17th Rochdale 1[st] Wardle Scout Group Annual Report 2024/25
17[th] Rochdale 1[st] Wardle Scout Group Report
Summary of the Year 2024/25
We faced some challenges and growth in the leadership team — but true to Scouting spirit, our community pulled together. New volunteers joined, experienced ones supported, and our Beaver section is finding its rhythm again. The result? A year filled with laughter, adventure and real Scouting spirit. We’re so grateful to everyone who said “yes” when asked to help — whether that’s running games, organising activities, or simply being there to encourage the young people. You’ve made a difference that really matters.
Everyone involved with Wardle Scout Group is hugely proud of our achievements – from saving lives to having fun on our first sleepover to travelling abroad and kayaking down rivers – we have a great feeling of support and friendship in our group.
Highlights of a Brilliant Year
Here are just some of the moments that made this year unforgettable:
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Our brand-new Squirrel Drey launched successfully, with three volunteers new to Scouting supported by four experienced leaders. Watching our 4- and 5-year-old Squirrels grow in confidence and curiosity over their first six months has been a real joy.
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An epic 8-day adventure to the Ardèche saw Scouts and Explorers paddle the river, sleep under the stars, and create lifelong memories. The young people – and their leaders – truly embraced the spirit of adventure!
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Group Camp brought together Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers for a weekend of laughter, teamwork and campfire camaraderie. The sense of community and shared fun summed up everything great about Scouting.
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The 500-Mile Challenge – “It’s 500 miles to Paris!” Sam set us the target, and members from every section – even our Squirrels – stepped up to take part. Sunshine, smiles and teamwork made it a fantastic day for the whole Group.
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Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge – what an incredible achievement! Scouts and Explorers walked 25 miles over three mighty mountains, supported by parents, leaders, our catering crew and a dedicated road team. It was the perfect example of Wardle Scout Group’s determination and spirit.
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Exploring the Alps - completion of the Explorer Belt, one of scouting’s top awards for under 25’s, in the Alps by 2 of the scout groups’ leaders and one scout network member. Mountainous adventures on an epic scale. Well done Sam, Josh and Henry.
Sharing the Load
Our Trustee Board of parents and supporters work tirelessly behind the scenes to manage our finances, building and governance. Their dedication ensures that everything runs smoothly, safely and sustainably.
This year, they’ve gone above and beyond to support our most ambitious project yet – a group adventure to Disneyland Paris for 59 young people and 15 leaders! The commitment represents
a huge financial leap of faith (a total of £35,000), but with their guidance and confidence, we know the magic will be worth it. Thank you, Trustees, for your ongoing support and belief in our young people.
Leaders & Helpers
The heart of Wardle Scout Group is our volunteers. Between them, our teams have dedicated an estimated 6,000 volunteer hours this year – an extraordinary gift of time, care and enthusiasm. Our leaders make Scouting safe, adventurous and full of laughter. Whether they’re hiking mountains, leading crafts, running games or calming homesick campers, they do it all with kindness and a sense of fun. We simply couldn’t do it without them.
A Huge Thank You
To every single person involved in Wardle Scout Group – thank you.
To our volunteers: your energy, creativity and good humour make Scouting in Wardle so special. To our Trustee Board : your steady hand and willingness to support big ideas keep us moving forward.
And to our parents and carers : thank you for trusting us with your young people and cheering us on – your encouragement means the world. Together, we’ve created another year filled with skills for life, shared adventure and happy memories.
Looking Forwards – plans for next year
Next year promises even more adventure! We’re finalising plans for a truly special summer camp for our Scouts and Explorers – a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Denmark , as part of their national pre-Jamboree event ahead of the 2031 World Scout Jamboree. We’ll be joining 30,000 others for an unforgettable week of international friendship and fun.
We’ll need a van (and a willing driver!) to transport all our camping kit – so if you know someone who could help make that happen, please get in touch.
Here’s to another year of adventure, friendship, and the unstoppable spirit of Wardle Scouting! With sincere thanks and pride,
Norma Brandon Caroline Goodall Group Lead Volunteer Group Chair
17th Rochdale 1st Wardle Scout Group Registered Charity Number 1064434
Receipts and Payments Account
| Receipts and payments | ||
|---|---|---|
| Receipts Subscriptions and similar income Membership subscriptions Less:Membership subscriptions paid on to District Net membership subscriptions retained Gift Aid Other subscriptions and similar income Sub total Fundraising income, grants and donations received Other fundraising activities General donations Building donations Equipment grants Other grants Sub total Camps and activities income (gross) Group camps and additional activities income Other similar income Sub total Income from premises and bank interest Bank interest Refund of overpaid utility bills Sub total Total receipts Payments Fundraising costs, grants and donations paid Fundraising costs Other grants and donations paid Sub total |
Year End 31/03/2025 12,186.26 (4,305.50) 7,880.76 5,843.36 - 13,724.12 - 1,352.48 1,700.00 - - 3,052.48 - 23,076.09 - 23,076.09 720.13 - 720.13 40,57 2.82 Year End 31/03/2025 £ - - |
Year End 31/03/2024 9,623.99 (3,811.50) |
| 5,812.49 2,058.44 - |
||
| 7,870.93 | ||
| - 904.67 - - - |
||
| 904.67 | ||
| - 8,769.30 - |
||
| 8,769.30 | ||
| 646.56 - |
||
| 646.56 | ||
| 18,19 1.46 |
||
| Year End 31/03/2024 £ - - |
||
-
Camps, activities and general expenses
| Group camps and additional activities expenses Other activities costs Sub total Capital items Camp equipment Uniform Other capital equipment Sub total Premises costs Building improvements Venue Maintenance (Inc Cleaning) Insurance Membership Costs (OSM Charges) Rent Community charge Gas and Electricity Water and sewerage Other utility costs Other premises costs Sub total Training, administration costs and other expenses Training Other sundry costs (Bursary Jamboree) Sub total Total payments Net of receipts / (payments) for year Fund balances brought forward 1 April Fund balances carried forward 31 March |
25,107.39 487.95 25,595.34 1,539.33 - - 1,539.33 - 2,029.78 892.84 568.62 428.00 92.31 3,394.62 1,920.35 162.88 4,860.90 14,350.30 240.00 - 240.00 41,72 4.97 (1,152.15) 52,07 3.37 £ 50,921.22 |
10,463.41 638.27 |
|---|---|---|
| 11,101.68 | ||
| 206.11 - - |
||
| 206.11 | ||
| - 2,789.81 256.00 365.89 795.73 94.09 6,357.25 738.30 - |
||
| 11,397.07 | ||
| 192.00 1,600.00 |
||
| 1,792.00 | ||
| 24,49 6.86 |
||
| (6,305.40) | ||
| 58,37 8.77 |
||
| £ 52,073.37 |
||
| Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year |
Year End 31/03/2025 Year End 31/03/2024 £ £
Cash funds
Barclays Bank xxxxx385 2,194.56 2,581.89 IAS - xxxxx979 42,185.61 48,335.44 IAS - Building Fund xxxxx178 19.49 19.21 IAS - Jamboree fund xxxxx374 5,030.93 15.24 IAS - xxxxx931 1.35 1.35 OSM Expense account 1,257.81 900.77 Petty Cash 231.07 219.47 Total current assets 50,920.82 52,073.37 Current liabilities Accounts payable - - Other current liabilities - - Total current liabilities - - Net assets £ £ 50,920.82 52,073.37
The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on and signed on their behalf by:
Treasurer’s Report
17th Rochdale, 1 st Wardle year ending 31/3/2025
The efforts of the group to increase the number of activities undertaken has been a massive success and a credit to the leaders being very much reflected in the figures.
Fundraising again has been key to balancing the books. From Tygga sewing badges onto uniforms to the Boxing Day Walk and the 3 Peaks Challenge, a huge thank you to all the volunteers.
Points to note from the 24/25 accounts:-
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Electricity and Gas costs have practically halved but this is the unwinding of the overpayments in 2023/2024. Scottish Power hold the present contract and this will be reviewed in 2025. I would expect 2025/2026 figures to give an accurate reflection of the cost.
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Insurance shows a double payment down to Year end and insurance renewal timing.
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The accounts are reflecting an increase in subs payments due to the subs rise in September 2024 and the addition of the new squirrel’s section.
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Gift aid reflects 2 years payments. 2025 saw a £800 increase in Gift aid from parents signing the Gift Aid Declaration on OSM to allow the group to claim the Gift Aid on all of their subs payments. We also had Gift Aid Declaration on the sponsorship payments from the 3 Peaks Challenge.
It really is a simple and vital way to raise £2800 this year with zero downside.
We would once again like to thanks Clare Smith Accountancy for scrutinising the accounts free of charge.
Angela Tait/ Ian Tait
Wardle Squirrel Drey
Summary of the Year
8 months of Wardle Squirrels and WOW! What a spectacular few months we have had. All our Squirrels have come such a long way in such a short space of time, and we are all so proud of everything they have managed to achieve.
A Year of Adventure – Fun, Friendship, and the Scouting Spirit
We have had so many adventures from the scout hut to the woods, but here is an overview of some of our best adventure so far.
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Musician activity badge day – The first Squirrels outing took us to Bradley Woods to enjoy musical instruments from around the world, singing and games. Everyone had a fabulous day learning rhythms and keys.
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St George’s day parade – Squirrels joined the district at Springfield Park, marching with pride and reciting the promise they had learned. We even enjoyed a good old fashioned steam train ride!
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Activity day – we joined squirrels and beavers from Pennine district at Ashworth Valley Scout campsite for some fun and adventurous activities, then had a splash in some puddles in the rain too!
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Teddy bears picnic – We joined Heywood and Milnrow for some fun in the sun with our favourite furry friends. The Squirrels practised first aid to make sure they could keep their bears healthy alongside a scavenger hunt in the park and summer games on the lawn, finished off with a nice icy treat.
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500-mile challenge - Brave Squirrels took to the hills at Withens Clough Reservoir to support our scouts in their mission to raise money for their international travels. Well done to all for this incredible achievement!
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Community Support – As part of their community impact, Squirrels collected litter around the local village, decorated positive message stones, and hid them to make our locals days just a little bit brighter.
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Rugby Taster Morning – Wet, muddy and oh so much fun! Squirrels enjoyed a taste of rugby with fun and interactive games at Rochdale Rugby Club.
Badges – Adventures Gained and Skills unlocked
Squirrels have made a huge dent in their badge awards from musicians, to hikes, community 87 support, planting and growing flowers and learning about the world for All Around Us. badges have been earned within our Saturday morning adventures, and each one has been well and truly deserved. Well done Wardle Squirrels!
It turns out our leader volunteers want to earn the badges too – so they have been presented with them – well done leaders!
Thank you to Our Brilliant Leaders
Every week our leaders create the most incredible adventures for our Squirrels, and we could not do this without them. A huge thank you to Akela, Charlotte, Clare, Sam, Steph and Raksha and our young leaders Ethan and Emily for all the hard work you put in every week to ensure our Squirrels have the best start to their weekend. Also, a huge thank you to the parents and carers who support and step in when we need a few extra hands. Each and every one of you make Wardle Squirrels such a fun place to be.
Looking Ahead – New Adventures Await!
We plan to continue the celebrating tomorrow with our Squirrels District Halloween party, trick or treating, spooky sweets and maybe a friendly monster or two will be joining us for this super special day. Our winter program is already gearing up to the best yet as we join the district for some ‘it’s behind you’ fun at Heywood Sports centre. We plan to continue our progress to be expert constructors to finish the work on our Brilliant Builders Badge and as for the rest…. well, you will have to join us and see.
None of this would be possible without our brilliant volunteers – so if you’d like to take part in the fun, come and chat to one of the team. There’s always room for another adventurer in our pack!
The Squirrel Volunteer team
Watergrove and Brown Wardle Colony Report
Summary of the Year
What a fantastic, fun-filled, and adventure-packed year it’s been for our Beavers! From muddy boots to big smiles, every week has been full of energy, curiosity, and laughter.
We continue to run two thriving Beaver colonies . We’ve had a few changes in leadership . Our beloved Fraggle hung up her scouting hat after an incredible eight years of service , and while her absence was felt, we’ve been so proud of how the colony has adapted and kept the beaver spirit strong. Huge thanks go to Bagheera , who joined us from Cubs in September to temporarily mentor the team with her trademark organisation!
Our Beaver Year of Fun and Adventure
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Remembrance Sunday - the Beavers joined the village parade and walked to Wardle Cenotaph — they did the whole group proud with their respectful smiles and smart walking.
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Beavers Badge Afternoon at Bradley Wood – Beavers took part in the Musician’s badge and were presented with it on the day.
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Five-a-Side Football Competition - Plenty of goals, giggles, and great teamwork — small in number but mighty in spirit, our Beavers gave it their all!
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St George’s Day Promise Renewal - A brilliant day shared with Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers at Springfield Park — the Beavers waved flags proudly and renewed their promise with enthusiasm.
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500 Mile Challenge - Three Beavers and two leaders joined in this group-wide challenge — every step helping us get closer to our ambitious target!
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Christmas Movie Night - Popcorn, pyjamas, and festive fun! This cosy evening was a huge hit and might just become a Wardle Beaver tradition.
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Learn a Song in Sign - With Abbie’s fantastic leadership, the Beavers learned a song in sign language — showing amazing listening skills, concentration, and teamwork.
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Beavers + mud + marshmallows = a
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Campfire, S’mores, and Plantation Adventures - perfect night outdoors! Full of laughter, learning, and sticky fingers — the best kind of Scouting fun.
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Annual Boat Race - A splashy showdown of creativity and competition! Every homemade boat was unique — and the Parents & Leaders Champion title went back to Yeti after a dramatic race finish.
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Space Camp Sleepover - An unforgettable adventure at Bowley Campsite. For many of the nine Beavers, it was their first night away from home — and they loved every moment. From zip-lining and pond dipping to grass sledging and space-themed crafts, the fun never stopped.
Badges Gained
Badges aren’t just about sewing — they’re about challenge, effort and pride. And wow, did our Beavers rise to the challenge!
Between our two packs, they’ve earned over 218 badges this year – well done for all of the effort and hard work.
Chief Scouts’ Bronze Award
This is the highest award that can be achieved in Beavers.
8 Beavers have earned this award this year, so a big Well Done goes to: - Vincenzo, Jack, Hayden, Issac, Anderson, Oliver, Rory and Samuel. Good luck in Cubs all of you!
Thank you to Our Brilliant Volunteers
Our sincere thanks go to our volunteer leaders Yeti, Abbie, Chatter, Titch, Ember, Josh and our parent helpers for their dedication, energy and teamwork. Their continued commitment ensures our Beaver programme remains full of fun, friendship and adventure.
Parents and Volunteers
Thank you to all our parents for your encouragement, feedback and willingness to lend a hand. Your support enables us to offer the wide range of activities and experiences that help our Beavers learn, grow and thrive.
Looking Ahead – New Adventures Await!
This December, we’re joining the whole district – Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts – for a magical trip to see The Wizard of Oz at Heywood Sports Centre.
Then, in February 2026 , a few of Wardle Beavers are to join the Cubs, Scouts and Explorers when then head off on the adventure of a lifetime… Disneyland Paris! ✨
From space battles to fairy tales, our Beavers are ready to explore, learn and create memories that will last forever.
None of this would be possible without our brilliant volunteers – so if you’d like to join the fun, come and chat to one of the team. There’s always room for another adventurer in our beaver colonies
The Beaver Volunteer team
Friday Night and Wednesday Night Cub Packs
Summary of the Year
What a whirlwind of excitement this year has been for our Cubs! From winter camp on the ski slope and sizzling water fights to tackling litter wars and pancake flipping, we’ve packed in more fun, friendship and adventure than ever before.
A Year of Adventure – Fun, Friendship and the Scouting Spirit
Here’s a look back at our incredible Cub year:
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Winter Camp – snow, skis and smiles all around! Cubs took on ski lessons, crate stacking and creative crafts – proving they can handle anything the weather (or their leaders!) throw at them.
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Wide Games, Campfire & Fireworks – sparks flying, laughter echoing, and a real sense of Scouting magic under the stars.
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Remembrance Sunday –proud moments as we joined the whole village to honour those who served.
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The 500-Mile Challenge – what an epic walk! Cubs and families helping us reach our goal step by step.
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Environmental Action! – this year we took on our very own War on Waste : tackling dog poo, Himalayan balsam and litter. Cubs versus mess – we won!
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Astronomy Night – a stellar visit to Todmorden Astronomy Centre where we reached for the stars (and found a few!).
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Chinese Culture Evening – we wrapped dumplings, tried out chopsticks and played a traditional game to count towards our World Challenge Award.
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Wardle Pancake Tossing Championships – the competition was fierce, the pancakes were airborne, and the laughter was unstoppable!
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Scooter Safety Skills Cubs zipped through their Skater Badge.
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Water Fight Night – on one of the hottest evenings of the year, we made the most of it with an all-out water war. Soaked, happy, and absolutely loving it!
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End of Summer Camp – Star Wars Theme at Bowley! Lightsabers at the ready! We explored a castle, discovered alien (well… pond) life, and cooked up a fajita feast fit for a Jedi. Despite the rain cancelling our fire, our campfire songs with the Beavers and Scouts lifted the roof – the Force was definitely with us!
Badges – Adventures Gained and Skills unlocked
Badges aren’t just about sewing — they’re about challenge, effort and pride. And wow, did our Cubs rise to the challenge!
Between our two packs, they’ve earned over 375 badges this year – more than double last year’s total!
Some Cubs even took the adventure home, completing badge requirements using Badges at Home on OSM to report their achievements. A big thank you to all our parents and carers for supporting them — and for helping leaders sign off those well-earned achievements through the parent portal (don’t forget, there’s a guide on our Facebook group if you need it!).
Chief Scouts’ Silver Award
The Chief Scout’s Silver Award is the highest honour a Cub can achieve – and it takes real commitment, enthusiasm and effort over their 3 years in cubs.
Huge congratulations to: Friday Pack: Lucas, Will, Elliot, Jack, Ted, Dexter and Heather.
Wednesday Pack: Harley, Isaak and Oliver.
What a fantastic set of role models – well done everyone!
Thank you to Our Brilliant Leaders
Our leaders are the heartbeat of our packs – week in, week out, they make the magic happen with their energy, creativity and enthusiasm every week.
Thank you to the Friday Crew of Akela, Bagheera, Chil, Raksha, and Herman , and to Akela, Hathi, Keo, Herman and Mang who are the Wednesday Crew. We also have young leaders, Lucy and Ben. Even with our strong team, there are still evenings when only two of us can make it – so please keep an eye out for calls for help. A spare pair of hands makes all the difference! A special thank you to Blaze - we are sad you are leaving us and there will be a tech-space in our skill levels.
And of course, thank you to all our parents and supporters – your encouragement, feedback and enthusiasm keep our Cubs and leaders going strong.
Looking Ahead – New Adventures Await!
There’s no slowing down for our Scout Group!
This December, we’re joining the whole district – Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts – for a magical trip to see The Wizard of Oz at Heywood Sports Centre.
Then, in February 2026 , Smithy Bridge Cubs will join Wardle Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers when then head off on the adventure of a lifetime… Disneyland Paris! ✨
From space battles to fairy tales, our Cubs are ready to explore, learn and create memories that will last forever.
None of this would be possible without our brilliant volunteers – so if you’d like to join the fun, come and chat to one of the team. There’s always room for another adventurer in our pack!
The Cub Volunteer team
“We don’t just wear badges — we earn adventures! ”
The Ardeche 2025
By Darcy Lord,Wardle Scout
We travelled by road and by boat,
The journey was 24 hours, it was no joke!
We arrived in time to jump in the pool,
stress free and good times, not like being at school.
We climbed up high on day number two.
A chance for team Building and finding out who is who.
Our tent quickly became messy and my bed creaked a lot.
At night it was cooler but by day it was hot.
The Ardeche descent, what can I say?
You must be prepared for this difficult day.
I have learned that rowing is not my skill. Erica and I were constantly getting a grill!
Our separation was inevitable as we couldn’t manage as a pair,
but being put with an instructor was cool, we didn’t care.
We slept under the stars but forgetting my pillow was not good for my neck.
I was poorly this day too so the trip back was a trek!
Jumping from the cliffs was cool and the whole group was brave,
this activity was really my fave!
But it doesn’t stop there, there was much more to do, more climbing, shopping and exploring the caves,
I am pleased to say that we didn’t misbehave. (Hmmm hmm)
I have made new friends and strengthened the ones we had.
Although I have to say some of the other scout leaders were a bit mad.
The last night was fun, we made a conga line.
It was really our chance to shine.
Akela and Yeti you deserve a medal, I thank you a lot.
I would recommend this trip to others, go on give it a shot!
Explorer Unit Report
Summary of the Year
Since the last AGM in July 2024 a number of explorers have turned 18. Some have left and kept in touch and we’ve had quite a few new explorers moving up from scouts.
Camps and Adventures
Red Rose International camp this took place in August 2024. It was a week-long camp offering some extreme sports for those who wanted them. We had a fabulous time of fun, adventures, evening entertainment, dressing up, on site activities and off-site excursions.
Winter Camp at Bradley Wood scout campsite. It was very cold and very muddy. We did survive because we have such fantastic camping gear within the scout group but we all need to consider our personal equipment should we attend a winter camp again!
Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge – it was a hard slog of 3 peaks, all over 3,000ft and 25 miles in one day. It was hard but they did it. Exhaustion and exhilaration all in one – what a weekend adventure that will stay with everyone involved for the rest of their lives.
Wardle Scouts and Explorers Ardeche Adventure - the 8-day trip to the Ardeche surpassed our expectations of fun, laughter and adventure. There were 6 explorers and 10 scouts. The explorers really stepped up in looking out for the younger members in the group. 2 days paddling a kayak down the river Ardeche was a real challenge as was sleeping under the stars with the mosquitoes but what an adventure. The kayaking was broken up with rapid trips – both in the kayak and under it (in Yeti’s case!), cliff jumping, body rapid surfing, setting a sleeping explorer adrift (!!), laughing and late nights. We had a day of on-site activities with some high climbing and teamwork games, and visited caves, a river beach and walked to the local traditional French village market.
Mersey Moot
The explorer unit was lucky enough to get a place on Mersey Moot for the 3[rd] year running – it booked up within 6 minutes of opening and is a very popular event with the young people. Lauren was there to book us on as soon as booking open. We survived the Saturday, flood warnings included and the explorers stayed up until late in the rain. Some sites did get flooded
out but we were lucky in our location and yet again our tents proved the best at surviving the weather.
Breaking News……
Three of the Wardle Explorers have been successful in the hugely competitive selection day for the World Scout Jamboree in 2027 to be held in Poland. Huge congratulations to Orla, Thomas and Ellis and to Emily, a young leader with the Squirrels. There are 27 places and 83 attended the selection day.
Top Awards
Huge congratulations to Lucy Clegg, young leader with Wednesday cub pack. Lucy used her leadership and scout skills when her grandad was out walking with her in the hills and fell down a river bank into a river on a cold day last October. Lucy has been selected as an Unsung Hero by Dwayne Fields and awarded a Chief Scouts’ Personal Award for:
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Using What3Words to find her exact location to report to the emergency services
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Using a fallen branch as a crutch to help rescue her Grandad from the river
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Keeping him warm until the Mountain Rescue could reach them
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Accurately reporting her Grandads medical condition to the Ambulance Crew so they could treat him accordingly.
Despite being kept in hospital for severe hypothermia, Lucy’s Grandad has recovered. Lucy
was treated for mild hypothermia and discharged from hospital.
Well done Lucy for keeping your head, having What3Words on your mobile and dealing with the emergency.
Leaders and Thank Yous
Thank you to Akela, Lauren, Josh and Harley – with occasional input from Yeti. Between us, we’ve managed to offer weekly meetings and a few trips out.
The young people themselves deserve a mention. They are respectful and appreciative of all that is done for them and quite honestly, they are a credit to the Explorer Unit, the Scout Group and Scouting. It’s really enjoyable to be in their company.
Looking Forwards – plans for next year
We’ve got Disneyland Paris on the horizon in February 2026 – it’s going to be fun, magical and awesome.
See the announcement about the Jamboree for a week in Denmark next year. We are heading for some more great international adventures.
We are proud to provide opportunities for our young people to have fantastic adventures in a safe environment.
The Explorer Unit Leadership team.