FAQ
Questions from parents
Everything families usually ask before their young person starts at 2nd Tonbridge. Can't find your answer? Just email our Group Secretary.
Joining
How old does my child need to be?
- Beavers: 6 to 8
- Cubs: 8 to 10½
- Scouts: 10½ to 14
Not sure which is right? Use the section checker on our Join us page: enter a date of birth and it tells you. Young people move up to the next section as they get older, so they can stay with us all the way from Beavers to Scouts.
How do we join?
Register on our Join us page. It takes a couple of minutes, and your young person goes straight onto our waiting list. Our Group Secretary will be in touch when there's a place in the right section for their age.
Is there a waiting list?
Often, yes. How long it takes depends on the section and the time of year, so it's worth registering early.
Can they try it before we commit?
Yes. When a place comes up, your young person comes along to a meeting first to see how they like it.
Meetings
When and where do you meet?
All our meetings are at our headquarters, the Scout Hall on The Ridgeway, Tonbridge TN10 4NL.
- Beavers: Tuesdays or Fridays, 5:30pm to 6:45pm
- Cubs: Mondays, 6:30pm to 8:00pm
- Scouts: Fridays, 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Each section's programme page shows the dates for this term, including any weeks off and special events.
What happens at a typical meeting?
How do I keep track of what's on?
Open your section's programme page and use Add to my calendar. Every meeting then appears in your phone's calendar, with the times and the venue, and it updates by itself when the programme changes. Our News page has stories and photos from recent activities.
What should they wear and bring each week?
Their uniform, clothes they can get muddy in, and a coat, because we go outside in most weathers. Check the programme in case a meeting needs anything extra, such as a torch or wellies.
Costs
How much does it cost?
Subs are £45 a term, and there are three terms a year: Autumn, Spring and Summer.
Subs help pay for weekly activities and equipment, the upkeep of our hall, and the membership fee the Group pays to the Scouts for every young person. Camps, trips and some special events may cost extra, and we'll always let you know in advance.
What if we're finding the cost difficult?
Please talk to our Group Secretary in confidence. We don't want money to stop any young person taking part.
Uniform
What uniform do they need?
- Beavers: a sky blue sweatshirt and the 2nd Tonbridge necker
- Cubs: a green sweatshirt and the 2nd Tonbridge necker
- Scouts: a teal green shirt or blouse and the 2nd Tonbridge Group necker
Each section's page has a picture showing where the badges go.
Where can we buy uniform?
At the Scout & Guide Shop at Weir View HQ, behind River Lawn in Tonbridge, on Saturdays from 9:30am to 12:00pm. It's cheaper than buying online and the profits stay in local Scouting.
Camps and safety
Do they go on camps?
Yes, camps and sleepovers are some of the highlights of Scouting. Every trip away is led by a leader who holds a Scouts Nights Away permit, and we always send details and a consent form beforehand.
Who looks after them?
All our leaders are volunteers who have been checked and trained by the Scouts, including safeguarding training and a criminal record check (DBS). We follow The Scout Association's rules for every activity. Read more on our Safeguarding page.
My child has additional needs. Can they join?
Absolutely. Scouting is for everyone. Tell us about your young person when you register, or talk to our Group Secretary, and we'll work with you so they can take part fully.
Helping out
Do parents have to help?
You don't have to, but everything we do is run by volunteers, so every bit of help makes a difference. That could be a single evening on the rota, a weekend camp, help with the hall, or a skill you could share. Have a look at volunteering with us.
Who do I contact with a question?
Our Group Secretary, at secretary@2ndtonbridge.org.uk.
Still have a question?
Our Group Secretary is happy to help.