Welcome to Scouting – Parent Information
We’re so pleased your child has joined 1st Washington
Scouting offers fantastic experiences, life skills, and lots of fun – but we know it can be a little confusing at first. This page is here to help you feel informed, supported, and ready to make the most of your child’s time in Scouts.
Subscriptions (Subs)
To help cover the cost of running our group (maintaining the building, activity materials, badges, insurance, and more), we ask all parents to contribute a subscription payment, known as “subs.” Subs is an annual fee collected monthly by direct debit and you will still be expected to pay even if you aren’t able to attend some of the meetings. Our monthly payment toward annual subs is currently £17.
- Subs are currently collected by Direct Debit once per month.
- We use a secure system called Online Scout Manager (OSM) to manage payments.
- You’ll receive a link to set up your Direct Debit when your child joins.
- The amount will be confirmed in your welcome email or by your section leader.
Please note: There is a 3-week free trial when your child first joins. They can try out Scouts before any payment is required and before buying a uniform. We ask you fill out this form so we have your details and can add you to Online Scout Manager (OSM)
Investiture – Becoming a Member
After the 3-week trial, if your child has memorised the promise and completed the induction activities, your child will be officially invested into their section.
What is an investiture?
It’s a short, special ceremony where your child:
- Makes their Scout Promise
- Is welcomed as a full member of the Scout Movement
- Receives their neckerchief, woggle, and membership badges
Each section (Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers) has its own age-appropriate version of the Promise, and from Scouts onward, they also learn the Scout Law.
We’ll help your child practise their Promise before the day – and you’re welcome to come along and watch the ceremony!
Communication – Staying in the Loop
We use WhatsApp to keep in touch with parents for each section. It’s where we share:
- Weekly updates
- Reminders about events, timings, or what to bring
- Last-minute changes due to weather or venue
- Photos and highlights from activities
If you’d like to be added to your child’s section WhatsApp group, please make sure you provide your mobile number when filling in your joining information. We’ll handle all data securely and remember to keep us in the loop if you change your number
Uniforms – What to Buy and When
Uniform helps our young people feel part of the team and ready for adventure. You don’t need to buy a uniform right away – wait until after the 3-week trial and investiture.
Here’s what each section wears:
Squirrels (Ages 4–6)
- Red Squirrel sweatshirt
- Navy blue trousers or skirt
- Neckerchief (provided by us at investiture)
Beavers (Ages 6–8)
- Turquoise Beaver sweatshirt
- Activity trousers or school-style trousers
- Neckerchief and woggle (provided)
Cubs (Ages 8–10½)
- Green Cub sweatshirt
- Activity trousers
- Neckerchief and woggle (provided)
Scouts (Ages 10½–14)
- Teal green Scout shirt or blouse
- Scout trousers or smart trousers
- Scout belt
- Neckerchief and woggle (provided)
Explorers (Ages 14–18)
- Beige Explorer shirt or blouse
- Scout or smart trousers
- Neckerchief (if continuing from Scouts) or new one if joining fresh
Uniforms are available from the Scout Store or local retailers. Some items may also be available second-hand – feel free to ask your section leader.
What Else Should I Know?
- We aim to go outdoors as much as possible – please make sure your child wears clothes suitable for the weather.
- We sometimes go on day trips and camps – you’ll receive details in advance including costs and kit lists.
- If there are any medical or dietary needs, let us know right away – we take all needs seriously and make adjustments where possible.
- If cost is ever a concern, please speak to a leader in confidence. We can help with uniform or activity costs through local support.
Can You Lend a Hand? – Volunteering & Parent Helpers
Scouting is entirely run by volunteers – and we’re always looking for extra help from parents and carers.
You don’t need to make a weekly commitment (unless you want to!). Even helping once a term makes a big difference.
You could:
- Lend a hand at meetings
- Help on a camp or trip
- Share a skill or hobby (e.g. baking, first aid, music)
- Join the rota as a parent helper
- Support behind the scenes with admin, fundraising, or maintenance
Maybe you have an interesting job and can get us on a behind-the-scenes tour or you have a skill or trade that could help us out in maintaining the building. Whatever you have to offer your support would be very welcome.
All volunteers who work regularly with young people are DBS checked. Occasional helpers are always supervised and welcomed.
Volunteering is flexible, rewarding, and a great way to get involved in your child’s Scouting journey.
Let your section leader know if you’d like to help – we’ll find a role that’s right for you!
Got Questions?
Your child’s section leader is always happy to help with any questions or concerns.
For general enquiries, you can also contact us here or reply to your OSM welcome email.
Thanks for joining our Scouting family – we’re excited to have you on board!