We're back! - Cubs is on at the hall this Thursday from 7pm

 

Hi everyone

I have been waiting for so long to be able to type this email 😊

Cubs are back to face to face gatherings this Thursday from 7pm at the hall.  The cub leaders are finalising some fun COVIDSafe activities for our first face to face meeting since March.

Like all things in our community, there are some restrictions and changes.  We ask that you read this carefully before coming down to the hall and ask that you please follow these instructions and obey any requests from Leaders and Committee members as we reopen and refine face to face Scouting in a COVIDSafe way. 

 

***WARNING LONG READ!***

 

The below information is a summary of steps from the Scouts Victoria COVIDSafe Plan.

• We are able to conduct outdoor Scout activities outside around the hall.  Larger groups will be split into small groups limited to 10 participants, in addition to those who are reasonably required to run the activity such as Leaders, Adult Helpers, Rostered Parents and Carers, etc.
• There will be a Section COVIDSafe Champion at all gatherings who will help by overseeing and guiding everyone on COVIDSafe processes.
• If your child is unwell please keep them at home, especially if they have cold or flu-like symptoms.
• If you or any member of your household have been directed to self-isolate, or are awaiting a COVID-19 test result, STAY AT HOME until you have been given the all clear.
• The hall is closed but can be accessed to use toilets.
• All youth members and adults are required to sanitise hands upon arrival, during activities and prior to leaving.
• A record of people who have attended each activity (Leaders, youth members, parent helpers etc) will be kept.
• If you arrive early for drop off or pick up, stay in your car as we are required to register all people who stay for 15 minutes or longer with our gatherings. Cub Leaders will not be accepting kids before 6:55pm
• Please encourage your children not to shake hands or hug others.
• Face coverings are to be worn by those 12 years and older.  Whilst there is no requirement for those under 12 years to wear a face covering it is highly recommended. Masks for youth members are to be provided by parents/guardians
• Equipment used during activities will be sanitised before, during and after use.
• Bathroom facilities in the hall can be used and will be cleaned before and after gatherings.
• Frequently touched surfaces will be cleaned throughout the activity.
• Adults must continue to practice physical distancing requirements wherever possible between other adults and youth members.
• All attendees must bring their own drink bottles filled at home.
• If the activity involves food, all attendees will be asked to bring their own food in a container, just like at school.

If somebody becomes unwell at Scouts:

• If somebody becomes unwell at Scouts they will need to return home.
• If they show signs of COVID-19 symptoms, especially fever:
• They will be Isolated from the rest of the group until they are able to return home
• If the unwell person is a youth member the Leader in Charge will contact their parent/guardian immediately
• Leaders will call 000 if the condition becomes serious, such as difficulty in breathing
• The person should self-isolate and be tested for COVID-19
• The person or their parent/guardian should call the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398 or contact their GP

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Group via email at 1stcoburgscoutsgroup@gmail.com

 

Once again we are all excited to be able to meet in person after 8 months of Zoom meetings.

#beascout - Join Scouts today for FREE!

Yes you read right!

Right now all Scouts registration fees are waived until 31 March 2021. 

Our Group, like so many others around the state, know how hard it is for families to manage costs.  This is especially true for our friends and family members who have been affected by the economic downturn and COVID-19 lockdowns.

Scouting is open for all kids from 5 to 105, regardless of background, religion, race, gender etc...  Scouting is not just inclusive, it prepares kids with learning activities that set them up for life, with lots of fun along the way!

You can enquire or join our Group by emailing us at: 1stcoburgscoutsgroup@gmail.com or click on this link to find out more: #beascout-Join Scouts today!

1st Coburg Scouts Donation Appeal - April 2020

Dear families,

You will have received advice from Scouts Victoria about our response to COVID-19.

1^st Coburg Scout Group wants to support all families – and particularly our young people – in these challenging times.

We will be tightening our belt to get through the nine months ahead, but we still must cover most regular operating expenses as well as the Levy to Scouts Victoria for insurance, facilities, training. program, etc.

Anything that you can do to assist would be greatly appreciated.

We recognise that many families have been financially impacted by the current situation and we don’t want to add any further stress. Please do not feel pressured to help. It is far more important that our young people continue to enjoy their time in Scouting with their friends.

But families who can assist – eg by donating the equivalent of the usual annual fees  (here's a link to last year's fees), or whatever you can manage – would be a great help!

You can donate to us through Scouts Victoria. You will receive a receipt and your donation will be tax-deductible. Here's how:

1. Go to https://scoutsvictoria.com.au/about-us/donate/ and then select"Click to Donate";
2. This will take you to the Scouts Paypal donation portal where you can make your donation using your PayPal account or Credit/Debt Card;
3. Complete all fields as required, importantly in Write a Note (near the top of the form) make sure that you include the name of your CHILD and our Group name 1^ST COBURG (eg: John & Jane Jones - 1st Coburg). - This will ensure your donation makes it to 1st Coburg to support our local work.
4. Click on Donate Now - Once processed, you will receive an email with a tax deductible receipt.

Thanks for anything you can do to help. And if that’s not possible at this time, that’s OK too. Please take care. There are other priorities at this time, and we fully understand.

Let’s hope we are soon meeting back in the hall, and once again learning outdoors!

Yours in Scouting,

Connie Tuddenham                             Paul Ferrari

Group Leader                                      Group President

PS: Scouting membership is free at present. This is a great time to tell friends and family to check out Scouting. Please help them connect with us.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Hi all.

Until further notice, there will be no 1st Coburg Scouts activities. This means ALL gathering planned this week will not proceed.

We have been keeping up to date with developments over the weekend, and sadly we are at this point.

Connie decided that after Premier Dan Andrews announced the decision to close schools and non-essential services from Tuesday onwards, it was prudent follow suit.

The hall will also be closed for any non-scout acitivites at the same time. Any hall hires between now and the end of April will also be cancelled.

As always, please reach out to the Group by email 1stcoburgscoutsgroup@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Thanks for your understanding. We hope you all are safe and well as we enter these uncharted times.

Yours in Scouting

Paul Ferrari

Group President

1st Coburg Scouts Group donates goods for those in need

Today, 1^st Coburg Scout Group handed over supplies from the Group’s pantry and Q-store to the Rotary Club of Pascoe Vale for distribution to elderly and vulnerable locals. 

The donation included, hand soap, sanitiser, tea, coffee, cereal, biscuits, pasta, long life milk, tissues, paper towel and toilet paper.

The decision to donate these goods recognises these items are needed more than ever in the community right now, instead of languishing in our cupboards.

Scouts live by the their values, including “The importance of mutual support and help between members of a community to maximise the quality of life for all”. 

We think this small gesture will help our community during these unprecedented times, and recognises the contribution of so many in the community who help Scouts.

Enquiries: please email 1stcoburgscoutsgroup@gmail.com