Scouts (10-14 years)
Our Scout troop welcomes boys and girls aged 10 to 14 years. We meet every Friday evening during term time at Hedgerley Scout Hut, although some activities and trips may be held offsite and at different times.
Being a Scout is all about adventure, teamwork, and personal growth. Scouts engage in a variety of activities that develop new skills, build friendships, and foster a sense of responsibility and community service. Our program includes exciting activities such as camping, hiking, paddleboarding, climbing, archery, and many more. These activities are designed to challenge Scouts, build confidence, and most importantly, ensure they have fun. Our group is inclusive, welcoming all children and encouraging a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
Patrols
Our Scout troop is split into 6 patrols. Each patrol has a senior member (a Patrol Leader/PL) and assistant (APL). Together they welcome new Scouts, encourage team moral and will lead on certain events. The Patrol structure helps encourage a spirit of togetherness, teamwork and comradery between patrols. As a Scout matures, we try and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to become an PL/APL and thus learn the skills/responsibility of leading.
Badges & Awards
Our aim is to ensure that each of our young people will progress through the Scouting program so that by the time they leave, they will have gained their Chief Scout Gold Award.
Whilst this requires a certain level of commitment to Scouting, our weekly program is planned to ensure that each of the 12 challenge awards are gained, from Adventurous, to Expedition, Team Leader and Team Challenge. We further ensure that the program gives each Scout an opportunity to earn the 6 other activity badges required and these may also be worked on at home, or via hobbies etc.
More information about the badges and awards can be found here
Camps
We usually run at least 3 camps per year, from our ‘traditional’ patrol camp where each patrol will learn the skills to cook on open fires and gain outdoor skills, an adventurous activity camp and our week long summer camp which combines all aspects of Scouting.
Investiture
After a settling-in period of about 4-5 weeks, new Scouts will have an investiture ceremony. During this ceremony, they will make the Scout Promise and receive their necker and woggle. Parents are encouraged to attend this special occasion.
Uniform
Once a Young Person has decided they wish to be invested into Scouting, they are required to wear the official uniform consisting of a green Scout shirt, group necker, and woggle. Badges earned throughout their time in Scouts are sewn onto the uniform.
Official Scout uniforms can be purchased from:
The Scouts Store
School Days Direct, Slough Trading Estate
The Uniform Shop, New Beaconsfield
In addition to the official uniform, we have our own maroon polo shirts and sweatshirts for outdoor and camping activities, which can be purchased directly from us at the hut. Pre-owned uniforms may be available upon request.
Communications
We use a secure online system called OSM to manage the section. Through the OSM Parent Portal, you can view the program, track your child’s progress, sign up for events, and make online payments. In addition to OSM, we use a WhatsApp community group for quick updates and communication. Parents will be invited to join this group for regular updates and event information.
Cost
There is a termly subscription charge. For current costs, please enquire. Trips, camps, and additional activities may incur separate charges. However, we are committed to ensuring that all children can participate, regardless of financial circumstances.
Volunteering and Support
The troop is run by a dedicated team of adult volunteers and Young Leaders. Parental involvement is crucial for the success of our activities. While we do not operate a weekly parent rota, we do request assistance when necessary to maintain the required adult-to-child ratios or to help organize some of our bigger community events, such as the annual Seniors Christmas Party. If you wish to sign up as an adult volunteer, please click here.
We hope to see you at Scouts soon!
