have any questions you should speak to a more experienced Leader or your Group Scout Leader.

www.scouts.org.uk/por

FactsheetsAs an adult in Scouting you can access a huge array of ideas, advice and good practice in the Scout Association’s library of Factsheets. From ‘Accounting Standards’ to ‘Scouting in Zimbabwe’, there’s a Factsheet for almost everything!

www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/facts/Adult Training



AND FINALLY…Frequently Asked QuestionsWill I get paid/expenses?The Scout Association is a voluntary organisation and you will not be paid for your role. However, no adult should feel that cost prohibits them from taking up a role in Scouting, and we are committed to reimbursing out of pocket expenses for all volunteers. You should speak to the Group Scout Leader to find out how this works.

Where does religion fit into Scouting?The Scout Association does not identify itself with any one religion, but asks all adult Members to have a belief in a God (higher being). Adults in Scouting should aim to encourage the spiritual development of young people in whichever faith they identify themselves with.

Who is responsible for administering first aid if there is an accident?All trained adults in Scouting should have an up to date first aid certificate of First Response level or equivalent and are responsible for the young people in their care. On a camp or activity one person should be designated first aider. If an incident requires any consultation with or treatment by a doctor, dentist or hospital the Information Centre must be notified via the Group Scout Leader.

What insurance do I/the young people have?All Members of The Scout Association have personal accident insurance and legal liability cover whilst on Scouting activities. Current details can be obtained from Scout Insurance Services on 0845 0945 702 or www.scouts.org.uk/insurance. You can also talk to the Group Scout Leader if you have any questions.

Can I take young people on camp straight away?Every nights away event for young people in Scouting must be led by someone who holds a Nights Away Permit. Other leaders attending the event do not need a Nights Away Permit. Speak to the Group Scout Leader to find out more about this and to find out who your Nights Away Adviser is.

Are there any activities that we can’t do?Yes, some activities are specifically banned on safety or ethical grounds. Other activities are covered by specific rules or restricted to adults with specific authorisations. These rules apply to activities run by professional centres as well as those run by adult members. See the A-Z of activities at www.scouts.org.uk/activities or speak to your Group Scout Leader.


http://www.scouts.org.uk/activities


10 things you may not know about Scouting1. Scouting is for girls as well as boys.

2. Scouting is a global movement.

3. Young people can join at any stage of their development from 6 to 25 years old.

4. The Scout Association is a registered charity, as is each individual Scout Group.

5. Each day 100,000 people in the UK take part in Scouting activities.

6. Scouting is exceptional value for money!

7. Robert Baden-Powell, the Founder of Scouting was recently voted the 13th most influential person of the 20th Century.

8. Famous former Scouts include Tony Blair, Richard Branson, Paul McCartney, Billy Connolly, Stephen Spielberg, Jamie Oliver and David Beckham.

9. Scouting for Boys, Baden-Powell’s blueprint for the Scout Movement is one of the most popular books of all time.

10. Scouting was 100 years old in 2007.


THE SCOUT GROUP STRUCTURE & PEOPLE

Jo GSL

AGSL- Vacant

Suzie

Yvonne ABSL

Jeanette ABSL

Sarah ABSL Lisa ABSL

Michelle SA

Sue SA Pallai SA

Christine YL Chloe YL Laura YL

Claire BSL

Daisy ABSL

Beth Taylor SA

Jo CSL

Patricia ACSL

Tracey ACSL

Michelle ACSL

Jamie CSL

Steve ACSL Martin ACSL Clive SA Alan SA Hilary SA

Scout Leader- Vacant

Andrea ASL Alex ASL Sandra

ASL Chris ASL

Caroline SA

Harry YL Jamie YL

Doreen Chair Exec

Ruth Treasurer Nikki Sandra

Minutes Paul


Buntingford Scout GroupScout HeadquartersBowling Green LaneBuntingfordHertsSG99

Registered Charity No 05.05.2023

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