Joining our Group

We are a very popular group with a waiting list for places, particularly in Cubs and Beavers. Average ‘waits’ for a space in one of our sections is around 1.5yrs and can mean that in many cases it is not possible to offer a space in either Beavers or Cubs before your child exceeds the upper age limit. It is suggested placing your child on the waiting list as early as possible by filling in the form linked here. The average age of joining our waiting list for Beavers is around 4yrs old.

Our waiting list operates on a points system. At the beginning of each school term new members are invited to start. Young people are called forward once old enough, in descending order of points, until all spaces are filled. Maximum group sizes are Beavers: 21, Cubs: 24 and Scouts: 24

Points are earned at the rate of 1 point per month on the list whilst under the age of six, then at 1 point per day on the list whilst over 6yrs. Additional points are awarded as follows: 50pts where there is a sibling already as a member in our group, 75pts if you are already a scout elsewhere and looking to transfer into 1st Nuthall.

Scouting cannot exist without adult volunteers, we also reward helpful parents e.g. committee members or parents who offer to deliver a session to young people get 100pts. Parents who volunteer as a leader in any capacity and attend weekly will get an extra 150pts.

We also like to guarantee a space in the next section for a child approaching the upper age of their current section. Where young people moving on from a section take all available space in the next section, we will not be able to admit from the waiting list at all for that term. This happens frequently in cubs where we have not been able to admit off our waiting list for the last 3 years.

Being a Scout

Being a Squirrel, Beaver, Cub or Scout is all about having fun, playing games, working in a team and taking on new challenges.  We work through a range of badges that help develop and stimulate children mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

This is predominately done through activities in our face to face meetings e.g. creative activities, skills sessions, cooking, reflection and hands on activities. A few times a year we have trips away and overnight stays with outdoor activities e.g. forest school, camping, hiking etc.

Costs and Expectations

We ask that each child attends for around 4 weeks (free of charge) to see if they like what we do. If they wish to continue, we then formally enrol them. At this time, they will need a uniform and from that point on monthly subs become due.

The cost is currently £16 every month (regardless of attendance) except for August when we don't meet. Our meeting pattern follows school term i.e. when schools close for holiday, we do.

We are a uniformed organisation and expect uniform to be worn at all scouting events unless informed otherwise. Where a young person does not attend for three consecutive sessions we will establish if there are underlying reasons and work to support restoring regular attendance. If non attendance continues we will write to you advising we are terminating membership and offer the unutilised space to the next child on our list.

Diversity

Please note one of the values of scouting is diversity and we are committed to making membership accessible to underrepresented characteristics in scouting e.g. Female, BAME, disability and residing in deprived areas or cases of financial hardship. We welcome discussion to see how we can support your entry into scouting e.g. sponsorship, befriending, peer support etc.