A warm welcome from our leadership team
Dear Mum, Dad, Grand Mother, Grand Dad, Auntie, Uncle or Guardian,
This message extends a warm welcome to parents, guardians, and family members from the executive committee of the Preston Central Scout Group.
The group is dedicated to supporting and developing young people by providing enriching experiences in creativity, skills, outdoor activities, adventure, and leadership. The leadership team and volunteers are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable scouting experience for every child.
Starting in a new group might seem intimidating, but we hope the information on our website and from our team eases concerns and supports an exciting experience.
We are a friendly and approachable group, and we encourage parents to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Yours in Scouting
Thomas Astley
Leave Volunteer
Preston Central Scout Group
What is OSM?
OSM is our membership management system. Please be aware that it is your responsibility to log into this system regularly and update your child’s information if it changes.
It is used to –
- Record your child’s information.
- Book onto events and activities.
- pay subscription fees.
- Record badge and award progress
- Send group emails.
How to register?
- First, you will need to make sure your leader has your child’s Date of Birth, Full-name and your email address.
- Your leader will send you an email from OSM (check your spam folder). Also make sure future OSM emails are not marked as spam.
- Follow the instructions in the email. If you are struggling to access, try resetting the password.
- Complete all your child’s information. You must provide the following information as a minimum.
Why do we use Whatsapp?
Whatsapp is a secure instant messaging platform. We have a closed whatsapp group for each section (Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts etc.) to share information about activities or prompt you to check your email.
This is the only messaging platform we use, alongside emails. We will only text you in urgent situations, so having access to whatsapp is key. If you do not have whatsapp, you may miss important information.
How do I access the section’s closed group?
The leaders can invite you directly by a link, or, when you login to OSM, there is an information screen with a link to the whatsapp account.
We have a behaviour policy that we expect all children and adults in the group to follow. By way of membership to our group, you agree with the content of the policy, will support your child to follow it and understand the sanctions contained within.
The Promise is a simple way to help young people and adults celebrate their shared Scout values. Every Scout promises to stick by these values when they become a member.
There are different versions for different faither, and these can be found on the Scouts Website here.
Squirrel promise
I promise to do my best,
to be kind and helpful,
and to love God
Beaver promise
I promise to do my best,
to be kind and helpful,
and to love God
Cub Promise
I promise that I will do my best
to do my duty to God and to The King,
to help other people
and to keep the Cub Scout Law.
Scout pomise (And adult)
On my honour,
I promise that I will do my best,
to do my duty to God and to The King,
to help other people
and to keep the Scout Law.
Scouting is a uniformed organisation. Uniform is part of our identity, and all young people and volunteers are expected to wear a uniform for all scouting activities.
uniform consists of a sweatshirt or shirt/blouse that you can sew badges on and a coloured scarf or ‘necker’ to represent your local group. There’re lots of other optional accessories you can wear such as hats, hoodies, trousers or shorts.
When your child earns badges, they should be sewn onto the uniform. Please follow these diagrams when sewing badges.
Where to get a uniform?
- You can order one from Scouts Online shop.
- You can also buy one from Preston’s Scout shop. This is held on Wednesday evenings between 06:30pm and 8pm, at 6th Fullwood Scouts HQ.
- If you can’t afford to buy a new one, please speak with a leader or look at our financial assistance information.
Why do we have fees?
Scouting is a membership subscription organisation. As a group, we rely significantly on membership subscription to run evening activities, buy equipment, pay for insurance, buy badges etc.
Weekend activities and other events are costed and paid for separately.
What are our fees?
Joining fee (paid after 4 weeks of first session): £15
- Joining fee (paid after 4 weeks from first session): £15
- Monthly Membership subscription (payable after 8 weeks at the group). Paid at the start of each Month there-after – £12
How to pay?
Joining Fee: Pay via our online shop.
Monthly Membership: You will receive an email from OSM when it’s time to start paying, and will be asked to set-up payments.
Refund policy
We often have to pay activity / residential related costs in advance. If you don’t cancel a booking before the booking deadline, you will be expected to pay the full contribution, even if your child does not attend.
The Trustee’s will consider refund requests on a case by case basis, email GSL.Prestoncentral@prestonscouts.org.uk to request a refund.
Money is not a barrier to Scouting
We have a policy built on principles of privacy and confidentially to provide financial assistance to enable children to participate in any activity or event, regardless of family financial situation. We understand it is not easy to ask for help when you need it, and we’ve designed this policy to help.
Speak to your leader or use this form to ask for support.
