Welcome to 5th Douglas, Isle of Man

This website offers information about 5th Douglas Beavers, Cubs and Scouts for current and prospective members and parents.

Information about Isle of Man, UK and Worldwide Scouting can be found on their respective websites which are linked in the main left hand menu.

"The Purpose of Scouting is to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities".

Fulfilling the purpose of Scouting involves providing a mixed programme that ensures children are able to to gain and learn from new experiences making the most of the urban and rural environments of the Island.

Developing the Child

Children benefit from challenges that encourage thought, self belief, achievement and pride.

Activities based on the Scouting Programme are undertaken on and off site that fit the age and abilities of sections. Activities involve taking part, thinking about their experiences, recording their findings and sharing the knowledge gained with leaders, parents and other members.

Some activities are completed in the Meeting Hall, some involve visiting locations with the group. Others activities involve work at home with or without parental involvement. Some activities overlap and components can be used towards the completing of more than one challenge.

Upon completion of the activities and challenges members are rewarded with badges to show that they have achieved the necessary levels of competency. Members are encouraged to keep their own written diaries of activities and experiences gained within and outside of Scouting.

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts have their own sets of badges that are explained on the relevant pages via the main menu.

Parents Rota

Leaders are volunteers that give their time to the movement free from payment or reward.

In order to exist we are required to maintain adult to child ratios for supervision and safety purposes, the ratio varies depending on section (ages) and the type of meeting or activity.

To meet these ratios for on site meetings we operate parent rotas which are distributed at the beginning of each term. It is a condition of each child's membership that parents agree to take their turn in being present at meetings.

If unable to attend on the designated date it is imperative that the respective leader is informed and a swap is arranged with another parent at the earliest possible time.

For 'off site' activities letters outlining the activity are distributed with a request for additional parents to attend. Please be aware that we can not carry out these activities if there is apathy from parents, your child and all others will suffer.

To date leaders have found that parents have been very willing to support us and the members. For this we are grateful and we hope this continues in the future.

Parents are more than welcome to help out on any additional meetings if their time permits.

Child Protection and Wellbeing

It is Scouting policy for all leaders and uniformed assistants to be Police checked for Child Protection purposes before being awarded a warrant.

All leaders are aware of our responsibilities towards the care and wellbeing of members. We can be spoken to as a team or individually by members or parents if they have any questions, concerns or worries.

Attempts or acts of intimidation or bullying by, or towards other young members, leaders or parents will not be tolerated.

There can be a fine line between boisterous play, teasing and bullying, Each case is treated on its own merits and appropriate action will be taken by the relevant person.

Link: Child Protection Information

If parents have the slightest concern for their child it should be raised with a leader at the earliest time so that the appropriate action can be taken.

Personal Information

When being advised that a place is available, parents are given record cards which should be filled in and returned before their child is invested. Record cards hold basic personal information such as parent/guardian names, addresses and contact details for general and emergency situations.

It is parents responsibility to ensure information given is up to date and leaders are notified if any details change. No personal information about any member is stored on this website nor made available publicly.

Prior written permission is requested in regard to photographs or articles that may be published to inform or promote scouting in local media, scouting literature or online. It is policy to not include any personally identifiable information in such publications.

Membership Fees and Subscriptions

The running of Scouting costs money.

Whilst leaders give their time free, we have hall charges, refreshments, badges, trips, activities, insurance and many other expenses to cover.

5th Douglas meetings follow the school calendar and Subscriptions are payable on the first meeting of each full term. Terms start in September, January and after Easter break.

Fees and Subscriptions are kept to the lowest price that is possible to ensure you and the children receive the best value possible. It should be noted that certain activities may involve extra contributions to cover unavoidable costs. All subscriptions and fees will be notified in advance of becoming due.

It is imperative that all fees and charges are made promptly as we still have to pay third parties from funds to enable meetings and activities to proceed. Late payments from one or two can jeopardise activities for the whole group.

And finally...

We hope that your child and of course you will benefit from involvement in the Scouting movement.

Scouting celebrated its Centenary in 2007 and we hope it continues to grow for years to come.