Scouts bridge generation gap with residents

FOURTEEN children shared their enthusiasm for being Cub Scouts on a visit to meet residents at a Winchester dementia care home.

The young visitors from the 12th Winchester (Royal Green Jacket) Scout Group were welcomed as special guests at Colten Care’s St Catherines View.

Timed to coincide with the birthday of Lord Baden Powell, the founder of the Scouts, the visit prompted smiles and conversations all round as the children showed off their badges and what they need to do to achieve awards.

There were also campfire songs, a recitation of the Scout Promise, a demonstration of Scout hand signals and a talk about Baden Powell and the founding of the movement.

The visit was organised by Laura Sheldrake, companionship team leader at the home.

She said: “The Cubs came well equipped with pictures, information, books and their campfire blanket. Everyone joined in with the songs and trying out the hand actions.

“The interaction with our residents was a joy to see.

“Residents were all so engaged and enjoyed every minute.

“Intergenerational activities like this are so valuable as they bring out the best in everyone.

“Enabling residents to maintain and strengthen contact with the community, especially across the generations, is part and parcel of what we do and we are arranging for the Scouts to come back on a regular basis.”

Formed just over a century ago in 1921, the 12th Winchester is the oldest continually operating Scout group in the city.

Its Royal Green Jacket military affiliation was officially begun in 1943 to recognise fundraising that the group did for the regiment’s prisoners of war fund.

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