On 21st March 2019 the Stratford Herald printed an article entitled Take The Volunteering
It’s one of the best-known youth movements in the world and at a time of growing concern about support for young people, stratford upon avon district scouts is thriving. And it will be celebrating all the good work going on in stratford scout week, which runs from this friday, 22nd march to 30th march.
The launch takes place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Friday evening with the first weekend seeing many supermarkets across the district offering Scouts Bag Packing.
The second weekend will see a range of events including a major litter pick with youngsters working with the Rubbish Friends group, and a new district website.
Throughout the week that good work will be highlighted across the district, encouraging more people to get involved, especially more volunteer leaders to help the 100+ young people on their joining lists.
There will be a follow-up meeting for anybody inspired to get involved at Stratford Town Hall, on Wednesday, 3rd April, where you can drop in from 6.30-8.30pm.
This will be a chance to meet the Scouts and find out how you can help in a flexible way from being a leader, occasional helper, or helping on special occasions.
The district is also on the lookout for non- uniformed adults to help behind the scenes, for example as committee members , to look after social media/communications, or the stores and equipment – with many more opportunities available.
There will also be an open meeting at Shipston Scout Hut on Wednesday, from 10th April, from 6.30-8.30pm.
District chairman Tony Guy said: “As Scouts, we believe in preparing young people with skills for life.”
“We encourage young people to do more, learn more and be more. Each week, we help young people aged 6-25 enjoy fun and adventure while developing the skills they need to succeed, now and in the future.”
“We’re talking about teamwork, leadership and resilience – skills that have helped Scouts become everything from teachers and social
workers to astronauts and Olympians. We help young people develop and improve key life skills.”
“We believe in bringing people together. We celebrate diversity and stand against intolerance, always. We’re part of a worldwide movement, creating stronger communities and inspiring positive futures.”
“Our district has eight scout groups and three explorer units with nearly 600 youngsters, supported by more than 150 adults, in Stratford and the surrounding district.”
The district includes Stratford town, Clopton, Shottery and Tiddington, along with the rural area stretching out to the county boundary to the south-west, taking in Welford, Newbold, Pillerton Priors and Shipston.
Numbers have grown by more than 35 per cent in the past three years and groups have embraced the demand for young people to join Scouting by opening new sections. As Beavers grow in numbers, they will go up to Cubs and then Scouts and it will be necessary to start new Sections in Cubs and Scouts.
Mr Guy said: “1st Shottery Scout Group is a shining example of a growing group and
recently they were awarded the ‘Warwickshire Scouts Strategic Award for Growth’ and proudly display their trophy in the Scout headquarters.”
For those already involved, more than 90 per cent of scout volunteers say that the skills and experiences gained have been useful in their work and personal life
Mr Guy added: “The award-winning training schemes for volunteers means that adults get as much from Scouts as young people.
“We welcome volunteers from every community and background. You don’t need to have been a Scout. You just need to believe in a more positive future and the difference we can make together.”
There are vacancies for Leaders and Adult Helpers across the district, so do go along to the events on 3rd or 10th April or if you cannot make it,
email:
or go to: www.stratfordscouts.org.uk
