Child Safe Organisation · Scouts Victoria · Scout Shop

How to Join

Starting your Scouting adventure is easy — and the first three nights are completely free.

🎉

Try 3 Nights FREE

We invite all new members to try their section for three nights before committing. No joining fee, no pressure — just come along and see if Scouting is right for you and your family.

Contact Us to Start →
1

Contact Us

Get in touch with our Group Leader Janet Cardell to find out about the right section for your child and when to come for your first visit. No paperwork needed at this stage.

Get in Touch →
2

Try 3 Nights

Turn up to the appropriate weekly meeting. Your child can try three full nights free of charge with no obligation to join. Leaders and other members will make you feel welcome.

Find Your Section →
3

Register & Join

If Scouting is right for your family, complete the online registration, set up your Operoo profile, and pay the membership fees. Then prepare for adventure!

Contact to Register →

The Operoo System

Operoo is the online health and consent management system used by our Group. All families are required to create and maintain an Operoo profile for each of their children in the Group.

Your Operoo profile stores important information that our leaders rely on to keep your child safe and included in activities. It is used for:

  • Medical and health information (conditions, medications, allergies)
  • Emergency contact details
  • Activity consent forms — sent for camps, excursions and special events
  • Dietary requirements and other relevant information

📸 Add a photo to Operoo

Please include a current photo of your child in their Operoo profile. This helps leaders and parents identify members, especially at large events with many young people.

⚠️ Keep Operoo up to date

It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure their child's Operoo profile is current. Update it promptly if any medical information changes. Leaders cannot allow a member to attend a camp or activity without a current, completed Operoo profile.

The Investiture Ceremony

Once registered, new members are formally welcomed into Scouting through an Investiture Ceremony — a meaningful and memorable occasion that marks the beginning of the Scouting journey.

At the Investiture, new members:

  • Make the Scout Promise for the first time in front of their section
  • Receive their neckerchief and woggle (the section scarf)
  • Are welcomed into the Scouting family by their leader and peers

Families are invited and encouraged to attend the Investiture — it's a special moment worth celebrating.

The Scout Promise reflects Scouting's core values: doing one's best, duty to community, and helping others.

"On my honour, I promise that I will do my best, to do my duty to my God, and to the King of Australia, to help other people, and to live by the Scout Law."

— The Scout Promise

Fees & Membership

Scouting is excellent value — here's a transparent breakdown of what membership involves.

Fee Type Amount Notes
Joining Fee (once only) $55 Paid once when first joining Scouts
Annual Membership Fee $510 / year Covers Scouts Victoria registration, insurance and Group costs
Sibling Discount Available Discount available for families with multiple children in the Group
Hardship / Financial Assistance Available Speak confidentially with the Group Leader — no family should miss out due to finances

💰 What the fees cover

  • Scouts Victoria annual registration and insurance
  • Hall maintenance and equipment upkeep
  • Subsidised activity costs
  • Badge and award materials
  • Leader training and certifications

Note: Camps and major events may have additional costs, communicated well in advance. All members must be financial (fees paid) to participate in activities.

📋 Membership Requirements

  • Annual fees paid and up to date
  • Operoo profile complete and current (with photo)
  • Enclosed shoes worn to all meetings and activities
  • Full uniform worn to meetings (once issued)
  • Acceptable behaviour consistent with the Scout Promise and Scout Law

🙋 Family Involvement

Scouting is a community activity and works best when families are involved. All families are expected to:

  • Participate in annual fundraising activities
  • Respond promptly to Operoo consent requests
  • Support their child's attendance and participation
  • Consider joining the Parent Committee
  • Communicate promptly with leaders about absences

Uniform

Each section has its own distinctive uniform. You don't need full uniform for your first few visits.

🐨

Joey Scouts

Navy blue top with light blue neckerchief. Grey shorts or pants.

🐻

Cub Scouts

Navy blue shirt with yellow/gold neckerchief. Dark pants or shorts.

⚜️

Scouts

Navy blue shirt with green neckerchief. Dark pants. Group badges on shirt.

🧗

Venturers

Navy blue shirt with red neckerchief. Dark pants. Venturer-specific badges.

Rover Crew

Navy blue shirt with blue Rover neckerchief. Rover-specific uniform elements.

🛍️ Where to buy uniform

Scout uniforms are available from the Scout Shop — visit shop.scoutsaustralia.com.au or ask your section leader for details on the nearest physical Scout Shop. Some items may be available secondhand through the Group — ask the Group Leader.

What to Bring

For your first few visits (before receiving uniform), just come in comfortable, practical clothing. Once you're a member, wear full uniform to every meeting.

Every meeting

  • Full uniform (once issued and invested)
  • Enclosed shoes — thongs and sandals are not suitable
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen for outdoor activities
  • A great attitude and willingness to try new things

For camps and outdoor activities

  • Activity-appropriate clothing as specified by your leader
  • Sleeping gear (sleeping bag, mat)
  • Personal medications (clearly labelled and documented in Operoo)
  • Completed Operoo consent form (submitted online before the event)
  • Any activity-specific equipment as communicated by leaders

Staying Connected

We communicate with families through several channels:

📧 Weekly Email Updates

Each section sends a weekly email with upcoming activities, reminders and news. Make sure your email is current in Operoo.

📱 Operoo

Official consent forms and critical communications are sent via Operoo. Respond to forms promptly — activities cannot proceed without consent.

👥 Facebook (Closed Group)

We have a closed Facebook group for Group-wide updates, photos from events, and community discussion. Ask the Group Leader for access once your child has joined.

❓ Questions?

Contact our Group Leader Janet Cardell for any enquiries about joining:
📞 0419 893 739
✉️ gl.brighton1st-14th@scoutsvictoria.com.au

Ready to start the adventure?

Get in touch with Janet Cardell today to arrange your child's first free visit.

Contact Us → Find Your Section