38th/40th Cork - Information for Parents

Parents Information

CONTENTS

The following information is included in this section:

Structure & Management	Registration & Fees
Group Structure	Registration
Management	Fees
Complaints Procedure	Consent Forms

Uniform & Badges	Hikes & Activities
Uniform	Meeting Nights
Badges	Gear List for Hikes
Macaoimh Uniform Chart

GROUP STRUCTURE

The 38th/40th Cork - Ballinlough Scout Group is organised into different sections, each of which deliver the Youth Programme of Scouting Ireland. Each section is aimed at a different age group and the challenges and activities are suited to that age group. These sections are:

- Beavers 6 - 8 Years

- Macaoimh 8 -11 Years (2 sections)

- Scouts 11-16 Years

- Venturers 16-19 Years

Each section is run by a team of leaders, who will undergo specific training over a sustained period aimed delivering the programme to that section. Many of the leaders also hold First Aid Certificates.

MANAGEMENT

The Group is managed by the Group Council which is the Management Committee. It is made up of the leaders from each section, the Group Leader, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Finance Committee and the Parents Committee.

The Parents Committee are parents who volunteer at the AGM to participate for a minimum period of one year and represent the youth membership of the group. They are also independent of running any of the sections.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

The Group endeavours to ensure that we deliver the highest quality programme in the safest environment and we are always conscious of the age groups when we are planning our programme.

If however you are not satisfied with any aspect of our activity, whether it is safety or the collection times and points or your child is having a problem in their section, please bring it to the attention of any of the section leaders. This allows us to make provisions when planning future programmes.

Alternatively, you can bring it to the attention of any of the parents on the parents committee and they can highlight the issue at the Group Council Meetings.

REGISTRATION

Each Youth Member is required to be registered with the group in order to become a member. They must also be invested and take the Scout Promise.

Registration takes place upon applying to join, or for existing members, each year in September. You are registered if you have completed the Green Parental Consent Form and have paid or part paid the Registration Fee.

FEES

Registration Details and Fees are normally notified to each family by post. The Fees for the scouting year 2006/07 are as follows:

- Individual €160

- Family €270

Fees can be paid 2 equal instalments or if paid in full at the start of the year. Fees can be paid by Cash, Cheque or by Credit Card online.

The Fee covers, Registration & Insurance to National Office and a contribution to the local running cost such as Hall Upkeep and Programme Costs. Whilst we endeavour to keep additional fees to a minimum, certain activities, such as weekends, day trips and the Scouts Annual Camp will have a cost attached to them.

CONSENT FORMS

At the beginning of each scouting year or on joining as a new member, you will be requested to completed a green Parental Consent Form. This form is comprised of a number of parts including, your permission to partake in activities, you consent for the leaders specified to give instruction to your child, medical details and other comments. Please read the form carefully.

Please ensure that the forms is signed and witnessed and that if details are pre-filled that they are correct. Also please do note items such as special dietary requirements, allergies, medical conditions or attention disorders. this information is important to allow the leaders plan an inclusive programme. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the section leader or email us at: info@ballinlughscouts.com

UNIFORM

There is now a new uniform for all sections in Scouting Ireland, it is available since 30th August 2005 from the Outdoor Adventure Store, details below:

If you already have uniform you do not need to replace it as the new uniform is being phased in over approximately 3 years. The scout beret, lanyard & whistle and the macaoimh hat are no longer part of the uniform and do not need to be worn.

The only difference between the sections is the top - Beaver wear a Royal Blue Sweatshirt, Macaoimh wear a Dark Blue Sweatshirt, Scouts, Venturers & Leaders wear a Dark Blue Shirt. All section have the following parts in common:

- Black Shoes

- Navy or Black Socks

- Navy Scout Zip-Off Trousers *

- Scout Belt *

- Neckerchief

* Beavers have a variation without zip-off legs & no belt

OUtdoor Adventure Store (formerly The Scout Shop)

Address: McCurtain Street, Cork

Telephone: 021 - 4504389

Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 9.15am - 5.30pm

BADGES

As with uniforms each section has different badges to reflect their different Progress Schemes. However each section will have the following similar badges:

- County / Regional Badge (available from Scout Shop)

- Group / Unit Badge (provided by Group)

Badges for Progress Awards and Merit Badges are usually awarded and do not have to be purchased.

MEETING NIGHTS

Each of the Programme Sections have a weekly meeting at the following times:

Beavers	Monday	6.15pm to 7.15pm
38th Macaoimh	Tuesday	7.30pm to 9.00pm
40th Macaoimh	Monday	7.30pm to 9.00pm
Scouts	Thursday	7.30pm to 9.30pm
Venturers	Wednesday	8.30pm to 9.30pm

SAMPLE GEAR LIST FOR HIKE

Whilst the gears required for hike may vary slightly depending on the location or activity, the following list will generally cover all day hikes. We do not encourage people to wear new clothes as often they will get dirty and or wet on activities.! For the same reason denim jeans are not very suitable particularly if they get wet.

What to wear

- Comfortable Clothes (Uniform not required unless specified)

- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots

- Rain Jacket / Rain Gear (Can be packed in Bag)

- Neckerchief MUST be worn on all activities

What to bring

- Packed Lunch (Sandwich/ Roll, Fruit, Crisps/Bar)

- Hot Drink in a flask (Tea/Soup/Hot Chocolate)

- Cold Drink (Mineral/Water)

What sort of bag

- The best type of bag to bring is a rucksack or small gear bag that has 2 shoulder straps. This makes it easier to carry, particularly if there is a bit of walking involved.

Most sections will give out a note about activities outside the normal weekly meeting. giving all details and any specific gear that is required.