1st Sittingbourne (Salvation Army)

Scout Group

Welcome Pack

Welcome to the 1st Sittingbourne (Salvation Army) Scout Group!

We are delighted that your child is joining our group. And also becoming a member of the Scout Association.

Scouting is one of the oldest and best known providers of youth services in the world. We hope that your child’s time with us will be of great benefit not only to them but to your family as a whole.

We very much encourage family participation in the Scout Group and hope that your family will soon feel part of the 1st.Sittingbourne (S.A.) Scout Group

Please take some time to browse through this pack, it will give you a flavour for the ethos of the Group and important information relating to your child’s time spent with us.

At the back of this pack is an important form, the admission form which is your permission for your child to join Scouting. This gives us important information to help us to best care for your child whilst they are with us.

If you have any questions please feel free to speak to any of the leaders.

Kind regards

GARY  CHADWICK

(GSL)

Aims of the 1st Sittingbourne (S.A.) Scout Group

The aim of this group is to encourage the physical, mental and spiritual development of young people so that they may take a constructive place in society.

The method of achieving this aim is by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout promise & law guided by adult leadership.

The Scout Association stands apart from other providers in youth services; we have a clearly worded and unequivocal promise and a law, which every member must accept. Just as the training each child receives is progressive according to age, so the promise & law reflects the individuals understanding as they move from section to section.

The Beaver Scout promise is:

I promise to do my best             

Be kind and helpful and love God

The Beaver Scout Motto is:Fun and friends

The Cub Scout Promise is:                                                     

I promise that I will do my best                                       

To do my duty to God & the Queen              

To help other people and keep the Cub Scout Law.

The Cub Scout Law is:

A Cub Scout always does their best,

thinks of others before themselves

and does a good turn every day.

The Scout Promise is:

On my honour,

I promise that I will do my best              

To do my duty to God & the Queen                                           

To help other people

and keep the Scout Law.

The Scout Law is:

  • Ø  A Scout is to be trusted

  • Ø  A Scout is Loyal

  • Ø  A Scout is friendly & considerate

  • Ø  A Scout is a member of the world-wide family of Scouting

  • Ø  A Scout has courage in all difficulties

  • Ø  A Scout makes good use of their time and is careful of possessio0ns & property

  • Ø  A Scout has self respect and respect for others

This Group is a Salvation Army Scout Group.

That is, we are the same as every other scout group in theUKexcept that we are sponsored by and aligned to the Salvation Army.

What is the Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is an international Christian Church working in over 110 countries worldwide. The Salvation Army’s work and existence is based on the Bible, the life and example of Jesus Christ. The ‘Army’ may best be described as protestant non-conformist, but avails its services care and fellowship to all. As a registered charity and the largest provider of social services in theUKoutside the Government, The Salvation Army demonstrates Christian belief and principles through social action. The Salvation Army is one of the largest and most diverse providers of humanitarian and social aid in the world.

What does this mean to us as a Scout Group?

  • We meet at the Salvation Army church building

  • We adhere to Salvationist (Christian) principles and practices whilst engaged in Scouting

  • We wear a special sponsorship badge from the Salvation Army on the back of our Group Scarves

  • In addition to adherence to the Policy Organization and Rules (POR) or the Scout Association we also have guidance given in Orders and Regulations for Scouters working in Salvation Army Scout Groups (SAO&R) and O&R for work amongst Young People

  • We encourage individual faith and spirituality through our spiritual development programme which majors on Christian faith, practice and teaching, but also include other world religions in our sectional programmes.

  • It is not necessary to be a Salvationist or Christian (However, see Scout Promise and law relating to duty to God) to be a member of this Scout Group. We are an open Group and welcome everyone regardless of creed.

  • The Salvation Army Corps Officer (Minister), the Young People’s Sergeant Major (YPSM~ Sunday school leader) and Corps Youth Secretary (CYS) support us in the delivery of our spiritual development programme. They will also take a pastoral interest/chaplaincy role in the Group, its leaders and members.

  • Our Membership is open to all.

Church Parades

We hold at least four Church parades each year at the Salvation Army Church. Other parades may include St. Georges Day Parade and Remembrance Sunday. Church Parades will be Christian in nature and Character. It is a requirement of membership that, as far as possible, the majority of Church parades are attended by all members of the Group.

Leaders

All leaders are unpaid volunteers. Some wear uniform and others not depending on their role. All leaders are required to complete a course of training to better equip them to give of their best for the young people.

 

Child and adult protection policy

All Leaders and volunteers are required to complete a Criminal records Bureau application before commencing any help given to the Scout Group. All adult training run by the Scout association includes child and adult protection modules. All our leaders and helpers undertake a course of training ’safe and Sound’ run by the Salvation Army and a correspondence course in child and adult protection issues with the NSPCC.

Parental Support

Perhaps the most important, but least thought about, aspect is the parental support given to our members, leaders and the Group. It can mean the difference between an ordinary Scout Group and a very successful one. Interest, motivation, participation and support will help all our members get the most out of Scouting.

Parental help at events and activities is often one of the critical success factors in our endeavours. If you would be willing to give some time at occasional events, help with transport, go on a parent helper rota for one of the sections, assist on the group executive committee or become a regular assistant or leader in the sections we would welcome your assistance.

All Leaders and volunteers are required to complete a Criminal Records Bureau application before commencing any help given to the Scout Group.

Data protection

Our records may be kept on computer. All records are used only for scouting purposes. Information held will only be disclosed to Scout Leaders within the Scout Group and those assisting with activities. Information is also disclosed to the National Scout Association for census purposes. All information is maintained in accordance with the principles of the Data protection Act 1998.

No information will be passed to third parties outside the movement.

Uniform

We are a uniformed youth organisation and encourage each member to wear it with pride and to look their best when they wear it. Uniforms are purchased from local suppliers or online at www.scoutshops.com  at each individual own expense.

Scarves

First scarves are provided by the group free of charge. Badges are also provided by each section and these are funded through the subs.  Official Scout association belts may be worn, but they are optional.

 

Photographs and web site

From time to time photographs may be taken of the activities that your child is involved in. They may be used for display purposes and may be posted on the Scout Group web site (http://sittingbournesascouts.wordpress.com) or group notice board your child will not be individually identified without prior consent. If you do not wish this to happen please write and let us know.

Subscriptions & membership fees

Members must pay a weekly subscription to their section. The current rate of subs is £25/term or £2.50/week until the term fee is met If your child is absent from a meeting the subs for that week will still be required to be paid as the national membership (insurance) fee is funded from Subs and the costs of the Group are ongoing. If fees are not fully paid  at the end of each term then unfortunately we will not be able to accept the child the following term as they will not be covered by the Scout Association insurance.

Initial Membership Fee

There is an initial joining fee of £5

Contacts and meeting times

All contacts for the group can be found at our website

http://sittingbournesascouts.wordpress.com    

email:  1st.sittingbournesa.scoutgroup@googlemail.com

Meetings

Beavers      Wednesday  4.45pm-6.00pm

Cubs           Wednesday 6.00pm-7:30pm

Scouts        Wednesday 7:30pm-9.00pm

Meeting Place

The Salvation Army,

Shortlands Road
Sittingbourne
Kent
ME10 3JT.    

Please note -The group does not meet during school holidays and Public holiday

Scout Association Registered Charity No. 306101 (England & Wales) SCO38437 (Scotland)

The Salvation Army Registered Charity No. 214779 (England & Wales) SCO09359 (Scotland)