FAQs

Yes. We are more than happy for new youth members to try Scouting before deciding to join. You will still need to complete and submit a Youth Membership Application but will not need to pay any fees at this point. The first three sessions are free, after which you can decide if you want to join up. At this point you will be invoiced for the yearly membership fee. You can find the link to apply HERE.

Yes. Girls have been part of Scouting in Australia since 1981 and can join any of the 3 sections currently operating.

We meet at the Heidelberg Scout hall once a week. The times are listed in the various sections. Sometimes we may run an activity that is not located at the Scout hall. If this occurs the Scout Leader will let you know in advance and will provide you with details of the location, start and finish times, items to bring and travel arrangements.

Yes you can. Click HERE to read more about the hall and the location and how to book.

Our fees are listed in the New Members page. Please click HERE

No. The fees do not cover the cost of camps and outings which are additional. The main cost for parents over and above the fees is for camp fees (accommodation, food, activities) and some basic equipment (sleeping bag, sleeping mat). If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please speak to the Scout or Group Leader to make arrangements so that your child doesn’t miss out.

The Get Active Kids State Govt voucher program is available for people on a health care or concession card. Please check HERE.

A portion of the membership fee is used to cover the Scout groups insurance and registration costs. As the Scout group must pay these costs in one payment in full at the start of the financial year, we are unable to offer payment plans.

Membership fees are prorated in line with school terms within the financial year.

Please contact the us to discuss any financial hardship you may be experiencing.

For those trying out scouting, they should wear a t-shirt, pants and runners to their first 3 meetings. Once they have decided to join, they will need to only purchase a scout shirt from www.scoutshop.com.au, and we will provide the woggle.

Scouts are “Sun Smart” and need to wear a broad-brimmed hat or something similar when participating in any outdoor activities.

Appropriate footwear is also essential. Sneakers, sand shoes or other closed toed shoes are good. Bare feet, sandals, thongs or crocs are not recommended.

Uniforms can be purchased from the on-line Scout Shop. Click HERE

As a member of scouts, your child will participate in the Scout award scheme. The badges that they earn need to be sewn onto their shirt in specific locations. Click HERE for instructions.

The majority of equipment is provided by the Scout Group, who own or have access to a large range of camping and outdoor equipment such as tents, ropes, stoves and cooking gear. Your membership fees and other money raised through fundraising and grants covers the cost of purchasing this equipment. 

However, you will need to purchase or hire some equipment such as a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, hiking boots, hiking pack, drink bottle and eating utensils for your child to participate in troop camps. Your Scout Leader will advise you of what is needed for camps.

When you first meet with your Section Leader it is very important to discuss any medical conditions that your child may have. With the correct information, leaders can plan risk strategies to deal with any medical issues should they arise.

You will also be required to complete an online Operoo Profile for your child. This gives the scout leaders online access to the scout’s medical information for Troop nights, activities away from the hall and camps.

The safety and wellbeing of the children in our care is our number one concern and priority. Scouts Australia’s child protection system is amongst the best in the country. 

All scout leaders undergo a mandatory 'Police Check', and a 'Working with Children' Check. They are also required to provide references as part of their leader application and receive comprehensive, ongoing training in dealing with children.

All Leaders must sign a document under which they agree to abide by a Code of Conduct, which incorporates important principles of child protection. We cater for medical, physical and dietary requirements by obtaining all the necessary information to allow Leaders and other helpers to take appropriate action. At least one person trained in first aid attends all major events.

At Scouts Victoria, we’re youth led and adult supported. It’s all about nurturing our young members to develop skills for work and life, and it takes a special type of person to do that.

Many of our volunteer Leaders are parents who want to enjoy the experience with their kids. We also welcome trainee teachers, former Scouts, and adventurous types who’ve never been part of Scouting before.

Our Scout Leaders are energetic, enthusiastic volunteers who enjoy making a positive difference to young people’s lives. If that appeals to you, start the ball rolling by contacting your local Group. 

Naturally, there are essential checks like the state government’s Working with Children Card requirement and a National Police Check. We ask for referees and we follow through to make sure we’re getting the right people.   

You’ll also need to do some training, which will vary depending on the role that you choose. Some of the training is face-to-face, while some modules are done online at your own pace. Many of the skills you’ll pick up in training are valued across other professions.

There’ll be people to support you through those challenging early steps, and you’ll soon thrive in a positive, vibrant network of members and leaders.