Scouts: 01974 298748 For Boys & Girls aged 11 - 14

This information here has been compiled as an introduction for Parents containing information about the 1st Lampeter Scout Troop. We meet every Monday evening from 7.00 - 9.00 pm.

The aims of Scouts can be basically surmised as providing an opportunity for young people to develop, to learn and to enjoy themselves. All scout sections rely upon a progressive 'training' scheme in the form of badges to track the progress of the Scouts and to give a feeling of achievement. There are two main types of badges, the Award badges and the Activity badges. 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.

Uniform

All Scouts are required to wear uniform for Troop Meetings, and when arriving and departing from events and for parades. Scouts should take pride in their uniform and do their best to look after the uniform and to look smart. Scouts 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 Iris.

Scout Uniform consists of :

Green Scout Shirt / Neckercheif / Navy Activity Trousers / Scout Belt

Dark Shoes

Patrols

The Scouts in the troop are organised into Patrols. Each patrol will contain approximately six Scouts of a range of ages. New Scouts will usually be put into a patrol where they know at least one other scout. Each patrol has a Patrol Leader who is ‘in charge’ of the patrol. He/She is helped by an Assistant Patrol Leader.

Badges & Awards

Scouts will work towards many badges during their time in the troop. A Scout may begin working towards badges as soon as they first come to the troop. 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 troop 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 Scout Leaders

All adults in Scouting, including Uniformed Leaders are volunteers. They give their time for free. The leaders at the 1st Lampeter Scout Group 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 Scout Leader , Iris Newman has overall responsibility for the Scout troop and the activities which members take part in. The Scout Leader delegates responsibilities to Assistant Leaders.

Behaviour & Discipline

All Scouts are expected to behave well and appropriately at all Scouting activities. Inappropriate behaviour will not be accepted.

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 Scouts. This subscription covers the basic costs of the sections. There is an annual Capitation usually payable in January, 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.