Joining 1st Islington (Acorns) Cubs and Scouts

We look forward to welcoming your child to our group. This page provides full instructions for new joiners. We meet on Monday nights in term time from 6:30-8pm (Cubs aged 8-10½) and 7-8:30pm (Scouts aged 10½-14).

Inquiry

The first step is to reach out using the joining form at the bottom of this page, we can confirm availability and set up a taster session.

Taster Session

We encourage all potential Cubs/Scouts to join us for a taster session to see if they enjoy our meetings.  To arrange a visit, please get in touch using the form at the bottom of this page. At the taster session:

• Your child can wear their own clothes or school uniform.

• They'll fully participate in the meeting, getting a real taste of what we do.

• They'll meet the leaders and other Cubs/Scouts in the group.

Your child is welcome to attend multiple taster sessions to make sure they feel comfortable. Please provide us with your emergency contact information and any relevant medical information before your child's first session.

Joining

If your child enjoys their taster session and wants to join us, you'll need to complete a membership form. Please return the completed form to the leader you've been in contact with. Membership fees (subs) are also due at this time. A leader will be in touch with payment details. Membership is £34 a term as of November 2024, discounts are typically applied for new joiners half way through a term.

A digital membership form is our preferred method, it can be filled out on most computers and returned by email.

A printable membership form is also available and can be printed and handed in on a Monday night.

If you have difficulty completing the form, we will be happy to walk you through it in person.

Uniform

The essential uniform items are:

Cubs: Cubs Uniform Sweatshirt

Scouts: Scouts Uniform Shirt

All other uniform items will be provided at your child's investiture. While additional uniform items are available, they are optional and not required for any events.

Once you've joined, your child will attend meetings each week in uniform (but without their badges and scarf) until their investiture. 

Investiture

Investiture is a special ceremony where new Cubs/Scouts are officially welcomed into the group. During the ceremony, your child will:

• Make the Cub/Scout Promise (there are different versions of the Promise depending on religion).

• Receive their red 1st Islington scarf/necker.

• Receive a woggle (to fasten their scarf) in the colour of their Six (Cubs) or Patrol (Scouts).

• Receive their World membership badge, Greater London North area badge, and 1st Islington group badge.

After their investiture, your child will be a full member of our group and part of the worldwide Scout movement!

Financial Assistance

Cost should never be a barrier to being part of scouting. Please make contact with any leader if you need help with fees or other costs.