First night nerves!
So, you’ve had the message – ‘It’s time to start Squirrels/Beavers/Cubs/Scouts/Explorers’. How exciting! We’re looking forward to meet you and your young person, but I’m sure there are those first time nerves, for both you and your young person.
Hopefully we can help by letting you know the practicalities of the the first meeting, what to do, what to expect, etc.
What else should I bring?
Nothing! Just come along wearing comfortable clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting a bit grubby – just in case.
How much does each week cost?
We don’t charge for the first week or so. Your leader will let you know when to start paying and you’ll get an email from our membership system with instructions on how to set it all up. You can find out lots more about costs here.
Where are we?
The Scouting Centre, Shepway Close, CT19 5SJ.
We’re along a short path from Shepway Close, just past the big green space. There is a brown sign on the sign post pointing to us (says Scouting Centre) and the alley is lit. The building is very large, so I’m sure you’ll see it from the road.
If driving, park in Shepway Close – please do not park in Peto Close as this is for residents only.
The front door
Sounds silly, but the front door may not open! It has a security/safety door entry system. If it’s not open, please press the buzzer (choose Reception from the menu) and someone will be with you.
The first steps
You’ll walk into the shop area first. Head through the shop and turn left into the ‘airlock’. You can then head straight into the main hall. This area can be busy, so don’t worry, just head to the other end. Come into the main hall and you’ll see the reception desk to the right. They’ll be a leader (one of our volunteer adults) waiting here to greet you.
The paperwork
You’ll be greeted and the leader will introduce themselves and some of the other leaders. They’ll ask parents to complete a few bits of information on our joining paperwork and then they’ll sort out the young person and get them involved in the programme.
Getting involved
‘Newbies’ will usually be buddied up with another young person who’s been around for a while. We try to match people that the newbie may know from school or goes to the same school where possible. If there are a large number of newbies, leaders will often run an activity and encourage them to join in together.
What do parents do now?
You are very welcome to stay and watch for as long as you like – a few minutes or the entire evening, it’s up to you. We do recommend leaving the older young people a bit quicker as this really does usually help them settle. We know it can be a bit disconcerting for parents though, so we do understand!
