Joining 1st Merewether Scouts
Your young person is welcome to come along and "try out" scouting for four weeks without any obligation - just select "Temporary Membership" - "Trial Period" below to get your Scout registered so that they can sign up for events and have any badgework logged. Once they have decided they would like to continue they need to become a full member of Scouts NSW. Simply return to this registration page and select "Returning Member" to complete the process.
Costs
The cost for a youth to participate in Scouts comprises of:
- An annual State membership fee of $290 (split into two per semester, or "Trek" payments) that includes essential insurance for members, Leader training, a wide range of resources, and essential support services including finance, IT, property and facilities, child safety team and communications. Click here for a detailed information sheet on Membership Fees;
- A once-off State registration fee of $60;
- A local Group Activity Fee of $220 ($110 per Trek), which covers the week-to-week expenses of running Scouts – resources, maintenance and utilities of the Scout Hall, and regular meeting activities. There is a $10 discount per instalment for prompt payment;
- A once-off group joining fee of $15 to offset the cost of the scarf and initial badge set that are presented on investment; and
- Other one-off costs – there are many opportunities for additional activities in Scouts and there may be associated fees like camping charges, travel, event fees etc.
Adult helpers have no fees. The Group covers the fees for leaders (and Group Activity Fees are waived for the children of a leader).
Scouts NSW has a Family Support Fund that assists youth members and Rovers with the costs of participating in Scouts. You can find more information on eligibility and how to apply here.