Adult Training

Whilst Scouting is primarily about the 4 – 18-year-old members and the leaders who run and support the programme there is an equally important but often forgotten team who form the Trustee Board of Scout Groups.  These adult volunteers work together to make sure Scouting is run safely and legally, making sure it is well managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone follows legal requirements and Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR). Katherine Jamieson, the treasurer of the 16th Laurieston Scout Group was recently awarded an Award for Merit for her many years of service to the Group. 

Over the last few months a number of Scout leaders from Falkirk District have been working towards gaining adventurous activity permits for Canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, rafting and climbing.  To keep our young people safe, leaders have to prove that they’re competent in the activity before they’re allowed to be in charge of that activity.  The canoe Jenga picture was taken during one of the training session and goes to show that canoeing isn’t just about getting somewhere but that you can have fun just being in a boat. All passed their qualification and are now able to take their young people out on the water. 

Five leaders, from Groups and Units around the District, attended one of their training days on Loch Ard recently. Leaders require a permit to allow them to take youth members kayaking and depending on the type of water, lochs or rivers, and its severity they can get a permit based on their ability and competence. The course has involved paddling skills, rescues, group control as well as theory. It is intended that the final session will include leading and coaching of scouts while the leaders are assessed. The course is being run by the District Commissioner; Lenny Jamieson, who is a British Canoe Union Level 3 kayak coach.