This is quite a long page but contains lots of information that group members may need from time to time.
Aim
The aim of this group is to encourage the physical, mental and spiritual development of young people so that they may take a constructive place in society.
The method of achieving this aim is by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout promise and law guided by adult leadership.
About Scouting
The Scout Association stands apart from other providers in youth services, we have a clearly worded and unequivocal promise and a law, which every member must accept. Just as the training each child receives is progressive according to age, so the promise and law reflects the individuals understanding as they move from section to section.
Beaver Scout Promise
I promise to do my best to be kind and helpful and love God
Beaver Scout Motto
Fun and friends
Cub Scout Promise
I promise that I will do my best To do my duty to God and the Queen To help other people and keep the Cub Scout Law
Cub Scout Promise
A Cub Scout always does their best, thinks of others before themselves and does a good turn every day.
Cub Scout Motto
Be Prepared
Scout Promise
On my honour, I promise that I will do my best To do my duty to God and the Queen To help other people and keep the Scout Law.
Scout Law
- A Scout is to be trusted
- A Scout is loyal
- A Scout is friendly and considerate
- A Scout is a member of the
world-wide family of Scouting - A Scout has courage in all difficulties
- A Scout makes good use of
their time and is careful of possessions and property - A Scout has self respect and respect for others
Scout Motto
Be Prepared
Explorer Scouts (aged 14-18 yrs)
Medway district scout council registers explorer Scouts. The Explorer Scout unit that is attached to this Group has a partnership agreement with the 4th Medway (SA). The Explorer Scout Promise and law are the same as that given for the Scouts. Explorer Scouts are encouraged to make their own choices and determination in respect of programme and structure under the guidance of adult leadership.
Salvation Army Scouting
We are the same as every other scout group in the UK except that we are sponsored by and aligned to the Salvation Army.
- We meet at the Salvation Army centre
- We adhere to Salvationist (Christian) Principles and practices in Scouting
- We wear a special sponsorship badge on our scarves
- We promote individual spirituality through our spiritual development programme
- The Salvation Army Corps officer (Minister) and Young Peoples Sergeant Major (Sunday school Leader) support us
- We attend church parades throughout the year held at the Salvation Army Church that meets in the building we use.
- Our membership is open to ALL
- We take part in national and international activities with other Salvation Army Scout and Guide Groups.
Church Parades
We hold approximately four Church parades per year. They are held at the Salvation Army Church in Chatham and are Christian in nature. It is a requirement of membership that as far as possible the majority of church parades are attended by all members of the Scout Group.
Leaders
All leaders are unpaid volunteers. Some wear uniform and others not depending on their role. All leaders are required to complete a course of training to better equip them to give of their best for the young people.
Child and adult protection policy
All Leaders and volunteers are required to complete a Criminal records Bureau application before commencing any help given to the Scout Group. All adult training run by the Scout association includes child and adult protection modules. All our leaders and helpers undertake a course of training ’safe and Sound’ run by the Salvation Army.
Bullying
Bullying is not accepted in any form and will be dealt with in a robust and fair manner. We do not tolerate, condone or accept any form of bullying against children or adults. We do not encourage or tolerate any form of initiation ceremony.
Parental Support
Perhaps the most important, but least thought about, aspect is the parental support given to our members, leaders and the Group. It can mean the difference between an ordinary Scout Group and a very successful one. Interest, motivation, participation and support will help all our members get the most out of Scouting.
Parental help at events and activities is often one of the critical success factors in our endeavours. If you would be willing to give some time at occasional events, help with transport, go on a parent helper rota for one of the sections, assist on the committee or become a regular assistant or leader in the sections we would welcome your assistance.
All Leaders and volunteers are required to complete a Criminal Records Bureau application before commencing any help given to the Scout Group.
Data protection
Our records may be kept on computer. All records are used only for Scouting purposes. Information held will only be disclosed to Scout Leaders within the Scout Group and those assisting with activities. Information is also disclosed to the National Scout Association for census purposes. All information is maintained in accordance with the principles of the Data protection Act 1998.
No information will be passed to third parties outside the Scout movement.
Disputes and complaints
If you have a complaint or dispute relating to Scouting and the 4th Medway Salvation Army Scout Group, you concerns should in the first instance be addressed to your child’s section leader who will do all they can to address the issues you raise.
If the section leader can not satisfactorily resolve the issue then the matter is passed to the Group Scout Leader to resolve. If it is not possible to resolve the issue at this stage the matter may be referred to the District Commissioner by the Group Scout leader if they determine this to be an appropriate course of action.
Uniform
We are a uniformed youth organisation and encourage each member to wear it with pride and to look their best when they wear it. Uniforms are purchased from local suppliers at each individuals own expense.
Click here for more information about the uniform
Scarves
First scarves are provided by the group free of charge. Badges are also provided by each section and these are funded through the subs. Official Scout association belts may be worn, but they are optional.
T-shirts and activity wear
The group places regular orders for T-shirts. These are ideal for wearing under the uniform jumpers and specific activities as directed
by the section leader. T-shirts should not be automatically worn in place of the full uniform unless directed by the section leader. To purchase a t-shirt please contact a leader.
Photographs and web site
From time to time photographs may be taken of the activities that your child is involved in. They may be used for display purposes and may be posted on the this web site (www.fourth.org.uk). Your child will not be individually identified. If you do not wish this to happen please write and let us know.
Subscriptions and membership fees.
Subs Members must pay a weekly subscription to their section. The current rate of subs will be explained when you join. If your child
is absent from a meeting the subs for that week will still be required to be paid as the national membership fee is funded from Subs and the costs of the Group are ongoing.
Subs may be paid at a weekly rate or termly, please discuss this with your section leader.
Gift Aid
From April 2000 the Government allows charities to reclaim tax paid by individuals in relation to subscriptions and membership fees paid.
If you are a tax payer we can with your authority claim back some of the tax you have paid. You should be aware that the signatory of the gift aid declaration must be paying income tax at least equal to the tax we reclaim.
The Scout Group hopes that all parents will be able to sign the declaration
allowing us to reclaim tax. All members of the Group will benefit from any amount reclaimed, which means we are able to maintain subscriptions at their present level for much longer.Please sign and return the gift aid declaration to your child’s section leader.
