FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) Where do you meet?
A) 3rd Washington Scouts meet at Oxclose Community Academy, Oxclose, Washington and St Andrews Church, Concord, Washington. Please visit the beavers, cubs, scouts and explorers pages for meeting times.
Q) My child is joining your group and I would like to offer my support, how do I go about it?
A) Please visit our parents page to see how parent's can support our group, or contact gsl@3rdwashingtonscouts.org.uk for a chat about volunteering.
Q) When will I be invested?
A) Most beavers, cubs, scouts and explorers are invested about a month after first joining, usually at a parents night at the end of our programme cycle so that parents can come and see the investiture and take embarrassing photos.
Q) How much does it cost?
A) We charge subscription fees of £156 per year paid £13 per month , usually by standing order. This covers most colony, pack, troop or unit activities and badges. All of our sections run active programmes and have taken part in ice skating, climbing and ridden the Flow Rider as part of their weekly programme. We also fundraise regularly to subsidise the costs of our programme. We ask that subs payments are made by standing order.
Q) Are you able to gift aid subscriptions?
A) Yes, we can claim gift aid 25% gift aid on subscriptions from tax payers which also goes towards the costs of activities for young people.
Q) How much do weekend activities or camps cost?
A) Camping and other activities are charged at cost, this could range from £15 for a trip to Wet n Wild to a weekend camp which could cost up to £70 including activities, food and transport. Where possible we support young people to fundraise towards their adventures through bag packs and sponsored events.
Q) Where can I buy a uniform?
A) You can purchase uniforms at Scout Shops Online or at Durham Scout County’s Scout shop. Details of opening times and location can be found on their website. If you have any problems please talk to your section leader.
Q) When should I buy uniform?
A) Once you have been coming to scouts for a few weeks and you know that you are going to continue you should buy a uniform.
Q) Are all adults DBS checked?
A) All adults are DBS checked, this includes all adult leaders, group executive members and occasional helpers including those who offer help with transport to activities.
Q) Where can I find more information about scouting?
A) For information about scouting in Washington, Houghton and Hetton, visit HLS Scouts. For information about Scouting nationally, please visit the Scout Association website.
Q) I've submitted details to the join page, what happens next?
A) You'll initially receive an automated email to confirm we've received your details.
In sections with a waiting list, you'll be added to the waiting list within a week and can track progress on the HLS District Website. If the section has no waiting list, the section leader will be in contact to invite you down. The district waiting list only shows young people who are eligible to join (i.e. they are aged 5.75 or more).
Once you have confirmation of an invite date at 3rd Washington, please view our just joined page, which contains our admission form and useful links for parent and carers of new scouts.