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St Laurence Scout Group

St Laurence Scout Group is quite obviously part of the Scout Movement which was founded by Robert Baden-Powell in 1907 when he took twenty boys from various backgrounds for a fortnights experimental camp to test out his ideas. Today there are well over 28 million members in 216 countries.

St Laurence Scout Group is part of the Rea Valley District and enjoys the support and activities it offers to all the sections and ages, previously (until January 2005) we were part of the South West District.

As a Group we are closely associated with St Laurence Church (which dates back to the Doomsday Book!) and maintain our ties with them in numerous ways including Church Parade. St Laurence Scout Group was first registered in 1947 and before then it was known as 1st Northfield, Masvil Group when it amalgamated with St Laurence in 1975 and hence some of the sections still maintain their Masvil name.

Today we have 3 active sections and offer a high standard of Scouting for young people aged between six and eighteen. In the 2009 census, we were highlighted as being the largest group within our district with 93 members! (Beavers, Cubs & Scouts)

Beavers 6 - 8 years

Cubs 8 - 10½ years (2 packs - Concorde & Masvil)

Scouts 10½ -14 years

If you wish to join our group then you can found out how here.

Our Group Structure

Within the 3 sections in our group each have their own Section Leaders, who are supported by the Group Scout Leader. He is the main point of contact between the sections and is responsible for the smooth running of St Laurence Scout Group, along with the Group Executive Committee.

To get in touch with any section or leader please see our contact page or use the forum for more information.

SUBS

Currently these are £7 a month, payable on the first meeting date of your section each month (the only exception being August when we do not meet). This £7 covers many things (XXXXXXXXXXXX explain notes taken from treasurers report in AGM)

CHURCH PARADE

As we are affiliated to the St Laurence Church, and part of the Scout Promise and Law refers to our duty to God, we need to support Church Parades. These take place on the 2nd Sunday of each month and each member from Beavers, Cubs and Scouts is encouraged to attend. The service starts at 10.00 and finishes at 11.00.

FUND RAISING

All information about our fundraising can be found here

This includes a dedicated page about car washes (and one for the general public too)

CHURCHYARD CLEAR

As part of the support to the Church, twice a year we help at their Churchyard Clear. This is where we go along and help tidy the Churchyard. There is lots to do, and always a job for everyone.

The Scout Movement

Baden-Powell originally intended that Scouting should be for boys aged 11 to 18. But seeing the fun and adventure older brothers and friends were having as Scouts, younger boys began asking to join too. The physical development and interests of boys differ considerably over and under the age of 11, and Baden-Powell saw training must be designed on quite separate although complementary lines. In 1914 'Junior Scouts' were announced and in 1916, they became 'Wolf Cubs'.

In 1966, as part of a modernisation plan, a number of sweeping changes were introduced and the Section became known as Cub Scouts. New proficiency and training schemes were introduced and the Cub Scout Law and Promise revised. Following an update in the early 1990s, the Cub Scout Section has changed again with the introduction of the new 6-25 programme. Girls have been joining in the fun and challenge of Cub Scouting since 1991.

In October 1982, The Scout Association introduced 'Beavers' for 6 to 8-year-old boys in response to a growing demand within the Movement. In April 1986, they became a recognised training Section and took the title of Beaver Scouts. From 1991, girls were also able to join Beaver Scouts. In the UK, Beaver Scouts wear a simple uniform consisting of a turquoise sweatshirt and Group Scarf.

Scouting is for boys and girls who want to make friends and develop their widening interests in ways that are both educational and fun. It is ideal for young people who want a break from the usual after school routine of homework, games and TV. With the emphasis on adventurous activities, action and involvement, Scouting means more than just camping. Hiking, rock climbing, gliding, sailing, pioneering, canoeing, parascending, abseiling, First Aid, motor mechanics, electronics, amateur radio and photography are just some of the things they do.

During the late 1990s, it was decided that, in order to meet the changing needs of young people over the age of 14, two new Sections should be created. Venture Scouting was discontinued and Explorer Scouts for 14 to 18-year-olds and the Scout Network for 18 to 25-year-olds, introduced. There are many types of Explorer Scout Units: some are linked to the local Scout Group, others may be based around local activity or other centres.

Much of the content in this section is from the scoutbase website and factsheet FS295101.

The Aims and Methods of Scouting

The aim of Scouting is to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.

The method of achieving the aim is through the provision of exciting and adventurous activities with progressive training based on The Scout Promise and Law guided by Adult leaders.

Updated: 16/09/2009 13:00