Thinking about joining the adventure? You’re bound to have loads of questions about Scouting – we’ve tried to answer some of the most common ones below, but if you can’t find the answer please get in touch!

 

When do we meet?

We have three, age specific, sections here at the 82nd. To find out more about each section please click on the link above 'Sections' and find the specific section you are looking for, but our usual meeting times are:

• Beavers – Monday 17:30 until 18:30

• Cubs – Wednesday 18:30 until 20:00

• Scouts – Thursday 18:30 until 20:30

Times of individual weekly meetings may vary due to activity, location, etc. If you want to come along and visit us please get in touch first via the 'Contact us' page.

 

Where do we meet?

All our sections are based at The Scout HQ. However, we are often out and about in the local area, particularly during the summer months. 

 

Is there a Uniform? And how much does that cost?

All our members wear uniform, which can be ordered through the group. For the latest prices check out our online uniform shop via the tab above. We also offer a range of branded activity clothing and are constantly expanding our range of optional items.

 

Will my Child be Safe?

All our leaders undertake DBS (formerly known as CRB) checks, and a strict appointment procedure is followed. The leader in charge of each section (and many of our other leaders) have undertaken extensive training, covering areas such as Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Challenging Behaviour, etc. The group has clear behaviour policies which are followed, and we follow the Scout Associations “Young People First” safeguarding procedures. A qualified first aider is present for all activities and appropriate first aid equipment is available whether we are in the hall or out and about.

Scouting encourages young people to take sensible risks in a controlled way. Your child will climb trees, light fires and learn to use knives, as well as taking part in a number of adventurous activities. We recognise that minor injuries are an inevitable part of childhood, but follow risk assessments and operating procedures to ensure that all activities are as safe as possible.

 

What activities do you do?

We do far too many activities to list – the best way to find out what we get up to is to check out the News & Info section of this website, or follow us on twitter @82ndscouts.

 

Can Girls join Scouts?

Yes certainly! Scouts have been co-educational for many years now. 

 

Does my child have to go Camping?

A key part of Scouting is going away from home on residential “nights away” trips. These are a mix of camps, indoor sleepovers, and outdoor adventures. 

Whilst attendance at camps is not *required* it is strongly encouraged, and is a core part of the programme. Over the years we have found that young people who do not attend the camps miss out on a huge part of the Scouting Experience (broken down by hours, at Scout Age, weekly meetings are only around 1/4 of their total “time” in Scouting). If you have any concerns about your son/daughter attending camps, or about paying for them, please do contact us as we can help!

 

Is Scouting a Religious Organisation?

Scouting is open to those of any faith, or no faith at all. During your son or daughter’s time in Scouting they will be encouraged to explore their own beliefs, and to learn about world faiths. Various versions of the Scout Promise are available, and your son/daughter will be encouraged to make their own choice as to which they would like to make. Whilst we encourage young people to explore their faith, Scouting is not itself a religious organisation.

 

Is there a waiting list?

Scouting in Bristol has almost been a victim of its own success, and we receive many membership enquiries every month. Unfortunately we are limited in the number of young people who can join us, not by our venue or resources but by the number of volunteers we have.

 

At present, waiting lists operate for all three sections, with priority given to those moving up within the group, and to families already involved in the group. It is well worth adding your child to our waiting list from an early age to increase your chances of a space being available when they reach joining age, and we recommend that wherever possible all children join us as Beavers at age 6, and work up through the group.

 

How do we Get Involved?

Contact a member of the team via the 'Contact Us' page who will be able to give you additional details!

 

How is the Group Managed?

Scouting has a defined management structure. Each Section is managed by a Section Team Leader. All the sections, along with the group in general, are managed by the Group Lead Volunteer – who in turn is line managed by the District Lead Volunteer.

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The group is a registered charity, and as such is managed by a Board of Trustees. This BOT is made up of leaders, parents, and lay members – If you are interested in this, please contact our Group Chair (Steve Williams) through the 'Contact Us' page.