Here are some answers to general queries that parents/carers might find useful:

This looks fun! How do I sign up my child or get involved in Holmes Chapel Scouting?

We operate a waiting list that operates on a first-come, first-served approach (subject to space in the appropriate section) for young people. If a parent or carer agrees to volunteer regularly with Holmes Chapel Scouts then their children will receive priority and will have the next available space in the appropriate section. We have a huge range of volunteering options including “behind the scenes” roles

Sign up here!

When do the sections normally meet?

We have two sections each of Squirrels, Cubs and Beavers, and one Scout troop:

  • Squirrels meet on a Wednesday or Thursday from 5:30pm until 6:30pm
  • Beavers meet on a Monday or Tuesday at 6:15pm until 7:30pm
  • Cubs meet on a Monday or Tuesday at 6:15 until 7:45pm
  • Scouts meet on Wednesday from 7pm until 8:45pm
What are the costs of being in scouting?

  • Young person subscriptions are £50 per term (£150 per year, paid in 6 installments), this covers the regular meetings, a first necker, badges, building costs, insurance etc. All our volunteers are exactly that – unpaid!
  • There are additional costs for camps and special events. For example a one night sleepover will be in the range of £10-15 per young person while a 3 day activity camp will be more in the range £50 to £75 per young person.
  • All young people who join scouting are required to wear their section uniform and must be obtained by parents/carers.
  • Replacement badges and neckers are subject to a charge
  • We don’t want the cost of scouting to be a barrier to participation. If you are concerned about costs, please contact our lead volunteer using the form at the bottom of the page to start a conversation.
Where do I get the uniform from?

You have a few choices and if you need any help, please speak to a leader:

  • The online Scout Store carries all the uniform, as well as lots of other scout-related merchandise. Postage is free over £50 so it’s often worth coordinating with other parents
  • We hold a small selection of pre-loved uniform which you are welcome to try – we don’t hold all sizes though (and if you wish to donate some old uniform, please get in touch)
  • You can also get scout uniform on Amazon, but it tends to be the most expensive option
Where do the badges go?
Squirrels

Beavers

Cubs

Scouts

What badges go up between sections?

When your scout moves up between sections the following badges can go on their new uniform. All other badges can go on their camp blanket, if they have one

  • Their section top award (Acorn, Bronze, Silver or Gold Award)
  • Group badge and necker
  • Membership badge (purple with scout logo)
  • Highest of their joining in badges (small square badge with a number)
  • Any staged activity badges noting that only the highest should be worn at any one time (blue activity badges with a number)
  • County/District Badge and Group tape
How does my scout earn a Swimmer badge?

There are three routes to earning a scout Swimmer badge https://www.scouts.org.uk/staged-badges/swimmer/

  • Participate in a scout swimming event (these are currently run approximately annually by our District)
  • If your scout is in swimming lessons that follows one of the national swimming schemes, then just show evidence of achievement to your scout’s leader
  • If your scout’s swimmer lessons don’t follow one of the national schemes then your instructor can sign off the scout requirements using the handy tick sheet available to print off on the badge requirements page and return it to your scout’s leader

The mapping between the Scout Swimmer badges and the various national swimming schemes is given below:

Note that the various swim levels have been judged to be equivalent to but are not identical to the Scout stages