Parent Information & FAQ
Scouting provides young people with opportunities for adventure, leadership, and personal development in a safe and supportive environment. Activities may include camping, outdoor adventures, community service, and teamwork.
At 1st Point Cook Scout Group, our programs are run entirely by volunteers, including Leaders and members of the Group Committee. Parent support plays an important role in helping the group operate and deliver activities for young people.
Scouts Australia welcomes young people from all backgrounds and cultures, helping them develop confidence, resilience, independence, and lifelong skills.
Young people are welcome to attend a few trial meetings before deciding whether they would like to join the group.
If you are interested in joining 1st Point Cook Scout Group, please contact the Group Leader to arrange a trial meeting and check availability within the appropriate section.
Once your child decides to join, you will be asked to complete the online registration with Scouts Victoria.
Some sections may have waiting lists depending on leader availability and group size.
As a volunteer-run organisation, the number of youth places available depends on the number of adult volunteers supporting the group. Parents who are interested in helping as leaders, committee members, or regular helpers may allow us to offer more places for young people.
For enquiries about joining, please contact: groupleader@1stpointcook.org.au
First and foremost, we believe that no young person should miss out on Scouting due to financial hardship. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please speak confidentially with one of the Leaders so we can discuss how we may be able to support your family.
There is a one-off registration fee of $278, which covers initial membership with Scouts Victoria, the group scarf, and the initial set of badges.
The term fee is $135 per term and is payable in advance.
We are a not-for-profit volunteer organisation, and these fees help cover the cost of running the program, maintaining equipment, and supporting activities for our youth members.
Camps, excursions, and special activities are not included in the term fees and will have additional costs such as accommodation, food, and activity expenses.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, please speak confidentially with the Treasurer, Section Leader, or Group Leader so that we can discuss possible arrangements.
Youth members are expected to wear the appropriate Scout uniform during meetings and official activities.
Each section of Scouting has a different coloured uniform shirt. Your Section Leader can confirm the correct uniform before purchase.
Uniform items can be purchased from the Scouts Australia online shop.
Badges earned during the program are sewn onto the Scout shirt according to Scouts Australia badge placement guidelines. Leaders can provide guidance if you are unsure where badges should be placed.
Most camping and outdoor activity equipment is provided by the Scout Group, including tents, ropes, stoves and cooking gear.
However, youth members will need some personal equipment for camps and outdoor activities, such as:
- sleeping bag
- stretcher or sleeping mat
- hiking pack
- drink bottle
- dilly bag and basic eating utensils
Leaders will provide information before each camp about what equipment is required.
For new Scouts, we recommend borrowing or hiring equipment for the first few camps before purchasing your own equipment.
Scouting activities often include camps, excursions, and outdoor adventures.
These activities are usually organised separately from regular meetings and will have additional costs to cover items such as accommodation, food, transport, and activity fees.
Leaders will provide details and permission forms before each activity or camp.
If your child has a medical condition, allergy, or other health requirement, please ensure that this information is included during the registration process and discussed with the Section Leaders.
This helps leaders plan activities safely and ensure appropriate support is available if needed.
Scouting is a volunteer-run organisation, and parent support plays an important role in helping our group operate and deliver activities for young people.
Many parents find that getting involved is one of the most rewarding parts of the Scouting experience, and it is a great way to support your child’s journey in the program.
At 1st Point Cook Scout Group, we believe our strength comes from the partnership between our Youth Members, Leaders, and parents. The more people who are involved, the easier and more rewarding Scouting becomes for everyone.
Many parents choose to get involved in one of the following ways:
- becoming a Uniformed Leader
- joining the Group Committee
- helping as a Parent Helper during meetings or activities
Parent Helpers and Contributors
Parent Helpers support leaders during meetings and sometimes during activities outside the hall, such as camps or special events.
To support Scouting activities, all Parent Contributors must:
- hold a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC)
- be registered as a Parent Contributor with Scouts Victoria
- complete the required Mandatory Training
The Mandatory Training includes three short modules:
- Adult Code of Conduct
- Child Safe Scouting
- WHS for Scouting
These requirements help ensure that Scouting remains a safe and supportive environment for all young people.
Leaders and Committee Members
Adults who wish to become Leaders or join the Group Committee receive guidance and support from the group. No previous Scouting experience is required, and training is provided.
👉 Interested in becoming a Leader?
Learn more here: Become a Leader
👉 Interested in helping behind the scenes?
See the Group Committee page.
Volunteers
All Leaders, helpers, and committee members are volunteers and receive no payment. People volunteer because they enjoy supporting young people and helping deliver the Scouting program.
Like most community organisations, the success of the group depends on the support and involvement of families.
If you would like to get involved or learn more, please contact groupleader@1stpointcook.org.au
All leaders must complete training courses and ensure that their training remains current. They can also undertake advanced and specialised training courses that can result in business and leadership qualifications being awarded. Many of these qualifications are recognised outside of Scouting throughout Australia. All training is arranged through the Scouts Australia Institute of Training which is a registered Australian training organisation.
The Scout Association aims to provide all leaders with development opportunities so that they can operate effectively within their appointed role. This occurs through formal training courses, on the job training activities and other development situations.
The safety and wellbeing of the youth in our care is our number one concern and priority. Scouts Australia’s child protection system is amongst the best in the country. All leaders at 1st Point Cook Scouts undergo a mandatory Police check, a Working with Children Check, are required to provide references as part of their leader application and receive comprehensive, ongoing training in dealing with children.
All Leaders must sign a document under which they agree to abide by a Code of Conduct, which incorporates important principles of child protection. We cater for medical, physical and dietary requirements by obtaining all the necessary information to allow Leaders and other helpers to take appropriate action. At least one person trained in first aid attends all major events.