With a beaver colony waiting list ‘bursting to the seams’, the 1st Sid Vale Scouts have one question – why not make your New Year’s resolution to volunteer with us?
Sarah Fletcher, who leads the six to eight-year-olds, revealed demand is so great she has had her first pre-birth application.
It was a tongue-in-cheek request from one of her colleagues but it highlights just how popular the group is, and volunteers are always needed for all ages.
“It’s a great organisation,” said Sarah, who started helping out when her family moved to Sidmouth six years ago. “I’ve really enjoyed all the opportunities they give the children here.
“The beaver colony is so popular that our waiting list is bursting to the seams. People know they have to start adding their children when they are two, three, four years old.
“We can only take 25 beavers in a meeting so we’re pushed for spaces.
“If we could have another beaver colony, that would be fantastic – we could create spaces for children who just aren’t able to get in. Quite often they have to wait until they are eight, when they can get into cubs.”
As well as the beaver colony, the 1st Sid Vale Scouts have two cub packs for ages eight to 10-and-a-half. After that youngsters can join scouts up to the age of 14 and then the explorers from the ages of 14 to 18.
Each section is run by a team of volunteer leaders and helpers who create a programme based on guidance from the National Scout Association.
Behind the scenes, there is a small group of volunteers who look after the administration and a maintenance team for the Salcombe Regis Recreation Field HQ.
Chairman Gareth Hughes said: “The scout group is going from strength to strength.
“We have more youngsters on our books than ever before – and too many knocking on the door who we would like to sign up.
“There’s a great opportunity to set up a second beaver colony – we have the space, the kit and the youngsters. We just need a couple more volunteers to help lead.
“We’d love to hear from anyone with time to make a contribution to our Sidmouth Group – no previous scouting experience needed!
“Why not make it your New Year’s resolution to volunteer with the scout group?”
For more information, call Gareth on 01395 515552 or Nancy Craven on 07767 688240, or visit www.sidvalescoutgroup.com.
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