News

Initially visiting for Plymouth Scouts Steam It Up 2024 at Plym Valley Railway, the Devon Scouts Climbing wall has been in operation for several evenings to allow as many young people as possible the opportunity to climb.
Hosted by teams from 9th/21st Plymouth and 1st Stonehouse, young people from across the city visited the wall for a chance for an adventure!

Achieving all 38 activity badges in Cubs is no easy feat, but George Wilson-Hardy of 1st Keyham Scout Group has achieved all 38, plus 14 of the 15 staged activity badges and the collection of 7 Challenge badges, culminating is receiving his Chief Scout Silver Award at the 1st Keyham AGM on Friday 20th September by Deputy District Commissioner, Paul Roberts. Congratulations George!

Sunday 15th September saw Plymouth Scouts return to Plym Valley Railway for an exciting day of adventure and fun!
With the county climbing wall, inflatables, crazy golf, miniature railway and much more besides, the event welcomed over 500 people!
With huge thanks to organising group 9th/21st Plymouth and supporting groups 59 Seaton & 1st Stonehouse!

🌟 Together for Childhood Plymouth Celebrates Healthy Relationships Badge with Local Scouts! 🌟

On Wednesday 16th October, Together for Childhood Plymouth was thrilled to attend the second Healthy Relationships badge presentation at the 31st Plymouth Ernesettle Scouts Group. The Beavers section earned their badge by engaging in activities focused on friendship and kindness, showing their commitment to building positive relationships.

It was a heartwarming evening, with parents, carers, and group leaders coming together to celebrate the Beavers’ achievements. And to top it all off, there was a special guest appearance from Pantosaurus!

We’re excited to continue this important work with the other scout sections in the coming months, helping even more young people learn about the value of healthy relationships! 🌟

While all of Plymouth’s 4-6 year olds work incredibly hard, it can’t be more true than for that of 59 Seaton’s, Milo! He has become the proud inaugural Squirrel recipient of ALL 13 activity badges, in addition to his 4 Challenge badges, several staged activity badges (including 4 nights away!) and of course his Chief Scout Acorn Award! This is a superb achievement and a testament to the hard work he has committed to his first years in Scouting. Huge Congratulations Milo!

This week Derriford youngest members have celebrated the anniversary of their opening, with an exciting birthday bash! Leaders Red, Panda, Nanny Panda, Goose, Tails, Chatter and River created a session of fun with Squirrel biscuits, target practice, bean bag throw, soft axe throwing and bunting colouring, amid the normal games and the Squirrel Wiggle!

Happy Birthday 59 Squirrels!

This summer, 15 young people & a swathe of volunteers (both new and experienced!) from 1st Roborough had the adventure of a lifetime at the Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland. The group spent a week surrounded by the stunning Swiss Alps, taking part in a variety of exciting activities like hiking, rock climbing, and camping. They also had the unique opportunity to meet Scouts from all over the world, forging new friendships and learning about different cultures.

The trip was a fantastic opportunity for the Scouts to develop their skills, challenge themselves, and create memories that will last a lifetime. From breathtaking mountain views to thrilling outdoor adventures, the Kandersteg experience was truly unforgettable for everyone involved.

We’re incredibly proud of our Scouts for embracing this adventure with enthusiasm and representing 1st Roborough and Plymouth Scouts with such spirit. Here’s to many more international adventures in the future!

The 31st Ernesettle Squirrels have achieved a remarkable milestone by earning their Together for Childhood Healthy Relationships badge, a testament to their commitment to fostering positive relationships. This special event was marked by the presentation of the first Healthy Relationships badge and the arrival of a beloved new member, Build-a-Bear Ernie (named after Ernesettle), who will play an essential role in their journey. The event also saw Squirrels playing themed games around the badge criteria and enjoyed a party with their family and friends.

The Healthy Relationships badge programme was developed through a collaboration between Together for Childhood, the NSPCC, and the Scouts, embodying the well known NSPCC ethos and positive relationship practices. This initiative brought together the dedicated team at 31st Ernesettle Scout Group, led by Lead Volunteer Trevor Richards, the Squirrels Leadership Team, and the District Team, including former District Commissioner John Davies, Deputy District Commissioner Paul Roberts, and Assistant District Commissioner for Squirrels, Danielle Wilson.

Key Highlights:

• Planning and Collaboration: The project was meticulously planned with the Ernesettle leaders, ensuring that parents and carers were involved and consenting. The badge’s curriculum will evolve as the children grow, ensuring that all messages about healthy relationships remain developmentally appropriate and relevant to their learning at school.
• Role of Build-a-Bear Ernie: Ernie has been a significant asset in delivering crucial messages to children and supporting parents and carers in initiating important conversations. He has previously been used in therapy sessions and is now eager to join the scouts to earn his Together for Childhood Healthy Relationships badge. And now every Ernesettle Squirrel has their very own “Ernie”.
• Educational Objectives: The sessions aim to equip children with the knowledge and skills to build happier and safer relationships. The programme covers both online and offline interactions, encouraging children to seek help if they feel unsafe or worried.

The badge was pioneered with the 31st Ernesettle Squirrels and will next be rolled out to their Beavers. As the programme develops, it will extend to Cubs and Scouts, ensuring that all age groups benefit from this valuable initiative. The ultimate goal is to expand the badge across the district and, eventually, nationally.

The Together for Childhood initiative promotes positive relationships as a central ethos, drawing on concepts such as the NSPCC Pantosaurus messaging. This approach emphasises the importance of keeping ourselves safe and treating others with respect and kindness.

Ernie has been instrumental in distributing valuable resources, such as leaflets about ChildLine, the Helpline for adults with concerns about a child, and PANTS information. His contributions have been invaluable, and we are thrilled to welcome him as our very own Scouting Build-a-Bear Healthy Relationships Ambassador.

This initiative underscores our commitment to ensuring that every child in the 31st Ernesettle group has the tools and support they need to thrive. We are incredibly proud of our Squirrels for their hard work and dedication.

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A former Scout leader who was involved for over 60 years with the scouting movement was delighted to receive a visit from the 1^st Keyham (St Mark) Scouts at the residential home where he lives in St Budeaux, Plymouth.

Resident John Stone was a Scout leader for over six decades and despite his dementia he regularly reminisces about these times with staff at Butterfly Lodge.

The care team are currently engaged in a programme called ‘If only I could’ which is aimed at making residents’ dreams come true: they enable the people they support to revisit favourite activities they thought they were no longer able to do.

Tara West, who works as a healthcare assistant and is also Butterfly Lodge’s dignity champion, said: “When we spoke to John about making a wish for the ‘If only I could’ programme he spoke about his time with the Scouts and really lit up.

“John always loves to talk to me about what he used to do in the Scouts, and I find it so interesting – I could sit there for hours and listen to his stories.”

During their visit, as well as engaging with the residents, the Scouts constructed and installed a new bird house to go in the garden at Butterfly Lodge, under the guidance of Scout leader Chris Morton.

Tara West said: “John was delighted to spend time talking with them about what he used to do as a Scout leader and really enjoyed hearing about why they enjoy scouting and what activities they like best.

“He keeps telling everyone what a wonderful afternoon it was, and I’m hoping we can do it again.

“I am endlessly impressed that John spent over 60 years involved with the movement and we knew it would make him really happy to have a surprise visit from the local youngsters.

“Huge thanks to Chris Morton and Tracey Cooke of the 1^st Keyham (St Mark) Scouts for working with us to make John’s dream come true.”

The activities inspired by the ‘If only I could’ wish-list form part of a busy and varied programme of activities provided for residents of Butterfly Lodge. The home is run by specialist dementia care providers Camelot Care who also run homes in Bridgwater, Wellington and Yeovil.