| Hopefully, we can answer many of your questions below; if not, please contact us.
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Do you have a joining list?
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Unfortunately, yes. We are, however, working hard to reduce the list.
There are two main reasons we have a list; firstly from the popularity - we have a large demand for young people wanting to join us and have fun, meet new friends, try new and exciting activities etc.
Secondly from the shortage of volunteers - maybe you could help out? Have a look at the FAQs about helping and the Adult Help page of this website.
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How long can I expect to wait?
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That is difficult to say as the situation is constantly changing. The joining list for the younger sections are longer whereas that for the Scout section (10 1/2 - 14 1/2 yr old) is less of a issue.
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How do I put my name on the list?
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Please complete and submit the form in >Join Us on this site. You will receive an automated e-mail confirming that your son's / daughter's name has been added to the list.
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What should I wear before I'm invested?
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It is suggested that you wear clothes suitable for running around in. After about 5 weeks, it will be time for your investiture (you will be notified a couple of weeks beforehand) for which you will require uniform.
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When do I need to buy uniform?
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It is suggested that you ensure that your son/daughter enjoys Scouting before buying uniform. They will need uniform for their investiture, which is probably about 5 weeks after starting with us.
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What uniform do I need?
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Please refer to our website pages
>Beavers>Beaver Uniform or
>Cubs>Cub Uniform or
>Scouts>Scout Uniform.
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| Moving up to the next Section:
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I'm moving Section, what should I wear?
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You should continue to wear the uniform from your previous Section until just before your investiture (which should be after about 4-5 weeks), at which point you will need to buy the uniform relevant to the new Section.
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When changing Sections, what uniform do I need to buy, when and from where?
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The only uniform change that is required when moving Sections is the top and, in the case of moving into the Scout section, the belt.
This will need to be purchased (see Uniform Sales on our website) before investiture into the new Section.
The trousers are the same throughout Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, so (assuming they still fit!) there is no need to buy these; the same with the Group Scarf.
Please see our website (>Cubs>Cub Uniform or >Scouts>Scout Uniform) for further details.
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When moving up from Beavers to Cubs, which badges should I transfer from the Beaver uniform to the Cub uniform?
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The following badges should be taken off the Beaver sweatshirt and put into the same place on the Cub sweatshirt before investiture into Cubs (this is because the young person hasn't left the Group):
Scout Membership badge
3rd Kingston Name tape
County / District badge
The highest Joining-In Award (numbered on chest of sweatshirt) [if gained]
Chief Scout's Bronze award [if gained]
The highest of each Staged Award Badges (the blue ones on your sleeve) [if gained]
the Group scarf (with the badge on the back) should be worn but it will be re-presented at the investiture
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When moving up from Cubs to Scouts, which badges should I transfer from the Cub uniform to the Scout uniform?
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The following badges should be taken off the Cub sweatshirt and put into the same place on the Scout shirt/blouse before investiture into Scouts (this is because the young person hasn't left the Group):
Scout Membership badge
3rd Kingston Name tape
County / District badge
The highest Joining-In Award (numbered on chest of sweatshirt) [if gained]
Chief Scout's Silver award [if gained]
The highest of each Staged Award Badges (the blue ones on your sleeve) [if gained]
the Group scarf (with the badge on the back) should be worm but it will be re-presented at the investiture
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How can I help 3rd Kingston?
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Excellent question! We would welcome adult help - either as a leader, occasional helper with the Beavers, Cubs or Scouts or as a "behind the scenes" helper (maintenance, administration etc.). Please see >Adult Help on this site and send an e-mail to the Group Scout Leader for a no-obligation chat. Thank you!
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I don't have the skills to help out
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None of us are Bear Grylls (apart from himself of course!). There is such a wide range of activities that we do in Scouting and at 3rd Kingston, that everyone has something to offer. Maybe you have first aid knowledge, are good with numbers, handy in the kitchen, have an interesting hobby that you could impart your knowledge to our young people, good at DIY, have administrative skills etc. etc. etc.? The list is endless!
You have useful skills and you could volunteer and help out in so many ways.
All our leaders are given full training.
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I don't have enough time to help out; I work full time
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Volunteering at 3rd Kingston is easy, fun and flexible; we all have full time jobs but get so much enjoyment from Scouting.
How much time you give is completely up to you; whether you do most weeks, once a month or term or just at special events or camps is a great help and really appreciated.
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At what age can I start helping out?
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To be an adult volunteer or a member of the Trustee Board, you need to be 18 and there is no maximum age.
If you are between 14 and 18, you could become a Young Leader which means that you can help out at the Section meetings.
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What will I get out of it?
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As a volunteer leader, the main things are satisfaction, enjoyment and having a brilliant time as well as knowing that you are helping the young people of today gain important life skills.
Beyond that, the training given provides externally recognised skills. Scouting offers the chance to build on personal skills like teamwork, confidence and leadership.
A study found that over 90% of Scouting volunteers believe that the skills and experiences gained have been relevant to their working or personal lives.
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