Welcome to Javelin Scout Troop
Introduction
The aim of the Scout movement is to develop your child's physically, mentally and spiritually, in order that they are better prepared for what their futures may hold. You will enter them onto a program of discovery and enjoyment of the world around us.
Brief History
Lord Baden-Powell started scouting in 1907, at the request of the king following Baden Powell’s exploits and achievements in Africa. Baden-Powell was a soldier and a very good planner. He became famous in England for the way in which he did battle with the Zulu’s. His greatest achievement came as he was tasked with the defence of Mafeking. Zulu tribesmen surrounded the village and for many days Baden Powell kept the Warriors at bay until help finally arrived. The Leader of the tribesman recognised the clever and inventive way in which Baden Powell defeated his best efforts and eventually a truce was called.
During his time in the army Baden Powell developed his own training techniques, which proved very successful and adaptable to many situations. One of Baden Powell’s main ideas certainly during the siege of Mafeking was to use children of the village to act as first aiders, carry messages and run errands. The boys were trained to follow tracks, observe and remember information, and generally help the soldiers.
While in Africa Baden Powell wrote a book that was published back in England every fortnight called ‘Aids to Scouting’. The book described the training techniques Baden Powell used for his soldiers. Once back in England the book was rewritten and called ‘Scouting for Boys’ where necessary it was adapted for children to be able to copy the tasks. When Baden Powell had found that his booklets had proved very popular and the boys who were reading it, had formed themselves into patrols to practise what they learnt.
Due to the booklets reception the King asked Baden Powell to start the Organisation and Scouting followed.
Baden Powell’s first act on starting the movement was to try a test camp. He took a group of 20 boys from the poorer streets of London to Brownsea Island in Poole harbour, Dorset. Here he taught the boys how to have fun while learning useful items like fire lighting, cooking, knot tying and tracking. It was a great success.
Scouting is now the world’s largest youth organisation with well over 15 million boys, girls and adults participating in over 100 countries.
What are Scouts?
Scouts are the 3rd age band in the scout movement. There age starts at 10 and goes to 14. During this time the aim of the group is that the boys and girls will learn to look after themselves, be confident in themselves, develop a sense of adventure and be better prepared for their future.
A scout does not need to have been a beaver or a cub previously. They do not need to pass an entrance exam. They do not have to be in perfect health. Scouting is open to all children, there are no lines drawn between race, colour or religion.
Javelin Scout troop meet on Fridays and organise many extra weekend events throughout the year. The group is in the enviable position of having a dedicated and experienced team of leaders. Many of our group's leaders are themselves ex-scouts from the group. We have leaders qualified for most adventurous events and they enjoy what they do. They are all volunteers, giving their time freely and regularly.
In order for the troop to achieve something practical and more importantly safely, discipline is important with the events and meetings.
Meeting Time
Friday Evenings
Activities
Some activities will require the assistance of parents and I would like to think that you will be willing to assist on the occasional activity or evening.
Please do not think of us as a babysitting service, as others have in the past, we are not. We do not get paid for what we do, but we all willingly give up our time for our own reasons to help your sons and daughters development.
Please be punctual in dropping your child off for meeting’s and activities and collect them on time after the activity. Please also read any letters your child brings home or e-mails sent out and reply to them if requested. If you are unable to attend an activity please ring and tell me so that we do not waste our time
As well as Friday evenings, we hold activities at the weekends
We usually do at least six camps a year which take place through out the year. We also do hikes and visits, some local some further afield. Be aware that Javelin, and 1st Tidbury green in general do enjoy the Outdoors and get out as often as possible.
Your son / daughter will be given the chance to do activity badges in specialist subjects to show their skills in things they can do now or to learn new skills in detail.
Activities are not usually cancelled for bad weather.
Costs and expenses
In order to perform the activities we do, it is necessary to fund them.
Each year you will pay a membership fee to the group. This is used for the upkeep of the headquarters and to pay the running costs, it is also used for buying the larger items of equipment we use.
In addition to this each section charges its own subscription to fund its activities. This is currently £6 per school term per child, and is collected on the first Friday we meet of the term.
The additional activities we organise will sometimes involve additional expense. These costs are spread between those taking part in that activity. We do not set out to make a profit and any money left over after an activity will be used for a future event for the section.
The price we pay for the activities is usually less than you as a family would pay, but only if it is well supported.
Activities are not compulsory, so if you or your child has a problem with an activity they do not have to attend. What I would ask is that you do give them the chance to try anything new that may come along.
Care of your Child
Every reasonable effort will be made to ensure the safety of your son / daughter on any activity or event organised by the group.
The scouts will be told rules and areas in which they are to stay during activities and what to do in the event of a problem arising.
For our younger scouts I would request that after the meetings finishes you come in to fetch them so we know you have them back.
Discipline is important and will be encouraged for the safe and efficient running of events. If your son proves unruly and disruptive you will be informed. Any form of bullying will not be tolerated.
The Scouts will get time to let off steam and run around, but be expected to co-operate when so requested.
Before leaving your child at an event please ensure you are leaving him with his leaders and the leaders know he is present.
Scout Uniform and equipment
After a period of about 4 weeks we will usually invest your child officially into the troop, by this time they should know if they wish to continue or not.
The uniform consists of: Scout shirt (with appropriate badges)
Group Neckerchief
Dark Blue Scout trousers
Black shoes
In 2009 we hope to introduce a troop polo shirt for use during certain events details of these will be available from March.
Your 'Scout' will also need to bring with him on a Friday evening, a change of clothes for messing around in (e.g. playing in mud, games etc...) They should also have with him at all times a pencil, notepad and a handkerchief. Please do not bring penknives unless instructed / allowed.
We have inspection at the start of most evenings and as such your child should be clean and tidy in appearance. Clean hands, combed hair etc. We believe a good appearance will encourage them in future and develop a sense of respect in themselves, while giving others a better opinion.
He should always wear uniform to travel to any organised event unless instructed otherwise.
Parades
The Scouts participate in two parades a year, these being:-
St George’s Day April
Remembrance Day November
It is expected that boys will attend these events whenever possible
Summary
1st Tidbury Green scouts has been going for many years and has established itself a good reputation for activities and events. Scouting will help your child grow up and they will get a lot out of it if they are prepared to get involved. The leaders are their ‘guides’ in the activities, they will not do everything for them. They will learn to be more confident, make friends and join in. They will discover themselves and find their limits and then achieve more.
Join our Scouts
To join our Javelin Scout Troop, please contact the Secretary with your name, address and contact details by emailing
secretary@1sttidburygreen.org.uk
Yours in Scouting
Roy A Clarke