Welcome to
3rd Bootle Scouts
We are delighted that your child has joined us and is ready to start their amazing adventure, learn new skills, and make friends.
Here you will find everything you will need to know about our group including group fees, activities, badges, and how your child can get the most out of their time with us.
Group times and location
Group runs from 6.30pm till 8pm and is based in the L30 Community Centre, Stonyfield, Bootle L30 0QS.
Investiture
After 6 weeks with us, your child will be invested. This means that they make their scout promise and receive their necker, woggle, and group badges.
Memebers will also start wearing their new uniform.
Uniforms can be purchased from the online scout shop or from:
St. Andrew Scout Hut, (behind St Andrews Church)
Damfield Lane
Maghull
L31
To help keep group fees as low as possible we ask that parents pay £10 towards their child’s investiture which covers the cost of their necker, woggle, and badges.
What happens on a group night?
We know that starting somewhere new can seem pretty daunting. When your child joins the group they will be given a buddy. This is either a member of their section they already know or one who has been with the group for a while. They will look after the new member and help them understand the rules for the group.
The night usually beings with the different sections lining up into their groups/patrols. During this time, leaders check uniforms and do the register. It also gives them a chance to have a quick chat before the main activity of the night beings to see how everyone is.
Secions are then taken out to their chosen activity for the night.
Occasionally, all sections will be involved in the same activity so will usually stay in the large hall or go outside to the playing field.
At the end of the night, all sections line up and each leader will give out notices or updates.
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Badges and Activities
Being a Scout is all about trying new things and steadily growing strong, learning skills and making friends.
Each activity that a member is involved in during group is linked to a badge. This ensures that they can start earning their badges straight away. It starts with their membership badge and climbs up. Each memeber can work towards earning as many badges as they like and at their own pace. And by the time they move on to their next section, they’ll have a whole host of achievements under their belt.
There are 4 types of badges to earn.
Challenge Awards
Challenge Awards are all about stepping outside of their comfort zone by trying out something they wouldn’t normally do or be interested in.
Activity and Staged badges
These make up most of the badges a members can earn. They allow them to try something different or learn a new skill. Stage badges are numbered and move up with the Beaver into Cubs, Scouts and Explorers
Chief Scout Award
This is the highest award a memebr can earn, and it’s something they will work on gradually throughout their time in their section. To get the Chief Scout Award, a memebr needs to complete all of the Challenge Awards and any a number of Activity/Staged badges.
The requirements for Explorers to earn their Chief Scout award is slightly different from other sections.
Earning badges and awards at home
As well as earning their badges and awards while they’re at group, members can also work towards their badges at home. For example, if your child has swimming lessons or is learning to play an instrument, let us know as this too will count towards a badge.
Camps and nights away
Part of being in the Scouts is camping and taking part in a whole host of different activities from den building to camp cooking. We usually try and hold at least 2 overnight camps – indoor and outdoor – so members can earn their Nights Away Badge.
We understand that staying out overnight for some can be scary and they may not feel happy staying overnight, but don’t worry, they will still be able to take part. Parents are welcome to collect their child before everyone settles down to sleep and bring them back in time for breakfast. However, we would encourage you to speak to your child and reassure them that staying at camp is nothing to be scared of and they will be well looked after by the leaders. After all, you are only a phone call away.
Group Fees
Group fees are £3.50 per person and are paid via monthly direct debit of £14.00.
The group will no longer accepts cash for group fees.
Online Scout Manager and the Parent Portal
The group uses a system called Online Scout Manager (OSM) to manage member’s personal details and allow us to plan our programme and events.
The Parent Portal
When your child’s details have been entered into OSM, you will receive an email inviting you to join the Parent Portal.
Through the Parent Portal you will be able a see your child’s progress as they earn their badges, register to attend events, and update your child’s details.
Children who need additional support
If your child has a medical condition or needs additional support, please speak to a member of the Leadership team. Details about medical needs can also be added to their record via the Parent Portal.