News

5 9 Seaton’s Cub, Teddy, walks and cycles 100 miles in October!

Teddy, a member of 5 9 Seaton’s Cubs pack, has amassed an impressive 100 miles on foot and wheel to raise over £400 for The National Autistic Society. What an incredible achievement! His fundraising link is still live too, so if you can spare a penny to help Teddy, please do so below. Check out what Teddy had to say about his endeavours.

I’m Teddy. I found out this year that I am autistic. That means my brain works a bit differently from everybody else. That’s what motivated me to take on a challenge to cover 100 miles in the month of October. The challenge was developed by the National Autistic Society. I rode my bike and I walked to complete the challenge. I ended up doing 105 miles in total! I raised £405 for the National Autistic Society. And I learned that I like riding my bike more than I knew!

Devon Scouts Climbing Wall visits Plymouth

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!

1st Keyham Cub earns all 38 Activity Badges

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!

Plymouth Scouts Steam It Up! 2024

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!

31st Ernesettle Beavers, first Beavers to earn the Healthy Relationships Badge

🌟 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! 🌟

The first Squirrel in Plymouth to earn ALL Squirrel activity badges

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!

Milo being awarded his Badge Certificate by Assistant District Commissioner for Squirrels, Danielle Wilson
Milo being awarded his Chief Scout Acorn by Deputy District Commissioner, Paul Roberts

59 (Derriford) Squirrels celebrate their first birthday!

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!

1st Roborough Scout Group venture to Kandersteg

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!

31st Ernesettle Squirrels Earn Their Together for Childhood Badge!

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.