Age ranges
Youngsters joining between the ages of 6 and 8 join the Beaver Colony, where the emphasis is on enjoyment, but with regular topic and craft work. At 8 they transfer to one of the two Cub Packs, where the training becomes more structured and they work towards individual and group awards and activity badges.
At about 10 � they transfer to Scouts. In Scouts the training continues, and young people progress to independent activities.
Regular weekly meetings are held during school terms, with half term breaks according to school arrangements (the Second Troop runs once a month every month without breaks) However, it is advisable to check with leaders when school terms start or finish part way through a week.
In addition to the training programmes, there are a number of 'extra-curricula' activities.
The separate sections (Cubs and Scouts, and for some events Beavers) take part in a variety of events and competitions organised by the District, County or University Scout and Guide Club - for example 5-a-side football competitions and swimming galas, incident hikes and activity days. The older scouts train with District teams for the annual Ten Tors event on Dartmoor. Camps - for Scouts and Cubs - are held periodically. These are organised separately from regular activities. Full details are provided in writing, and parents are required to provide written permission for their children to camp. Camps are run by qualified leaders.
Beavers sometimes visit local camps for daytime activities but are not allowed, by the Scout Association, to camp overnight although they may have an indoor sleepover.
Uniform
Each section (Beavers, Cubs and Scouts) wears a different uniform. The neckerchief is a distinctive part of uniform with each group within a district having a different colour. The 44th's identification is a red neckerchief.
Uniform is available from National Schoolwear Centres 22 Gloucester Rd North or Ikon 190 Henleaze Road. However, we sometimes have second hand uniform available; parents should ask leaders if they are interested. We strongly advise that uniform (and coats, bags etc) are marked with your child's name and that personal property is not left at Headquarters. Trousers should be dark, preferably navy; not jeans or bright shorts. A T shirt'or sweat shirt is available in dark green with the group logo in white as an alternative to formal uniform for some activities.
The Beaver Colony
The Beaver colony is led by Brown Beaver. Beaver scouts enjoy making friends, playing games, going on visits and helping others. Beavers make the following promise: "I promise to do my best to be kind and helpful and to love God". Each Beaver is encouraged to have his own Log Book full of information about Beavers, games and Puzzles.
The Cub Packs
There are two Cub packs meeting on separate nights of the week: Wolves meet on a Thursday and Tigers meet on a Tuesday. The packs are led by Akela and Rama with assistants taking their names from the Jungle Book stories. The Cub Promise is: "I promise that I will do my best to do my duty to God and to the Queen, to help other people and to keep the Cub Scout Law". The Cub Scout Law is: "Cub Scouts always do their best, think of others before themselves and do a good turn every day".
Cubs work towards a number of challenges and activity badges. Many activities at regular weekly meetings count towards these badges but some activities need to be completed at home. You can encourage your child to develop hobbies and outside interests to assist in his progress. The ceremonies, badges and awards available are described in the Cub Powerpack which is available from leaders.Each Cub is encouraged to have their own copy.
The Scout Troop
The Scout Troop is led by the Scout Leader. Scouts have opportunity to develop their widening interests in ways that are both educational and fun. Our activities are about action and involvement. The scouts are also given the chance to learn skills in survival, cooking and first aid. There sometimes opportunities to go abroad as well. The Scout Record Book contains basic information about the section and allows scouts to record their achievements. The Scout Promise is: "on my honour I promise to do my best, to do my duty to God and to the Queen, to help other people and to keep the Scout Law".
The Scout law is:
A Scout is to be trusted.
A Scout is loyal.
A Scout is friendly and considerate.
A Scout belongs to the world-wide family of Scouts.
A Scout has courage in all difficulties.
A Scout makes good use of time and is careful with possessions and property.
A Scout has self respect and respect for others.
Like the younger sections, Scouts work towards a series of challenges and
activity badges.
For all sections the motto is "Be Prepared".
