Frequently Asked Questions

The 6 sections operating at 1st Glen Iris Scout Group meet at different times at our Scout Hall in Ferndale Park, Glen Iris Road, Glen Iris. 

Sometimes a section may run an activity that is not located at the Scout hall. If this occurs the Section Leader will let you know in advance and will provide you with details of the location, start and finish times, items to bring and travel arrangements. 

It’s easy, just fill in the details via our ”Join” enquiry form. Make sure to include the name and DOB of all the children you wish to enrol. Alternatively, email the Registrar. 

Yes, anyone interested in scouting is most welcome to come along and see what you think. We have two main intakes: April and October. This way new chums can run through the induction process together before deciding to make the final commitment to becoming a part of the 1st Glen Iris Scout Group.  

Yes. Girls are very welcome to join Scouts, which makes it an ideal activity for the whole family. Girls have been part of Scouting in Australia since 1981 and now comprise around 25% of the national membership. 

Running a Group of this size with high quality programs does require adequate resourcing so we can continue to deliver the opportunities we do to our youth members, with the support of our leaders. The current yearly fee structure (based on 2019-2020 financial year) is shown below: 

A major portion of the membership fee goes directly to Scouts Victoria to ensure proper insurance is maintained to cover all members and leaders throughout the year. This portion is an annual charge and as the Scout Group must pay these costs in one payment in full at the start of the financial year, we are unable to offer payment plans. The Scouts Victoria registration fee is therefore non-refundable if circumstances change throughout the period. 

Membership fees are prorated in line with school terms within the financial year. 

There are no concessions available for parents with a Health Care Card or any other kind of government concession card. If you are suffering financial hardship, please contact the 1st Glen Iris Group Leader to discuss options. 

No. Camps, excursions or special activities may incur an extra cost. Your Section Leader will advise you if there will be a charge and how much it will be. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please speak to the Group Leader to make arrangements so that your child doesn’t miss out. 

The Scout uniform consists of a Scout shirt with sectional colour on the sleeves, navy or beige pants and optional belt. These items can be purchased in person from the Snowgum Factory Outlet (1702 Dandenong Rd, Oakleigh East), or online via The Scout Shop website. Scarves and badges are provided by the Group. Occasionally, the Group has 2nd hand shirts for sale. 

Scouts are “Sun Smart” and need to wear a broad brimmed hat or something similar when participating in any outdoor activities. Parents will need to supply this. Appropriate footwear is also essential. Sneakers, sand shoes or other closed toed shoes are good. Bare feet, thongs or crocs are not allowed. 

As a member of Scouts, your child will participate in the Scout award scheme. The badges that they earn need to be sewn onto their shirt in specific locations. The table below shows the different award schemes for each section. Click on the link provided to find details on the award scheme and where the badges earned need to be sewn. 

The majority of equipment is provided by the Scout Group, who own a large range of camping and outdoor equipment such as tents, ropes, BBQs and cooking gear. Your membership fees and other money raised through fundraising and grants covers the cost of purchasing this equipment. 

However, you may have to purchase some equipment such as a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, drink bottle,  “dilly bag” and kitchen utensils if your child needs to attend a sleepover or overnight camp. Your Section Leader will advise you of what you need to purchase. 

Camping is an essential part of the Scouting program – and its lots of fun too. Camping is introduced at age appropriate levels. Joeys and Cubs have sleepovers in the Scout Hall and camps at Scout owned properties. Scouts, Venturers and Rovers experience camping in tents and under canvas in the great Australian outdoors, or overseas at international Moots. 

When you first meet with your Section Leader, it is very important to discuss any medical conditions that your child may have.  

You will also be required to complete an on-line CareMonkey profile for your child. This gives the scout leaders access to your child’s medical information for Troop nights, activities away from the hall and camps. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep this information up to date.  

Leaders have access to training to support children with many types of medical conditions. With the correct information, leaders can plan risk strategies to deal with any medical issues should they arise. 

All leaders must complete a basic training course and ensure that their training remains current. They also can 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 training provided for leaders is also intended to offer personal development for them that may be used in their work or social situations.

The safety and wellbeing of the children 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 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. 

Our Group is run by volunteer Leaders supported by a volunteer Group Committee. Parents are encouraged to get involved and assist the Group as much as possible. Please consider becoming involved and help to ensure the kids receive the best program possible. If you are interested in getting involved, please browse through Adults in Scouting, or contact the Group Leader.