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HQ: Methodist Church, The Square, Dunstable, Beds ///void.layers.craft

Join Us!

So you want to join our Scout Group?

Well, maybe you don't yet, you're just trying to find out about it. Well hopefully, I'll answer your questions here. If not, you can always use our contact form to ask us more.

What Age do I need to be?

We have different 'sections' covering many age groups.
Depending on your age, you'll join one of the sections listed below.

Squirrels is a new section (added in 2021) for boys and girls between 4 and 6 years old. We have not yet had a Squirrel section in our group, but are now planning to start one up on 15th June 2023, meeting on Thursdays, between 17:30 and 18:15. If you would be interested in joining our Squirrel section, either as a child or as a leader or helper, please send us a message or Complete an Application Form.   Beaver Scouts is for boys and girls between 6 and 8 years old. They meet on Thursdays, between 18:15 and 19:30. They do lots of fun activities, covering games (inside and outside), cooking, painting and crafts, visits to places such as the police station, visits by people with special interests (like birds and reptiles) and so on. And of course, we occasionally go camping (normally no more than one night, for Beavers). If there's something you especially would like to do, you can always suggest it! Complete an Application Form or Contact the Beaver Leader

Cubs is for boys and girls between 8 and 10½ years old. They meet on Wednesdays, between 18:00 and 19:30. Like the Beavers, they have lots of fun, playing games indoors and out, cooking, making things, having campfires, visiting places like the fire station, and hearing from people with special interests. Being a bit older than the Beavers, there is a wider range of activities, such as kayaking, that are available from time to time, and when we camp, we may stay a couple of nights. And of course, you can always make a suggestion! Complete an Application Form or Contact the Cub Leader   Scouts is for boys and girls between 10½ and 14 years old. They meet on Wednesdays, between 19:45 and 21:15. If you've read the Beaver and Cub sections above, then this is more of the same: some good games (getting more boisterous now!), making campfires and cooking on them, building things with poles and rope, learning navigation skills with maps and compass, and then getting lost! And of course, like the other sections, we also go camping from time to time, generally for a week at the start of the school summer holiday. If that doesn't tickle your fancy, float your boat, or ring your bell, then tell us what does, and we'll see what we can do! Complete an Application Form or Contact the Scout Leader

Explorers is for boys and girls between 14 and 18. This section is run by Dunstable District, and to find out more, you'll need to visit their Facebook page.   The Scout Network is for young people between 18 and 25. This section is organised by the County, but given the age group, they pretty much run themselves. Look at the county website to find out more.   >25? If you're more than 25 years old, then you can become a leader. Come and join in for a few evenings to see how it goes, and speak to an existing leader about vacancies for leaders, assistant leaders, helpers and so on. We're always keen to have new blood, new ideas, new perspectives, and new skills, so please come and tell us what you can contribute. Ask about becoming a Leader

Is it only for boys?

Absolutely not!

Traditionally, Scouting was a boys-only activity. However, in recent years the Scout Association as a whole, and our individual Scout Group has also welcomed girls. We don't have many girls in our group at the moment, but they are a growing proportion of our membership, so you're welcome to come and help swell the numbers even more.

Do we have to be Methodists?

Not at all!

Although we are associated with the Methodist Church, and we meet in their halls, Scouting at our group is open to all, whether you're any sort of Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Bhuddist, any other religion, or even none. We do encourage our members to attend Church Parade at the Methodist Church once a month, but this is not compulsory.

What does it cost?

Not too much!

Current subscriptions (in 2022) are £32 per term. We accept subs paid once per term, or by standing order monthly (£8 per month), or we can always consider another arrangement if required.

This covers everything you need for regular evenings, including the cost of most activities, the badges you might earn, and boring but necessary things like insurance.

It does not cover the cost of special activities such as camps and trips.

And once you've decided to join us, and you get invested, you'll need a uniform, which you can get from the Scout Shop (see the District Facebook page) but don't buy anything until we've told you what you need!

Note that each Group makes its own decisions about fees and funding, so other Scout Groups in the area will have a different fee structure. Our group gets some of its income from fund-raising activities like the Jumble Sale, so our fees may be lower than some other groups. But if it bothers you, shop around! You can find a list of groups in the Dunstable district on the District Facebook page.

How do I start?

First, check that we do the sorts of things you like to do. You can see a list of past events here, and some of them have written reports and photos.

Then, you can Complete an Application Form, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Or you can come along to one of our regular meetings. They're normally held in the Methodist Church Halls (that's opposite Wilkinson's in Dunstable Town Centre) on the following days and times:

However, we're not always there - we may be having a week off, or we may have gone out for an activity somewhere else. So I suggest you check the programme, by clicking the relevant section name on the navigation bar below, or contact us first.

Hope to see you soon!

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