Welcome to Stroud Valley Scout Group. This page explains everything parents and carers need to know about investitures, the Scout Promise and Law, uniform, badge placement, subs, payments and how we help keep Scouting affordable for all families.

• 1. Investiture – becoming a Scout
• 2. Uniform for each section
• 3. Buying uniform & group-branded clothing
• 4. Badge placement
• 5. Subs (membership fees)
• 6. Financial support
• 7. Questions

1. Investiture – becoming a Scout

When a young person has been with us for a few weeks, is enjoying themselves and wants to stay, we arrange an investiture. This is a short, friendly ceremony where they officially become a member of their section and the worldwide Scout Movement.

At their investiture, they will:

• Say (or repeat) the Scout Promise for their section
• Receive their group necker
• Receive their woggle (where used)
• Receive their membership badges

Investitures are important and meaningful, but always relaxed and age-appropriate.

1.1 Choosing the right Scout Promise

There are several versions of the Scout Promise to reflect different faiths, beliefs and those with no faith. Before investiture, we ask parents and carers to:

• Read the different Promise options together with their young person
• Talk about what the Promise means
• Let the section leader know which version they choose

1.2 Scout Law and Values

The Scout Promise links directly to the Scout Law and Values, which explain the behaviours we encourage in Scouting. Many families choose to read these together before the investiture.

1.3 Meet the volunteers in your section

Each section is run by trained, DBS-checked volunteers who plan activities, keep young people safe and help them feel welcome. You can meet the teams for each age group here:

2. Uniform for each section

Uniform helps young people feel part of the Scout family. Every young person receives their group necker and woggle at investiture. Hoodies are optional in all sections. From Cubs onwards, a Stroud Valley branded T-shirt becomes part of the official uniform for events and camps.

3. Buying uniform & group-branded clothing

We encourage families to buy uniform from Leonard Stanley Scout Shop. Prices match the national Scout Store but profits support local Scouting.

Quick uniform links:

• Squirrel uniform
• Beaver uniform
• Cub uniform
• Scout uniform
• Explorer uniform

Group-branded clothing (t-shirts and personalised hoodies) can be ordered directly from our supplier:

• Order Stroud Valley branded clothing

Hoodies are optional but very popular for camps and trips. Select Collection at checkout and let us know — we can collect orders for you.

4. Badge placement

Use the official diagrams below to check where badges should be sewn on:

5. Subs (membership fees)

Each section charges subs to help cover the running of the programme and the costs of providing equipment, badges, activity materials and venue upkeep.

5.1 What subs cover

• Annual membership fee (capitation)
• Venue running costs
• Programme materials and equipment
• Badges and awards
• Camp and event equipment
• Insurance and safety costs

Some events — such as camps or day trips — may have additional charges, but we aim to keep everything affordable.

5.2 How to pay (OSM)

Subs and event payments are handled through Online Scout Manager (OSM). Once your young person joins, you will receive access to the OSM Parent Portal.

• Pay subs and event fees securely
• View programme and activities
• Update details and emergency contacts
• Track badge progress

6. Financial support

We believe every young person should be able to join Scouts. If the cost of subs, uniform, camps or activities is ever a difficulty, please talk to us in confidence.

Support may include:

• Reduced subs
• Help with uniform
• Support for camps and events
• Pre-loved uniform (when available)

7. Questions?

If you have any questions about payments, uniform, investitures or anything else, please speak to your section leader or contact us through the Join form.