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This
page tells you a little about our Troop. There can be great enthusiasm,
friendliness and cooperation within the Troop, which together with the long
tradition of Scouting, make being a Scout in this Troop special.
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For
Cubs from within the 18th, transfer from the Homewood Cub Pack to the Scout Troop
is automatic as we all belong to the same Scout Group and meet in the same
place. This transfer is at a time agreed by the Cub Leader and Scout Leader when
the Cub is normally after 10 years 3 months old. I hope parents will get
this leaflet a little while before that transfer and that it will help make it
an easy transition for your Cub.
For
Cubs from elsewhere, we will make them equally welcome when joining the
Troop.
For
children who have not been Cubs, we are pleased to welcome all children from
about 10 1/4 years old who also want to be active scouts, joining in the fun and
challenge. Most, but by no means all, Scouts in the Troop were Cubs in the 18th
Scout Group. Some Scouts were Cubs elsewhere and some have not been Cubs at all.
Whatever new Scouts' scouting background, it will not matter: they can
get the same enjoyment from being Scouts in our Troop and make the same
progress as other Scouts.
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AIMS
The
aim of Scouting is "to promote the development of young people in achieving
their full potential". Of course, it is the way this aim is achieved
that is important. We aim to have a
good variety of activities that mix excitement, adventure, challenge and fun.
Alongside the activities, the Troop provides a friendly atmosphere and unique
scouting fellowship.
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The
Patrol System enables the Scouts to work together in a small team within the
Troop, while they increase their self-reliance. Each of our patrols is lead by a
Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader that are older, more experienced
Scouts.
The
badges in the progressive training scheme gives each Scout the chance to learn
skills necessary for our activities as well as other skills useful in later
life. Older Scouts have the opportunity to contribute leadership within their
patrol as well as in the Troop: learning to lead others is an important part of
Scout training.
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TROOP
AND PATROL SYSTEM
The Troop is run by
the Scout Leader and a team of its own adult leaders. Each Patrol of about six
Scouts is led by an older more experienced Scout, giving Scouts a chance to
learn leadership as they progress through the Troop.
WEEKLY
MEETINGS
We
currently meet on Friday evenings from 7.30 p.m. to 9.15, and our meetings are a
mixture of games, fun, adventure and challenge. We try to ensure that Scouts
receive a good training in basics, so enabling them to take a full role in our
activities and then develop leadership skills within the Troop. Most Troop
meetings and activities are organized for the whole Troop, although a few events
are for Scouts with particular interests or ages.
Our
weekly meetings are mainly based at our Group Headquarters in Hall Heath Close,
just off Sandpit Lane between Fleetville and Marshalswick. This is located next
to The Wick and we make extensive use of this woodland and field.
ACTIVITIES
Our
main activity each year is our Summer Camp, mixing an exciting and different
program with adventurous activities in spectacular areas of the country. In
recent years our camps have been in the Lake District, Pembrokeshire Coast, New
Forest, and Snowdonia.
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Each year we also have several weekend camps at local
sites. In addition there are sailing, canoeing, and climbing opportunities,
as well as shorter activities such as swimming, football etc. We enter teams
for most District inter-troop competitions and have won a number in recent
years, going on to represent the District in County Competitions. A large
and active Troop means that a wide variety of activities is available for
Scouts in the Troop to choose from.
Parents
of our Scouts get a Troop Calendar, listing the main activities for the year.
Of course, most scouts will not be able to come on all these, but we hope that
every scout will make the most of opportunities offered. |
BADGES
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In
our Scout Troop there are two main types of award badges: the challenge badges
and activity badges. The badges provide an incentive for Scouts to learn and
develop skills. They also give a measure of the ability of scouts in
particular skills and allow them to develop, at their own pace, the
abilities needed to participate fully in the Troop activities.
The
Challenge badges. are awarded on completion of a series of activities (such as
camping or hiking) and tests on a variety skills, from first aid, through
pioneering and camping skills, to options for older scouts such as
canoeing, rock climbing and backpacking. Apart from the Challenge awards, there
are a wide variety of Activity Badges, each covering a particular topic. |
COST
Scouting remains a
very cheap activity: the subscription covers all the costs of weekly
meetings. Costs of activities such as camp are paid for by those attending and
is kept low for example because most Camp sites are owned by the Scout
Association.
WHAT
NEXT?
When
your son or daughter starts coming to our meetings, he will get an information pack, which
will tell you all you need to know about getting uniform, upcoming activities
etc.
For
more information contact
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