Scout Nights FAQ
Joining & Getting Started
What age can I join?
Any age! If you have multiple children or friends younger/older who are wanting to join, here are the age groups of our other sections: Joey Scouts (5–8 years), Cub Scouts (8–11 years), Scouts (11–14 years), Venturer Scouts (15–18 years) and Rover Scouts (18–25 years).
How much does it cost?
Can I bring a friend to Scouts?
My child doesn't know anyone in the group — will they find friends?
My Scout is nervous about attending their first night.
Is Scouts fun?
Uniform & Logistics
What night is Scouts?
What do I need to bring?
Where is Scouts?
Where can I buy the Scout uniform?
The Scout Shop (online at https://scoutshop.com.au/ ) or Snowgum store (1702 Dandenong Rd, Oakleigh East VIC 3166).
What happens if I'm late, need to leave early, or can't attend on a Tuesday night?
Please let one of the Leaders know via a text or email.
Do you offer food?
Not always — we sometimes offer snacks or prizes, but very rarely. Please don’t rely on us to feed your children dinner on a Scout night.
Can parents stay during the night?
Usually parents drop their Scouts off at 7pm and come back at 9pm, unless invited to stay. Scouts usually prefer that their parents aren’t there.
Where do I find out what's happening each week?
Weekly emails and WhatsApp messages are sent out (usually Fridays). Please contact one of the Scout Leaders if you’re not receiving these.
Weekly Activities & How Scouts Runs
Does each week cost extra money?
How can I see the amazing activities you offer each week?
What do you do at Scouts each week?
Each week we offer a wide range of activities, from rock climbing to building hovercrafts, archery to pottery, cable park trips or a murder mystery night. Each week is different, and we make sure it’s always inclusive for all members.
Who runs each Scout night?
What is a Patrol?
What is a Patrol Leader?
A Patrol Leader (PL) is the Scout — usually 13–15 years old — who is in charge of their Patrol.
What is an Assistant Patrol Leader?
An Assistant Patrol Leader (APL) is the Scout — usually 13–15 years old — who is second-in-charge of their Patrol.
Do you sit around tying knots all night?
No. We teach knots, but this isn’t part of every week’s activities.
Do you make fires during Scouts?
Yes! We have fire drums as well as a fireplace in the Scout hall, all signed off by the local council. We also teach Scouts how to safely light a fire, and what they need to put one out in nature.
Do you do badgework each week?
No, not really. Each week you attend Scouts counts toward a badge — whether that’s first aid, rock climbing, or even playing a game.
Do you sell cookies?
No.
What do I do when my Scout is turning 15 soon?
If your child is aged 7.5, 10.5, 14.5 or 17.5 or older, it’s time to chat with your current section Leader !! You should be moving into the next section of Scouting soon and the best way to do that is to start Linking !!! Linking is the process of attending the next age group of Scouts to get to know people there before you join permanently
Badges & Achievements
Where do my badges go?
What is the highest award in the Scout Section?
The Australian Scout Award. Not all Scouts achieve this, but it’s achievable by all Scouts who attend and put in the effort.
Do you have tests/exams?
No! This isn’t school.
Health, Safety & Wellbeing
My Scout broke a bone — can they still attend?
Yes! We try our hardest each week to make sure every activity is inclusive for all attending.
Can my Scout attend if they are sick?
Yes, however please consider how other members of the group may be affected.
There has been a bullying incident in Scouts — what should I do?
Please tell a Leader as soon as you hear about it. The sooner we know the details, the easier it is for us to address with the Scouts.
There has been a bullying incident outside of Scouts — what should I do?
Please tell a Leader as soon as you hear about it. The sooner we know the details, the easier it is for us to address with the Scouts. We may not be able to solve the issue ourselves, but we will assist as best we can.
My child is neurodivergent — can they attend Scouts?
Of course — our group is extremely welcoming to neurodivergent kids. Please come and chat with the Leaders at the start of a night to discuss how we can best assist them, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
About the Group & Leadership
How is Bentleigh East Scout Group run?
Bentleigh East Scout Group is run solely by volunteers. All Leaders, committee members and parents who put in the hours do so on a volunteer basis.
How do I (parent) become a Leader?
Come along to Scouts and have a chat with the Leaders about becoming a Leader yourself!
Camps FAQ
Signing Up & Attendance
My Scout can't attend camp — do I still sign up via the registration form?
Yes! For every camp you need to say whether you ARE or ARE NOT attending via our registration form.
How do I sign up to camps?
For every camp we have a registration form that needs filling in. Please register your Scout ASAP as it makes planning the camp easier for all involved.
Can I pick up my Scout early from camp?
Yes, however please discuss this with a Leader beforehand as we would prefer that all Scouts stay for the entire duration of the camp.
My Scout can no longer attend a camp — what do I do?
Please contact a Leader to let them know.
I've told a Leader my Scout can no longer attend a camp — will I get a refund?
If you message the Leader before the Monday of the camp, the probability is that you will get some of your money back. If you send a message the night of, you will not be able to get a refund.
My Scout is nervous about attending their first camp.
This is totally normal! Camp is sometimes a stressful and nerve-wracking thing for kids aged 11–15. We recommend they attend, even if they are scared and uncertain, as our camps are where the best memories are made!
Can my Scout attend if they are sick?
Yes, however please consider how other members of the group may be affected.
Food
What happens with food on camp?
Food is a portion of the cost of each camp — there’s no need to provide any food for your Scouts, as we all eat the same meal together.
Do you accommodate for food allergies?
Yes! Within reason.
Do you accommodate for being a picky eater?
We can try our hardest, however unless they are allergic we will not always specifically cater towards their pickiness.
Can I provide snacks for my Scout for camp?
Can I bring my own food/meals due to allergies?
Who cooks, plans and shops for meals on camps?
Logistics & What to Bring
Do you sleep in tents or cabins?
Where do you go for camp?
What do I need to bring to camp?
All camping gear is provided — we bring tents and cooking materials. You’ll need to bring your own sleeping gear (including a stretcher and sleeping bag) and your own eating gear. Refer to the generic camping list for more information.
What bag can I bring to put my gear in?
How often do you go on camps?
I want to know the camp's location beforehand for their safety.
We really appreciate that you’re looking out for your Scout, however we don’t always know the exact location until the last minute, so please be patient with us.
How long is camp?
Travel & Carpooling
Who drives to camp?
I want to drive my Scout to camp but don't want to take other Scouts.
Will my Scout be in a car with their friends?
Sleeping Arrangements
What are the sleeping situations on camps?
My Scout identifies as _________ and wants to sleep in a specific gender's tent.
Please speak with a Leader directly in the weeks leading up to the camp. We are supportive of your child’s wellbeing and their wishes regarding tent arrangements, however we do need to discuss this before proceeding.