Another enthralling year has passed us by in the Scout section. We’ve seen a lot of change, a lot of new faces and a fair few Gold awards too! Currently we have 25 young people and 7 leaders. We have said goodbye to John as Section Leader and Andy has stepped down to a Sectional Assistant role. Georgina and I have stepped in to take over the section.  

A successful camp was run by Georgina, we settled for a spot in Breacon just below Pen-Y-Fan. Activities included; shooting, hillwalking, swimming, climbing, bushcraft and a waterfall walk. The weather was clear albeit cold with the odd spot of rain. Typical Wales. Thanks again George! 

Out of a great year the highlights include: a visit to Aerospace Bristol; Expedition; a visit to Trowbridge Fire Station; the Photography Badge and numerous hikes/orienteering activities.  

Aerospace Bristol was well received on Scouting Saturday by both the young and old alike! An excellent array of aerospace material was on display, the topper being Concorde. This paved the way for the Scouts to achieve their Air Activities challenge badge.  

The expedition was carried out on a blustery weekend in March, seven Scouts braved Westbury White Horse and were sent on their way at 10:00. The group was met at Jubilee Woods, here they pitched tents, whipped up a bolognaise and turned in. The following day the group returned to the Hut in good time.  

Following a Fire Safety evening we visited Trowbridge Fire Station, where we were kindly showed around by Nick. Nick let us clamber about the Appliances, dress up and achieve our Fire Safety badge. A most excellent evening!  

Earlier in the programme, professional photographer Ben Langdon came in for two weeks to help the Scouts achieve their Photography badge. This was a great hit, and really brought out a side of the Group we hadn’t seen before!  

From popular demand, hikes and orienteering activities have become more frequent in our programme. This term we’ve learned the fundamentals of navigation and undertaken a short hike. The Scouts were released and let loose to make their way back to the hut by themselves. Hmm… Despite some mishaps the group loved this experience and are keen for our end of term hike.  

As you can tell the team has taken the programme up a gear, the aim being to get a lot of badgework through to ensure the young people really reach their full potential before the age of fourteen. So far this has worked well, we’ve awarded five Chief Scout Gold Awards to some really deserving Scouts, in turn paving the way for our young group to progress in the same manner.  

I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Nick King to our Troop, to thank the other Sections for the help they’ve given and my fellow team members for their commitment and skills.  

Thanks all, 

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