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Another year of Scouting has flown by, during which we saw some amazing successes. While size isn’t everything, at the most recent census, 1st Prague became the largest group in British Scouting Overseas, with over 170 young people across 5 sections, supported by 70 adult volunteers. In 2024, we will celebrate our 10th birthday – and who knows what the next decade will bring?!

I referred above to 5 sections: in January, we launched the Squirrels section for 4-6 year-olds which meets weekly at the lycee in Smichov. The section already has 20 members, and a fantastic programme which has already offered skiing and ice skating, Mardi Gras celebrations and zoo visits, starting these very young people on their journey of amassing invaluable skills for life.

Camping is at the core of scouting life. Last summer, we held our annual all sections camp – but with a difference! For this was the first time we had organized a green field camp – and our largest camp everwith 80 people under canvas! Immense kudos to all the leaders and volunteers who invested so much time and energy in the planning and execution. It was a full and intense week of outdoor adventure and one which we look forward to repeating again this year when the group returns to the stunning site on the edge of the forests around Novy Bor.

Another first was in securing a grant from Prague City Hall. This covers venue rentals, subsidizes camp fees, allows us to buy new equipment and, critically, to invest in leader training. As a result, we have expanded the number of first aiders in the group and, most recently, 5 of our leaders and one of our Explorers obtained permits for climbing and archery.

There is a 6th section, albeit an unofficial one, of which we should all be immensely proud. This is our Ukraine Club, which now meets every other Wednesday and has some 25 children attending regularly. Thanks to Mang’s oversight and support from leaders and Ukrainian and Russian-speaking volunteers, we are able to offer a wide-ranging programme which includes activities such as pioneering, crafts, climbing and first aid. The year’s expenses were covered by a grant from Komercni Banka’s Nadace Jistota as well as our own fundraising activities. A recent fundraising drive means that we can continue to operate for the year to come.

If you aren’t one of the many thousands of followers of 1st Prague Scout Group – British Scouting Overseas on facebook or Instagram, I would encourage you to become one. There you’ll see what an extraordinary group this is, and how much it has to offer our young people. None of this would be possible without the drive, passion, commitment and creativity of Mang, and the section leaders, their supporters and the executive committee. All are volunteers, from many different countries but united by a common goal: to offer the next generation priceless #skillsforlife.

Eleanor Hammond Chair, Group Trustee Board – (formerly Group Executive Committee)