Frequently Asked Questions

I’m dyslexic / am on the autism spectrum: can I still join?

Of course! You’d be surprised how many of our Scouts and leaders have some kind of learning difficulty. Just make sure we're aware on your Online Scout Manager personal record so we can make sure you are supported. We may ask a parent to come along to help out with ratios if we need to give you one to one support.

How much does everything cost?

Termly subscriptions are currently £40 and there is a £5 per family charge towards upkeep of the building and grounds, both of which we own. Payment is taken via Online Scout Manager or by bank transfer. Camps vary: a guide price for a weekend including food, accommodation and activities, but not transport, is £45 (second and third family members can often go for a reduced rate).

Where can I get my uniform from?

The easiest place is the Sheffield Scout and Guide Shop on Trippet Lane near the Cathedral. You will need a green Scout Section shirt, purple-and-green neckerchief (order one if it isn’t in stock) and a woggle or fastener. You may want to buy Activity Trousers and a belt too. You can make your own woggle if you like. We will give you your starter badges: don’t wear badges from an old shirt unless you know you are entitled to them (for example, you can wear the staged activity badges, moving on award and Chief Scout’s Silver Award if you earned them in Cubs).

How can I get there if my parents can’t take me?

Parents (not leaders) are responsible for transport, but if you're struggling let us know and we'll try to put you in touch with another parent who lives close to you.

What if I don’t know anyone?

You soon will! We are fairly friendly, and have boys and girls of all interests and ages (well, 10-14 anyway) so there is bound to be someone you get on with.

What if I get home and I just feel too tired to come out Scouting. Is that a problem?

One way in which we are different from most other sections is that we don’t mind if you want a week off occasionally. Obviously if you are a vital part of a competition team or coming on a camp it won’t be a great choice, but if it’s a normal Scout meeting that’s fine. You don’t need to let us know or give a reason. If you are missing for a few weeks we'll drop you an email to check everything is OK and if we don’t hear from you in two months we’ll assume you have left, so don’t leave it too long!

What if I want to change patrols?

As long as you, your old PL, your new PL and the Leaders all agree to the move, there’s no problem. We’d need to avoid massive differences in patrol numbers, which is why the Leaders need to agree too.

When’s the next camp?

We try to camp at least 3 times per year, dependant on leader availability. We offer a mixture of 59th led small camps and larger District and County run camps. Details are sent out via Online Scout Manager. We normally take a deposit at the time of signing up for camp, with the balance due a week or so before it takes place. We have a hardship fund for anyone who is struggling to pay the fees.

I need a special diet – will that be a problem on camp?

No – we have Scouts who require vegetarian, allergy or cultural diets – so we can easily cater for special diets if we know your requirements: make sure your Online Scout Manager record.

I’ve not slept away from home before!

We have one or two Scouts occasionally who are “first time campers” and we take extra care to make sure you are with a friend or friendly person, usually in quite a small tent with only 2 or 3 people in. We can give advice on what sort of camping stuff to bring.

What about insurance?

Scout insurance covers all our activities. It does not, however, cover loss or damage to small gadgets such as phones, cameras or games, so guard them well!

What happens if I don’t like it and want to leave?

We’d be sad to see you go, but occasionally we do have members who give Scouting a go but decide it’s not for them. Make sure you chat to a leader about it – maybe there is something we can change to make it more fun. But if not, then that’s fine – just let us know that you are leaving and it will be OK – no need to feel guilty. The main reason people don’t continue is they don’t really like outdoor activities and camping – which is all right but they are two things we aren’t about to stop doing!

What if I have more questions?

Please contact us!