Explorer Scouts

Being a member of Scouting provides many opportunities for our young people. From learning new skills, making new friends, exploring outdoors through hiking and camping, there's something for everyone. In addition to local groups and activities, larger camps and events run both nationally and internationally. Each year, the National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra (NSGSO) and National Scout and Guide Concert Band (NSGCB) bring together members of both Scouting and Guiding aged between 12 and 25 who play an instrument at grade 4 or above for a week of music making, culminating in end of course concerts at a variety of venues. This year Falkirk District was represented by two of our Explorer Scouts, both attending for their third year, who had a fabulous time and would highly recommend it to others. Next summer is the 50th anniversary of NSGSO and 10th anniversary of NSGCB, and to celebrate a special course is planned with big concerts at Nottingham Albert Hall and the Birmingham Symphony Hall. Applications and further information can be found at https://nsgso-nsgcb.com/

Scouting offers a great range of activities and the photograph shows Explorer Scouts from all over Falkirk District taking part in canyoning sessions, navigating through waterfalls and slides in the river and jumping in from various heights depending on how brave they felt.  Our leaders train and gain permits to allow them to run these activities.  They are asking anyone who has a wetsuit that they have  outgrown or don't want anymore, to consider donating it to the Scouts to allow them to continue to offer this adventurous activity.  If you can help, please contact Programme@falkirkscouts.org.uk  to arrange collection.

A brilliant time was had by all when the 27^th Bonnybridge spent two days paddling on the Barrwood reservoir.  A group of beavers, cubs, scouts and North Star explorers pulled on buoyancy aids and helmets and used two Saturdays to learn how to paddle and manoeuvre kayaks, paddle boards and canoes.  For many of the young people it was their first venture on to the water.  Group lead volunteer, Helen Smith said: “We wanted to give the young people the opportunity to try something new during the school holidays. It worked out really well because it was sunny on both days. Plus, the scouts and explorers were able to increase their skills and helped the younger children by paddling the Canadian canoe with them on board.”

The photo shows some of the 500 participants preparing for the closing ceremony of the Blair Athol Jamborette at the end of July.  Such a large gathering of young people requires a huge number of adult volunteers, many of whom were from Falkirk District.  Staff are needed for many areas from manning the reception and dealing with the paper-work which a large camp engenders, to dealing with site logistics ensuring the camp is kept safe and clean.  While the youth members cook for themselves in their sub-camps, the staff are catered for by other volunteers.  Being a member of staff is hard work but many have so much fun that they attend year after year.

A mixed group of Scouts and Explorers from Falkirk District led by 16th Laurieston Scout group took part in the Blair Atholl International Jamborette Satellite Camp.  This is a shorter camp for younger Scouts to take part in the activities and ceremonies of a large International Jamborette.    The young people had opportunities to visit the main camp participants,  play games led by international visitors, try some camp activities in addition to a fun but very soggy campfire and a spectacular "Scouts Own" ceremony held in front of Blair Castle.  

All returned home tired, happy and very determined to attend the next Jamborette in 2 years-time.