You’re probably interested in finding out more about the group, read this and hopefully we’ll have answered all your questions!
1st Lym Valley Scout Group… Who?
We’re 1st Lym Valley Scout Group, we have 70 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and 30 Explorer Sea Scouts (as part of the Powder Monkeys ESSU) – boys and girls – who, each week, enjoy the everyday adventure, friendship, opportunities and skills for life that Scouting offers them. All this is run by our brilliant adult volunteers (the Leaders) who help make it a reality for the young people of Uplyme and Lyme Regis.
Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers?
So we split the group into 4 “sections” to make it all manageable – Beavers is for 6-8 year olds; Cubs is for 8-10 year olds; Scouts is for 10 – 14 year olds; and, Explorers is for 14 – 17 year olds – they wear the blue shirts and have a nautical theme. We are also assisted by our Young Leaders, 14 – 17 year olds, who are also Explorers.
So what sort of activities do you get up to?
Here’s a sample from the past 12 months from all 3 sections: Archery, Air-rifle shooting, Rafting, Cardboard Boat racing, Fitness sessions, Yoga, Night navigation, Pioneering, Fire-lighting, Den making, Mechanics, Video making, Photography, Pancakes, Air Activities Badge, Lego, Campfires, Beach Olympics, Wetlands Visit, Cycling… we could go on.
Wow… okay, that’s a lot! Don’t you do camping as well?
Yes, absolutely! The Beavers usually have a sleepover every so often. The Cubs like to either go and do a shooting camp or go to an activity centre during the summer. The Scouts enjoy doing their expeditions, whether by foot or by bike, and also going on their week long Summer Camp; either at a Scout Jamboree, here in the U.K, or, like in more recent years, go to abroad to France for an amazing Watersports trip.
Are there any real benefits to doing Scouting?
Those who do Scouting gain confidence, learn leadership skills, want to take on responsibility, get a taste for challenge and, as research has confirmed, are likely to have better mental health in the long run. And of course, have a lot of fun in the process and make friends that will last them a lifetime.
So what’s the cost of all this? Sounds expensive…
Scouting is very affordable, and works out around just under £3 a session during term time (this is figured out dividing the termly subs by the total number of sessions in a term) which is less than other organisations locally.
Uniform is purchased separately, and, on average, costs around £20 (though there are second hand ones going for less online).
Camps and other one-off trips can cost anywhere from nothing to over £400 – especially the larger camps. The average camp cost though is around £50, with sleepovers coming it around £10. The group tries to subsidise these camps where possible to keep the cost down and there is a hardship fund for those Beavers, Cubs and Scouts who would like to go on Camp but whose parents cannot afford it – there is also a similar scheme in place for subs as well.
We can say without hesitation, Scouting is very affordable and inclusive.
Anything else I should know?
The group is a charity, is run entirely by adult volunteers, and does rely on parental support. Whether that be on a weekly parent rota, helping in uniform (don’t worry, not compulsory!), being on our committee, helping with the maintenance of the Hut – there are loads of ways you can support the group. Any help is much appreciated and really does make a difference.
Sounds great, where do I sign up?
If you, or your child wishes to get involved the join form is here – if you still have questions feel free to drop us an enquiry message here. Please note, the group does currently have a waiting list in place for Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers due to the high demand for places.
