Frequently Asked Questions

You probably have many questions about Scouts. We have prepared answers to some of the frequently asked ones.

Can I come along to see if I like it before joining?

Yes. We are more than happy for new youth members to try Scouting before deciding to join. You will still need to complete and submit a Youth Membership Application but will not need to pay any fees at this point. The first three sessions are free, after which you can decide if you want to join up. At this point you will be invoiced for the yearly membership fee.

Can girls become Scouts too?

Yes. Girls have been part of Scouting in Australia since 1981 and can join any of the 4 sections currently operating at 1st Elwood Scouts (i.e. Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers).

How much does Scouts cost?

The yearly membership fee for all youth members is $370.00.

Do membership fees cover the costs of camps, excursions or special activities?

No. The fees do not cover the cost of camps and outings which are additional. The main cost for parents over and above the fees is for camp fees (accommodation, food, activities) and equipment (good hiking shoes, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and backpack). The cost of good equipment can be high, so we recommend for new scouts that you hire the gear for the first few camps rather than buy it until you have worked out what equipment suits your child best.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please speak to the Scout or Group Leader to make arrangements so that your child doesn’t miss out.

Are there concessions available for membership fees?

The only concession currently available is a 10% discount for any siblings that also join the group. There are no concessions available for parents with a Health Care Card or any other kind of government concession card.

Am I able to pay membership fees in installments (eg. monthly, quarterly)?

A portion of the membership fee is used to cover the Scout groups insurance and registration costs. As the Scout group must pay these costs in one payment in full at the start of the financial year, we are unable to offer payment plans.

If my child joins the Scout group part of the way through the financial year, do I need to pay the full membership fee amount?

Membership fees are prorated in line with school terms within the financial year.

When does the Scout financial year start and end?

The Scout financial year is the same as the ATO Tax Year, July 1st to June 30th.

If I am suffering financial hardship, can the Scout Group assist with payment of membership fees?

Please contact the 1st Elwood Scouts Group Leader to discuss any financial hardship you may be experiencing.

When and where do Scouts meet?

We meet at the Ormond Road Scout hall once a week on a Tuesday night between 7 and 9 pm. Sometimes we may run an activity that is not located at the Scout hall. If this occurs the Scout Leader will let you know in advance and will provide you with details of the location, start and finish times, items to bring and travel arrangements.

Section	Day	Time
Cubs	Thursday	7.00pm – 8.30pm
Scouts	Wednesday	7.00pm – 9.00pm
Venturers	Thursday	7.00pm – 9.00pm
Rovers	Monday	–

What does my child need to wear?

All Scouts in Australia wear a uniform that is made up of a Scout shirt, navy blue/tan pants / shorts and a belt. When a Scout is invested they will be awarded 1st Elwood scarf, a woggle and badges. Scouts are “Sun Smart” and need to wear a broad brimmed hat or something similar when participating in any outdoor activities.

For those trying out scouting, they should wear a t-shirt, pants and runners to their first 3 meetings. Once they have decided to join they will need to purchase a scout shirt and woggle.

Appropriate footwear is also essential. Sneakers, sand shoes or other closed toed shoes are good. Bare feet, sandals, thongs or crocs are not allowed.

Where can I purchase a Scout uniform from?

Uniforms can be purchased from Vast Outdoors or the on-line Scout Shop. The closest Vast store to our Scout Group is located at 880 Nepean Hwy, Moorabbin.

Where do I sew the badges onto the Scout shirt?

As a member of scouts, your child will participate in the Scout award scheme. The badges that they earn need to be sewn onto their shirt in specific locations.

When invested, your child will be given a Scout record book where all information regarding the award scheme, badge requirements and badge placement can be found.

Does my child need to purchase special outdoor equipment?

The majority of equipment is provided by the Scout Group, who own or have access to a large range of camping and outdoor equipment such as tents, ropes, stretchers, stoves and cooking gear. Your membership fees and other money raised through fundraising and grants covers the cost of purchasing this equipment.

However, you will need to purchase or hire some equipment such as a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, hiking boots, hiking pack, drink bottle, “dilly bag” and kitchen utensils for your child to participate in troop camps. Your Scout Leader will advise you of what is needed for camps.

There is a great option to hire quality gear at very reasonable rates from Outsports Moorabbin, opposite the town hall.

What if my child has a medical condition?

When you first meet with your Section Leader it is very important to discuss any medical conditions that your child may have. Leaders have access to training to support children with many types of medical conditions. With the correct information leaders can plan risk strategies to deal with any medical issues should they arise.

You will also be required to complete an on-line Care Monkey Profile for your child. This gives the scout leaders on line access to scout’s medical information for Troop nights, activities away from the hall and camps.

What training have the leaders completed?

All leaders must complete a basic training course and ensure that their training remains current. They also can undertake advanced and specialised training courses that can result in business and leadership qualifications being awarded. Many of these qualifications are recognised outside of Scouting throughout Australia. All training is arranged through the Scouts Australia Institute of Training which is a registered Australian training organisation.

The Scout Association aims to provide all leaders with development opportunities so that they can operate effectively within their appointed role. This occurs through formal training courses, on the job training activities and other development situations. The training provided for leaders is also intended to offer personal development for them that may be used in their work or social situations.

What safeguards are in place to protect my child?

The safety and wellbeing of the children in our care is our number one concern and priority. Scouts Australia’s child protection system is amongst the best in the country. All leaders at 1st Elwood Scouts undergo a mandatory Police check, a Working with Children Check, are required to provide references as part of their leader application and receive comprehensive, ongoing training in dealing with children.

All Leaders must sign a document under which they agree to abide by a Code of Conduct, which incorporates important principles of child protection. We cater for medical, physical and dietary requirements by obtaining all the necessary information to allow Leaders and other helpers to take appropriate action. At least one person trained in first aid attends all major events.