FAQ

1st Burntwood Group is an extremely popular and successful group, and it is normal for each of the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts Sections within the group to run at full capacity. As a result, entry numbers to all sections have to be managed.  Generally priority is given to siblings of existing Beavers, Cubs or Scouts and then to those who have been on the waiting list the longest although we do make exceptions for children of leaders, helpers or Executive Committee members.  Young people who move into the area who are already in the Scouting movement will be offered places wherever possible, regardless of the waiting list.

Sometimes, there does come a point when we declare that our waiting list is full.  When this happens we are not able to accept any further enquiries to join the section (or sections), concerned. We occasionally need to close our lists because we get to a point where there are so many names on the list that the children at the bottom of the list will never have the opportunity to join before they reach the upper age limit of the section.

If our waiting list is closed then you can find details for other local groups using the Group Finder on the Scouts Association website

Speak to your colony leader who will advise the best place to get uniform.

Children are eligible for Squirrels between the ages of 4 and 6.

Subscriptions to Squirrels costs £11 per month by Direct Debit.  From this we take the costs of running the Scout hut, capitation (fee we pay to Lichfield District and The Scout Association for insurance, support services and so on).  The remainder is used to fund the activities we provide.  We also make a small charge to cover the cost of necker and membership badges.  The leaders are all volunteers.

Subscriptions are payable every month of the year.

Squirrels is open to all, and adjustments can always be made locally to make sure everyone can join in the fun. If you have any questions about accessibility, it’s best to chat with your local leader as soon as possible. By being upfront about additional needs from the start, parents/carers can work in partnership with local leaders to make sure their young person has the best experience possible.

Just a taster of what your children would have. A activity book, 12 activity badges, 4 challenge badges and most importantly the badge what we strongly encourage every Squirrel Scout to achieve in their time is the Chief Scout Acorn Award the highest award in Squirrel Scouts What do Squirrels wear?

After four weeks of your child coming to Squirrels we will ask you, the parents, to buy your young person uniform. If this is not possible, we can help please ask us. The uniform will consist of a Squirrel Shirt and Jumper and necker.  To buy the uniform please visit the local Uniform’s Plus shop in either Chase Terrace or Lichfield.

We at Saturn Squirrels always want to look our best and to do this your children will require a Squirrel Scout Uniform. This consists off a Squirrel Scout polo shirt and a Squirrel Scout sweatshirt and most importantly a neckerchief.

Official uniform can be ordered online from the Scout Shop, from which you can buy anything Scout related.  Certain scouting items can also be ordered from our local Uniform Plus shop in Chase Terrace or Lichfield, and in terms of the neckerchief, we will provide your child with one once they are invested into the group. If, cost is an issue we at 1st Burntwood will be more than happy to help.

In your children’s time in Squirrels, they will get the opportunity to earn some incredible badges a total of 4 Challenge Badges, 12 Activity Badgesand the chance to earn the highest Squirrel Award which is the Chief Scout Acorn Award we at Saturn Squirrel want to see every person achieve this.

Within 1^st Burntwood Scout Group we thrive to communicate well with our parents to share your children’s memories and to communicating what is happening within each section. We as a group have a closed Facebook group 1^st Burntwood Group Supporters I encourage you to join this group. We also have a closed What’sApp group for parents and leaders to communicate and to advertise what your children are up to. Please note we will seek your consent before adding you into this group. Finally, to send our programme for each term we email you to make sure you always know what your children are doing.

Children are eligible for Beavers between the ages of 5¾ and 8½.  Once they reach 7½ they are eligible for Cubs although our policy is for them to move from Beavers to Cubs the term after their 8th birthday.

We accept requests to join the waiting list from age 5.

If a place is offered and after 2 attempts to contact you no reply is received in a reasonable period of time we will offer the place to another child on the list, remove you from the list and delete your personal information.

Subscriptions to Beavers costs £11 per month by Direct Debit.  From this we take the costs of running the Scout hut, capitation (fee we pay to Lichfield District and The Scout Association for insurance, support services and so on).  The remainder is used to fund the activities we provide.  We also make a small charge to cover the cost of necker and membership badges.  The leaders are all volunteers.

More information on our group finances can be found in the AGM report or on our Charity Commission page.

We always need extra help, whether this is every now and then or every week.  If you’re interested in helping in any way please speak to one of the leaders when you drop off or collect your child.