How will my child benefit from joining Scouting?
We give young people the skills they need for school, college, university, the job interview, the important speech, the tricky challenge and the big dreams: the skills they need for life.
Yes, we go camping, hiking, swimming, abseiling, cycling and canoeing. But we also get to hang out with our friends every week – having fun, playing games, working in a team and taking on new challenges.
How to Join
If you would like to guarantee a place for your child, the most effective way is to volunteer as part of our leadership team, ideally as an Assistant Leader or above. While this role doesn’t require you to attend every week, it does involve completing a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, undertaking a few short online training modules, participating in leaders’ meetings once per term, and helping out with sessions on a regular basis. We encourage parents and carers to consider volunteering. Those who join our leadership team (with appropriate checks and training) are given priority for their child’s place, in recognition of their contribution to the Group’s success
4th Weybridge Scout Group – Waiting List & Admissions Policy
The 4th Weybridge Scout Group is proud to offer Scouting opportunities to young people in our community. Due to high demand, we operate a waiting list to ensure fairness and transparency in how places are allocated across all sections.
How to Join the Waiting List
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Parents or guardians can register their child’s interest by submitting an application once the child turns 4 years old.
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We regret that we cannot accept applications for children under 4, and new members cannot join the Scout section if they are 13 or older at the time of admission.
Allocating Places
At the end of each term, our leadership team reviews membership numbers and determines available spaces in each section. This process takes into account:
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The maximum capacity for each section, as set by the Scout Association’s guidelines.
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The need to maintain appropriate adult-to-child ratios for safety and quality of experience.
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The age profile within each section, to provide a balanced experience for all members.
Priority for Admission
When a vacancy arises, places are offered according to the following order of priority:
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Young people currently moving up from a younger section within 4th Weybridge.
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Children of adult volunteers who regularly support the Group.
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Siblings of current members.
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Children who have been on the waiting list the longest.
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Young people transferring from another Scout Group due to a change of address.
Supporting Our Group
We encourage parents and carers to consider volunteering. Those who join our leadership team (with appropriate checks and training) are given priority for their child’s place, in recognition of their contribution to the Group’s success
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Offer Process
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When a place is offered, families will be contacted and given a set period to respond.
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If no response is received within the specified time, the place will be offered to the next eligible child.
Exceptional Circumstances and Disputes
The Group Lead Volunteer reserves the right to make exceptions in special cases to support individual needs or family circumstances. Any concerns or disputes regarding admissions will be addressed in accordance with our Complaints procedure, and the Group Lead Volunteer’s decision will be final
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Policy Review
This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains fair and in line with Scout Association rules. It supersedes any previous admissions or waiting list policies for 4th Weybridge Scout Group.