Group Chair Report

In sitting down to write this year’s report, I reread my submission of a year ago which I had written in a mood of cautious optimism while we waited for authorisation to resume face-to-face scouting. We all know how that turned out! After a few carefree weeks over the late summer and all the way into October, the sections met in Prague’s parks - until we were once again forced online. It’s only now, in mid-May, that we are meeting again, outside and with numerous safeguards in place. I know that all of us, scouts, parents and leaders, are hoping that this time, we will be able to continue so that we can offer our scouts the development, the adventure and the fun they deserve. My report this year is one of thanks to all of you:  To the parents, who have continued to support 1st Prague Scouts this year. Your ongoing support means that we are now on a solid financial footing. This ensures that the group fulfils its statutory obligations but, more importantly, that we can continue to ensure that the scouting experience is affordable for everyone.  To the scouts, who joined in our weekly online activities through lockdown and who returned en masse, despite a torrential downpour, as the sections met earlier this month for the first time in many months. I know that for many of the leaders, seeing their groups again was hugely rewarding.  To the leaders, who throughout this relentlessly stressful time have worked tirelessly to offer creative ways to scout online. It’s not the sort of scouting they signed up to do, but they rose to the challenge, and they delivered.  To the executive committee, who have provided an invaluable sounding board as we have worked to find our way through this period. None of us know what lies ahead, but we can only hope - and plan. Planning for the all section camp in July is well under way and we hope to welcome at least half of the group for a full program of scouting adventures. Another priority is to ensure that the sections have a place to meet as the weather turns later in the year. We would welcome any help that you can give. Finally, while our finances are stable, we nonetheless should find new sources of funds to support our ambitions. I look forward to seeing you again, in person, later this year when we can once again gather as a community.

Eleanor Hammond Chair, Group Executive Committee exec@praguescouts.cz