Group Chair Report

Group Hike to Černošice 25th January 2020 1st Prague (Czech Republic) Scout Group z.s. Group Chairman’s Report

Welcome to the 6th Annual Report of the 1st Prague Scout Group and a warm welcome to those who have joined since our last Annual Meeting. As I write, the Czech Republic is emerging from the coronavirus lockdown and I would like to thank all of you, on behalf of the whole leadership team, for your continued support during this disruptive and uncertain time.

But I am getting ahead of myself. Let’s wind back to last September. We started the new scouting year with an all-time high of 65 scouts and to support this fantastic expansion in our numbers, we welcomed 10 new adults into the group. We were also excited to achieve a long-held dream of splitting all the sections and meeting separately. Thanks to the generosity and support of the British school community, Beavers and Cubs now meet on Thursdays at Park Lane International School in Malá Strana , while the Scouts and Explorers meet on Tuesdays at Riverside International School’s Hradčanská campus. Both of these developments mean that we are now able to offer a scouting program more tailored to the capabilities of each age group.

After much discussion, the Executive Committee voted to increase the monthly subscription rates from the start of the scouting year. This was an important step towards putting the group on a more stable financial footing, as well as allowing us to offer a more ambitious program of weekly and weekend activities.

After such an exciting start to the scouting year, the shutdown in response to the pandemic was a huge blow to us all. Huge thanks are due to the section leaders and their teams who have put in so much effort to offer

As well as the many hellos, we’ve also said some goodbyes. After 4 years as section leader, Jenny KyseláHeikkinen (Sleepy) stepped back from the Beavers, handing over to Chisato Hashizume (Bambi). Jenny has been with 1st Prague Scouts from the early days and has been critical to its success. Luckily for us all, she remains as one of our two Assistant Group Scout Leaders and on the executive committee, continuing to provide support behind the scenes. Steve Entwistle stepped down from his role as secretary of the Executive Committee. He was also a strong support from the beginning and we are enormously grateful for his contribution.

To get back to where I started my report, the Czech Republic is returning to some sort of normal state. Unfortunately, we are not yet authorised by The Scouting Association to resume face-to-face activities. This is a source of immense frustration to leaders, parents and scouts alike. Please be assured that we are doing all we can behind the scenes to restart as soon as we can and I am confident that when we return, it will be with an even more rewarding program. I think we are all nervous about what lies ahead at this most uncertain of times but surely, what is certain is that equipping our children with #skillsforlife is the greatest investment we can make.

Thank you to Chris Roberts and Mark Farrell, parent representatives on the Executive Committee, for your continued advice. Thank you to Simon and his leadership team for their dedication, creativity and enthusiasm. Thank you to every one of you for being part of the scouting adventure!

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

Online Scouting during the COVID 19 Pandemic