You first need to create a waiting list section – if you don’t have one yet, expand the section selector drop-down at the top of the menu and click Register New Section and add a waiting list to your group.
Then purchase the Parent Portal Personal Details upgrade in the waiting list section.
Then go to Settings – Parent Portal Settings – Waiting List Application Form.
You will then be able to generate a unique link to publish on your social media, website, etc. You can also control which fields parents should fill in for their child.
Suggested Template for ‘Thank you’ email: (please replace XXth with your group name but leave the fields in [ ] as they are needed for OSM.
Dear Parent/Carer,
Thank you for your interest in joining the XXth Doncaster Scout Group.
This email confirms that [MEMBER_FIRSTNAME] has been added to our waiting list. We currently have more young people wanting to join than we have spaces available, so there may be a short wait before a place becomes available.
Scouting is entirely volunteer led, and the number of young people we can offer places to depends on the number of adults who are able to help support our activities.
If you would be interested in helping in any way, even occasionally, we would love to hear from you. Many parents choose to support us by helping at meetings, assisting with activities, or joining the leadership team. In some cases this can also help us create more spaces for young people.
We also run a parent helper rota, where parents are asked to help at one session per term. This usually involves supporting games or activities and is a great way to see what your child gets up to in Scouts. No special skills are needed and our leaders will guide you.
If you would like to offer help or find out more, please reply to this email.
As soon as a place becomes available we will be in touch to invite [MEMBER_FIRSTNAME] along to a meeting.
Thank you for your patience and for your interest in Scouting.
Kind regards,
The Leadership Team