Welcome to Mynydd Isa Scouts. So you survived the first meeting and now you want to know more to help get you started in the adventure. Our ethos at Mynydd Isa is that we are a big family in Scouting and we welcome everyone to join in at times. Watch out for our very famous and fun ‘Family Camps’ where we invite everyone in the family to come to join us on a camp to experience the very best of what Scouting is all about.

Here is the parent information pack to download and read.

Scout-Welcome-Pack-March-2023-v1.8Download

What it costs to be a member

Scouting is an affordable way of providing a range of exciting and adventurous activities for your child. In a 2010 survey, 75% of parents said Scouting provided the best value for money compared to other extra-curricular activities like sports and martial arts groups, youth clubs and drama or music classes.

The fees charged cover the cost of scouting, such as supporting our HQ, our weekly activities, equipment, badges and so on. But important to note is how almost a third of our membership fee covers charges made for membership of the Scout Association and the insurance for each member, as well as for support to our County and District.  Trips, camps and activities are usually charged for separately when not covered as part of the weekly activities, and whilst these costs vary, please be assured we do everything possible to keep the costs to you as low as possible. 

We don’t want young people to miss out due to financial hardship. If concerns about finances may prevent your child from taking part, please make sure you speak to your child’s leader, as assistance is available, and any support will be provided in the strictest of confidence.

Standing Order details: Use the name of your child as a reference. 
Bank Account Name:1st Mynydd Isa Scouts
Reference:The name of your child
Sort Code:20-25-69
Account Number20366501
Amount:£15 / Month / per child
Starting on:Your preferred date

Please create a separate standing order for each child attending.

Useful info for parents and legal guardians

  • The Group expects all members to do their best at whatever is offered and to be polite, courteous and keep to their scouting promise and law.
  • Squirrel Scouts, Beaver Scouts and Cub Scouts must be brought to and collected from the inside of our building. Please make sure that they know if someone else is collecting them and inform the Section Leader.
  • Group members using bicycles to travel to meetings should wear safety helmets and have bike lights when dark.  We can lock bikes safely away at the HQ building.
  • Activities away from our own Scout HQ are covered by a home contact who is your link to the leader in charge of the trip, or the InTouch system in which case you will be provided with a mobile number to contact the activity leader direct. Both of these methods of contact are for emergency use only.
  • We encourage parents to keep in touch.  We have a parents Facebook page where we post pictures and updates.  We also will send out letters and emails about events so be sure to check each week at the end of the meeting as they often get stuffed in pockets!
  • Please keep the leaders informed in advance whenever possible, of any absences or change in circumstances that you think we need to be aware of. Please contact us via mobile phone to the section leader. Please avoid using the group Facebook page as this is easily missed.
  • We will often ask parents to help out as we foster a ‘Scouting Family’ ethos at the group.  Please join in if you can. 
  • Scouts will not need to bring phones or electronic devices to meetings and we encourage having a break from them as healthy. 
  • As a parent you automatically become a member of the Group Scout Council, with opportunities to extend your role and enjoy the fun and activities along with your child if you wish to.
  • As a parent/guardian you are automatically invited to attend the Group’s Annual General Meeting every year.
  • Please assist us with general Group Fundraising activities whenever possible, it is vital to us.
  • As a parent/guardian you must complete all relevant membership forms and any additional health or information related information required for their child to attend events and activities.  You can do this via Online Scout Manager.  We use this information to stay InTouch with you during events and activities.
  • Absences of more than 8 weeks without contact or notification will result in your child’s place being offered to persons on our waiting list if there is no contact to explain the absence.

Behaviour Policy

Everybody has the opportunity to enjoy a safe and happy time whilst being a member of the Group, so it is important everybody behaves in the right way.  Good conduct is rewarded at every opportunity, and we have some simple guidance.    We will always seek to resolve things first and will notify you of any issues.    We do not tolerate bullying, harassment or discrimination.  Any member with concerns about the conduct of adults or young members should immediately bring the matter to the attention of the Section Leader or the Group Scout Leader.

Who is the Group Scout Leader?

Every Scout Group has a Group Scout Leader (GSL) or Group Manager.

Like everybody in the Group, the GSL is a volunteer but has overall responsibility for managing and supporting everything that goes on within the Scout Group, and they are responsible for all of the Leaders, volunteers and have overall responsibility for our Young Members.  Their role is to ensure the Group runs effectively and efficiently, and with support from the Group Chairman and Group Executive, they make sure Scouting within the Group develops in accordance with the rules and policies of The Scouts.  

Our Group Scout Leader is: Dan Reynolds

Contact for Dan is: 07825 581 750 and email to 1mynyddisascouts@gmail.com

Dan the GSL

Keeping in touch with you!

Once your child is registered with us, it is important for you to keep us informed of any changes to your contact details.  Our leaders use a system known as InTouch to manage communications in an emergency during most Scout activities and events, as well as for keeping you informed of any changes to events and activities taking place.  We may also use a system known as home contacts, if we are away at camps overnight, this system will be explained in more detail to you when your child has their first overnight experience.

We communicate using the most appropriate methods, which may include any or all of the following:

We also have Scouting accounts on social media of:

Our preferred method of contact for general information is email, so it is important that you keep us informed of any changes to your email address.

The Group recognises not everybody has digital skills, or wishes to sign up for social media; we, therefore, will try to manage communications to suit the needs of all of our member’s parents.  We do however try our best to help any parents having difficulties with getting online or the social media channels we use.  If you need any support, please ask your child’s section leader.

Where to Get More Information

There is a wealth of information and resources available, here are some you may find useful!

Do you have to be religious?

The Scout Association in the United Kingdom is an open association. This means we are made up of Members of different faiths, including those with no faith, and identify ourselves with no one faith exclusively.  Membership is open to all those individuals who share our fundamental values, and are willing to make a commitment to them, expressed by the Promise and Law. Different versions of the Promise are available to suit different faiths or those who have no affirmed faith. More information about the Scout Promise is available here.  

What insurance do I/the young people have?

All Members of The Scout Association have personal accident insurance and legal liability cover whilst on Scouting activities. Current details can be obtained from www.scouts.org.uk/insurance. You can also talk to our Group Scout Leader if you have any questions or concerns.

How can I donate to the Scout group?

The following is also a really simple method for you to support us by earning cash for us when you shop online.  Go to: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk then register as a ‘Supporter’ of 1st Mynydd Isa Scouts

Now Enjoy…

Scouting has been enjoyed by Millions, for over 100 years… and now you and your child are part of the next 100 years of adventure!

UK Chief Scout

Bear Grylls