Information for Parents UNIFORM Each Section has its own uniform. For the Beavers this is a turquoise sweatshirt, for Cubs a green sweatshirt and Scouts a teal green shirt. All sections wear the Group scarf, which is Lemon, together with Navy trousers and dark smart shoes. There are also T-shirts/ shorts/fleeces etc but they are entirely optional. The uniform may be purchased online from shop.scouts.org.uk When a child joins a section we advise that the uniform is only purchased when they are ready to make their promise (usually after 3/4 weeks). When a child moves from one section to another they may wear their old uniform until they acquire the new uniform. The scarf should not be worn until the child has made their promise in each section. One Group Scarf will be provided when a child first joins the Group free of charge SUBSCRIPTIONS To meet the costs of running the Scout Group a monthly subscription of £13 is payable by all members when they join the Group. Full details can be found on the “Group Management" page. ONLINE SCOUT MANAGER / PERSONAL INFORMATION We use an online system, Online Scout Manager (OSM), for the management of our section’s administration (programme records, badge / award progress, member information). This is primarily used to directly capture and maintain all necessary personal information about our members and their parents/carers and remove the need for any paper forms. However, there are also a lot of other useful functions (such as managing events online, visibility of programmes, badge tracking etc) that we are looking to utilise where possible. A link to this system can be found below: Online Scout Manager (OSM): Login In the first instance we will send a link to new to parents/carers to then set up individual access. We then ask that any personal information we have is checked and updated as necessary, and consent section completed. On an ongoing basis we then ask that this is updated when any change occurs to ensure we have accurate information at all times. PHOTOGRAPHS We often take photographs at camp and other events to publicise our group. Please indicate on the personal information section of OSM if you have any objections to photographs being taken and used. DBS (DISCLOSURE & BARRING SERVICE) CHECKS All leaders and regular helpers with the Group, who are in direct contact with the children, are required by Law to complete a DBS check. Once a person has DBS clearance it means that they can help us in all sorts of ways that will benefit the Group but not tie them to a weekly commitment. For example, we might need help with transport to an activity venue. If you have a DBS clearance we can put 2 or more children in your car. These forms are available from your Team Lead Volunteers or e-mail GSL@mardenscouts.org.uk WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP? Become a team member or help at meetings – You don’t need special skills just enthusiasm and commitment. Training is provided. Why not visit a meeting to find out what is involved? Be an active member of our Trustee Board & Supporters Association – Our uniformed sections need the support of a team of volunteers who ensure that the facilities & funds are available so they are able to deliver the fun & adventure of Scouting to our young people. While all members are expected to support the Group with their help, we need volunteers to assist in the administration & development of the Group, maintenance & management of the buildings & grounds, as well as organising / running fund raising & social events. Volunteers may have specialist knowledge or skills through their work or personal experiences to assist in specific projects or simply the willingness & enthusiasm “to give back & get stuck in". Help with section activities – There is always a need for help at activities such as providing transport, putting up tents, catering or making a few buns. Most sections run a parent rota for help at meetings. Please make sure you help when it’s your turn. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) The Group AGM is held each year (usually June), to which any one can attend – executive members, leaders, helpers, cubs, beavers, scouts, parents, members of the public etc. This meeting ratifies the accounts and presents the achievements of the last year as well as electing a new Executive. We strongly encourage parents to attend so that they can have their say in the running of the Group and they also get to see who has won the Sectional awards! ANNUAL REPORT As well as being available at the AGM, further copies are available on request from the Chair or the Treasurer. PARADES As a Group we ask all members to support just 2 annual parades, St. George’s Day (the nearest Sunday to 23rd April) in Maidstone and Remembrance Day (the nearest Sunday to 11th November) in Marden. GROUP WEBSITE We now use this website where you can find up-to-date information on upcoming Section Nights or Group Events. You can also find any letters that may have been put through the wash! GROUP CLOTHING In partnership with a supplier we now have our own online shop where you may wish to purchase Marden branded T-shirts, Hoodies & fleece Jackets:www.totalclothingshop.co.uk/mardenscoutsWhile there is no mandatory rule for members to buy these, the Scout Group receive a percentage of the sale and this too helps Group funds. These are great alternative when Full Uniform is not required to be worn, such as trips out, hikes, camps or outdoor activities where extra layers are needed (Fleece jackets make a great alternative to making school coats smell of campfire!!). GROUP WEBSHOP We have a Group webshop: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/mardenscouts/ Here you can then visit many of your favourite sites (such as Amazon, Marks & Spencer, Tesco and many more) and shop as normal for the same prices but we also get paid commission! SOCIAL MEDIA We have accounts on both Facebook (closed Group for members and friends of the Group only) and X, with the aim to keep you up-to-date with what we are all getting up to as much as we can! On X follow: @mardenscouts Join our Facebook group (please answer the question!): www.facebook.com/groups/MardenScoutGroup/ FURTHER INFORMATION We hope that you find this information useful. If you do have any further queries or have any suggestions please contact us on contact@mardenscouts.org.uk or speak to your Section Team Lead Volunteers. More on Maidstone West District can be found on www.maidstonewestscouts.org.uk Kent Scout information is on: https://www.kentscouts.org.uk/ You can also visit www.scouts.org.uk for more details on Scouting in the UK. Tweet