1stTopcliffe Welcome Pack
Kids…Want to be a Beaver, Cub or Scout?
Parents…Fancy Joining Us as a Volunteer?
General Information - 2018
Parents…Grab yourself a cup of tea, get comfy and read on…
This information pack has been compiled as an introduction for Parents to the 1st Topcliffe Beaver, Cub and Scout sections. The following three sections are the ones that are available at 1st Topcliffe.
2018
BeaversMeet every Wednesday evening from 6.15pm – 7.15pm at Topcliffe Village Hall, Topcliffe.
CubsMeet every Wednesday evening from 7.15pm – 8.30pmat Topcliffe Village Hall, Topcliffe.
ScoutsMeet every Friday evening from 7.00pm – 9.00pmat Topcliffe Village Hall, Topcliffe.
ScoutsDuring the late spring and summer term, the Scouts have the added bonus of an outdoor location for their weekly meetings. In the summer, meetings for Scouts only are usually 7.00pm – 9.30pm.
Every year between late April and mid-September, the Scouts hold meetings atBlair's Woodwhich is a couple of miles from Topcliffe village. Blair's Wood is great for Scouting in the outdoors and even has a portakabin which is ideal considering the changeable British weather!
The Beavers occasionally useBlair's Woodfor their super sausage sizzles but the Scouts use the site more frequently for their weekly meetings and activities.
What is Scouting?
Scouting is an international, uniformed, youth movement. It is divided into five main sections:
· Beaver Scouts 6-8 years of age
· Scouts 8-10½ years of age
· Scouts 10½-14 years of age
· Explorer Scouts 14-18 years of age
· Scout Network 18-25 years of age
The aims of scouting are clearly stated but can be basically summarised as providing an opportunity for young peopleto develop, to learn and to enjoy themselves. Scouting can offer a wide range of skills and services and is opento any young person, of any creed or colour, mental or physical capabilities and of any sex.1st Topcliffe Scout Group welcomes girls as well as boys into Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.
All scout sections rely upon a balanced programme. There are Challenge badges that complement thebalancedprogramme. These have been developed to extend Beavers & Cub Scouts' skills and experience. The Challenges are optionaland continue throughout the Sections providing continuity from 6 to 25.
There are many Activity badges speciallydesigned for theBeaver's & Cub Scout sections, along with the four Staged badges. Additionally there are three awards to becompleted in association with other sections of the Group. The Chief Scout's Silver Award is the highest award inthe Cub section, with Bronze being the highest award within the beaver movement currently.
Scouting is not just about schemes, awards and badges. The 'games' and adventurous activities are very importantto Scouting, not just because they are enjoyable, but because they are also important in the young person’sdevelopment. If you still have any doubts or questions about Scouting, please speak to one of the Leaders or takea look at our very own group website.
Where to Find Us
In the autumn of 2016, 1st Topcliffe Scout Group’s - Beaver, Cub and Scout sections ALL re-located to the Village Hall in Topcliffe. That is our new home.
BeaversMeet every Wednesday evening from 6.15pm – 7.15pm at Topcliffe Village Hall, Topcliffe.
CubsMeet every Wednesday evening from 7.15pm – 8.30pm at Topcliffe Village Hall, Topcliffe.
ScoutsMeet every Friday evening from 7.00pm – 9.00pm at Topcliffe Village Hall, Topcliffe.
The Promises & Laws
The important underlying values of Scouting are summarised in the Promises and Laws. Each section has its own promise but only the Cubs and Scouts have a Law. Each new member and Leader of each section ‘agrees’ tothese values when they are ‘Invested’ into the Scout movement.
The Beaver Promise
The Beaver Promise is simplified in order to get the younger children into the flow of things…short and sweet…
I promise to do my best
To be kind and helpful
And to love my God.
The Cub Promise
I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to God and to the Queen
To help other people
And to keep the Cub Scout Law.
The Cub Law
Cub Scouts always do their best
Think of others before themselves
And do a good turn every day.
The Scout Promise
On my honour, I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to God and to the Queen,
To help other people
And to keep the Scout Law
The Scout Law
- A Scout is to be trusted.
- A Scout is loyal.
- A Scout is friendly and considerate.
- A Scout belongs to the worldwide family of Scouts.
- A Scout has courage in all difficulties.
- A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property.
- A Scout has self-respect and respect for others.
UniformBeavers, Cubs & Scouts
Beaver Scout Uniform consists of:
·Turquoise Beaver Scout Jumper
· Group plain yellow Necker(first Necker provided upon investiture)
· Woggle
. Trousers(suitable trousers or shorts are Ok at HQ)
.Footwear suitable for indoors(occasionally outdoors too)
For ceremonial duties we request:
· Black or Grey Trousers/Skirt (school style)...for the occasional services & parades where we are representing the Scout group in public.
· Black Shoes / School Shoes
Cub Scout Uniform consists of:
· Green Cub Scout Jumper
·Group plain yellow Necker(first Necker provided upon investiture – NEW MEMBERS ONLY)
· Woggle
. Trousers(suitable trousers or shorts are Ok at HQ)
.Footwear (suitable for both indoor & outdoor)
For ceremonial duties we request:
· Black or GreyTrousers/Skirt (school style)…for the occasional services & parades where we are representing the Scout Group in public.
· Black Shoes / School Shoes
Scout Uniform consists of:
· Teal Green long-sleeved Scout shirt or blouse
· Group plain yellow Necker(first Necker provided upon investiture – NEW MEMBERS ONLY)
· Woggle
. Trousers / Blue Scout activity Trousers(suitable trousers or shorts are Ok at HQ)
.Footwear (suitable for both indoor & outdoor)
For ceremonial duties we request:
· Black or GreyTrousers/Skirt (school style) OR Scout Blue activity Trousers / Smart Navy Blue Trousers…for the occasional services & parades where we are representing the Scout Group in public.
· Black Shoes / School Shoes
For all your Beaver / Cub / Scout uniform needs,please click on any of the active external website links below:
Official Scout Shops
Scout & Guide Store
Scout & Guide Store Uniform Sizes(sizes for everyone)
Scout and Guide Shop(literally everything you ever need here)
Beavers Uniform
Cubs Uniform
Scouts Uniform
Section DivisionsLodges, Sixes & Patrols
Each of the three sections Beavers / Cubs / Scouts at 1st Topcliffe have their own ‘name’.
The Beaver section is known as theBeaver Colony
The Cub section is known as the Cub Pack
The Scout section is known as the Scout Troop
Within each division; Colony, Pack and Troop, there are smaller groups known as Sixes and Patrols.
Lodges & SixesBeavers & Cubs
Beavers and Cubs are split into Lodges / Sixes, which are basically smaller groups within the Colony / Pack. This is done throughout the year for activities, games and ceremonial events.
Beavers are split into different coloured Lodges, usually defined by the colour of their woggle.
Cubs are split into different coloured Sixes, again defined by the colour of their woggle. Cubs are a little more advanced in that each Six is headed up by a Sixer and a Seconder.
A Sixer helps the Leaders organise their Six to a certain extent and is assisted by a trusty Seconder.A Cub is not usually made up to a Seconder or Sixer unless they have showntheir competence and good behaviour.
New Beavers & Cubs willusually be put into a Lodge / Six where they know at least one other Beaver or Cub. Nobody likes to be left out!
If your child is unhappy with any aspect of their Lodge / Six, or if they have a problem with any other members of the Colony / Pack,please let one of the Beaver / Cub leaders know in person.
Did you know?
Both Beaver & Cub Scouts borrow a great deal of their ‘setup’ from the famous novel‘The Jungle Book’ by Rudyard Kipling. The Cubs meet in agroup called a Pack (as in a Pack of wolves). The leader of the Cub Scout section is Akela and other leaders maytake Jungle Book names such as Bagheera, Baloo, and Kaa etc.
At the beginning and end of each pack meeting the Cubs hold a type of ceremony called a ‘Grand Howl’, as well as Flagbreak/Flagdown.(Come inone Wednesday night and watch it take place at the start of the meeting.)
Scout Patrols
Not forgetting the Scouts, the third section of the Scouting family, and the highest section available at 1st Topcliffe. The Scout section, otherwise known as a Scout Troop follows a similar pattern to the Beavers and Cubs. Scouts are split into groups called Patrols.
Patrols are defined by a specific animal group. For example mammals, reptiles or birds. 1st Topcliffe is made up of Patrols named after different types of bird. We have Patrols for Hawks, Kestrels, Owls and many years ago, one for Falcons.
Scout Patrols are led by a Patrol Leader (PL) and are backed up by a trustworthy Assistant Patrol Leader (APL).
The idea being that the Patrol Leader has more responsibility of their Patrol than a Sixer would in Cubs. The PL oversees their Patrol for all camps, activities, duties / tasks, requirements and ceremonies. Becoming a PL can bring the best out of your child as they develop key skills.
Of course, PLs have the support and help from the Scout leaders, who are there to show, advise and generally supervise the whole Troop. We try and provide training to our PLs and APLs whenever possible, particularly on camps.
When the PL is absent or otherwise engaged; the APL steps up into temporary command of a Patrol, so they have to be on the ball as well!
Badges & Awards
Scouting as a whole can be very rewarding due to the wealth of opportunities on offer. But that depends on how much your child puts into their time in the Scout movement. There is something for everyone, so nobody is left out.
Each section has a very detailed programme for badges and awards, which will give your child the best opportunity to succeed where they are strong, develop where they are not so strong, and above all try something new.
All Scout sections offer a flexible training scheme in the form of badges to track the progress of the Beavers / Cubs / Scouts and to give a feeling of achievement. There are several types of badges, the 'Chief Scout Award' badges, activity or 'proficiency' badges and challenge badges.
They vary from section to section, but the Challenges and Chief Scout Award badges are designed to provide the main, basic activities and training to be completed. They cover the basics of all types of work, and the important necessities. The proficiency badges provide the option to take a certain activity or hobby in greater detail.
All members of 1st Topcliffe Scout Group will work towards many badges during their time in the group. There is detailed information availableabout all these badges and their requirements which can be found on our main website:
(All linked on this site for your convenience)
A member may begin working towards badges as soon as they first comeinto Scouting. Sections may work as one to achieve one specific badge but on some occasions, individual members can go for the badges they want to do, in accordance with the guidelines from their section Leaders.
Badges will not be worn until they are invested and then they will be worn on the uniform.Thevarious badges will involve work at the weekly meetings; sometimes work at special events or camps, and also acertain amount of work to be completed at home.
(It’s not homework though…it’s about achievements, developing skills and trying new activities.)
If your child wishes to undertake any of the badgework ‘under their own steam’, pleasediscuss it with your child’s section Leader.
That’s badge work out of the way, but what about Awards?
Each section may or may not run their own Awards for special achievements, inspections or for different events. Both the Cubs and Scouts are inspected each week for their uniform, general appearance and other Scouting attributes.
The words ‘Games’ and‘Work’ are used loosely as most of the weekly meeting activities are presented in a fun and interesting way. Often the children willbe playing a ‘Game’ whilst learning some important Scouting skills, or they may be doing some really enjoyable‘Work’ without realising it.
If you have any questions regarding the programme, if you would like to suggest programme ideas or help to deliver a particular programme where you are ‘in the know’ please do contact us via the details on the last page of this pack. We might be able to arrange with a section Leader for you to come along to a meeting and see what it’s all about.
FOR THE SCOUTS WE ALSO HAVE…
1st Topcliffe Scout of the Year Award & Patrol of the Year Award
Specifically for Scouts, we have our main annual awards that are for the'Scout of the Year'and'Patrol of the Year'. Each year, from September to July, the Scouts compete individually and in their patrols to be crowned Scout or Patrol of the Year.
Every week, points are scored for a uniform inspection, commitment to Scouts, and any badges or challenge awards completed. The points are then totalled up for each award.
The winning Scout receives a trophy to keep, the prestige of being the 'Scout of the Year' and all participants receive a certificate too.
The winning Patrol take it in turns to keep hold of the ‘Best Patrol’ shield for the following year. It is then handed back ready for the following year.
The Groups Leaders
(Almost) all adults in Scouting, including uniformed Leaders are volunteers. They give their time for free and they donot get paid.The leaders of 1st Topcliffe are experienced Leaders, with a good mix of skills and some have been involved in the Scouting movement for a long time! All of the Leaders are committed to the enjoyment and teaching of theyoung people and give up a great deal of their spare time, effort and money in order to achieve this.
A uniformed leader, and indeed any form of ‘helper’ or leader at the group, has to complete a form which is sent tothe local District Commissioner, and then to HQ where checks are made to ascertain the individuals suitability forworking with young people. Uniformed leaders have to attend an appointments committee meeting before beingawarded their ‘Warrant’. They also have to attend a series of training courses and have the chance to complete their adult leader training modules before they gain their ‘Wood Badge’.
Each section (Beavers, Cubs or Scouts) has its own team of leaders and they are run independently, although
there are some links with the sections in the Group.
The Beaver Scout LeaderMichaela Kitching(Shantie)
The Cub Scout LeaderTEMP:Stuart Carte(Akela)
The Scout LeadersChris Heyworth & Dave Baker
The Group Scout LeaderStuart Carter
The services of other Adult Leaders may be sought for instruction in particular activities such as First Aid, Climbing etc. The Section Leaders also delegate responsibilities to Assistant Leaders, Young Leaders, plus "general" helpers, for instance, Duke ofEdinburgh award scheme members who choose to participate as part of their own development.
You may see Young Leaders / Explorers from other Topcliffe sections or other groups in the District who give up their time to help out where possible.
The Groups Leaders
The Group Scout LeaderStuart Carter(GSL)
The Group Scout Leader provides support for all the sections and is charged with the task of developing Scouting throughout the Group. The Group Scout Leader is a focal point of contact and is always approachable for any queries you may have on Scouting in general or the 1st Topcliffe group.
In addition to the uniformed Leaders, there is a small team of adults who make up our Executive Committee and are responsiblefor the finances, admin duties and chairman duties to the Group.
For more information on the leadership team including the Leader Profiles, please visit this page on our website:
Beaver / Cub / Scout Obligations
Don’t worry, these are not specific rules! You know what is expected of a section Leader, but what is expected of your child?