A Parent's Guide To Scouting

This information here has been compiled as an introduction for Parents containing information about Scouting and the 1st Lampeter Lions Cub Pack. We meet every Tuesday evening from 7:00 - 8:30 pm at the Cub Hut on Church Street. Please take the time to read this information, as it contains some important points to note. If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact Akela.

The aims of scouting are clearly stated but can be basically surmised as providing an opportunity for young people to develop, to learn and to enjoy themselves. Scouting can offer a wide range of skills and services and is open to any young person, of any creed or colour, mental or physical capabilities and of any sex. All scout sections rely upon a progressive 'training' scheme in the form of badges to track the progress of the Cubs and to give a feeling of achievement. There are two main types of badges, the 'Award' badges, and the Activity or 'proficiency' badges. They obviously vary from section to section, but the Award badges are designed to provide the basic set of activities and training to be completed. They cover the basics of all types of work, and the important necessary scouting skills. The proficiency badges provide the option to take a certain activity or hobby in greater detail.

Scouting is not just about schemes, awards and badges. The 'games' and adventurous activities are very important to scouting, not just because they are enjoyable, but because they are also important in the young persons development. If you still have any doubts or questions about Scouting, please speak to one of the leaders or take a look at one of the websites.

Uniform

Scouting is a uniformed organisation. All Cubs are required to wear uniform for Pack Meetings, when arriving and departing from events and for parades. Cubs should take pride in their uniform and do their best to look after the uniform and to look smart. Cubs are not expected to wear a uniform until they have been ‘invested’. If you want details on prices or where to obtain the uniform, please ask Akela.

Cub Scout Uniform consists of :

Green Cub Scout Jumper / Group Red & Yellow Scarf / Navy Activity Trousers

Dark Shoes / Badge Book

Sixes

Cub Scouts borrows a great deal of its ‘system’ from the ‘Jungle Book’ by Rudyard Kipling. The Cubs meet in a group called a Pack (as in a Pack of Wolves). The leader of the Cub Scout section is Akela and other leaders may take Jungle Book names such as Bagheera, Baloo, Kaa etc. At the beginning and end of each pack meeting the Cubs hold a type of ceremony called a ‘Grand Howl’ as well as Flagbreak/Flagdown. The Cubs in the Pack are organised into Sixes. Each six has their own colour and the Cubs in that six wear a woggle on their scarf of that colour. Each six will contain approximately six cubs of a range of ages. New Cubs will usually be put into a six where they know at least one other cub. Each six has a ‘Sixer’ who is ‘in charge’ of the six. He/She is helped by a ‘Seconder’. A cub is not usually made up to a Seconder or Sixer unless they have shown their competence and good behaviour. If your child is unhappy with any aspect of their six, or if they have a problem with any other members of the pack, please let one of the leaders know.

Badges & Awards

Cub Scouts will work towards many badges during their time in the Pack. The Cub Scout Handbook has detailed information about these badges and their requirements. A Cub may begin working towards badges as soon as they first come to the Pack. Badges will not be worn until they are invested, and then they will be worn on the uniform. The various badges will involve work at the Pack meeting, sometimes work at special events or camps, and also a certain amount of work to be completed at home. If your child wishes to undertake any of the badgework, please discuss it with a leader.

The Groups Leaders

All adults in Scouting, including Uniformed Leaders are volunteers. They give their time for free. The leaders at the 1st Lampeter Lions Cub Pack are all experienced leaders and have been in the Scouting movement for many years. All of the leaders are committed to the enjoyment and teaching of the kids and give up a great deal of their spare time, effort and money in order to achieve this. A uniformed leader, and indeed any form of ‘helper’ or leader at the group, has to complete a form which is sent to the local District Commissioner where checks are made to ascertain the individuals suitability for working with young people. Uniformed leaders have to attend an appointments committee meeting before being awarded their ‘Warrant’. They also have to attend a serious of training courses before they gain their ‘Wood Badge’.

The Cub Scout Leader (Akela - Ben Davidson) has overall responsibility for the Cub Pack and the activities which members take part in. The Cub Scout leader delegates responsibilities to Assistant Leaders (Chil - Jana Davidson, Baloo - Shen Bulman). Older Scouts may be asked to help at times as well. The Group Scout Leader (Iris Newman) provides support for all the sections and is charged with the task of developing Scouting throughout the Group.

Behaviour & Discipline

All Cubs are expected to behave well and appropriately. Inappropriate behaviour will not be accepted. We run a ‘Baseball’ system in that if a Cub needs to be warned about their behaviour three times in one night, then they will not be allowed to attend the following week’s meeting. The smooth running of the programmes and enjoyment of all the Cubs as a whole has to be taken into consideration. More serious examples, in particular bullying and fighting, will result in the Cub’s parents being contacted and, depending upon the circumstances, suspension for a number of weeks. Sixers and Seconders, will be expected to set a good example to younger members of the Pack, if a Sixer or Seconder cannot attain the standard required, then the stripes can be removed.

Financial Matters

It costs money to run a Scout Group. The Leaders do their best to offer quality scouting for the lowest possible cost. The main source of income is the membership subscriptions paid by all members. This is currently taking in the form of weekly ‘Subs’ of £1.50 per week for Cubs. This subscription covers the basic costs of the sections. There is an annual Capitation usually payable in November, this is usually about £30. Capitations cover the insurance of your son/daughter to participate in the Scouting activities, and as a charity it also goes towards supporting the Scout movement and district.