Scouting…it’s all Dib Dib Dob Dob and Bob a Job week isn’t it? Helping old ladies across the street and wearing a silly uniform? That’s the image we all have of the ‘Traditional Scout Movement’, but the reality is far from this.  Lord Robert Baden Powell, the founder of the Scout Movement, is quoted as saying “The open air is the real objective of Scouting and the key to its success.” 

In many ways I’ve taken this to heart in my involvement as a Beaver and Cub Scout leader as I’d rather be out and about doing things than in the Community Centre running sessions. In the last five years as a leader I’ve had the pleasure of doing (and this is doing, not just sitting on the sidelines) abseiling, caving, tree climbing, high ropes, sailing, raft building, canoeing, paddle boarding, rowing, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, night hiking, weaseling, crate stacking, pedal karting, air-rifle shooting, pistol shooting, water activity days, climbing walls, geocaching, fire- and police station visits, Pets at Home/ Halfords/Tesco visits. And that’s in addition to the more traditional activities you’d expect like camping and fire starting. 

There’s a saying: “The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It’s about what you’re made of, not the circumstances.”  The Scouting Movement is open to both boys and girls and it welcomes everyone. I myself was a Brownie and a Girl Guide and I loved the experiences it gave me. I consider myself very fortunate to have been involved as an adult too in Scouting at Fairfield – in organising and running sessions that help our young people develop new skills. I’ve seen children gain massively in confidence and learn things that are simply not taught in mainstream education. After all not all lessons take place within four walls.

Fairfield’s Beaver, Cub and Scout groups are always looking for more leaders. We have a waiting list of children wanting to join, with more demand for places than we can currently offer, but with more Leaders we would be able to open up more spaces. If you are interested in getting involved, please feel free to drop me a line at becky.fairfieldparkcubs@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you and share more about what is involved.

Becky Dallas, Fairfield resident and Cub Leader