Scouts

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Scouts, also known as the Scouting Movement was started by Robert Baden-Powell in 1907. By 1908 Scouting had come to the island with the formation of 1st Malew Scouts. 1st Douglas Scouts followed in 1909.

1 Brief Introduction
2 Group Basics
3 Scout Sections
4 Scout Groups
5 Further Reading
6 See Also
7 External Links

Brief Introduction

Scouts welcome boys and girls from the age of 6 up to 25. Once members reach the age of 15 they can also become Young Leaders and assist in the running of lower sections.

The Scout Association's Island Headquarters are based at Cunningham House on Murray's Road in Douglas.

The Patron Saint of Scouting is Saint George, chosen for his willingness to put others before himself and being prepared to show bravery.

Members of each section have a "Promise" and each section from Cub Scouts up have "Laws".

The Scout Motto across all sections is "Be Prepared".

Group Basics

New Members

Due to the nature and activities undertaken through the Scouting Movement demand for places usually exceeds availability so most groups maintain waiting lists. For each section above Beaver Scouts, priority is given to members moving up through the group, followed by new members.

Leaders

It should be noted that all leaders are volunteers, many of them parents, who give up their free time to attend training sessions, organise and run meetings as well as organising and leading off site activities and visits.

All leadership applicants undergo checks by Police and the Criminal Records Bureau. Once these are returned clear, leaders can begin an ongoing training schedule that consists of a number of modules set out by the Scout Association. 24 Modules cover most aspects of Scouting such as organising meetings, providing a balanced programme, First Aid, Health and Safety, Child Protection and more. In addition to this formal training there are regular Section, Group and Leader/parent meetings that deal with aspects relating to the particular section/group..

Adult Support

Despite the benefit to young members, there are some parents who only involvement with groups would be dropping off and picking up their children. Thankfully this is not commonplace here on the island. Whilst Scouting helps to build confidence and independence, most Leaders, members and parents see Scouting as an extension to the family, not a temporary replacement.

Parent rotas may be used to maintain adult to child ratios at meetings and at off site activities. In some instances, a lack of parent involvement has seen Scout groups cease to exist. Most groups would welcome parents willing to become regular assistants, or even consider becoming leaders themselves.