This scheme covers training to run all adventurous activities, archery, shooting, swimming and DofE Award expedition assessor and supervisor training, together with first aid for adventurous activities.
As well as being available for leaders, sectional assistants and instructors, it is also open to all Explorers, whether or not Young Leaders, as well as Scout Network members and other adult volunteers in Berkshire Scouting such as Active Support Unit members.
Applications are considered on receipt and we aim to give a decision within three weeks.
What will this scheme help pay for?
You can usually expect to receive three quarters of the cost of the cheapest reasonably easily available training and assessment course (or series of courses) leading to a permit or qualification to run an activity for our young people. There is a commitment on gaining the permit, or other required qualification, to running the relevant activities for young people in Scouting.
If you are gaining your permit by obtaining an equivalent National Governing Body (NGB) qualification, we will contribute three quarters of any certificate or mandatory registration fees.
If you need to stay overnight because a course cannot be provided locally, we will also contribute threequarters of the cost of basic overnight accommodation (eg: campsite or Youth Hostel Association overnight fees).
What is not covered by the scheme?
- Courses which you have already attended before you make an application.
- Training covered by The Scout Association’s adult leader training programme, including Nights Away and First Response courses. Berkshire Scouts already provides these free of charge.
- Training in the basic skills for an activity, such as BCU 1 & 2 star awards in paddlesports, or training for your personal hobbies. You must commit to gaining a permit or other required qualification and to running the activities you are trained in for young people in Scouting.
- Cancellation fees, lost deposits, etc, if you fail to attend or complete a course.
- Training not required to gain:
a) a permit (whether at the basic or a higher level); or
b) a recognised equivalent qualification leading to a permit; or
c) a qualification which The Scout Association requires you to hold to run an adventurous activity such as shooting. - Practice sessions to help build up experience.
- Maintenance of any NGB registration or the cost of CPD (Continuing Professional Development) training.
- Travel costs.
How do I apply?
Download and complete the application form and email it to the County Administrator at [email protected]. You should list all the courses you need to complete to gain a permit, or the required qualification, but you only need to specify provisional dates and venues for your first course at this stage. You will be asked to provide more detailed information once you have attended each course.
Please note that you must provide information about your relevant experience, how you plan to make good use of your qualification in Scouting, and sign the form.
We will also accept block applications from Groups or Districts for volunteers all seeking permits, etc, for the same same activity. Download the block application form and email it to the County administrator (see above).
When will I receive my grant?
You will receive payment for each approved course you complete once you have provided evidence of payment and successful completion.
Grants for County run courses
You do not need to apply for a grant in advance for county training and assessment courses for adventurous activities or our two day first aid course for adventurous activities. Most of them are free for everyone in Berkshire Scouting but if you come on one of the few for which there is still a fee for training or assessment, either the standard 75% grant will be taken into acount in setting your fee, or where you have already paid the full fee, you will receive a refund providing you already have or commit to gaining a permit or other required qualification, and to running these activities for young people in Scouting.