For the first few meetings your child needs nothing at all to experience the magic of Scouting. The leader will agree a time when it is suitable for your son or daughter to join Scouts officially by making the Promise. For this you will need a uniform, but as mentioned in the What will it cost? section, you can usually borrow a uniform from the Group if you are unable to buy one.
As your son or daughter takes part in more activities you may want to consider buying some items of equipment. The most frequently needed equipment includes:-
Our aim is to make Scouting accessible and affordable to all. The following list is not meant as a must have list, but is meant to provide advice as a basic guide for those who are considering buying equipment. For more detailed information speak to your section leader or email info@derwentsidescouts.org.uk:-
Water Proof Jacket and Trousers: The British weather can be a little wet. A full set of water proofs are, therefore, very useful for every age group. Outdoors Ltd sell Scout water proofs from £12.50 for jackets and £10 for trousers, but you can probably find cheaper ones else where.
Breathable fabrics, such as Gore Tex or Event, are not worth considering until the Scout section at the earliest, but are an advantage for Explorer Scouts carrying out expeditions.
If you are buying a waterproof jacket, do not forget waterproof trousers as well!
Hiking Boots: Hiking boots are not just useful for hikes, but for most outdoor activities, providing stiffer and more stable footing than trainers. For Beavers and Cubs a mid cut boot should be suitable. Canvass boots are generally more comfortable and lighter than leather, but may not be as waterproof.
For Scouts and Explorer Scouts, and younger sections doing walking in the hills, hiking boots need to come above the ankle to offer ankle protection. For those doing a lot of walking look for a GoreTex or similar lining in the boot for extra waterproof protection.
Most people wear an extra pair of thick socks in their boots for comfort. If you are doing a lot of walking a pair of proper Hiking Socks by Bridgedale, Thorlo or similar make a huge difference, with extra padding around the toes and heel.
Sleeping bag: When using a sleeping bag in a tent you also need a sleeping mat or Karrimat to protect you from the cold ground. Basic foam sleeping mats costs just a few pounds.
Mummy sleeping bags, which are shaped to fit the body, are warmer than square bags. For most people a three season sleeping bag offers the best compromise of warmth and weight. A cotton, silk or pertex sleeping bag liner helps to keep the sleeping bag cleaner, and is easy to wash.
Knives: You do NOT need to buy a pen knife or similar. No one, except older Scouts upwards who have been trained in the safe use of knives, should even consider taking a knife away with them.
Torches: Useful for camps and nights away. Head torches, with straps which fasten the torch to your head, are the most convenient as they keep your hands free. Modern LED lights also provide good light with excellent battery life.
Rucsacs: A small day sack of around 20 to 30 litres is useful for all sections, to carry packed lunches and waterproofs. Look for padded shoulder straps, a waist strap and a cover over the main compartment entrance which will keep the rain out.
In the older sections, particularly Explorer Scouts, there are opportunities to go on two and three day expeditions. A good comfortable rucsac makes a big difference. Berghaus, Karrimor, Lowe Alpine or similar make good rucsacs from around £65. Look for one with an adjustable back which allows it to be adjusted as your son or daughter grows. Rucsacs for expeditions should be around 55 to 65 litres in size.
As a member of the Scout Association you are entitled to 10% discount at certain shops, including Blacks and Millets.
Check with your leaders before you purchase new equipment as they can advise on what are the best products to buy.
Images above from Outdoors Ltd (http://www.outdoors.ltd.uk/), Blacks Outdoors (http://www.blacks.co.uk), Millets Ltd, (http://www.millets.co.uk) and Cotswold Outdoors (http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com).
Local Stores:-
Blacks, Millets, Wild Trak and Nevisport have all offered 10% discount to Scouts in the past. Blacks and Millets still do, but it is worth asking at the others.
Other Stores:-
Cotswold Outdoors Ltd
Nb; Derwentside District Scout Council does not endorse any of the shops or products mentioned. The list of stores is for information only, and only includes shops on the internet. There are many other shops you could buy from.
We recommend you look around for the best deal as one of the shops will usually have a sale on. For rucsacs, waterproofs and hiking boots always try them on before you buy.
Information for Parents
6 to 8 year olds
8 to 10 year olds
10 to 14 year olds
14 to 18 year olds
18 to 25 year olds
© Derwentside District Scout Council 2007
