Joining Ourimbah Scouts - New Member Information
Joining Ourimbah Scout Group is an exciting time and there is a lot of information to take in. Becoming a member is a simple process and starts with Registering as a Temporary Member. Registering is a simple online form, and will commence your free 6 week trial. Our unique registration page can be found here. Just click the 'New Member' button to start the process.
Scouts NSW Offers a lot of information for new members, which can be found here.
Important Information for new members
Fees
Fees are one of the first questions we are asked, and joining Scouts of course comes with membership fees, as well as some additional costs for the uniform, and the occassional additionally charged activity, such as camps. Our fees are comprise of two components:
- State Fees - This is a component charged by Scouts NSW, covering insurance, training and development and so forth. For new members, there is also a joining fee. Currently state charge $290 per year, with a once off $60 joining fee for new members.
- Group Fees - This component is charged by 1st Ourimbah Scout Group and covers the insurance on our hall, running costs (such as rates, electricity, maintenance), leader training, general weekly activities, and the purchasing of much needed equipment for our members to use (such as tents, activity equipment etc). Our yearly fee is currently $280 per year, plus once off $15 joining fee.
Total annual fees come to $570 for returning members, plus $75 for brand new members.
We understand that this can seem like a lot, but when broken down to a week by week figure runs at roughly $15 a week, which is very competitive when looking at other activities. For this your child gains valuable life skills, such as resilience, confidence, practical skills and your family gains a whole new community of friends.
Payment plans are available, which the annual cost being broken down to 6 equal monthly payments. Should you need further assistance, you can apply for the Scouts Family Support Fund to help out with expenses. This is a fund that is run through the donations of other members. More information about selection criteria and the application process can be found here.
Uniforms
Scouts are expected to come to weekly meetings in uniform once your trial membership ends. We have an fantastic "investing" ceremony for this occassion which formally welcomes your child to the group. The kids love it! For this you will need to pre-purchase a shirt, appropriate to the section your child is going into (Joeys, Cubs, Scouts or Venturers). Shirts can be purchased from the Scout Shop and currently cost approximately $45.
The remaining part of the uniform, comprising of the scarf and badges to go on your childs shirt, are supplied by the group, and are covered by your Group joining fee. Other components of the uniform are blue or tan pants or shorts, and black shoes.
We look forward to welcoming new members, and our leaders are a fantastic source of information, so please ask them any questions you may have.
Please take some time to look through the downloadable Welcome Pack for New Parents and Caregivers.