Welcome to 1st Gourock Scouts! This information has been adapted from a pack given to all new scouts and parents. It gives you more information about scouts and our group so that you can get the most out of it.

Joining the Troop

For the first four weeks you will attend scouts as normal but also be working towards your membership award. This is presented at an investiture ceremony where you will make your scout promise and get your group and scout badges. We are now holding investitures in unusual settings or places, to make them more memorable. Ideally you should have a scout uniform for your investiture.

Weekly Meetings

The Scout Troop meets from 7 to 9 on Friday evenings. During the break the older scouts run a tuck shop which you can bring money for. We normally do not meet on school holidays but may schedule camps at the nearby Everton campsite during these weekends.

Uniform

Scouts wear a uniform to weekly meetings and other events. This consists of a green scout shirt, neckie (in the group colours: red with grey border) and woggle (to hold the neckie on). A t-shirt should be worn under the uniform shirt, so that during games the scout shirt can be taken off. Cotton cargo trousers are best suited to troop meetings. When formal uniform is required black school trousers and black shoes should be worn. Uniform can be bought from Smiths on West Blackhall Street or at the District Scout Shop which is open on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings at District HQ, Finnart Street (opposite Greenock Academy). The District Scout Shop has lower prices and any profits are invested back into local Scouting.

Fees

The troop collects annual fees of £70 at the start of the session in September, there are no weekly fees. This money is used to pay for insurance, hall maintenance & bills, games & activity equipment and badges. Fees can be paid in cash, cheque or bank transfer. Events and camps will have an extra fee for those attending.

Badges and Awards

The Scout Troop works towards badges and awards over several nights so missing one night may miss part of the training. We welcome certificates from outside scouts (such as music grades, karate championships or sailing awards) and will try to find a badge to match – ask a leader for help or advice. Posters at the hall show the badges available and you can view the requirements on Scoutbase.

Parades and District Events

Throughout the year the troop takes part in three parades: Youth Service at Old Gourock & Ashton Church, Remembrance Day in Gourock and Founders Day in Greenock. Attendance in full uniform is expected from all scouts.

Parental Involvement

If parents feel they can contribute skills or time at meetings or events please talk to a leader.

Website

We show pictures on our website for sharing with our group and for publicity. Our Scouts' privacy is very important – no person is identified by name.

Leaders

All leaders work on a voluntary basis to run the troop and progress their scout training and qualifications. Leaders are available any troop night or can be contacted at the email addresses below if you want to discuss anything. We hope you enjoy your time in scouts and that it will lead to new adventures, friends and skills. If you have any questions just ask one of the leaders.