Activities
The Group
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Parent's Guide
Contents
What IS It All About
The sections
Beavers ; Cubs ; Scouts ; Explorers ;
Data Retention
Religious Policy
Child Protection/ Behaviour
Group Management
Fundraising
Activity Standards
Health Forms / Permission forms
Core Activities
Essential EquipmentList
Standard Kit List
St George's Day Parade
How To....
Join
Help
Complain
Assistance Form
So your child wants to join Clayton West Scouts? What is itall about?
First of all let's get the misconceptions out of the way. Scouting is not about wearing daft uniforms, tying knots and saying Dyb Dyb Dyb. Although there is probably nothing wrong with any of those elements. Plenty of young people and adults feel quite happy to wear a football strip, being able to tie a proper knot could be a life saver, and even today could be a job skill in later life, whilst Dyb Dyb Dyb was a call to Do Your Best. There can't be much wrong with that.
What is it all about?
Frankly, anything we want it to be about. Here at Clayton West the emphasis is on having fun and being active, developing friendships, gradually meeting personal challenges and fostering personal and team skills. In Beavers that may simply be the ability to play a team game, or work at an individual craft. In Cubs there will more emphasis on developing personal abilities through our training programme and activity badges. By the time members join Scouts they should be starting to work in teams, and should be developing individual skills. No two young people are the same and our programme allows for that variety.
As they progress we start to offer them
greater challenges and offer them the opportunity to move into specialist
training such as kayaking, pioneering, climbing etc.
The Awards offered in the older sections are comparable to Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and in fact the DoE Awards can be piggybacked into the Scout training.
The highlight of many of our members' time in Scouting is taking part in an International adventure, sometimes with visiting foreign Scouts, sometimes going abroad with Scouts.
So what do you need to do now?
You need to give us your child's details and we would prefer if you would submit to the CRB search (explained later in the booklet). You undertake to pay subscriptions. These consist of a weekly membership payment which contains an element which we set aside towards compulsory administration fees. You may pay weekly or termly.
We can benefit from Gift Aid. This involves us getting a tax rebate on tax you pay so long as you pay at least the minimum 10% tax rate. All it involves is for you to sign a Gift Aid Declaration and the rest is down to us to manage.
We also expect parents to support fundraising events, ensure that their child attends meetings, and that you will support us in developing your child though Scouting. That includes attending the Annual General Meeting, which as members of the Scout Council, you really should make an effort to attend.
You will need to provide a uniform. The specification for the Uniform is set out later in the booklet. You will not need to buy the Group necker or woggle, However, if the first of either is lost, a replacement must be paid for.
Data Retention
It is impossible for us to run the Scout Group without retaining some data about our members and contact with their parents/ guardians. That information may be stored on paper or more likely on computer. We will take our best steps to ensure that this information is not divulged to a third party.
However, all parents should know that there is a debate within the Scout Association as to who should have access to that information. The SA say that all members are members of the SA, and that as such they have a right to hold their details. Our stance is that we are an independent charity under the umbrella of the SA and that the data collected ought to remain with us. In the event of any change in that position we will advise you.
Details of Explorer and Scout Network members will be held by District and County respectively as these sections are officially managed by those bodies.
In order for the Explorer section to function we need to pass the details of all Scouts over the age of 13 to our District Secretary. We will ask parents for permission to do so,
Religious Policy
7th Clayton West Scout Group is a non-denominational, open, mixed sex group with no affiliations to any religious body whatsoever. The policy of the SA is that we should encourage the spiritual development of our young people and encourage them to regularly attend their own religious body. This presupposes that the young people concerned already attend a religious meeting place.
Our policy is that we will not discourage anyone from following their chosen religion, or not, as the case may be. However, we will, through our activities and our contact with each other and the environment encourage them to develop their own spiritual awareness.
By its nature it usually means that Beavers and Cubs will follow the predominant religion. When they reach Scout age though they have begun to question and to formulate their own ideas. Rather than force the issue we allow the situation to set the pace. On some occasions there can be quite formal moments with strong spiritual overtones, on others the tone can be contemplative, and on still others questioning.
We do cater for atheists and humanists amongst out youth membership and, for some, the taking of the promise creates a problem. Here is one way of looking at it
On my Honour, I promise that I will do my Duty
to God and the Queen and to help other people
and to keep the Scout Law.
So, what we are saying is that we will do what we say we will do, honourably. That we will do our duty to God, that could be whichever form of God the young person wishes to believe in, or in themselves if they are atheists, or in humanity if they are humanists. We also say to the Queen republicans may object to that. Our thinking is that the Queen represents the country and by doing one's Duty to the Queen one is doing one's Duty to the country. Surely there can be no problem with helping others, and the Scout Laws are simple civil decency.
There have been questions over the use of the term "On my Honour" for Scouts, as it was believed that they did not understand the concept. However, it has been retained nationally due to a phenomenal resistance to changing the wording, and in Troop discussions there was a unanimous vote to retain the Promise as it is worded.
Child Protection / Behaviour
The SA has a clear and precise child protection policy which we endeavour to adhere to for the protection of both adult and child. It requires that we are never alone with a child and that there is no physical contact. Adults should not share changing rooms, and certainly should not share tents. (There is no requirement that male and female members cannot share tents, though we try and avoid this scenario. It is essential though that they have their own sleeping kit).
The protection rules apply to the children as much as they do the adults and any child breaking the rules is as likely to be removed as any adult is.
There are grey areas though. Sometimes an upset child just needs a hand on a shoulder for re-assurance. Sometimes ensuring equipment is being worn properly, i.e. a climbing harness. These can require contact. It is our belief that so long as the contact is innocent and open there should be no problem. Of course physical contact is often a must when undertaking first aid however, even in embarrassing situations there must always be more than one witness available.
Another area of concern is in discipline.
We would never physically discipline a child, that remains the remit of
the parents alone. However, we witness varying approaches to discipline,
from none at all through to punishment which verges on abuse.We see each
style of discipline having varying levels of success. What works for one
will not always work for another. Indeed what form of discipline works for
one adult may not suit another.
We try to set a standard of acceptable behaviour, we don't write it down because written rules get ignored, nor do we have a contract for behaviour. Contracts may make everything clear but they also serve to depersonalise relationships. But certain actions are not permitted, fighting, bullying, and any activity which is inherently dangerous waving burning sticks at people, messing about with campfires, misbehaving during an activity. For instance we cannot tolerate bad behaviour when out climbing or kayaking.In general the rule is that the offender will be asked to stop doing whatever they are doing, then told to stop, then asked to leave the activity. If that activity is "away" then it might result in everyone having to come home.
In the event of continued poor behaviour, or in the event of behaviour likely to endanger life and limb, parents will be called and asked to remove the young person from the activity. If an activity has to be cancelled due to the behaviour of one or more young people, those young people will be asked to resign from the Group forthwith. Leaders will at all times retain the right to refuse to accept responsibility for badly behaved young people.
Sometimes scenarios arise which create unpleasant situations for both adults and young people. This is particularly the case with teenage boys and girls setting out on the path of discovery leading to adulthood. Whilst it is accepted that relationships will develop between teenage boys and girls we must take care to ensure that neither party puts themselves or their peers at risk. In the event of such a situation arising the Leaders may find it necessary to intervene (often after complaints about such behaviour from other Scouts). This may sometimes seem unfair to the young people involved. However, the reputation of the Leaders and the rest of the Group is at risk not to mention that of the young person him/ herself. Our policy here is that an embarrassed young person is much preferred to a damaged one. That a departure from the Group is preferred to a damaged reputation.
All adults working in close contact with the young people (unsupervised) or who may join the Executive must go through a quite invasive inquiry into their personal history. Adults (anyone over 18) who refuses to complete a CRB application form cannot work with the Group. In addition to the CRB application and subsequent clearing, the District Warrants Sub Committee must also approve all regular helpers and Exec Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary. The process for the CRB search is complicated, and irrespective of how long we may have know adults, they must bring us proof of identification, passport, birth certificate, proof of residency etc..
In theory we should not release any child from a section meeting to an adult whom we know has not been CRB cleared unless that adult is the parent of the child being collected. The implication being that if you have not been CRB cleared, you should not be allowed to pick up your neighbour's child from Beavers! In the name of practicality we ask that parents advise us of who will be collecting their child from the section night.
The Group Management
Rules for the management of a Scout Group
are set out in Policy Organisation and Rules and these are freely
available on the Internet at http://www.scoutbase.org.uk . There is little point in
repeating those rules in detail here.
Every Scout Group must have a Chairman and a Treasurer, neither of whom can be a uniform member in that Group. They need meet only once a year if possible. We take a pragmatic approach and our meetings are monthly during term time and comprise of anyone who wishes to be involved. Technically the Group Executive consists of non-uniformed adults and the Group Scout Leader. Here we read that as all Leaders and any adults who wish to attend.
Our meetings run on the informal side and serve to ensure the steady running of the Group. They ensure that we have the support to operate fundraising events and that we have the support we need to keep the Group running.
Parents are welcome to join us at these meetings and quite frankly, the more we have the easier the running of the Group becomes. There are some tasks which our uniformed Leaders simply don't have the time to do, or they make the extra effort to do but would welcome assistance in completing. Tasks which need support run from helping staff the kitchen at public events, to putting up posters and helping maintain the hall and grounds. Fundraising is a shared task and anyone with an interest in applying for funding on our behalf would be welcome to take some of the load.
Adult help on the Executive really can be as little as a couple of hours a month. It does not involve you taking charge of a section night. Go on, give it a try.
Fundraising
This is a subject we have touched on elsewhere in the guide to Clayton West Scouts, but it is so important it is worth re-visiting.
We need to raise funds to subsidise the activities we offer. This often raises questions as Scouts do more than Cubs, who do more than Beavers. Yet all pay more or less the same fees throughout the year. That gives rise to some people asking why that should be? It's a fair question, and the answer is, simply, the fees we are charged by the SA are the same for everyone, Beaver or 65 year old GSL. The rest goes to paying the bills and a few odd extras. The activities offered in addition to ordinary section nights, or away from the hall which are subsidised, can only happen if the funds are available, or if we charge full price for everything.
By fundraising we can ensure we have the funds in the coffers that we don't need to worry about emergencies. For instance we once had Scouts on a camp where the food was to be provided by the organisers. The food was abysmal and we wouldn't eat it. We had the funds available to just go out and buy pizza and chips, gateaux and coke. Most other Groups would have been unable to do that.
We fundraise through two large events, the Gala Day and the Bonfire Night, we hope that you will support both by helping to sell raffle tickets and attending on the day. We sometimes also run other smaller events. By supporting these smaller events you are supporting your child and making it possible for us to offer them a better standard of Scouting.
More difficult for some is supporting
events from which their own child will not directly benefit. Examples
might be collecting funds for an expedition by Explorers to Mexico, or the
when the Ventures went to Ghana. Rather interestingly we find that most
young people are happy to help raise funds to help others. The objections
tend to come from parents. Perhaps if they understood that this is one of
the highlights of being in Scouts and that it is something that hopefully
all will aspire to eventually going on an International event. The
Scouts understand that by helping fundraise for their elders' trip abroad,
they are setting a standard that when their turn comes the younger members
will be raising funds for them. It is an ongoing task which eventually
everyone benefits from. Please look at these events in the light that your
child will one day have that same opportunity and you, as a parent, will
welcome the subsidy generated by the fundraising.
You should note that we rarely use much funding raised within the group to buy equipment. We seek funding from outside to acquire capital equipment. In recent years that has included some £10,000 to buy archery equipment, pioneering equipment, a computer, tools and hedging to secure the boundary of the Scout Hut.
See also Donations
Activity Standards
At Clayton West we try and offer a wide range of activities, either as one-off taster sessions, or when we can find the right people to instruct, we can and do offer training to National Governing Body (NGB) standards. In undertaking any of these courses there is always an element of risk involved. However, by operating to a high standard and complying with strict guidelines set out by the NGB and the Scout Association we endeavour to limit the risk.
It is important that parents are aware that we do take the utmost care in selecting instructors and courses. The theory promoted is that if we book a qualified instructor to take a course, then we must trust his judgement and skills. For us that is not enough. We want to be sure that the instructors we use are not only technically good, but that they have the correct manner for dealing with groups of young people some of whom may well be quite concerned at the idea of trying certain activities.
In addition to the standards set out next we will only use those instructors we feel have the right attitude to deal with our young people. We want our members to enjoy their activities and hopefully come back for more and build their skills through Scouting.
If we use a professional activity provider we will ask to see the instructor's certificates and the company's insurance certificate before using them. If they cannot provide adequate paperwork we will not use that centre.
The table on the next page shows the minimum standards set for various activities and how we have approached those activities at Clayton West.
Activity Equipment
When setting out to undertake a new activity we will provide a kit list. This will always start with the best possible option which will usually be the best equipment for the job. For example, for kayaking we would say the best kit is a dry suit or a wet suit . But we would then offer more readily available alternatives which would make the course accessible to everyone. However, see the kit lists elsewhere for advice on essential equipment.
|
Activity |
SA Requirement |
Our Standard |
|
Archery |
Trained to GNAS Instructor Standard |
Attained GNAS Instructor Standard |
|
Climbing/ Abseiling |
Some Experience/ Scout Course |
Scout Authorisation gained. Seeking to train young leaders to Single Pitch Award Level (NGB) |
|
Canoeing |
2 Star Open Canoe |
Level One Coach Minimum plus Canoe Safety Test (NGB) |
|
Kayaking |
2 Star Closed Cockpit |
Level Two Coach plus Canoe Safety Test (NGB) |
|
Hillwalking |
Scout Authorisation |
Scout Authorisation (will train right people to MLTB Summer NGB) |
|
Canal Boating |
Scout Charge Certificate |
RYA Inland Waterway Helmsman Cert.(NGB) |
|
Sailing |
RYA Instructor |
RYA Instructor (Scammonden) |
|
Camping |
Scout Permit |
Scout Permit |
|
Gill Scrambling |
See Hill Walking |
NOT UNDERTAKEN HERE |
|
Ballooning |
CAA rules apply |
Age restricted/ not yet undertaken |
|
Gliding |
CAA rules apply |
CAA Rules only |
|
Hang Gliding Parascending |
Scout Guidelines/ NGB Rules |
Scout Guidelines/ NGB Rules |
|
Windsurfing |
RYA Rules |
RYA Rules |
|
First Aid |
Min Four Hour First Response |
Two Day Lifesaver - Red Cross/ St John |
|
Sub Aqua |
To PADI Standards |
PADI Diving Schools only |
Health Forms/ Permission Forms
Health Forms
On most activities where we will be operating "away" from home we will require an updated Health Form for each individual taking part. These are important if there is a problem that the hospital should know about. Please note it is not for our information that we ask the questions about your child's health. Imagine the complications if a child with an illness was taken to hospital and given treatment there which clashed with the treatment they were having for their pre-existing ailment. In most cases the hospital doesn't need to know much about the child we take to hospital, but there could be cases where it makes the difference between life and death. So please, make sure you give full and frank details on your child's health form.
That should include details of any known
behavioural problems. Many parents feel embarrassed about behavioural
problems which can vary from mood swings, through wetting the bed to
outbursts of violent behaviour. Please do not be embarrassed. It is
helpful for us to know why a young person may behave as he/she does. If
you don't tell us we cannot deal with the problem.
Permission Forms
It is a requirement that every child coming on camp provides us with a permission to camp form. This is usually combined with the health form. We do not usually ask for permission to undertake camp activities with the exception of swimming and shooting.
The reasons for asking permission are to ensure that the parent knows their child will be camping and to ensure that the Leaders running the camp have your permission to look after your children when away at camp. Permission to Shoot is requested because shooting is a contentious issue and some parents object to their child being allowed to shoot. The permission to swim request is an anomaly since we do not ask for your permission for every single activity if we did we would have to restrict activities to those that you had given specific permission for. The camp notice should give notification of the general activities and if parents do not approve of an activity they have the opportunity to opt out at that point.
Core Activities Available At Clayton West Scouts (see section buttons to right)
Archery Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Scout Network
We have a fully equipped archery centre with shooting up to 30 metres with recurve bows of varying sizes suitable for Beavers right through to large adults. We maintain a stock of arrows in three sizes and have the tools to repair and maintain our equipment to the highest standards.
We also have a Longbow and a full sized compound bow for demonstration purposes.
Almost all shooting at Clayton West is done Barebow, that is without a sight, though we do teach Olympic with sights to those who are interested in gaining the Master at Arms Badge in Scouts.
All of our Instructors are qualified to GNAS Instructor Level
Kayaking Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Scout Network
We have worked hard and are starting to build a pool of Level Two Kayak coaches and have access through other Scout Groups to a variety of kayaks and Canadian canoes. We are also building our own fleet of kayaks to give us easier access to kayaking. We can offer taster sessions to younger members and those unsure about taking up the activity.However, we work with other instructors to offer Star training courses which can lead to our older members applying for Training awards and safety awards. The courses we run comply with both Scouts and DoE Award Scheme standards.
Pioneering Scouts, Explorers, Scout Network
While limited Pioneering can be carried out by Beavers and Cubs, the full-sized structures can usually only be constructed by teams of Scouts. This is the activity which many confuse with tying knots. We don't believe in tying knots just for the sake of it. The knots learned in Scouts can be put to good use in Pioneering, building bridges, runways, catapults, scramble nets, towers and gates. It is a challenge which can see teams of young people bridging 50 foot spans, creating structures which might require raising half a tonne of timber ten feet in the air. But above all it is about developing leadership and teamwork skills.
Camping Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Scout Network
Beavers are not allowed to camp, there are legal restrictions on how long Beavers can be away from home and tight restrictions on the numbers of supervising adults must be available. Our decision is that it is impractical at present to arrange for Beaver Sleepovers either here at Clayton West or elsewhere.
Cubs may only camp where there is emergency indoor accommodation available and that could restrict opportunities. However we try to offer Cubs two weekends each year.
Scouts and Explorers are perhaps the sections most likely to camp and at Clayton West we try to offer as many chances as possible. Our camps tend to be activity based so we use Patrol tents for camping and generally cook on gas, though in recent years there has been a gradual move towards cooking on campfires. All Scout camps have adult supervision, either directly though the section Leaders, or through the campsite staff. In the latter case we are selective about who might camp on such weekends.
Our Explorers are very close to the Group and they tend to camp with the Scouts, or alongside the Scouts, though they do also operate their own camps. Explorers take up the old Patrol Camp role, setting off to camp for odd weekends, planning their own programme and menu.
Scout Network replaces Ventures and it used to be said that Ventures don't camp, but we tend to find that our Scout Network team are as keen to camp now as they were when they were Cubs though perhaps for very different reasons.
Climbing Scouts, Explorers,
Scout Network Climbing and Abseiling is a limited activity for Cubs
and we do not advise it for Beavers. The harnesses are too large to be
safe and even simple ascents/ descents can be quite frightening for even
the bravest of Cubs. We do taster sessions but prefer to operate with
older members.
All Scouts with an interest in climbing are requested to attend the Huddersfield Sports centre Climbing Course as soon as they can. This gives them a basic understanding of the skills and allows them to build technique and muscles. We hope to develop our own team of Single Pitch Award Climbers in the near future.
Canal Boating Scouts, Explorers, Scout Network
This is a more subdued activity but nonetheless one that we undertake four or five times each year. We can take Cubs on the canal but it is an activity which requires an element of self-entertainment and on a wet day it is not always the best activity for Cubs.
The older sections though tend to find that just a day out on the canal with friends can be a relaxing way to spend some time away from homework. There are bursts of activity at the lock gates, and all get a chance to steer the boat under instruction.
We usually hire Wakefield District's Canal Boat and our trips tend to be between Dewsbury and Wakefield, or Castleford and Wakefield although we have been as far as Brighouse, Elland and Salterhebble.
Hillwaking Scouts, Explorers, Scout Network
We simply do not do enough of this; we don't have the Leaders to provide all the activities we would wish to. Additionally, restrictions on what we can do with young people on the hills are getting tighter and tighter. 20 years ago we might have (as the GSL did in his youth) gone Munro bagging at 3,000 feet or more. Today we find we are restricted to 350 metres, and that may become even more restricted as DoE Award rules come to the fore. This is one area where we need more help. If you are interested in Hillwalking and would like to train for your MLTB Summer, please talk to us.
These are the core activities that we offer in-house. We also ensure that each section has opportunities to develop skills in various areas including games, challenges and crafts. The older sections run the Gala Day and the Bonfire Party, organising shows, manning stalls and generally making the events possible. Scouts also turn the Scout Hut into a cabaret restaurant at Christmas and put on a thank you meal for Leaders and Executive members. This Christmas Dinner has become a regular event with the Scouts producing a full three course Christmas meal with all the trimmings, serving the food and drink. Those not involved in serving entertain the guests with music, sketches and a Christmas sing song before the guests depart and allow the Scouts to have their own Christmas meal.
Outside the Group we can access RYA level training for sailing, PADI scuba diving and many other activities as requested by the members. Remember that we offer these activities all year round, or when in season not just for one week a year.
Essential Equipment List -
| Item | Beavers | Cubs | Scouts | Explorer/SN |
|
Wellingtons |
Yes |
Yes |
Unlikely |
Unlikely |
|
Old Trainers/Gym Shoes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Gaiters |
No |
No |
Maybe |
Yes |
|
Camp cutlery(K,F,S) |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Bowl (Plastic) |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Plate (Plastic) |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Mug (Plastic) |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
1st Aid Kit (personal) |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Whistle |
Definite No |
Definite No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Compass |
No |
No |
Preferred |
Yes |
|
Pen Knife (This is an item which we do use, but it is not essential) |
Definite No |
Definite No |
No |
No |
|
Sleeping bag (Mummy-type) |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Roll Mat |
No |
Preferred |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Water Bottle |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Rucksack |
No |
Up to 35 Litre |
45 - 65 litre |
As suits needs |
|
Walking Boots/Shoes |
No |
Preferred |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Walking socks |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Lightweight Waterproof Jacket |
No |
Preferred |
Yes* |
Yes* |
|
Lightweight Waterproof Trousers |
No |
Preferred |
Yes* |
Yes* |
|
Fleece Jacket |
Preferred |
Preferred |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Thermals |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
Woollen/ Fleece Hat |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
*Here we have to say these are essential, but with modern technology many young people find breathable textiles much more comfortable. Most Leaders use a combination fleece/ waterproof and suitable trousers.
Other activities may require specialist clothing if they are to be undertaken seriously, but the courses provided will supply details of the required equipment for those activities.
Standard Kit List This is a guide to what is required in a
camp kit list for a two night, two day camp. Individual camps may have
additional requirements, so please always check for any other items.
Please note the members are required to arrive and depart in uniform
unless otherwise stated
| Jumpers/Sweatshirts | minimum of two | Underwear | minimum three sets |
| Shirts/ tee shirts | minimum of three | Socks | minimum three pairs |
| Waterproof jacket | one see Essential Equipment List | Fleece/ Anorak | one |
| Waterproof trousers | one see Essential Equipment List | Hat | one |
| Boots | one pair - (Scouts often arrive in Boots and have spare trainers) | Spare Trainers | one pair |
| Swimwear | one set | Face cloth | one |
| Hand Towel | one | Soap and Box | one |
| Toothbrush/ paste | one | Tea Towel | two |
| Bowl | one | Plate | one |
| Mug | one | KFS Set | one |
| Bag for above | one | Roll Mat | one |
| Sleeping bag | one Sarcophagus or Mummy type not square "caravan" type bag | ||
| Rucksack for above | one this may be a sports bag, but it is essential that all kit can be carried in one bag (we will allow the sleeping bag to be carried separately if required. | ||