Fancy joining us ?
We maintain certain behavourial standards, & expect everyone to play by the same set of rules..
(But we won't vapourise your loved one should they have a bad day)
General information ...grab a cup of tea & read me
This information pack has been compiled as an introduction for Parents containing information about Scouting and
the 1st Ramsey BEAVER'S & CUB'S Pack in general
Cubs meet every Wednesday Evening from 7:10 – 8:30 p.m. at Our Community HQ
Little Whyte, Ramsey (almost opposite Three Horseshoes Public house).
Beavers meet every Wednesday Evening from 5.45 – 7:00 p.m. at Our Community HQ
Little Whyte, Ramsey (almost opposite Three Horseshoes Public house).
Please take the time to read the information on this page as it is there for your information and contains some
important points to note.
If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact any of the leaders.
What is Scouting?
Scouting is an international, uniformed, youth movement. It is divided into several main sections
· Beaver Scouts 6-8 years of age.
· Scouts 8-10½ years of age.
· Scouts 10½-14 years of age.
· Explorer Scouts 14-18 years of age
· Scout Network 18-25 years of age
The aims of scouting are clearly stated but can be basically summised as providing an opportunity for young people
to develop, to learn and to enjoy themselves. Scouting can offer a wide range of skills and services and is open
to any young person, of any creed or colour, mental or physical capabilities and of any sex.
(1st Ramsey happily accepts girls as well as boys).
All scout sections rely upon a balanced programme. There are Challenge badges that complement the balanced
programme. These have been developed to extend Beavers & Cub Scouts' skills and experience. The Challenges are optional
and continue throughout the Sections providing continuity from 6 to 25. There are MANY Activity badges specially
designed for the Beaver's & Cub Scout sections, along with the four Staged badges. Additionally there are three awards to be
completed in association with other sections of the Group. The Chief Scout's Silver Award is the highest award in
the Cub section, with Bronze being the highest award within the beaver movement currently.
Scouting is not just about schemes, awards and badges. The 'games' and adventurous activities are very important
to scouting, not just because they are enjoyable, but because they are also important in the young persons
development. If you still have any doubts or questions about Scouting, please speak to one of the leaders or take
a look at one of the websites.
Promise & Law
The important underlying values of Scouting are surmised in the Cub Promise and Law. Each member ‘agrees’ to
these values when they are ‘Invested’.
The Cub Promise - I promise that I will do my best
to do my duty to my God and to The Queen
to help other people and to keep the Cub Scout Law
The Cub Scout Law - Cub Scouts always do their best,
think of others before themselves
and do a good turn every day.
Beaver promise & Law is slightly simpler in order to get the younger child into the flow of things....
The Beaver Scout Promise is:
"I promise to do my best
To be kind and helpful
And to love my God"
The Beaver Scout Motto is:
"Be Prepared"
Cub Scout Uniform consists of :
· Green Cub Scout Jumper (& optional Group T-Shirt)
· Group Maroon & Green Scarf ..provided, on a permanent loan basis.
· Woggle
. Trousers (jeans or shorts are Ok at HQ.)
.Footwear suitable for both indoor & outdoor.
For ceremonial duties we request...
· Black Trousers/Skirt (school style) ..for the occasional services & parades where we are representing the community
· Black Shoes
Beaver Scout Uniform consists of :
· Turquoise Beaver Scout Jumper (& optional Group T-Shirt)
· Group Maroon & Green Scarf ..provided, on a permanent loan basis.
· Woggle
. Trousers (jeans or shorts are Ok at HQ.)
.Footwear suitable for both indoor & outdoor.
For ceremonial duties we request...
· Black Trousers/Skirt (school style) ..for the occasional services & parades where we are representing the community
· Black Shoes
Where any outdoor ceremonial duties are concerned we keep them as short & sweet as possible whilst maintaining involvement!
Sixes
Both Beaver & Cub Scouts borrows a great deal of its ‘system’ from the ‘Jungle Book’ by Rudyard Kipling. The Cubs meet in a
group called a Pack (as in a Pack of Wolves). The leader of the Cub Scout section is Akela and other leaders may
take Jungle Book names such as Bagheera, Baloo, Kaa etc.
At the beginning and end of each pack meeting the Beavers & Cubs hold a type of ceremony called a ‘Grand Howl’ (come in
one night and watch it) as well as Flagbreak/Flagdown.
The Beavers & Cubs in the Pack are organised into Sixes. Each six has their own colour and the Beavers or Cubs in that six wear a woggle on their scarf of that colour. Each six will contain approximately six children of a range of ages. New Beavers & Cubs will usually be put into a six where they know at least one other cub. Each six has a ‘Sixer’ who is ‘in charge’ of the six.
He/She is helped by a ‘Seconder’. A Beaver or cub is not usually made up to a Seconder or Sixer unless they have shown their competence and good behaviour.
If your child is unhappy with any aspect of their six, or if they have a problem with any other members of the pack,
please let one of the leaders know.
Badges & Awards
Both Beavers &Cub Scouts will work towards many badges during their time in the Pack. There is detailed information available
about these badges and their requirements (All linked on this site for your convenience). A Beaver or Cub may begin working towards badges as soon as they first come to the Pack.
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 Pack 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! ..
Pack Night Programme
The Cub Scout Section works to a loose programme each night.
7:10 p.m. Flag/Inspection/Subs.
...Activities, Games, Fundamentals, Projects & learning
8:25 p.m. Sixes/Notices/Flag Down/Dismiss
The Beaver Scout Section works to a looser programme..
5.45p.m. Inspection/Subs
...Activities, Games, Fundamentals, Projects & learning
7:00 p.m. Sixes/Dismiss & info passed out to parents where applicable
Come in and see what happens if you want to know more!
Both the Beavers & Cubs will be inspected each week for their uniform and general appearance.
The words ‘Games’ and ‘Work’ are used loosely as all of the nights activities are presented in a fun and interesting way. Often the Children will
be playing a ‘Game’ whilst learning some important scouting skills, or they may be doing some really enjoyable
‘Work’ without realising it. If you have any questions regarding the Pack night programme please come and ask
one of the leaders, perhaps you could even ask to stay for a night to see what they get up to!
The Groups Leaders
(Almost) all adults in Scouting, including Uniformed Leaders are volunteers. They give their time for free, they do
not get paid. The leaders of 1st Ramsey are all experienced leaders and have been in the
Scouting movement for, ...oooh, far too long! 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, and then to HQ 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 series of training courses before they gain their ‘Wood Badge’.
The Cub Scout Leader (Akela – "Judith" Branch) has overall responsibility for the Cub Pack and the activities
which members take part in.
The BEAVER Scout Leader (A.K.A. "Bat Beaver" – "Tanya" Allen) has overall responsibility for the Beaver colony and the activities which members take part in.
The services of others may be sought for instruction in particular activities such as..
First Aid, Climbing etc. The Beaver & Cub Scout leader delegates responsibilities to Assistant Leaders, Young Leaders, (Bagheera – XXXXX , Shere Khan – Ben Abraham) amongst others plus "general" helpers, for instance, DofE award scheme members who choose to participate as part of their own coursework.
Older Scouts or Explorers may be asked to help at times as well.
Each section (Beavers, Cubs or Scouts) has its own team of leaders and they are run independently, although
there are close links with all the sections in the Group. The Group Scout Leader (Judith Branch)
provides support for all the sections and is charged with the task of developing Scouting throughout the Group.
In addition to the uniformed leaders, there is a dedicated team of adults who are responsible
for keeping the Group running through such activities as fund-raising and maintaining the Group’s equipment. The
efforts of all these people are co-ordinated by the Group's Chairman.
Behaviour & Discipline
All Beavers & Cubs are expected to behave well and appropriately. Inappropriate behaviour will not be accepted. Generally
speaking, minor incidents will be dealt with at the leaders discretion (e.g. A simple ‘telling off’, sitting out the game,
extra work). More serious examples, in particular bullying and fighting, will result in the Beaver's or Cub’s parents being
contacted and, depending upon the circumstances, suspension for a number of weeks.
Older Beavers & Cubs, ..and in particular Sixers and Seconders, will be expected to set a good example to younger members of the Pack.
Occasionally we may have members in the Pack with special needs. If your child requires any additional help with
any activity, or has any particular needs please speak to one of the leaders.
A Cub Scout’s Obligations
Members of the 1st Ramsey Cub Pack are expected to take an active role in the activities of the Pack. The
following should be considered the minimum commitment from a Cub:
· Attend all Scout Meetings unless ill or away
· Take part in Church Parade (very occasional)
· Attend Scouting events during the year
. Attend with a parent or carer the annual AGM ..honest, it's not dull (if it was we wouldn't bother either)
If a Young Beaver or Cub has to miss meetings due to any other commitments, please talk to one of the leaders.
A large number of other events are organised for your child's pack throughout the year, and it is hoped that Cubs & Beavers will
attend most, if not all of these events in order to take advantage of the wide range of opportunities available.
Parental Support – We "really" Need You!
Help is needed in many areas and your support is essential if the group is to continue running as it should. The
weight of responsibility should not fall on the heads of a few volunteers, and your child will also benefit from a
demonstration of your commitment to the Pack as well as their own.
Parents are asked to help in any manner they can. This means the small details, like ensuring that
their child arrives in time for the Pack meetings, helping out on a Pack night by setting up the tables or perhaps
helping to clear up for a week or two. Ideally we would like your help in many other areas. If you wish to help out
at a Pack night or special event, please speak to one of the leaders.
All parents are invited (and expected to attend) the Annual General Meeting, the exact times and dates of which
will be circulated in advance. This is extremely important as it is when the Committee is elected. Important details on what is happening in the group are discussed and it gives
you the chance to air your views and put forward your suggestions.
Fund Raising is a very important part of ‘Behind-the-scenes’ scouting and unfortunately often falls upon the
shoulders of the same few parents (and often just the leaders!) who are willing to give a little time and effort to keep
the group running. All parents are encouraged to come forward with ideas and offers of help regarding fund
raising. The group has a great deal of camping and scouting equipment that cost a sizeable
sum of money to maintain, in addition to the nominal amount to keep each section running. If you have any
questions or suggestions please speak to one of the leaders.
All Parents are asked to be vigilant in bringing their children directly into the building and ensuring a
leader knows they have arrived, and also to collect them promptly from within the hall.
We do have a gated, enclosed area adjoined to our Scouting association HQ, so children will not simply be set loose upon the streets!
Financial Matters
Our Scouting group is administered and run by the Group Council, or parent committee, which is made up of the
parents of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. One of the things the committee does is fund-raising. As a parent
of a Group member, you are automatically a member of the Group Council and at our Group AGM, usually held
during July each year, you have the right to elect members to serve on the Group Council Executive Committee.
We are a voluntary organisation, which receives no financial support from local or central Government. We must
raise all funds ourselves, which is sometimes a very daunting task. We have to rely heavily on the support & goodwill of
parents in all our fund-raising efforts. As a parent of a Scout we shall be looking for your support, not only in fundraising, but also as a member of the Group Council, we would be pleased to see you serve on the Executive
Committee sometime in the future.
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 subscription not only covers the basic costs of the sections but a sizeable chunk of this goes to the Scout Association to pay for the ‘Insurance’ for each member of the group. This will cover each member at any scouting event.
Camps and some special events will also require a certain cost to be covered. Costs vary and details will be
circulated well in advance of the date.
Camps & Trips
Throughout the year there will normally be many opportunities for the Beavers & Cubs to enjoy a camp or a special ’trip’ out, some purely Beavers or cubs, some combined.
Over the last few years the 1st Ramsey Scout group have been camping regularly. Last year they had the chance to attend no less than 3 camps (mainly weekend camps) and a similar number will be available in the next year.
Payment for camps usually consists of a deposit when a Beaver or Cub signs up and then a balance closer to the event.
Deposits are not refundable and no discounts can be offered if the Cub cannot attend all days of a particular camp.
The deposits are often used to pay for buildings and transport months in advance.
Cheques should be made payable to: 1st Ramsey Scout Group.
Questions & Answers
Q. Are there Pack Meetings all the year round?
A. The Wednesday Pack Meetings are normally held throughout the year, school holidays excluded.
Q. Is it necessary for my child to go to every Pack Meeting?
A. The meetings are designed so that skills learnt one week are built on in subsequent weeks. So if they miss too
many Meetings they may start to feel left out of things.
Q. What if my child decides they do not want to be a Pack anymore?
A. It’s a voluntary organization for them, as well as for the Leaders, so they are entitled to make that decision. And
children’s interests do change as they grow up. But we would appreciate being told if they are not going to come
anymore. So that their six don’t have to live with a gap in their ranks, for one thing! And we would like to know the
reason, in case there’s a problem in the Pack that we need to tackle.
Q. You say I will be notified of activities, changes for future Meetings, and so on. How?
A. Usually by means of a note given to the Cubs at the end of a Meeting and via the groups newsletter, or via the website, & possibly with short Social media such as Twitter (ie text size bytes of info of 140 characters) ,..with both adults & children asked to check for updates on the website.
Q. What happens if my child loses their Group Scarf, Handbook, woggle or anything else they have been given?
A. They need a Scarf, woggle and Handbook and if they lose them, or the dog eats them, we will replace them. But
we will ask you to pay the cost, so that the Pack funds don’t suffer. (woggles are currently a pound or less to replace, so don't worry too much)!
Q. Where can we get the equipment/books/scarves etc?
A. Uniform, record and hand books, folders and other equipment can either be purchased through the group or we
can recommend a reputable store or website. Please speak to a leader for more information and up to date prices.
Q. What if I have any concerns?
A. Your child has an absolute right to be comfortable at Troop Meetings and Activities. If anything happens that
makes them, or you, concerned or worried or if the behaviour of a Leader is in any way inappropriate then you
must let us know.
You should speak about your concern in the first place to the Scout Leaders,Tanya (Beavers) OR Judith (Cubs) If you prefer, or if they are the cause of your concern, you can speak to the Group Scout Leader, Judith Branch. Or direct to the District Commissioner for Cromwell, Mr John Nicoll
District Commissioner, [email protected]
Contact details can be found below.
Judith Branch (Group Scout Leader)
Ramsey
Tel: 01487 813 435
Akela (Cub/Scout Leader)
Judith Branch
Ramsey
Home Tel: 01487 813 435
(contact also via "contact page" )
Bat Beaver (Beaver Scout Leader)
Tanya Allen
Home Tel: 01487 812 405
Mobile : 07505 526037
(contact also via "contact page" )
the 1st Ramsey BEAVER'S & CUB'S Pack in general
Cubs meet every Wednesday Evening from 7:10 – 8:30 p.m. at Our Community HQ
Little Whyte, Ramsey (almost opposite Three Horseshoes Public house).
Beavers meet every Wednesday Evening from 5.45 – 7:00 p.m. at Our Community HQ
Little Whyte, Ramsey (almost opposite Three Horseshoes Public house).
Please take the time to read the information on this page as it is there for your information and contains some
important points to note.
If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact any of the leaders.
What is Scouting?
Scouting is an international, uniformed, youth movement. It is divided into several main sections
· Beaver Scouts 6-8 years of age.
· Scouts 8-10½ years of age.
· Scouts 10½-14 years of age.
· Explorer Scouts 14-18 years of age
· Scout Network 18-25 years of age
The aims of scouting are clearly stated but can be basically summised as providing an opportunity for young people
to develop, to learn and to enjoy themselves. Scouting can offer a wide range of skills and services and is open
to any young person, of any creed or colour, mental or physical capabilities and of any sex.
(1st Ramsey happily accepts girls as well as boys).
All scout sections rely upon a balanced programme. There are Challenge badges that complement the balanced
programme. These have been developed to extend Beavers & Cub Scouts' skills and experience. The Challenges are optional
and continue throughout the Sections providing continuity from 6 to 25. There are MANY Activity badges specially
designed for the Beaver's & Cub Scout sections, along with the four Staged badges. Additionally there are three awards to be
completed in association with other sections of the Group. The Chief Scout's Silver Award is the highest award in
the Cub section, with Bronze being the highest award within the beaver movement currently.
Scouting is not just about schemes, awards and badges. The 'games' and adventurous activities are very important
to scouting, not just because they are enjoyable, but because they are also important in the young persons
development. If you still have any doubts or questions about Scouting, please speak to one of the leaders or take
a look at one of the websites.
Promise & Law
The important underlying values of Scouting are surmised in the Cub Promise and Law. Each member ‘agrees’ to
these values when they are ‘Invested’.
The Cub Promise - I promise that I will do my best
to do my duty to my God and to The Queen
to help other people and to keep the Cub Scout Law
The Cub Scout Law - Cub Scouts always do their best,
think of others before themselves
and do a good turn every day.
Beaver promise & Law is slightly simpler in order to get the younger child into the flow of things....
The Beaver Scout Promise is:
"I promise to do my best
To be kind and helpful
And to love my God"
The Beaver Scout Motto is:
"Be Prepared"
Cub Scout Uniform consists of :
· Green Cub Scout Jumper (& optional Group T-Shirt)
· Group Maroon & Green Scarf ..provided, on a permanent loan basis.
· Woggle
. Trousers (jeans or shorts are Ok at HQ.)
.Footwear suitable for both indoor & outdoor.
For ceremonial duties we request...
· Black Trousers/Skirt (school style) ..for the occasional services & parades where we are representing the community
· Black Shoes
Beaver Scout Uniform consists of :
· Turquoise Beaver Scout Jumper (& optional Group T-Shirt)
· Group Maroon & Green Scarf ..provided, on a permanent loan basis.
· Woggle
. Trousers (jeans or shorts are Ok at HQ.)
.Footwear suitable for both indoor & outdoor.
For ceremonial duties we request...
· Black Trousers/Skirt (school style) ..for the occasional services & parades where we are representing the community
· Black Shoes
Where any outdoor ceremonial duties are concerned we keep them as short & sweet as possible whilst maintaining involvement!
Sixes
Both Beaver & Cub Scouts borrows a great deal of its ‘system’ from the ‘Jungle Book’ by Rudyard Kipling. The Cubs meet in a
group called a Pack (as in a Pack of Wolves). The leader of the Cub Scout section is Akela and other leaders may
take Jungle Book names such as Bagheera, Baloo, Kaa etc.
At the beginning and end of each pack meeting the Beavers & Cubs hold a type of ceremony called a ‘Grand Howl’ (come in
one night and watch it) as well as Flagbreak/Flagdown.
The Beavers & Cubs in the Pack are organised into Sixes. Each six has their own colour and the Beavers or Cubs in that six wear a woggle on their scarf of that colour. Each six will contain approximately six children of a range of ages. New Beavers & Cubs will usually be put into a six where they know at least one other cub. Each six has a ‘Sixer’ who is ‘in charge’ of the six.
He/She is helped by a ‘Seconder’. A Beaver or cub is not usually made up to a Seconder or Sixer unless they have shown their competence and good behaviour.
If your child is unhappy with any aspect of their six, or if they have a problem with any other members of the pack,
please let one of the leaders know.
Badges & Awards
Both Beavers &Cub Scouts will work towards many badges during their time in the Pack. There is detailed information available
about these badges and their requirements (All linked on this site for your convenience). A Beaver or Cub may begin working towards badges as soon as they first come to the Pack.
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 Pack 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! ..
Pack Night Programme
The Cub Scout Section works to a loose programme each night.
7:10 p.m. Flag/Inspection/Subs.
...Activities, Games, Fundamentals, Projects & learning
8:25 p.m. Sixes/Notices/Flag Down/Dismiss
The Beaver Scout Section works to a looser programme..
5.45p.m. Inspection/Subs
...Activities, Games, Fundamentals, Projects & learning
7:00 p.m. Sixes/Dismiss & info passed out to parents where applicable
Come in and see what happens if you want to know more!
Both the Beavers & Cubs will be inspected each week for their uniform and general appearance.
The words ‘Games’ and ‘Work’ are used loosely as all of the nights activities are presented in a fun and interesting way. Often the Children will
be playing a ‘Game’ whilst learning some important scouting skills, or they may be doing some really enjoyable
‘Work’ without realising it. If you have any questions regarding the Pack night programme please come and ask
one of the leaders, perhaps you could even ask to stay for a night to see what they get up to!
The Groups Leaders
(Almost) all adults in Scouting, including Uniformed Leaders are volunteers. They give their time for free, they do
not get paid. The leaders of 1st Ramsey are all experienced leaders and have been in the
Scouting movement for, ...oooh, far too long! 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, and then to HQ 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 series of training courses before they gain their ‘Wood Badge’.
The Cub Scout Leader (Akela – "Judith" Branch) has overall responsibility for the Cub Pack and the activities
which members take part in.
The BEAVER Scout Leader (A.K.A. "Bat Beaver" – "Tanya" Allen) has overall responsibility for the Beaver colony and the activities which members take part in.
The services of others may be sought for instruction in particular activities such as..
First Aid, Climbing etc. The Beaver & Cub Scout leader delegates responsibilities to Assistant Leaders, Young Leaders, (Bagheera – XXXXX , Shere Khan – Ben Abraham) amongst others plus "general" helpers, for instance, DofE award scheme members who choose to participate as part of their own coursework.
Older Scouts or Explorers may be asked to help at times as well.
Each section (Beavers, Cubs or Scouts) has its own team of leaders and they are run independently, although
there are close links with all the sections in the Group. The Group Scout Leader (Judith Branch)
provides support for all the sections and is charged with the task of developing Scouting throughout the Group.
In addition to the uniformed leaders, there is a dedicated team of adults who are responsible
for keeping the Group running through such activities as fund-raising and maintaining the Group’s equipment. The
efforts of all these people are co-ordinated by the Group's Chairman.
Behaviour & Discipline
All Beavers & Cubs are expected to behave well and appropriately. Inappropriate behaviour will not be accepted. Generally
speaking, minor incidents will be dealt with at the leaders discretion (e.g. A simple ‘telling off’, sitting out the game,
extra work). More serious examples, in particular bullying and fighting, will result in the Beaver's or Cub’s parents being
contacted and, depending upon the circumstances, suspension for a number of weeks.
Older Beavers & Cubs, ..and in particular Sixers and Seconders, will be expected to set a good example to younger members of the Pack.
Occasionally we may have members in the Pack with special needs. If your child requires any additional help with
any activity, or has any particular needs please speak to one of the leaders.
A Cub Scout’s Obligations
Members of the 1st Ramsey Cub Pack are expected to take an active role in the activities of the Pack. The
following should be considered the minimum commitment from a Cub:
· Attend all Scout Meetings unless ill or away
· Take part in Church Parade (very occasional)
· Attend Scouting events during the year
. Attend with a parent or carer the annual AGM ..honest, it's not dull (if it was we wouldn't bother either)
If a Young Beaver or Cub has to miss meetings due to any other commitments, please talk to one of the leaders.
A large number of other events are organised for your child's pack throughout the year, and it is hoped that Cubs & Beavers will
attend most, if not all of these events in order to take advantage of the wide range of opportunities available.
Parental Support – We "really" Need You!
Help is needed in many areas and your support is essential if the group is to continue running as it should. The
weight of responsibility should not fall on the heads of a few volunteers, and your child will also benefit from a
demonstration of your commitment to the Pack as well as their own.
Parents are asked to help in any manner they can. This means the small details, like ensuring that
their child arrives in time for the Pack meetings, helping out on a Pack night by setting up the tables or perhaps
helping to clear up for a week or two. Ideally we would like your help in many other areas. If you wish to help out
at a Pack night or special event, please speak to one of the leaders.
All parents are invited (and expected to attend) the Annual General Meeting, the exact times and dates of which
will be circulated in advance. This is extremely important as it is when the Committee is elected. Important details on what is happening in the group are discussed and it gives
you the chance to air your views and put forward your suggestions.
Fund Raising is a very important part of ‘Behind-the-scenes’ scouting and unfortunately often falls upon the
shoulders of the same few parents (and often just the leaders!) who are willing to give a little time and effort to keep
the group running. All parents are encouraged to come forward with ideas and offers of help regarding fund
raising. The group has a great deal of camping and scouting equipment that cost a sizeable
sum of money to maintain, in addition to the nominal amount to keep each section running. If you have any
questions or suggestions please speak to one of the leaders.
All Parents are asked to be vigilant in bringing their children directly into the building and ensuring a
leader knows they have arrived, and also to collect them promptly from within the hall.
We do have a gated, enclosed area adjoined to our Scouting association HQ, so children will not simply be set loose upon the streets!
Financial Matters
Our Scouting group is administered and run by the Group Council, or parent committee, which is made up of the
parents of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. One of the things the committee does is fund-raising. As a parent
of a Group member, you are automatically a member of the Group Council and at our Group AGM, usually held
during July each year, you have the right to elect members to serve on the Group Council Executive Committee.
We are a voluntary organisation, which receives no financial support from local or central Government. We must
raise all funds ourselves, which is sometimes a very daunting task. We have to rely heavily on the support & goodwill of
parents in all our fund-raising efforts. As a parent of a Scout we shall be looking for your support, not only in fundraising, but also as a member of the Group Council, we would be pleased to see you serve on the Executive
Committee sometime in the future.
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 subscription not only covers the basic costs of the sections but a sizeable chunk of this goes to the Scout Association to pay for the ‘Insurance’ for each member of the group. This will cover each member at any scouting event.
Camps and some special events will also require a certain cost to be covered. Costs vary and details will be
circulated well in advance of the date.
Camps & Trips
Throughout the year there will normally be many opportunities for the Beavers & Cubs to enjoy a camp or a special ’trip’ out, some purely Beavers or cubs, some combined.
Over the last few years the 1st Ramsey Scout group have been camping regularly. Last year they had the chance to attend no less than 3 camps (mainly weekend camps) and a similar number will be available in the next year.
Payment for camps usually consists of a deposit when a Beaver or Cub signs up and then a balance closer to the event.
Deposits are not refundable and no discounts can be offered if the Cub cannot attend all days of a particular camp.
The deposits are often used to pay for buildings and transport months in advance.
Cheques should be made payable to: 1st Ramsey Scout Group.
Questions & Answers
Q. Are there Pack Meetings all the year round?
A. The Wednesday Pack Meetings are normally held throughout the year, school holidays excluded.
Q. Is it necessary for my child to go to every Pack Meeting?
A. The meetings are designed so that skills learnt one week are built on in subsequent weeks. So if they miss too
many Meetings they may start to feel left out of things.
Q. What if my child decides they do not want to be a Pack anymore?
A. It’s a voluntary organization for them, as well as for the Leaders, so they are entitled to make that decision. And
children’s interests do change as they grow up. But we would appreciate being told if they are not going to come
anymore. So that their six don’t have to live with a gap in their ranks, for one thing! And we would like to know the
reason, in case there’s a problem in the Pack that we need to tackle.
Q. You say I will be notified of activities, changes for future Meetings, and so on. How?
A. Usually by means of a note given to the Cubs at the end of a Meeting and via the groups newsletter, or via the website, & possibly with short Social media such as Twitter (ie text size bytes of info of 140 characters) ,..with both adults & children asked to check for updates on the website.
Q. What happens if my child loses their Group Scarf, Handbook, woggle or anything else they have been given?
A. They need a Scarf, woggle and Handbook and if they lose them, or the dog eats them, we will replace them. But
we will ask you to pay the cost, so that the Pack funds don’t suffer. (woggles are currently a pound or less to replace, so don't worry too much)!
Q. Where can we get the equipment/books/scarves etc?
A. Uniform, record and hand books, folders and other equipment can either be purchased through the group or we
can recommend a reputable store or website. Please speak to a leader for more information and up to date prices.
Q. What if I have any concerns?
A. Your child has an absolute right to be comfortable at Troop Meetings and Activities. If anything happens that
makes them, or you, concerned or worried or if the behaviour of a Leader is in any way inappropriate then you
must let us know.
You should speak about your concern in the first place to the Scout Leaders,Tanya (Beavers) OR Judith (Cubs) If you prefer, or if they are the cause of your concern, you can speak to the Group Scout Leader, Judith Branch. Or direct to the District Commissioner for Cromwell, Mr John Nicoll
District Commissioner, [email protected]
Contact details can be found below.
Judith Branch (Group Scout Leader)
Ramsey
Tel: 01487 813 435
Akela (Cub/Scout Leader)
Judith Branch
Ramsey
Home Tel: 01487 813 435
(contact also via "contact page" )
Bat Beaver (Beaver Scout Leader)
Tanya Allen
Home Tel: 01487 812 405
Mobile : 07505 526037
(contact also via "contact page" )