FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Joining Us

1st Great Notley Scout group is currently one of the largest groups within the Braintree District, and as such, we - on occasions - have to operate a waiting list for admission into sections within the group.

Our Scouts

The Scout Section is for young people, usually aged between 10½ and 14 years. A young person can come into the Troop at 10 and may stay until they are 14½ years old. The Scout Troop is the third section in the Scout Group, above Beavers and Cubs.

Our Cub Scouts

Cub Scouts are young people aged between 8 and 10 1/2, who make up the second section of the Scouting family, between Beavers and Scouts.

Our Beaver Scouts

Beaver Scouts are young people usually aged between 6 and 8 years old though they can be as young as five and three quarters. They belong to the first and youngest Section in the Scouting family.

Joining Us
Our Scouts
Our Cub Scouts
Our Beaver Scouts

You are here: HELPFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Joining our Group

What age can my child join?

Boys and girls from every faith and background can join Scouting from the age of 6.
Is there a waiting list to join?

We are a very popular group and unfortunately we do have a waiting list. However, don't let this put you off - you can add your child's name to our waiting list by filling in our online form. We have children moving up to the next group each term with places then becomming available.

We give preference to parents offering to take an active role in our Scout group.

Scouting in the UK has 30,000 young people on waiting lists around the country due to a shortage of adults. We always welcome any help from parents. With more adult help the waiting lists for young people would be shorter and more young people will be able to experience the adventure of Scouting. Find out more.
How does my child join?

Information about joining can be found here. You can also fill in our Online Application (under the Joining Us menu) or download a copy of the Physical Application.
Which Group should I send my child to?

That all depends on their age!!! If they're under 6 then get their name on the waiting list!

Between 6 and 8 then it's Beavers...

Between 8 and 10 it's Cubs...

Between 10 and 14 it's Scouts...
My child has a disability. Is that a problem?

Not a problem at all... Scouting is open to all young people aged 6 to 25 of every faith and background. If your child has any form of disability then we will welcome them into the group and work with you to ensure that your child gets as much enjoyment and adventure as possible in our group.
Will it cost to send my child?

As we are a charitable organisation, we charge a termly subscription simply to cover our costs for items such as equipment in the meetings and also hall hire. We do all we can to keep the subscription costs to a minimum. Cost should not be a barrier to anyone taking part in Scouting and if this is an issue, you can speak to the local Section Leader in confidence.
I'm an adult, can I help?

Of course! We're always looking for adults to help out to join our "big adventure"! Simply contact one of our leaders for more information. You can help in a small way at occasional meetings or become a leader. We're also always on the look-out for any parents with interesting jobs or hobbies that may be able to provide an interesting activity at any of our meetings.

You can find out more about info about joining Scouting here. (opens in new window)

Other things you may want to know...

Is Scouting a Christian organisation?

No. We welcome children from every faith and background.
What do Scouts wear?

Scouts wear a uniform of blue trousers and a coloured sweatshirt, shirt or polo shirt (which varies depending on the age range). All Scouts (adults and young people) wear a coloured scarf or necker, the colour of which varies depending on the Group.
Are your leaders trained?

All of our Scout Leaders participate in a series of training courses, typically aiming for the Wood Badge as the main qualification of an adult leader in Scouting.Wood Badge holders can wear a Turk's head knot woggle, and Wood Badge beads.

All of our Scout Leaders are given a formal appointment. Before appointing an adult leader, background checks are performed on candidates to ensure their suitability for working with children.
Is there a planned programme of activities for Scouts?

Yes. Behind the fun of Scouting, there is an educational programme which was completely redesigned in 2001 following years of work with educationalists and youth workers. Whilst Groups will undertake different activities from each other, the main programme areas are: Outdoor and Adventure; Global; Community; Fit for Life; Creative; and Beliefs and Attitudes. Group Leaders are trained to deliver this programme.
Do your leaders get paid?

All of the adults in our Scout group are volunteers and receive no form of funding or payment.