stondon scouts invite you

Contribution thanks to Catherine Wakely Group Scout Leader 1stStondon.GSL@gmail.com 07968 082620

1st Stondon Scout Group have grown from nothing to a membership of over 60 children in the past six and a half years – and now they are looking for new Scout Leaders to join the adventure.

Seven years ago, there were no Scouts in Stondon, the last section having closed ten years before. In the spring of 2014 1st Stondon Scout Group re-opened and now provides weekly adventure, friendship and life skills for over 60 children. Of course, at present things are rather different from normal and the Scouts are having their meetings over Zoom (as are the Beavers and Cubs) but we hope to return to face-to-face Scouting in the New Year. In addition to the Zoom meetings the children have taken part in several “Virtual Camps” and special Lockdown Challenge Badges.

Back in 2014 most of the Leaders were new to Scouting. However, the Scout Association provides training courses for leaders to learn all the required skills, and the District team provided support at meetings while the new leaders got going. Now the Group has a strong team of Leaders who support each other, though they can still call on the District as needed.

Kate says: “I wasn’t a Scout as a child, but when I heard about the new group opening in Stondon I thought it sounded like a great thing for the children. I’ve been a Leader for six years now and I love seeing their faces when we do exciting activities - watching them grow is so rewarding. We have fun every week and it’s a pleasure to see the children learning new skills and building relationships with their peers.”

At Christmas the Scout section’s Leaders are stepping down as they are moving away, and the Group needs new Leaders to keep the Scout section open. Volunteering as a Scout Leader can be very flexible, fitting around other commitments – most Leaders have busy jobs and lives, but find it hugely fulfilling to give something back to the community, helping the children learn new skills and have new experiences.

Leaders receive training from the Scout Association, and have support from the rest of the Leaders in the group as well as the District, County and National organisation. 1st Stondon’s Scout section is growing fast, providing adventure, activities and life skills for boys and girls aged 10½ to 14. Leaders attend weekly meetings (although this can be flexible as we understand that Leaders can’t always be there every week) and do planning as a team to provide a balanced programme of activities. The Scouts regularly go on hikes and nights away, and we’d love enthusiastic new Leaders who are keen on camping, outdoor cooking, adventurous activities and having a great time!