Volunteering for a local scout troop [Archive] - BushcraftUK: Community Forum

Harmonica

18-05-2009, 11:59

Hi All,

Today's announcement about the new chief scout and the thread that it has spawned have got me thinking that I would like to volunteer to assist a local scout troop in some way. Reading the thread has also made me realise that a number of members here are involved with the scouting movement.

I have never been a scout and a feel that I may have missed out on something good. Does anyone have any advice on becomeing involved as an adult volunteer?

Thanks

Wallenstein

18-05-2009, 12:10

Excellent!

Well done you - scouting in 2009 is great. The fact you've not been in the scouts before isn't an issue. If you want to help you will find people will bite your arm off. :)

The best thing would be to contact your local District Commissioner - he/she looks after the various cub / scout groups in your area, and will 1) know where there are leadership gaps, and 2) be able to discuss where you'd be best placed.

All groups are different. Some are "outdoorsy", some are community focused, others would love to be more dynamic if only they had another pair of hands. It's important to find a group that suits your outlook and skills. I can guarentee that you will have skills that will be useful somewhere :)

Also, and this is important: whatever time you can spare is fine! You do not have to commit hours and hours of time... if your job / family means you can only attend 1-2 meetings a month, that's no problem at all.

Scouts has a really good support system for leaders - and the new leaders course is really good for getting people into the Scouting movement.

If you'd like any help finding contacts for your local groups feel free to PM me and I'd be happy to help out.

Good luck!

Womble

18-05-2009, 12:33

Harmonica - I was in the same position in 2000, when I first volunteered. Wallens advice is good and accurate. If you can, do it, you'll get a lot out of helping (at any level), and extra pairs of hands (especially with skills) are ALWAYS welcome.

g4ghb

18-05-2009, 12:34

join us! I'm sure you won't regret it! ;)

If you go here - https://members.scouts.org.uk/cms.php?pageid=1806 - and fill in the enquiry form - your info will be sent to your loacl District and they will contact you with info about the area.

man_of_tanith

18-05-2009, 13:15

hi all

i have been threatening to volunteer for a while having read the original scouting for boys book written by baden powell recently
so i thought why not? and this thread caught my attetntion at the right time so i followed the link and i've just taken the plunge and filled in the above form!
fingers crossed i can be useful and help with the movement that inspired my love of the outdoors in the first palce
regards
Sam

bushscout1

18-05-2009, 13:40

Well done Sam & Harmonica

I hope you are both welcomed into the movement in your areas, and get as much out of it as the rest of us.

Harmonica

18-05-2009, 13:56

Thanks for all your positive feedback - form is filled in and sent!

Clearly all todays publicity has had an instant effect - thats two more adult volunteers!! :D

Womble

18-05-2009, 14:48

yay!

(apperantly this message needs to be longer...)

scrogger

18-05-2009, 15:19

LOL so it would seem Bears appointment has already had a positive impact!! even if it was only to make a few folk think about Scouts in general.

Well done guys I have been an Asst scout leader for a good few months now and the general training is great. Its also very rewarding once the youngsters realise your here to stay, great fun!!!

At the risk of hijacking the thread if any other folk involved already read this I would welcome your replies.

I have volunteered my time and have offered to pay for 50% of the cost of me becoming BCU qualified and MLTB qualified, I have indicated that I could also help other leaders at district and county level once qualified. I have contacted Gilwell was passed pillar to post
and then told to contact the county adventurous activities advisor again nothing!!! then 2 weeks ago the DC again nothing. Help its a bit of a bind!! pm me if you wish.

Thanks

Andy

myotis

18-05-2009, 16:12

Do you still need to swear allegiance to the Queen and God to become a leader?

Graham

PeterH

18-05-2009, 16:41

Do you still need to swear allegiance to the Queen and God to become a leader?

Graham

To become a full member yes - except that it is probably a vast simplification of your question - to become an associate member then no.

Some roles are only open to full members and far more are open to both full and associate members.

Which ever you need to support what are known as the "Key Policies", yes one of them does cover religion but actually any discussion ought to be about faith and belief not about a religion. Tony has already said religion is out of bounds so I dont want to go further really, avowed atheism is a bar to membership but agnostic is not a problem.

myotis

18-05-2009, 17:19

To become a full member yes - except that it is probably a vast simplification of your question - to become an associate member then no.

Some roles are only open to full members and far more are open to both full and associate members.

Which ever you need to support what are known as the "Key Policies", yes one of them does cover religion but actually any discussion ought to be about faith and belief not about a religion. Tony has already said religion is out of bounds so I dont want to go further really, avowed atheism is a bar to membership but agnostic is not a problem.

Thanks, the Key Policies term allowed me to google and have a read, but I see there is a 2008 beta which may change the content of the 2003 version I read.

Nothing about the Queen though, that I could see, but I assume this is worldwide policies rather than UK.

Nor does a google seem to throw up anything about full member and associate members. I assume associate members are people who "help out".

Graham

PeterH

18-05-2009, 17:36

Thanks, the Key Policies term allowed me to google and have a read, but I see there is a 2008 beta which may change the content of the 2003 version I read.

Nothing about the Queen though, that I could see, but I assume this is worldwide policies rather than UK.

Nor does a google seem to throw up anything about full member and associate members. I assume associate members are people who "help out".

Graham

OK I am paraphrasing here from memory; the Promise has a number of recognised forms the most common of which is as has been referred to and quoted on TV/Radio. The next most common is to insert the word "my" before God and possibly add an S --> my Gods other permutations may be possible. Queen is normally understood to represent state and citizens of another country should not be asked to use that form so Queen is replaced with Country if I remember correctly.

An associate member does not make the Promise. Some roles, such as Leader/Asst Leader, Commissioner etc require full membership. They may be uniformed. They also carry a fairly weighty training commitment. Other roles such as Group Assistant, Skills Instrucor etc can be Associate members, have a lesser training commitment (the whole lot is optional to them though) and can choose whether to wear uniform but if dont make promise dont get the purple World Badge worn on shirt pocket - most kids would never notice to be honest.

There are then the occasional helpers, group execs and those that make things tick who are often neither kind of members.

Is that any clearer :confused:

Surrey Yeoman

18-05-2009, 17:45

I guess it's good that BG's appointment as Chief Scout will bring publicity and hopefully more resources into Scouting (both human and material), but has the Chief Scout always been an "Honourary" post?

Srikes me that the post should generally be awarded to someone who's worked their way through the movement from Cubs to Scouts to Ventures to Adult Troop Staff, etc, etc.

Now I realise that the sort of people who act as adult staff in Scouting probably do it for the kids, rather than for prestige or position, but surely it would be a nice thought for a humble troop leader that one day he/ she might wind up as Chief Scout, without the probability of some "personality" being parachuted in over them?

Just my humble twopenneth worth.

(and no, I'm not a Scouter. I lasted about 6 months in the Scouts before I went off and joined the Army Cadets and learned how to kill people! :AR15firin )

myotis

18-05-2009, 18:21

OK I am paraphrasing here from memory; the Promise has a number of recognised forms the most common of which is as has been referred to and quoted on TV/Radio. The next most common is to insert the word "my" before God and possibly add an S --> my Gods other permutations may be possible. Queen is normally understood to represent state and citizens of another country should not be asked to use that form so Queen is replaced with Country if I remember correctly.

An associate member does not make the Promise. Some roles, such as Leader/Asst Leader, Commissioner etc require full membership. They may be uniformed. They also carry a fairly weighty training commitment. Other roles such as Group Assistant, Skills Instrucor etc can be Associate members, have a lesser training commitment (the whole lot is optional to them though) and can choose whether to wear uniform but if dont make promise dont get the purple World Badge worn on shirt pocket - most kids would never notice to be honest.

There are then the occasional helpers, group execs and those that make things tick who are often neither kind of members.

Is that any clearer :confused:

Thanks, that is indeed very helpful.

Graham

Wallenstein

18-05-2009, 18:22

(and no, I'm not a Scouter. I lasted about 6 months in the Scouts before I went off and joined the Army Cadets and learned how to kill people! :AR15firin )
Our cubs' recent attempt at campfire pancakes achieved much the same thing...

Sainty

18-05-2009, 19:30

I went to see my daughter in the local Gang Show last weekend. Whilst I sat there watching the Scouts, Guides, Brownies and Beavers doing their collective thing I was struck with the urge to get involved. I have given it much thought over the last few days and this has really given me the kick up the backside to stop thinking about it and to get on and do it.

Well done and thank you.

Martin

johnboy

18-05-2009, 20:00

scrogger

18-05-2009, 20:02

Excellent Sainty I am sure you will love it. Let us know how you get on.

Ben Trout

18-05-2009, 20:10

Welcome! Good to have some more on board.

I forget if it was this thread or the BG Chief Scout one, but as someone pointed out we have plenty of youngsters interested, but getting adults signed up is more of a challenge.

Scouting has failed to instill any particular religous belief in me, but at 31 they still haven't kicked me out, so you needn't worry too much about that one being a hard and fast rule. I like to think that I have a healthy respect for other people and the world we live in, it's just not out of fear of a higher power.

It looks like you both have much to offer young people and Scouting can be a good framework for doing it. So long as you bring some skills and plenty of enthusiasm any Group will welcome your help. It's entirely up to you how deep into it you get and how much time you give. We are all volounteers.

Chopper

18-05-2009, 20:21

I think that Scouting has just crash landed in the gutter!!!!! :eek:

I always thought that scout leaders were to be role models for the members. I shudder to think that impressionable scouts might try and follow in their Chief Scouts footsteps, and heaven forbid one should be injured following who many consider, one of the most dangerous and irresponsible people on TV. :( :( :( :( :(

Graham_S

18-05-2009, 21:44

BG is hugely popular with scouts.
whatever you think of him as a person, he is very high profile and will encourage boys and girls to join up and be part of something larger than they are.
for that alone I think they made a good choice.
He is enthusiastic and will bring a lot of energy to the post.

As to volunteering, well done, I get far more out of scouting than I put in (and I put in about 10hrs a week)
More people should, even as little as a couple of hours a week makes a difference.

Scots_Charles_River

18-05-2009, 21:56

It can only be a good thing, the apt, and I would re join as a leader again, I have many Outdoor Quals and experience but the lack of faith will stop me filling the form in. After a German Jamboree, the 'Exchange Home Hospitality' was one of the best 2 weeks of my life and probably changed my attitude to life and stopped me being a racist, thru ignorance before the Jamboree, 30+ different nations.

Nick

Ex Cub, Land Scout, Sea Scout, Sea Venture Scout, Land Ldr, Sea Scout Ldr.

Mang

18-05-2009, 21:59

I am taking two Cub Packs (about 40 kids) out on a nature/ bushcraft walk around a lake and it holds no fear for me...well not much.

Yes folks, use your skills!

Wilderbeast

18-05-2009, 22:51

I wonder if there are any specifically "bushcraft" youth groups, I bet they'd be popular if a company was started??!

Sainty

19-05-2009, 12:24

Just filled in and returned the form. Now I'm really worried. What if the boys don't like me. :(

Martin

Prodigal Son

19-05-2009, 12:58

Well done, all of you have joined up on the back of BG's appointment.

I know there will always be those that disagree with the appointment of a 'celebrity' to head the movement but the fact is there are now at least 3 members of this community who are now doing something special with the life skills they have learnt, and that is - pass them on to the next generation!

I was a scout, cub, scout, venture scout and leader (Dad was a scout leader when I was born, hence scout before cub!!) I left the movement to join RAF and then about a year ago decided it was time to put back.

It has been the hardest job I have ever done!! and yet the most satisfying!! Seeing a 12 year old boy (OR GIRL!) start their first (controlled!!!!) fire with a steel, a bit of bullrush and some birchbark ... priceless!!

They WANT to do this stuff and society is making it almost impossible. So if this keeps the fires controlled and gives them an interest in what Mother Nature has given us, they could have Kermit the Frog as Chief Scout as long as it attracted the right leaders to pass this information on!

Prodigal Son

19-05-2009, 13:07

Just filled in and returned the form. Now I'm really worried. What if the boys don't like me. :(

Martin

... It's not just boys now, I do hope you realise that we take girls too. Have done for about 10 years!!

Most of my kids ... I really don't know if they like me or not but they keep coming back and they do what I ASK of them, as long as you don't try and bull$hit them you'll be fine.

I took a completely harsh stand when I started - as in, if you don't want to be here - go, if you're here instead of the youthclub - go, I only want Scouts that WANT to be in my troop to learn about Scouting, (and boy has it changed the things they can do!!) My preference is outdoors stuff and whilst not a luddite believe they can play on computers anytime, so might as well do stuff with them they can't do everyday - FIRE!! CAMPING!! COOKING!!

So far we are up from 15 to 24 in 5 months ... So does it really matter if they like you as long as they like what you do??

man_of_tanith

19-05-2009, 15:08

Hi all
Having thought about this a bit more I have one concern
How much paperwork will I be expected to do?
I am aware I will need a CRB check which is no problem I have one for work, however I am worried I will end up doing risk assesments (again not really a problem I do them for work too)instead of what i would rather be doing ie outdoorsy bits along the lines of what I used to do as a scout- not the standing on top of burning pallets mind you!!
Is it a paerwork nightmare or have I got the wrong end of the stick? I chatted with an ex leader whilst on holiday who seemed to think you needed a risk assessment to do pretty much anything. Is this true or was he just disenchanted?
Regards
Sam

Harmonica

19-05-2009, 15:24

Another quick question - has anyone had any involvement with the Baden Powell Scout Association?

Glad to hear that we are now up to three volunteers from this thread alone in only two days -we're onto something good here!! :D

Prodigal Son

19-05-2009, 15:32

Man of Tanith, it depends on what position you want to do, as The Scout Leader it pretty much falls at your feet to do the paperwork. Yes everything needs to be risk assessed, but considering we have the total responsibility for other peoples kids, I think it's only right you need to think about what you are doing. It shouldn't ever stop you from doing things, just make you aware of the dangers and how to avoid them.

If you are joining an established troop chances are it will be as an Assistant S.L. which usually means you get all the fun with minimal amount of paperwork. Obviously if you take on more of the admin stuff your Scout Leader may show his appreciation in beer, 'cos it can get a bit much sometimes.

You bring to the table what you have, you share it and along the way you learn new skills. You will be expected to do a certain amount of training, again, a lot of this will depend on how much you already know and your experience. There are only 3 mandatory modules to begin with.

I do hope you give it a go, you guys are the type of people that scouting can use, enthusiasm and a love of the outdoors - what scout troop wouldn't welcome you?

edited to add: YES Enhanced CRB check is a must - my child is a cub ... I would hate to think... nah, not going there!!

Prodigal Son

19-05-2009, 15:36

scrogger

19-05-2009, 15:42

I believe (might be wrong) the Baden Powel Scouts are an offshoot and are a very much back to basics type of organisation. I was interested in this but my group scout leader says they do not have the same ethos!! not sure what that means!!!

Man of Tanith I dont think its too over the top its very much a common sense thing really if you think its dangerous it probably needs a risk assesment. We just had a boy injure himself playing softball!!! accidents do happen and they are boisterous as well.

Like I say common sense should prevail and if anything goes wrong deal with it in the manner required you will be told all this in the training which is fantastic.

hope this helps

Andy

Tengu

19-05-2009, 15:58

Think what it will do to your CV

Prodigal Son

19-05-2009, 16:00

Yeh, but don't think what it'll do to your social life!!

man_of_tanith

19-05-2009, 17:49

Prodigal son
thanks for the reassurance I aint scared of paperwork i just do a lot of it in my job and was hoping i wouldnt get lumped with more in my own time :)
although beer bribes wont work for me im more of a tea fan if i am honest
i fully understand why a CRB is necessary whilst i dont have children of my own i can understand any one wanting to know thier child is safe
I'll be calling the district commissioner in my area in next few days and having a chat with em see where it goes from there!
Regards
Sam

PS whats a social life?

Scots_Charles_River

19-05-2009, 21:06

Good on you. Some troops seem to do hall based stuff whereas others, some good photos on here in the past, do lots of camping. There is a cracking photo of an English troop hammock camping out on the DD hammock site.

We just wanted to camp, always wild and build stuff, pioneering, arial slides, climb, canoe etc. Building bivvys, natural shelters was mental fun.

Kids at my school want to camp and canoe. When I was a PL cooking and looking after 6 kids for two weeks was a great way to build a team and responsibilty. Nowadays, how many adults would let a 13yr old cook three meals a day for 6 ?

Nick

Womble

19-05-2009, 23:02

There is a cracking photo of an English troop hammock camping out on the DD hammock site.

heh... 1st Aldershot I believe, just down the road from my lot at the 14th.

crazydave

20-05-2009, 11:21

anyone can be a leader or a helper if they pass the crb. if you just want to help then help. if you like doing outdoors stuff and are prepared to organise and run a camp then you can do so but its harder than it first appears when you realise what little attention spans the little B@ggers have.

the ration of 1 to 5 is a bit pathetic though, I used to take nearly 30 on local camps where there was just me as there would be no camps otherwise.

the baden powel scouts have had a lot of bad press and they dont get on with the regular movement in a similar vein to the rm bg or survival bushcraft debates they are still working for the kids though. I camped next to a couple at the moot last year and we had a great time but that could just be my view as I was teasing them about being heathen devil worshipers :rolleyes:

you cant just turn up and expect to clone a group of rms though as in behaviour they are naturally all bg types. if you have the inclination then you could have outdoor days at the loacal woods or district scout site where those that want to can come and learn stuff or go foraging. the rules and regs are very restrictive now though so be warned the scout association has lost its definition of common sense approach.

Prodigal Son

20-05-2009, 11:52

Crazy Dave,

Ratio's are:
1 leader - 6 Beavers
1 leader - 8 Cubs
1 leader - 12 Scouts

Mang

20-05-2009, 16:42

I spoke on the phone to one of the guys in the Scout PR team to tell him of a Bear Grylls Q & A session in the next Bushcraft and Survival magazine and he says recruitment calls to the Scout Info centre have gone up ten fold. The Bear effect indeed.

scrogger

20-05-2009, 19:16

crazydave I think you hit the nail on the head there mate!!! you make a lot of good valid points.

korvin karbon

20-05-2009, 19:24

any scout people from the lothians here?

aelf

21-05-2009, 15:51

Crazy Dave,

Ratio's are:
1 leader - 6 Beavers
1 leader - 8 Cubs
1 leader - 12 Scouts

don't forget the 'plus one', that is 1 leader per 6 Beavers, plus 1. So 6 Beavers is a minimun of 2 leaders, 12 is a minimum of 3 leaders and so on. Sorry to be pedantic....

i joined as a Cub Leader 16 years ago - the best thing I ever did, the guy who hooked me said it was only an hour a week. What he didn't say was that it's only an hour off a week!!! But that is my choice.

Join up!! You will have the time of your life!
:)

John Fenna

21-05-2009, 17:17

Just ran into our Scout Boss...she convinced me (!) to get back into Scouting as a member of the Training Team......

Harmonica

26-05-2009, 13:18

Well have now received my official one page postcard style reply saying that my details have been received and assuring me that I should have been contacted by my local scout group by now. I haven't been contacted by my local area yet but I have seperately contacted the neighbouring area commisioner (I live on the border of two counties) who is sorting things out for a meeting with my local leader. So thats all good!

How are the other recent volunteers getting on?

man_of_tanith

30-05-2009, 13:15

got an answer phone message and an email from my local resources person asking me some more details and the postcard too
however having only got back from a course yesterday i havent acted on them yet
regards
Sam

brancho

30-05-2009, 15:38

Anyone wishing to join up can get plenty of info and advice on Escout
Anything from finding a group to help with which section may suit you.

As Scout Leader I have not written many risk assesments though of course I do risk asses all activities which may take a few seconds on my own.

BP Scouts are a seperate association who split from what is now the Scout asssosaition as they did not like the way we were heading. The main difference is they still follow what BP set out very closely and wear the same uniform he designed. BG is not the Cheif Scout of the BP-SA.

Scouting should be fun for you as well as the kids.

Harmonica

01-06-2009, 09:06

Well i met my local leader on Friday night for a nice informal chat - lying on the grass and drinking cans of coke in the sunshine! I am sorting out my forms for CRB etc this week - just need to find some people to be refferees who have known me for the required time and then i'm all set.

Should be attending this weeks meeting all being well. :)

brancho

02-06-2009, 19:05

Sainty

02-06-2009, 19:08

I still haven't heard anything. :( Perhaps they'll get round to me 'dreckly'.

Martin

man_of_tanith

04-06-2009, 15:09

well I've finally found time to reply to the email i recieved
shall have to wait and see what happens now i guess
hope the first meeting goes well Harmonica
regards
Sam

Harmonica

04-06-2009, 15:21

Thanks Sam - i've got my reference people sorted, found enough documents for the CRB checks and will be heading to the meeting tomorrow night. I'll let you know how it goes!

Logit

04-06-2009, 15:52

Well done guys! Excellent that so many people are willing to get involved!

I run an Explorer Scout Unit 13.5 ---> 18 year olds, and i have never written a risk assessment. Its just common sense!

We got rid of our "Patrol tents" and have got a load of tarps and hammocks now. The kids love it! We have also just done a mass order of mora frost knifes, and the kids are really getting into the bushcraft way of camping... most now have their own tinder pouches!

It’s a really worthwhile experience, go for it! You make so many new friends being a leader and learn so much too! I’m Cycling in Holland in august, sailing on ocean going yachts across the channel in October, snowboarding in Italy in Feb, and doing PADI open water in between..... and its costing me next to nothing!

We also do the Duke of Edinburgh’s award too, great fun! Get involved!!

Harmonica

08-06-2009, 13:42

Well I had my first scout meeting on Friday and it was great. There were games, tent pitching practice for the weekends camp as it looked likely that this would take place in the pouring rain, and fininishing with some route planning for the hike to the camp.

For most of the scouts the hike was to be navigated for themselves with only a couple of checkpoints on route at which to meet up with the leaders, considering how young some of them are (or maybe i'm getting old) i think this was a fantastic exercise! Not sure i'd have managed it when i was their age!

The Lord Poncho

08-06-2009, 13:51

Congratulations on joining Harmonica, good on you! Hope you have fun and get a lot out of it.

Nick

SimonM

08-06-2009, 14:27

Good on you Harmonica!

I have been helping out for about 18 months or so, and have recently taken the plunge to undertake training and become a full leader after 15 years or so away!

I had my first training session last week and due to life experience etc I have been acredited with most of the modules! I only have to attend one full weekends training & I have completed it all! Painless!

Simon

drewdunnrespect

09-06-2009, 10:57

simon you lucky blighter i have to go on four courses and also have to do eighteen moduales over three years cos well of the strickt training but how cools this i get a first aid cert and it applys at work and i also get a first contact cert which means i can now work with kids in the creche at the hotel if we had one like the bigger hotels do

The Lord Poncho

09-06-2009, 11:03

After 12 years of holding my leaders warrant, the only training i have ever done is in first aid. They finaly gave up and presented me my Wood Beads anyhow.

man_of_tanith

09-06-2009, 16:37

well i have replied to the email i recieved but not had a response to it?
wonder if they're busy?
Sam

Harmonica

07-07-2009, 12:44

Well i've got a few meetings under my belt and it's been great fun so far- application is ongoing though HQ are processing quite a few at the moment apparently. I should have my paperwork sorted out before the start of next years activities though so thats all good (we have only two more meetings this year).

I ebven got to help out at the camp over the weekend though since i was only there on the final day it was mostly keeping an eye on tired scouts and trying to persuade them into getting washed up and packed up.

Squidders

10-07-2009, 23:03

I once applied to help out... not really fussy about how but felt it would be good to contribute in some way to young peoples development... never heard anything back.

Their loss.

Sainty

16-10-2009, 19:53

UPDATE....

Well, 5 months since making my first application to the scouts and despite sending several emails and a letter I never heard anything. :(

Went along to my local Air Cadet squadron on Wednesday and they were keen to have another helper on board. Loads of opportunities for getting outdoors and teaching some survival skills as well as shooting (they have their own indoor range for .22 rifles), and even the chance to go flying.

Really looking forward to getting involved now and spending some time helping young people to explore their potential. :)

Martin

Colin.W

16-10-2009, 20:44

Jusali

19-10-2009, 11:28

I have a Criminal Record for a teenth of cannabis back when I was at college. Clean now 15yrs later........
Will I pass the CRB? Is it worth even applying?

Mesquite

19-10-2009, 14:30

I have a Criminal Record for a teenth of cannabis back when I was at college. Clean now 15yrs later........
Will I pass the CRB? Is it worth even applying?

Yes, as an offence and sentence like that is now regarded as 'spent' and normally you don't have to declare it unless you're asked to list all convictions for a CRB search

Jusali

20-10-2009, 11:09

Well I had an email and a phonecall last night inviting me to 2 beaver and cub groups nearby. If I like 'em and they like me after CRB's joing etc I'm in!

Harmonica

21-10-2009, 08:49

Well my CRB came through over teh summer. Still waiting on induction training as the county trainers are pretty busy but i'm booked on a course next month.

Away on and Expedition challenge camp this weekend. The scouts are doing either 20 or 27 miles over 2 days so its manning checkpoints for me. Hope the weather improves :umbrella:

CaptainBeaky

21-10-2009, 10:46

... All went well untill I was told I couldnt continue unless I enrolled as a cub leader which also meant doing the monthly church parade. I am not a believer myself and dont agree with enforced religion, the only cubs that were excused from the parade were those whose parents were not christian and declared they were not. I enjoyed helping the kids get more out of their lives so went on to volunteer for a local youth group.
Hopefully times have changed now and the scout leaders have stopped trying to force religion on kids

Unfortunately not...

It is
possible for young people to be unsure of the
existence of God and remain a Member of the
Association, but it is not possible for an atheist to
hold a Warrant as a Leader.

and...

On the application form you have put ‘atheist’. Can you describe what you mean by ‘atheist’?
Given that the avowed absence of religious belief is a bar to becoming a Member of The Scout Association, if the
adult is certain that there is no ‘higher being’ they will not be able to become a Member of The Scout Association.
As an associate member of The Scout Association you will be expected to support the Religious Policy.
How do you feel about this?
The associate member should show a willingness to support the Religious Policy.

Kind of puts a damper on joining...

However, I help at meetings and camps, teach the kids stuff and turn out for events - putting stuff up, taking stuff down and suchlike. The GSL and Leaders know why I won't apply to be a Leader or Associate, and they are fine with that, as am I. Not really a uniform person...
The main reason I didn't join the Cubs or Scouts as a kid was the Scout Oath... I had a major falling out with God at the age of 5 when my grandfather died - I was told God had taken him away to heaven, and boy, was I hacked off at him :( Took me another couple of years to come to the conclusion that there was no-one there to be cross with :rolleyes:

brancho

23-10-2009, 00:50

Away on and Expedition challenge camp this weekend. The scouts are doing either 20 or 27 miles over 2 days so its manning checkpoints for me. Hope the weather improves :umbrella:

This is what you joined for the training can wait and often you will learn all you need from good leaders around you. A dose of common sense and being able to spot hazards/problems up front is more important than any piece of paper.

Harmonica

28-10-2009, 09:57

Away on and Expedition challenge camp this weekend. The scouts are doing either 20 or 27 miles over 2 days so its manning checkpoints for me. Hope the weather improves :umbrella:

Well the weather didn't improve - it rained for 30 out of the 36 hours we were out - but it was still great. The scouts enjoyed it so thats the main thing and I even got to demonstrate how effective a tarp can be as a shelter for our checkpoint!

PeterH

28-10-2009, 15:15

Yes, as an offence and sentence like that is now regarded as 'spent' and normally you don't have to declare it unless you're asked to list all convictions for a CRB search

You should be aware though that the enhanced CRB disclosure that Scouts will request will return both spent and unspent convictions and any cautions.

Whether the information disclosed would constitute a bar to membership/employment would depend on exactly what the conviction was recorded as. Possession, and that long ago with no other record, would possibly be at local discretion. Possession with intent to supply for example would almost certainly be an automatic bar subject to appeal irrespective of time elapsed. It is really difficult to offer generic advice and certainly via the forum.

The Lord Poncho

14-07-2010, 17:06

My experience of cubs and scouts tends to differ. Years ago I was asked by a friend to come to show the cubs some knots, whilst I was there I also helped a few of the lads with a little handicraft project they were working on. I was asked to help on a more regular basis. went through C.R.B. check ok. All went well untill I was told I couldnt continue unless I enrolled as a cub leader which also meant doing the monthly church parade. I am not a believer myself and dont agree with enforced religion, the only cubs that were excused from the parade were those whose parents were not christian and declared they were not. I enjoyed helping the kids get more out of their lives so went on to volunteer for a local youth group.
Hopefully times have changed now and the scout leaders have stopped trying to force religion on kids

That's a great shame. Some groups are affiliated with certain churches and tend to push the church parade side of things. Others (like mine) are not. Scouting is open to all faiths and beliefs. As far as i'm concerned, having no belief of a higher being/organised religion is still a belief and doesn't in the slightest mean that somebody has no spiritual hinterland. My thoughts are, if you have a problem with one group, then arrange to move to another- you'll undoubtedly find it very different, and hopefully you will fit much better into it.

Being a voluntary organisation, unfortunately the admin does vary between from group to group- it's definitely not always as tight as it should be.

tim_n

21-07-2010, 15:00

On the application form you have put ‘atheist’. Can you describe what you mean by ‘atheist’?
Given that the avowed absence of religious belief is a bar to becoming a Member of The Scout Association, if the
adult is certain that there is no ‘higher being’ they will not be able to become a Member of The Scout Association.
As an associate member of The Scout Association you will be expected to support the Religious Policy.
How do you feel about this?
The associate member should show a willingness to support the Religious Policy.

I don't believe in a higher being and I'm a scout leader. Made it quite clear I didn't believe in that when I signed up - appointments committee did a lot of questioning - I have faith in 'other people' which is good enough for them. Buddhism... very advanced and plenty of scouts & leaders in that 'faith'

Manacles

15-02-2011, 10:11

Unfortunately not...

and...

Kind of puts a damper on joining...

However, I help at meetings and camps, teach the kids stuff and turn out for events - putting stuff up, taking stuff down and suchlike. The GSL and Leaders know why I won't apply to be a Leader or Associate, and they are fine with that, as am I. Not really a uniform person...
The main reason I didn't join the Cubs or Scouts as a kid was the Scout Oath... I had a major falling out with God at the age of 5 when my grandfather died - I was told God had taken him away to heaven, and boy, was I hacked off at him :( Took me another couple of years to come to the conclusion that there was no-one there to be cross with :rolleyes:

When I went "into uniform" after several years of being a regular helper (and although not having taken the promise at that point acted in the spirit of it) I asked what the main difference was and the replies were all in the vein of "there's a bit of ironing because of the uniform"....they were right.

resnikov

18-03-2011, 12:48

I went to the Scouts web site and put in my details saying I wouold like to help out and I now have 2 scouts groups asking for my help.
One is in my village and the other one in the next village along. Not sure what to do about this, I dont want to let anyone down.

I'm going to a cub meeting at the one in my village to have a chat with the GSL so will see how that goes.

I hope they are not strict on the whole religion thing as I'm an atheists and if i had to choose a religon it would be Pastafarian :p I did go to chuch parade when i was a cub, scout and venture but that was more to bolster the numbers then anything else.

Tetley

18-03-2011, 12:54

Pastafarian is fine , I chose that and it is cool when doing the "world Faiths" badge with cubs , many convert on the spot !

May you be touched by his noodley appendages !

resnikov

24-03-2011, 14:49

Manacles

24-03-2011, 14:51

Had a meeting with one of the cub troops and it went ok. Asked them the question about religion and my lack of it and they said it wasn't an issue. Going to see the other cub troop tonight.
So after that we shall see which one is better to join.

Excellent - it's a good idea to find out what they do in terms of activities because the groups do vary a bit...........

Graham_S

24-03-2011, 15:19

Pastafarian is fine , I chose that and it is cool when doing the "world Faiths" badge with cubs , many convert on the spot !

May you be touched by his noodley appendages !

Ramen...
:D

resnikov

24-03-2011, 21:29

Manacles

25-03-2011, 09:28

In a right dilemma now as to which cub group to help out:confused::confused:
Both are local but one is walking distance the other I would have to drive.
One has a cub pack, no beaver colony and needs the helpers, the other is looking to open its 2nd Cub and Beaver units plus they need Scout leaders as of Sept.

It really comes down to the activities of each group. I am a Scout leader and really prefer working with slighter older kids. Madame Manacles used to be a Cub Leader so I've seen both sides. For outdoors stuff I tend towards Scout and Explorers for being that bit more adventurous, but you have to balance that with Cubs being at an age where they are very inquisitive and eager to learn. Tough choices...........

The personalities of the Leaders also comes into it, you need to work with these guys so being comfortable and trusting them is very important as well:)