Joining 1st Benson Scouts

Please contact the appropriate Section Leader to enquire about joining that particular section or contact the Group Scout Leader.  Age ranges for the different sections are as follows:

Beavers (6–8)

Beaver Scouts are our youngest members. They usually meet weekly to take part in a wide range of activities including games, crafts, singing, visits and good turns, along with plenty of outdoor activities.

They will also have the opportunity to take part in the fun and excitement of camps and sleepovers. It may be the first time they spend a night away from home so it’s a real adventure for them.

The Scout Association Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) document Rule 3.7 states that the recommended maximum size for a Colony is 24 Beaver Scouts, but in reality, our colony is restricted by the space available in the hall  and the number of leaders and helpers that are available.

The recommended minimum ratio for both outdoor activities held away from the usual meeting place and nights away experiences is 1 adult to 6 Beaver Scouts plus the leader in charge.

Cubs (8-10½)

A Cub Scout Pack can have up to 36 Cub Scouts (POR Rule 3.8) and is split into smaller groups called Sixes. Cubs take part in a wide range of activities designed to be interesting and challenging. A Cub Scout meeting consists of games and activities with plenty of time spent outdoors.

Camps and holidays are some of the most memorable events of the year for Cubs.

The recommended minimum ratio for both outdoor activities held away from the usual meeting place and nights away experiences is 1 adult to 8 Cub Scouts plus the leader in charge.

Scouts (10½–14)

Each Scout Troop consists of small units of six to eight Scouts called a Patrol, usually led by a Patrol Leader. There is no maximum size for the group (POR rule 3.9), but the hall size and number of leaders mean that a maximum of 20 Scouts is a practical number to work to.  Outdoor activities feature prominently, with the highlight being camping and outdoor cooking. Throughout the year, Scouts learn various skills, such as map reading, camp cooking and first aid in preparation for camp and for experiences in everyday life.  1st Benson leaders are trying to develop maturity and independance in the scouts and the activities will try to bring out these life skills.

Rock climbing, potholing, water activities and international experiences are just some of the things they get up to.

Further joining information

Scouting is open to both boys and girls at any level.

The “normal” progression through the Group is for a boy or girl to join the Beaver Colony at the age of 6 and he/she will progress through the various sections at the appropriate age. However, it is also possible for an older boy or girl to join any particular section (depending on age) providing there is a place in the section which is vacant.

Under current Scout Association rules and guidelines we have recommended maximum sizes for our Beaver Colony, Cub Pack and Scout Troop which depends on the number of warranted and unwarranted Leaders present and the size & suitability of our hall. Currently all our Sections are fully occupied and there is a waiting list system which is under operation.

Preference for a youngster joining the Group in Beavers or any other Section will be given in the order set out below:

1.     Those progressing from one of our sections to another as part of the normal “moving on” procedure within Scouting

2.     Children of Warranted Leaders / Adult Helpers wishing to join a section other than by “moving on” from a previous one

3.     Young people moving into the area who were members of a recognised Scouting Group at their previous location of residence

There will be bottlenecks when the hall reaches capacity, or there are not enough leaders available to supervise the children.  The only solution to this is to get a bigger hall and more leaders/helpers.  Both of these are a challenge!