We are really pleased that you have joined us here at 1st Berryfields Scout Group. This introduction page is designed to give you and your child the information to get started with our group.
We have 4 sections within our group catering for young people aged 4 through to 14. Whether you’re joining as a Squirrel, Beaver, Cub or Scout we are sure you will enjoy your time with us.
As a group, our ethos is that everyone can give a little, we therefore ask parents to get involved in some way when their child joins our group. This could be helping run a session once a month, becoming a fully fledged leader or helping in the background with fundraising or admin. Our leaders are all volunteers and if everyone does a little, nobody has to do a lot.
Scouts are do-ers and give-it-a-go-ers. Yes, we go camping, hiking, swimming, abseiling, cycling and canoeing. But we also get to hang out with our friends every week – having fun, playing games, working in a team and taking on new challenges.
Everyone’s welcome here. All genders, races and backgrounds. Regardless of your child’s physical ability – there’s a Scout adventure out there waiting for them. And we’ll help them find it.
Accepting your child’s space
You will have received an email invitation to join the group. In that email is a link to log in to Online Scout Manager (OSM). We use OSM to handle all of our administration, electronically.
The system allows you to see the programme for the term, update your child’s personal details and view progress on their badges. You’ll also find any upcoming events here which they are eligible to sign up to. Don’t worry, we’ll also send you an email each time a new one becomes available.
You can have multiple children in different sections under the same parent portal login.
To accept your child’s place in the group please respond to the email and sign in to complete the personal information sections. These details are held following all appropriate data protection practices and are required before your child can fully join the group.
Schedule
Regular weekly Scout sessions run during school term time only. Session times are:
- Squirrels (4-6 years) – Monday 4:15-5:15
- Beavers (6-8 years) – Tuesday 6:00-7:15
- Cubs (8-10.5 years) – Monday 6:30-8:00
- Scouts (10.5-14 years) – Tuesday 7:30-9:00
Members are expected to attend every week, arriving before the start time.
Location
1st Berryfields home location is in the Community Suite at the Aylesbury Vale Academy (Primary), Paradise Orchard, Aylesbury, HP18 0WS .
Community Suite on Google Maps.
Scouting sessions are varied and some sessions are away from the hall, and sometimes outside of the School area. You will always be notified in advance of where sessions are not in the normal location and if additional clothing or equipment is required.
Investiture
Investiture is a short ceremony where each new Scouting member can make their Scout promise and receive their first Scout badges. Parents are welcome to attend the investing ceremonies. These ceremonies are usually 4 sessions into the term to allow new members to decide if they want to make their promise and join as a Scout.
There are different Scout promises for each section (Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts), and many variations that new member can choose from. For more information see The Scout Association website.
Uniform
All members need to wear uniform for their investiture ceremony and from then onwards. Before the investing ceremony the uniform is optional. You are welcome to buy the uniform straight away or wait until after a few sessions.
Uniform can be bought online, but you can also visit the Vale of Aylesbury Scout Shop to see and try on the different sizes. Children do grow, so consider buying a size up from what you need.
Vale of Aylesbury Scout Shop Website and Google Maps link.
- Squirrel uniform: Red jumper
- Beaver uniform: Turquoise jumper
- Cubs uniform: Green jumper
- Scouts uniform: Green shirt
It is not necessary to buy Scout branded trousers, t-shirts, woggles, etc.
What to bring to sessions
Members should wear uniform every week (once they have the uniform) unless instructed otherwise by the Leaders.
The only other thing they need to bring is a personal water bottle for drink breaks. Drinks should be water only please.
It also helps if your child can go to the toilet before coming to session to minimise toilet breaks.
Parent Expectations
Parents are welcome to stay for their child’s first Scouting session if they want. After that, parents can join in with Scouting sessions by talking to one of our Leaders. If you do want to attend regularly and join our team then please talk to any of our Leaders or the Group Lead Volunteer about becoming a regular volunteer.
To run a safe and high quality programme, parent help is often needed (especially for younger Scouting sections). Scout Leaders will let parents know when help is needed, and may set up a parent help rota.
Membership Fees
Scouting is a volunteer run charity organisation and no one involved in the Group is paid for their time. However, there are considerable expenses incurred in delivering a safe, high quality Scouting programme, which include the activities themselves, venue hire, insurance, equipment and storage.
1st Berryfields Scout Groups subscription costs are:
- £180/year membership fee (per child)
Notes:
- Membership fee is payable as 12x £15 monthly payments, cancellable at any time.
- Scouting uniform is also a requirement, and costs around £15-£20.
- Some optional activities (eg. camps) will have additional cost.
- If these costs are prohibitive then please discuss this with us in confidence.
- All subscriptions and event costs are subject to our Payments Policy.