Scouts

We recognise that times are hard for some folk at this time. Our leaders are conscious of this and review their plans to ensure maximum benefit of Scouting in their section at an affordable cost. All camps and visits have a costed plan to check safety and affordability.

Our monthly membership fee is £12, payable each month throughout the year. Payments should only be paid to the nominated account as we no longer accept cash. The best method is a standing order although you can pay by cash direct into our account at a bank. Our bank details are available from the leader team.

At £12 our membership fee is at the median amount charged by other groups in the Wyre Forest District. Like most groups we have a hut to run and keep up to date with costs all the year round. It's also important to remember that half of the membership fee goes to pay National, County and District levies for the support and services they offer to us. Overall, the Exec feel that the monthly fee is value for money.

It is vital that membership fees are paid regularly. If at any time parents / carers feel they are unable to pay, please contact the GSL to explain - gsl@wf8.org.uk. All cases will be kept private - the Exec of the Group have the final say on any help that can be given but no individual will be named in their discussion or decision making.

The Exec gave a commitment at the start of 2022 that they had no plans, after reviewing the Groups fiscal responsibilities and plans, to increase fees for the next two years. The Exec will review that again in early 2023 and report their findings prior to the annual general meeting in June 2023.

GSL

Follow this link to find some very useful tips if your Young Person is camping with us at WF8 for the very first time

https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2023/april/nights-away-prepare-your-child-for-their-first-camp/

Clink on the link berlow to see over 70 YP and leaders from WF8 at this years Wyre Forest St Georges Day Parade in Kidderminster

https://youtu.be/5rIBiNMquvE

Explorers is the Scouting fourth section. It’s for go-getting 14-18 year olds, and it’s all about giving you more freedom to have adventures on your own terms. Scouts move on between the ages of 13½ and 14½, depending on when best suits

Being an Explorer will give you the opportunity to spread your wings a little wider and climb a little higher.

Explorer Units are run at a District level, covering wider ground than Scout Troops. We do not have an Explorer Unit operating from WF8. As a result, it’s not uncommon for some Explorers to travel a little further to meetings, depending on what’s available in their area. We have good links with the Valley Explorer Unit who meet at WF15 and also the Rhydd Explorer Unit who meet at Rhydd Covert.

Your Scout Leader will work with your potential Explorer Leader – and volunteers at District level – to make sure you’re in the know. They’ll move you alongside your friends where possible. And they might organise a few joint events, activities or camps in the build up to the big move, so you can get to know names and faces.

Completing the Moving On Award is a great way to test the waters before you jump ship. You’ll link up with an Explorer Unit for three weeks, and see what you think.

Some things won’t change when you move. Your shirt might change colour, but you’ll still earn badges and awards. And you’ll still run around and get your hands dirty once in a while, because having fun doesn’t stop just because you’re a little older and wiser.

The main thing that will change is the amount of freedom you have. Between the ages of 14 and 18, you’re fast approaching adulthood, and you’ll be treated as such. You’ll make more decisions. You’ll travel. And you’ll conquer the trickiest of expeditions, supported by a trained team of adult volunteers. You’ll also focus harder on the skills that are most valuable and transferrable in life – regardless of if you’re planning to go to university or not. The activities you take part in will give you many opportunities to grab life with both hands, and see where you end up.