If you are interested in joining the Beavers, Cubs or Scouts read on! We normally start our newbies at the beginning of the Winter, Spring or Summer term. All sections take both boys and girls.
Your first few meetings are for you to see what we do and to decide if scouting is for you. For this you won’t need to be in uniform. About 4 weeks later you will be ‘Invested’ at a special joining ceremony (to which your parents/carers will be invited) and for this you will need uniform. Then congratulations! You’ll be a fully-fledged Beaver/Cub/Scout!
(age 6-8)
Beavers are the youngest section of the Scouting family. Their activities are based around making things, outdoor activities, singing, playing games, going out on visits, investigating nature, listening to stories, learning how to be safe and most importantly, making new friends. They will also have the opportunity to take part in the fun and excitement of camps and sleepovers. It may be the first time they spend a night away from home so it’s a real adventure for them.
‘The best thing we did was swim in the rain. I wasn’t even sure we were allowed to, but it was brilliant! I mean we were wet anyway, so I guess it didn’t matter too much about the weather.’
(age 8-10½)
Cubs is the second section of the Scouting movement. A Cub Scout Pack can have up to 32 Cub Scouts and is split into smaller groups called Sixes. Cubs take part in a wide range of activities designed to be interesting and challenging. A Cub Scout meeting consists of games and activities with plenty of time spent outdoors. Camps and holidays are some of the most memorable events of the year for Cubs.
‘The best part of Scouting is definitely the camps. I love every activity we do apart from swimming. They told us the pool was 24 degrees centigrade. Minus 24 more like!’
(age 10½–14)
Each Scout Troop consists of small units of six to eight Scouts called a Patrol, usually led by a Patrol Leader. Outdoor activities feature prominently, with the highlight being camping. Throughout the year, Scouts learn various skills, such as map reading, camp cooking and first aid in preparation for camp.
‘Scouting has given me a fantastic opportunity to do lots of activities and things that people who are not in Scouts don’t get to do. It’s about having fun with good friends.’
(for ages 14 – 18)
Our Quintain Young Explorers group make up the fourth section of the Scouting family. We take young people from ages 14 to 18. We meet every week and have an annual summer camp and usually one weekend camp. In the future we are also hoping to set up a Network Section for ages above this.
‘To anyone who hasn’t tried Scouting before, I’d say come on up and have a go!’