THE lockdown may be on but Redditch Scouts are still managing to continue their activities despite Covid 19.
Group Scout Leader Sally Payne of 1st Astwood Bank said: “When most people think about Scouting they think about being outdoors – camping, cooking over open fires and playing games in wide open spaces.
“You may think that coronavirus has put a stop to such activities, but Redditch Scout leaders have found new ways to continue Scouting whilst sticking to social distancing guidelines.
“With camps suspended, Scout leaders have been inviting Beavers, Cubs and Scouts to hold a ‘camp at home’ and over the past couple of weeks young people across Redditch have slept in tents pitched in their gardens or in dens they have made inside or outside.”
She added that Leaders had also set camp challenges such as building mini rafts, constructing a flagpole and cooking a meal for their family.
Many Scout groups have set up live online meetings where boys and girls aged six to 18 can meet to chat, complete challenges and play games.
One Redditch mum, Clare Smith, talking on how this has helped her son said: “Speaking as a parent this does really help a great deal. It keeps a routine and gives him something to do.”
Another, Helen Benson said “We decided to set up camp in our back garden with two eager youngsters who had nothing better to do.
“All the family had stories by torch light and then slept out on Saturday night, including the dog who loved her first night sleeping in a tent!
“It has been great for Jack to follow other Scouts camping on Facebook and to still have some normality with the weekly online Scout meeting which he really looks forward to.”
Children who aren’t Scouts can get involved by trying some of the great free activities included The Scout Association The Great Indoors initiative. To find out more about becoming a Scout or volunteering as a leader in Redditch see www.scouts.org.uk or email [email protected]
