Online Scout Manager (OSM)
To enable our Leaders to focus more on delivering an enriching Scouting experience, we use an online system called OSM to handle the administrative aspects of Scouting. This system manages a range of tasks, including attendance tracking, badge records, and storing personal details.
To ensure we have the most up-to-date information for your children, we kindly ask you to log into OSM periodically (ideally once a term) to update personal and contact details for both yourself and your child.
If you need assistance, OSM provides a range of helpful video tutorials. Alternatively, feel free to reach out to one of your Section Leaders, who will be happy to support you.
Get Involved in helping at 1st Combs Scout Group
Our group is run entirely by volunteers—no one is paid—and that’s what makes Scouting so special. It’s powered by passionate, enthusiastic adults who help shape the next generation while developing their own skills along the way.
There are plenty of ways to get involved, from offering occasional support as part of a parent rota to becoming a permanent Leader. Volunteering roles are as diverse as the individuals who take them on.
We’ll provide full training for your role and a supportive team of Leaders and friends to guide you every step of the way. All we ask is that you bring your enthusiasm.
Not sure if volunteering is right for you? Why not give it a try for a few weeks before deciding? You might surprise yourself!
To learn more or get started, visit our volunteering page.
Uniforms and Badges
Uniform
Our uniforms are designed to be comfortable and practical, while also fostering a sense of belonging within our group. Each section wears a top-half uniform, such as a shirt, blouse, or sweatshirt, paired with our group scarf. Our scarf is yellow & red and features our group duck badge sewn onto the back.
For detailed information about uniforms specific to each section, as well as a list of suppliers, please use the buttons below.
Badges
Badges proudly display our young people’s achievements, sewn onto their uniforms for everyone to admire. From animal carer to writer, each badge represents a set of criteria that young people work towards over multiple sessions or camps.
For section-specific details about badges and their placement on uniforms, please use the buttons below.
Cost Of Scouting
Yearly Fees
Throughout the year, we charge a fee (known as Subs) to help cover various costs for the group and its sections. These include insurance, capitation fees (paid to the District, County and HQ), hall maintenance, materials for meetings, administrative expenses, and digital tools. Occasionally, there may be additional charges for special activities, camps, or events.
We aim to keep costs as low as possible to ensure everyone can participate. If you’re experiencing financial difficulties, please check our financial support section for assistance.
Each section collects their fees using the OSM system. Please note that all Subs are non-refundable.
Squirrels
In Squirrels, Subs are charged at £30 per term, paid at the start of each term (After Summer, After Christmas, and After Easter).
We prefer to collect Sub fees by using OSM, you will be given a payment link at the start of each term when subs are due.
Beavers
In Beavers, Subs are charged at £30 per term, paid at the start of each term (After Summer, After Christmas, and After Easter).
We prefer to collect Sub fees by using OSM, you will be given a payment link at the start of each term when subs are due.
Cubs
In Cubs, Subs are charged at £30 per term, paid at the start of each term (After Summer, After Christmas, and After Easter).
We prefer to collect Sub fees by using OSM, you will be given a payment link at the start of each term when subs are due.
Scouts
In Scouts, Subs are charged at £30 per term, paid at the start of each term (After Summer, After Christmas, and After Easter).
We prefer to collect Sub fees by using OSM, you will be given a payment link at the start of each term when subs are due.
Explorers
Uniform Costs
The only things we don’t supply are uniforms, these come at a cost of around £20 for the shirt/sweatshirt. For more information about uniforms, look at the uniform section.
If you something is lost or needs replacing, such as a scarf, woggle, or badge, we can provide a replacement but will ask you to cover the cost as we have to buy them from Scout shops. A price list can be found below:
New Investitures
£6
The new investiture pack includes the following: Group Scarf, Duck Badge, Woggle, Membership Badge, District and County Badge and Group Name Tape.
Replacements
Investitures Badges
£2
This includes: Duck Badge, Membership Badge, District and County Badge and Group Name Tape.
Scarf
£4
You’ll have to buy the Duck badge to go on the back separately.
Woggle
Varies
The Leather Woggles are 50p, but Scout woggles and some others are slightly more (about £2) the section Leaders will let know the cost of the woggle.
Badges
£1
Financial Support
We pride ourselves as a non-discriminatory group. If for whatever reason you are struggling to pay for something or need more time, talk to us.
We have funds and systems in place to make sure that all our young people can be provided with Scouting.
Have a quiet discussion with your Section Leader before/after a meeting or if you’d prefer, send an email to our membership secretary on membership@1stcombs.co.uk
Gift Aid
As a registered charity, gift aid donations make a massive difference to our finances, providing us with the ability to upgrade our hall and fund activities for our young people.
If you haven’t filled the declaration in (or you aren’t sure) then follow the link below to fill in and submit.
If you have any questions about gift aid, feel free to get in touch using our contact page.
Staying In Touch
If you want to get in touch with a section, the Lead Volunteer (GSL), or the Trustee Board, you can from our Contact Page.
Make sure to check your Junk folder.
We have a private Facebook group exclusively for current Leaders, parents, and carers. It’s a space where we share updates, group support information, and photos of our activities.
If you’re not yet a member and would like to join, use the link below and let your section leader know to expect your request.
We also maintain a public Facebook page where we showcase our activities to the wider community and promote our fundraising events.
Each section also has a dedicated WhatsApp group for parents and carers, where Leaders share important updates and information specific to their section.
If you’re not already part of your section’s WhatsApp group and would like to join, please contact one of your section’s Leaders. You can find their email addresses on our Contact Page.