For parents
What your child does, and how we keep them safe.
Scouting is muddy, noisy and carefully run. Here is what to expect from each section, from camps, and from us.
The sections, Squirrels to Explorers.
Each section meets weekly in term time, usually for an hour or ninety minutes. Ages overlap, so leaders will advise when your child moves up.
Squirrels
Ages 4–6
Short, busy sessions built on play. First taste of being part of a team.
Beavers
Ages 6–8
Games, crafts, visits and a first sleepover with the Colony.
Cubs
Ages 8–10½
Camping, cooking, climbing and badges earned by having a go.
Scouts
Ages 10½–14
Hikes, water activities and real responsibility for planning their own programme.
Explorers
Ages 14–18
Expeditions, Duke of Edinburgh's Award and leading younger sections.
Not sure where they fit?
Send us their date of birth and postcode and we will point you at the right section.
Register interest
Camps and residentials.
Nights away are where Scouting sticks. Most young people camp two or three times a year, from a sleepover in the hut to a week under canvas with the district.
- Kit lists and costs come home at least two weeks before.
- No young person misses a camp over money. Ask your leader, in confidence.
- Every residential is run under a Nights Away Permit by a trained and assessed leader.
Safety and safeguarding.
Adventure with the risk managed, not removed. If something worries you, tell us and we will act.
Every adult is checked
All volunteers are vetted, referenced and trained in safeguarding before they work with young people.
Activities are risk assessed
Adventurous activities need a permit. Leaders plan ratios, first aid and weather before you hear about the trip.
Raising a concern
Speak to your section leader first. If you would rather not, email the district Safeguarding Lead directly.
Common questions
The things parents ask us first.
If your question is not here, ask us — we would rather answer it twice than have you guess.
Each section meets weekly in term time, usually for an hour or ninety minutes. Meeting nights are set by each Group, so check that Group's page or ask the leaders.
Ages overlap on purpose. Leaders will advise when your child is ready to move up, and if you are not sure where they fit, send us their date of birth and postcode and we will point you at the right section.
Waiting lists are normal across the district, and a section can be full for a term or more. Register your interest and the district team will match you to the nearest Group with space.
Groups charge subs to cover the hall, equipment and insurance, and camps are costed separately with kit lists and prices sent home at least two weeks before. No young person misses a camp over money — ask your leader, in confidence.
Most young people camp two or three times a year, from a sleepover in the hut to a week under canvas with the district. Every residential is run under a Nights Away Permit by a trained and assessed leader.
No. Plenty of parents never volunteer and that is fine. If you would like to, you choose how much time you give — one evening a week, one camp a term, or a few hours behind the scenes.
Questions we haven't answered here?
Email the district or send us a message. We answer within five working days.