B 

2021 to 2022 


## Prepared by Executive Committee 

24th Medway (Borstal) Scout Group Registered Charity No: 303430 



## **Table of Contents** 

|**Table of Contents**||
|---|---|
|Agenda|2|
|Minutes of the last meeting|3|
|Chairman’s Report|8|
|Group Accounts|9|
|**Section Reports**||
|Beavers|18|
|Cubs|19|
|Scouts|20|
|Explorers|21|
|GSL Report|22|







## **24[th] Borstal Scout Group Annual General Meeting 25th September 2022 Scout Hall, Warwick Crescent, Borstal, ME1 3LE** 

## **AGENDA** 

## **Item** 

|**Welcome and Introductions**|**GSL**|
|---|---|
|**Apologies for Absence**|**Secretary**|
|**Minutes of previous AGM**|**Chair**|
|**Annual Reports**|**GSL and**<br>**Chair**|
|**Presentation of Annual Reports and Accounts**|**Treasurer**|
|**GSL’s nominations for Chair and Group Executive**<br>**Committee**|**GSL**|
|**Approval of nominations**|**All**|
|**Elections of members of the Group Executive**<br>**Committee**|**GSL**|
|**Any Other Business**|**Chair**|





## **24[th] Borstal Scout Group Minutes of the Annual General Meeting for the year 2020-21 Thursday 21[st] October 2021, 7.30pm, Borstal Scout Hut.** 

## **1 Attendance:** 

Michael Clark – Chair Graeme Pryke – Group Scout Leader Sam Richardson – Explorer Section Leader Brian Stroud – Executive Committee Member Maurice Coombs – Executive Committee Member Adrian Porter – Executive Committee Member Ian Leicester – Executive Committee Member Pauline Clark – Executive Committee Member Mark Adams – Executive Committee Member Mark Noble – Parent/Assistant Scout Leader Kate Bradley – Parent Emily Hill – Parent Jessica Packman – Parent & Assistant Beaver Leader John Brisley – District Commissioner Sophie Collins – Assistant Explorer Leader 

## **2 Apologies:** 

-Bev Pryke, Clive Richardson, Emma Townsend, Kerrie Ward, Helen Fuller, Steve Crooks, Jo Delree, Fred Delree, Amanda Dean, Sarah Swain and Jodie Elwin. 

## **3 Welcome and Introductions:** 

Michael Clark welcomed everyone to the AGM, he was encouraged by the turn out and pleased to see some parents among the attendees. He also particularly thanked Adrian Porter for his assistance with minute taking during the previous two years of meetings whilst the Executive committee has been without a secretary. 

## **4 Minutes of Annual General Meeting 2019-2020 (held on 13/03/21):** 

The minutes had been circulated prior to the meeting. The minutes recorded that Bev Pryke wasn’t cub leader at the time of the writing of the report, this is inaccurate as the statement should have referred to the Beaver report not the Cub report. 

It was agreed that the minutes represented an accurate record of the meeting. Voted by Brian Stroud and seconded by Mark Noble. 

## **5** 

## **Treasurer’s Report and Annual Accounts:** 



Clive Richardson was unable to attend the meeting, but the annual accounts were circulated prior to the meeting. Maurice Coombs questioned the lack of fundraising income in the yearly accounts, but as discussed, owing to COVID 19 restrictions and lack of the usual fundraising events, any fundraising done during this period, did not hit the accounts until the current financial year. 

Sam Richardson proposed the acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report and Accounts, which was seconded by Pauline Clark and agreed upon unanimously. 

## **6 Group Section Reports:** 

Reports were circulated prior to the meeting. No amends were required. Pauline Clark made special mention of how impressed she was, particularly with the Beaver and Cub activity, during this period of uncertainty. Graeme Pryke seconded this praise by mentioning how well the group leaders had adapted to virtual Scouting and maintained all groups throughout the turbulent year. 

The reports were accepted as being an accurate portrait of the previous years’ activity, as voted by Sofie Collins, seconded by John Brisley and agreed unanimously. 

## **7 Nominations for Chair and Group Executive Committee:** 

Chair – Michael Clark, proposed by Graeme Pryke, seconded unanimously. Group Executive – Brian Stroud, Mark Adams and Ian Leicester; voted by Sam Richardson and seconded by Adrian Porter.  Pauline Clark, Maurice Coombs and Adrian Porter, nominated by Mark Noble and seconded by Brian Stroud. 

## **8 Approval of Section Leader nominations:** 

Section Leaders are automatically part of the Group Executive Committee, should they be happy to sit as a trustee. 

Sam Richardson – in position as ESL 

Bev Pryke unable to stand as a trustee owing to the logistics of attending meetings. 

BSL -Role currently unfilled 

## **9           Election of Group Secretary and Treasurer:** 

Treasurer - Clive Richardson, nominated by Graeme Pryke and seconded unanimously. 

Secretary – Emily Hill, nominated by Maurice Coombs, seconded by Ian Leicester. 

## **9 Any Other Business:** 

Graeme Pryke relayed an e-mail communication form Sarah Swain (a parent of 2 in the section), congratulating the Group on their support, engagement and 



enthusiasm throughout the previous 18 months. She made special mention of Bev but wanted to thank all the leaders and assistants involved. 

Michael Clark stated how positive it was to have such enthusiastic praise from parents and reiterated how important it is to have the support and engagement of current parents in making the experience a successful one for members of the section. As of this meeting, there are only two members of the Executive committee who are parents of current children. Ideally, we should aim to have at least one parent from each section. Feedback from families ensues that the experience of current members is listened to by the leaders and that we are delivering the best experience possible. 

## **10          Message from the District Commissioner:** 

John Brisley thanked everyone for their attendance, and echoed Michael’s words regarding the importance of getting parents onboard in assisting with the Executive Committee and leadership opportunities. He commended the current committee members for years of service, but also highlighted the fact that new members are essential. 

John commented that it was always good to be invited to the 24[th] , he is well informed of the current state of the group. It is clearly doing very well and huge praise should go to the leaders for the work done over the previous years, under highly difficult circumstances. 

It is great to see such an active group and good to be in such a healthy financial position. 

Thank you to all the leaders and to the Executive committee. 

John also referenced the current head count (just under 100 active members), 

according to the recent census, despite a small drop in numbers in January this year, numbers have increased again. 

John Brisley was also able to make presentation of some significant awards: Maurice Coombs – 50 years of service to the group 

Ian Leicester – 30 (currently 32) years of service to the group (Graeme Pryke also mentioned Ian’s invaluable assistance in and around the premises and grounds and the recent work on the climbing wall) 

Hannah Costa – 10 years of service (Hannah unable to attend the meeting) 

## **10 Closing Comments:** 

Michael Clark thanked everyone for their attendance and called the meeting to an end. 

Next Group Executive Meeting to be scheduled in November. 



Trustees, Annual Report
For the period
From (start date)
to end date
Section A
Reference and administration details
Charty name
241h
(&)rstal) S(x)ut Group
Other names the chartty is known by
Registered charity number Irf any)
HQ registration number
Charity's principal address
213 Rfxhester Road
Burham
Rcthester
P05tcole
Names of the chartty trustees who manage the charity
Trustee Name
Office Irf any)
Datss acted rf not
for Tftthole year
Mr M Clark
MrGP ke
Mr C E Richardson
chaI￿nan
G.S.L.
Trea￿J￿r
10
12
13
14
15
Names and addresses of adwsers (optional inforn￿tion Ixrt encouraged as I￿st pr￿tiCe)
ype of advisor
Name
ss
1 LT70000113rd D￿ernber 2018)

Section B
Structure. governance and management
Descripkn'on of the chartys trusts
Type of goveming document
The Gr0up's1&8th8V￿￿ {delete as
appropriate) governing d(￿urne￿ts are those of the The
Scout Ass(￿la￿on. They con&st of a Royal Charter, which in
tum gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and
The Policy, Organisalyon and Ruth of The Scout
(e.g. trust deed. constitution}
How the charity is constituted
The Gr0uF4&9th8￿ (delete as appropriatel is
trust estabt￿hed under its rules whth are commcffi to all
Scouts.
(e.g. trust. asscciation. company>
Trustee selection meth(xJs
le.g. appointed by, elected by}
The Trustees are apwinted in accordance th the Poliw,
Organisalion and Rules of The Scout Association.
Additional govemance issues {oplK)nal informatK)n but encournged a5 test practice)
You may ¢h¢)ose to in¢lude additional
infonnation, where relevant. atrKfyut
The Group is managed by the Group Execubve Committee,
the membefs of whth are the 'Charrty Trustees, of the
Scout Group Vth￿h is an educatsonal charty. A5 chanty
trustees they are resFonsible for comptying vthh legi51atson
applicable to chants"es. This includes the registration.
keeping proper accounts and rnaking returns to the Charity
Commission as appropriate.
Policies and procedures adopted for.
al the induction and training of trustees;
bl trustee. CA)nsideration of major risks
and the systems and pr¢xedures to
manage them
The Committee consBts of 3 independent representatives,
Chair, TreaSu￿r and Secretsry together vAth the Group .
Scout Leaders, indNidual seclton leaders (rf opted to take
on the responsibilsty) and parenfs representation and meets
every # months.
Member5 of the EX￿1Ve Committee complete Essential
InfOnnat￿ for Executive Commrttee, training wthin the first
5 months ofioiniThJ the cxKnmrttee.
This Group Executive Committee e￿$ts to support the .'
Group Scout Leader in meeting the resFonsibilities of
appointrnents and is resp)nsible for.
The maintenance of Group propety.
The raising of funds and the ajministration of Group
finance..
The Insuran￿ of pe￿onS. property and equipment
Group public occaS￿ns.
Assisting in the recrurtment of ￿eT$ and other adull sup
Apwinting any sub commrttees that may be required..
ApwintirvJ Group Adminrstrators and Advisors other than th
Section B
Structure. governance and management Icontinuedl
2 LT70000113rd December 2018)

Rlsk and Intomal Control (Spe¢lmen 1
The Group Executive Committee has identsfied the major
risks to which they belwe the Group is exposed, these
have been revieV￿d and systems have been estsblished to
mits.gate against them. The main a￿8$ of c<m￿M that have
been *Jenbfied are:
Damage to the building, property and equipment The
Group would request the use of buildings, propety and
equipment from neighbouring organisations such as the
churth, communty Centre and other Scout Groups. Similar
reaprocal arrangements exist wrth these organisabons. The
Group ha5 5uffiaent buildings and contents Insuran￿ in
plxe to mth.gate against permanent loss.
Injury to ￿aders, helpers. supporters and members. The
Group through the caprtation fees contributes to the Scout
Associations na￿n81 accKlent insurance Folicy. Risk
Assessments are undertaken ￿fOre all activthes.
income from fund raising. The Group is primarily
relK3nt upon in(xsme ftom subscriptions and fvndraising. The
group does hokl a resefve to ensure the contsnuity of
tivibes should there be a major reducknn in income. The
R￿UCtKlA or k6s of leaders. The group is totalty relrant upj
R￿lUction or105s of members. The Group prowdes activitie
Risk and Intemal Control Ispecimen 2)
The group has in pkne systems of internal ￿ntrOlS that are
Section C
Objectives and activities
The Purpose of Scouting
scoub.ng exists to actively engage and Sup[￿ young
people in their personal development.
Summary of the obl￿ts of the chanty set
out in its goveming document
3 LT70000113rd December 2018)

¥IIIW¥VVIIIIy V￿lIb iv IlldThC *S WtyIiIVf ￿￿1￿1￿Ul1vII W WknIVIy.
The Value5 of Scouiing
As SccMJts are guided by these values:
Integryty_ We *t with integrity, we are honest. trustworthy
and loyal.
Respect. We have self.￿Spect and respect for others.
Care- We 5UFwi others and lake care of the world in
which we live.
Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.
Cwration - We make a KX)silrve difference: we
operate with others and make frEnd5.
The Scout Meth¢xl
Scouting takes when young people. in partnership
wtth adu115. work together based on the
values of Scouting and:
- enjoy what they are doing and have fun
- tske part in aCtsVit￿ indcx)rs and outdoors
- by doing
- share in spiritual refiection
- take reswnsibilty and make choices
- undertake new and challenging activth.es
- make and Irve by their Promise.
Summary of the main activtbes in relat#)n
to these objects
Additional details of the objectives and activi￿ {opth)nal inforrnthn but en(x)uraged as best practice}
You may choose to indude frjrthe
statements. Whe￿ relevant, about
' p)licy on grantrnaking".
• contribution made by volunt￿r$.
. polw on investrnents.
Public benefit slatement
The Group meets the Charity Commission's public benefft
criteria under Ix)th the advancement of education and the
advancement of C￿ZenShip or communty development
headin
Section D
Achievements and performance
Summary of the main achievements of
the charity during the year
4 LTT00001 (3rd December 2018)

Section E
Financial Review
Brief stalement of the charitys on
reserves
Rosorvos Policy
The Group's on reserves is to hold suffi¢ien
resources to conb.nue the charitable athit*s of the grou
should income and fijndraising activities fall short Th
Group EX￿ul1Ve Commrttee considers that the grou
sIM)uld hokl a gjm equwalent to 12 months running costs.
(irca £5.5(Ki
The Group held reserves of approximatety £5,700 agains
this at year end. Thrs is above the level required fo
operatr.ng expenses. However this can be explained b
annual pri￿ increase of a replacemefrt bo1￿.
Quantify and explain any designations
Detsils of any funds materialty in deficii
{￿rcuMS￿nceS plus steps to eliminate)
Further financial review detai15 (optional infomiation)
You may choose to indude additional
infonnalion, where relevant. atr￿Ut..
. the Chari￿s principal sources of fund
(including any fundraisingl-
The Group's Income and Exp￿dI￿jre is very small and as a
' consequence does not have sufficient funds to invest in
longer-teTh investments such as skrks and shares. The
Group has therefore adopted a low risk strategy to the
investment of tts fijnds. All funds are hekl in cash using onty
mainstream banks or buikling societies 01 The Scnut
Asscciation's Short Tern Investment Service.
Investment Pollcy (Sp8clm?n 11
. how expenditure has supported the ke
The Group Executive reguL3ty monitors the levels of bank
objethves of the charity", balances and the interest rates receNed to ensure the grou
obtains maximum value and Ir￿Me from ts banking
arrangements. Occa5ionalty this may involve using an
account that requires a period of notice before funds may
be v￿rawn, before doing so the Group Executive
conshder5 the cash11(rw requirements.
' inveslment polw and Obl￿tives.
Investrnert Policy ISp8cimen 2)
5 LT70CW1 (3rd Decemiw 2018)

The Group does not have sUffiC￿nt fiJnd5 to invest in longe
tem) investments. The Group has therefore adopted a ris
averse strategy to the invesbnent of its funds. All funds a
held in cash using only mainstream banks or buiklin
sccieties.
Section F
Other Optional Information
Plans for future penods (details of any
significant activibes planned to achieve
them)
Section G
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, rewrt atove
Slgned on behalf of the charitys trustees
Signaturels)
Full name(sl
Liv& EJvAco
Positson (eg s￿retary, Chair)
E.K
6 LT7001)0113rd December 2018)

24th Medway (Borstal) Scout Group
Receipts and Payments Account
Forth• )wr
To
3110312022
Receipts and payments
Unr•strl¢ted funds unr•Stric￿ fund•
Receipts
Donatio￿, legaGie5 arKI slmilar i￿¢)me
16.035
5,416
11,594
2,736
tN)nations &
262
4,978
¢ensv8 Rebale
Beavw Baty Epahy tDlknp &841
Bèaws Cash £16 not Ind￿ 2)1913J
16
Sub total
11￿84
Grants
7.782
20,193
Sub total
20.193
Fundrak8lrtrJ Iwossl
Grrw Fees (Pa￿)
Jurn￿e S￿05
1.370
RefjEsh￿￿rrt Tent
3.376
otherfUr￿[wYI￿j
416
Inve5kn•nt incorne
Bank iFrt
Sub trAal
28.301
27,978
Total rvcwpts
26,301
27,97
I LT7C4)00211$t January 2017)

24th Medway {Borstal) Scout Group
Receipts and Payments Account
Forth& ygor
01101r2021
To
3110312022
Receipts and payments
Unrestrlcted funds Unr•strieted fund$
Payments
Charttable PaymentsJusta Drup 8 North Kert ￿Thd
197
AdultWthanO trwr¥ryJ. fv4"rutAJsAssess
140
Rerrt
231
Elertricity 8ThJ Gas
785
Insur¥K*
748
Rewts arxl Rewls
6,188
Materia153rNJ &Juim
5,233
lickers
Bridge FuThJ R￿rn￿r58WttoCub*knInrk Ew"s
BBnk Char￿$
307
15
Cantn*￿tiOn kn campu)5ts
Unrfotms
HQ a',eaniNJ
159
100
sl￿ tot
11.868
Fundralslng eX￿￿￿e5. R8freshm¢nt T•nt
jurn￿e &lesAtté
S8cVon Expen58S
Beaver Running
1364
330
CuU5 RunnirvJ E¥en8es
1,161
1.723
155
Sub trt
11106
1,95T
Z3,974
9.853
23,974
9.853
Net ofrnwptsl(payments)
Gash fvnds lasl year end
132
18,1
42,
24.51
44,971
42.
2 LT70(KK1211¥t January 20171

Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year
Unrestrlcted funds
Unr•strf¢ted fund
Ca8h fun
Bank cutlent arwunt
¥635
36,837
Bank ￿e[￿rta(xxm1rtt
5,761
Bwldiw srKa*aoxy)Jnt
CashffilLBts
$74
44.971
42.644
Other monetary ass•ts
Taxdaim
InStwan￿ dah
Sub totsl
Inmtment assets
Inveskn*t property. d*ail
OtrEr investrrtDts-d*ail
Sub totsl
Non moT￿ry assets for ¢harW$ own uso
Bwjge strK*
Shop siod(
Other sic
L¥KI a[￿ ￿lI¢*r
Subtotal
Llablllties
Acrounts ThJt yet paid
Sut)5Cripts.c￿ ￿￿Yet
Loan. detail
Other Ii8tNlibÈS
Sub totsl
C<>rttinggnt Ilablliti•¥ and fuknyv obligauom
The above reeolpts and paym•nts •¢countand Slat¢M￿ ofa8#•ts •nd Ilabllld¥ *Tre appro¥ed by th T￿￿tee$
behalf by
nature
Print Name
Chaii
TreasU￿r
3 LT700LN)2 {1stJanuary 2017)

Scrutsnaer'8 Report to the Trnstees 0£ the
24- Madway (Bor8tal) Scout Council
4*
I report on the accounts of the Group/District for the year ended 31 h d 2022
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Scrutineer
s the Group's/District's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the
accounts: you consider that neither the audit nor independent exaTrination requiiements
of the Charities Act 2C>II apply. It is My resEK>nsibility withollt carrying out an audit
or independent examination to scrutinise the accounts and to report to you.
Basis of Scrutineer, s StatewEnt
In accordance with the directions given in the Group's/District'S CODStitution, I have
scrutinised the records and the accounts set out on pages .J__ to
Scrutineer, s Staternent
In my opinion the accounts are in accordance with the records procluced to me and comply
wlth the constLtutlon.
Name:
.y.sclloLA4....hAcKEf.T...............
Address:
sr . f.ETf.d'S JTfi.& I
. hliSQ!fofv•£ . .IfÉ.wT
..MEI<.o<T..........................
Date:

24th Medway (Borstal) Scout Group Exec Alc's
Statement of income and expenditure - Year ending 31st March 2022
2022
2021
Income
Deposit AJC B,￿d
Current AIC B'fwd
5,761.01
31,867.79
5,757.91
17,220.50
Jumble Sales
Group Fees (Waste Paper)
Census
Census rebate
HMRC Gift Aid
CO-OP
Government Grants
Fund raising (Includes Amazon)
Donations & Scrap
Heavy Horse Show
Beaver Badge Refund to Group January.
Deposit AIC Interest
Total Incomo
£19 147.35
1,369.68
840.00
4,441.25
27.50
4,928.28
20,193.29
8,000.00
830.42
261.68
3.376.25
50.00
53.10
3.10
0.57
56,776.15
48,206.18
Ex
enditure
Group expenses
HQ cleaning
Census
Jumble sale advert
Insurance
Electricity
Gas
Water rates
Ground rent
HQ expenses
Boiler Installation
Concrete
Tree Cutting
Alarm system
Heavy Horse Show expenses
Beaver Badge Subsidy"
Donations""
1.292.32
42.36
4.441.25
128.20
748.19
357.91
427.51
231.12
480.00
1,069.98
2,141.00
1.950.00
950.00
243.83
1.301.00
586.90
158.68
2,681.25
652.10
279.61
506.58
235.51
480.00
4,816.39
99.83
80.53
2,000.00
Deposit AIC C'fwd
Current AJC Cywd
Cash in Hand
Total Expendtture
£17 804.67
5,761.58
32,756.63
453.27
5,761.01
31,867.79
56,776.15
48,206.18
Just A Drop & North Kent Mind leaving £3.761.01 in Charity Fund

## **Beavers AGM Report September 2022** 

The beavers started the year with a very active first term – they completed JoTT, sports, wide games and tracking all at Buckmore Park 

The autumn term included working towards several badges and a sleepover with a trip to RAF Hendon and other aeroplane themed activities. 

After Christmas, beavers had a night with marshmallows, baking cakes and an evening with tie dye. They made their pirate headscarves ready for the district day at the Dockyard which was so much fun. 

The term also ended with an animal themed camp where they went to Wildwood and completed other activities on their return, such as making bird feeders. 

The numbers have been consistently high and the section was supported by the cub scout leader with programme planning. The parents must also be thanked for their help when requested via the parent rota. 

Despite requesting more leaders, the section is still low in adults and does need more help. 



## **Cub AGM Report September 2022** 

Following our previous year of challenging scouting, this year was very nearly normal. 

We spent a lot of time outside in the spring term - a hike and a quiz in Rochester, JoTT, wide games, navigating, erecting tents and air rifle. 

In the autumn term we managed to have 2 overnight experiences – one was a  camp at Buckmore with sixers and seconders which also incorporated Mote Park water sports and the second was a  sleepover a the hut. It was possibly the best sleepover ever – Harry Potter themed. We roped in beaver leaders, scout leaders and even leaders from other districts to support. In a 24-hour period, the cubs completed 11 different activities and we all went home exhausted. One of the young leaders from scouts comment that cub sleepovers should never be this much fun! 

We worked on several badges – environmental, international and world challenge badge and rounded of the year with a Christmas BBQ – the beavers chose this! 

Between Christmas and Easter, the cubs took part in a winter walk, Chinese New Year and winter Olympics, emergency aid and also went on a hunt for animals coming out of hibernation. We saw a badger set at Buckmore Park. 

Our numbers have been consistently high since covid with regular attendance from the cubs and their hard work during pack nights was rewarded when we handed out 495 badges which included 3 Chief Scout Silver awards. 

The section is still requiring support from other sections when camping due to leader commitments; and parental support when we are away from the hut.  We would always welcome the offer of a regular commitment to the pack nights from other adults. 



## **Scouts AGM Report September 2022** 

The scout section has done Lots of work on core skills, knots, map reading cooking over gas and over open fires 

Polishing up on rusty skills like putting up tents and putting them away again. Many scouts attended the group winter walk and also JoTT at Buckmore Park 

Camping has been difficult to achieve. mainly due to leader availability we missed a summer camp and also had to cancel our Christmas sleepover due to another tightening of Covid restrictions so only managed a PL and APL camp which tied in the Cub Sixer and Seconder camp and a watersports day at Mote Park which was open to all of the young people in the group. The camp was a great success with us learning lots about our patrol leadership team. 

We managed another camp in October where we set the scouts the challenge of surviving in their patrols. They had to start and maintain their fires, cook their breakfast, lunch and dinner on them and work on some of their scouting skills. They achieved all they were set and also really enjoyed carving through the afternoon and a sing song with Dan in the evening we even had one of our scouts share some poetry that he loved. We managed only 4 nights away in this year. 

Throughout the colder and darker months we have tried keep outdoors as much as possible. We took a night hike to Buckmore from the hut and over the north downs, our Christmas night was a BBQ with all other sections, we’ve done fire lighting with a sausage sizzle, map work and orienteering. And when the supermarkets ran out of Haggis for burns night MK2 got the scouts to make Cullen Skink at the hut and it was a complete triumph with lots of the scouts taking the recipe home to try with their families. 

Scout leadership remains stable with the addition of MK2 from January. Mark joins us with over 30 years scouting experience having previously been involved with 2nd Cliffe then moving to Seaton where he was a scout leader prior to moving back to Medway and joining us in Borstal. He is a great asset and we are capitalising on his love of walking and navigation. 



## **Explorers AGM Report September 2022** 

The unit started with 8 invested members and ended with 9. Following the pandemic we had a couple of explorers leave and four scouts joining on their link. One of the scouts decided Explorers wasn’t for them and sadly moved on. Over the last year we have benefitted from a range of ages. With the more senior scouts taking a lead and guiding some of the younger explorers. With the current age gap the more senior explorers will be missed when they move on. We are hoping to retail two of the explorers as leaders once they move on subject to their university commitments. 

We currently have a strong leadership team of 6. Samantha is still taking a back seat but is undertaking some of the admin side of things. Hannah, Kerrie and Sophie still play a key role in delivering the programme on a weekly basis. We have also been joined by Max. Max scouted in the Medway towns area and wanted somewhere he could drop in and out work dependant. Max brings a wealth of knowledge and water sporting skills which we will certainly be looking to utilise going forward! 

There has been no camping to report for the explorers as a unit. A number of the camps the explorers would normally attend (winter camp, Gilwell 24 and scare fest) have not been run post pandemic by the organisers. The explorers have however been fortunate enough to have to opportunity to camp with the scouts on a number of occasions over the past year. 

As always, the explorers have experienced a varied programme. The explorers have enjoyed some back to basics scouting including a hike around Penenden Heath with basic map and route card reading skills. They have also enjoyed fire lighting, cooking on open fires and pioneering challenges. 

Some of their favourite activities has been our adapted version of the TV show Taskmaster where they are set various challenges over the night. This could be delivering a cup of tea on one leg through an obstacle course to building the largest free-standing tower. 

The explorers have also enjoyed a number of nights away from the hut including wide games at Buckmore Park, Gravity, Ninja Warrior and an escape room. 



## **GSL Report** 

Having had the privilege of reading all the reports for this years AGM I am struck with the realisation that despite coming off the back of a couple of very challenging years the group as a whole has accomplished some amazing things and as Michael mentioned in his report although outside of the reporting year the transformation of the hut is incredible. It may have been completed outside the reporting year but the planning and preparation has been spread over the last couple of years as these things don’t happen overnight. We have also had a new boiler fitted and is already proving its worth in its efficiency. For all things like that I’d like to thank our executive committee for continuing to look after the day to day running so that we have somewhere safe and warm to meet and their support of our young people is unwavering. 

The activity across all sections has been amazing but I would like to single out cubs and beavers for some of the most exciting, interesting and fun activities that they have done. I have been lucky to have been able to attend the themed sleepovers and days out that have been arranged where we have had so much fun, from playing pirates at the dockyard to spotting bears at Wildwood. However, the Harry Potter camp will go down in legend, we had the sorting hat sorting cubs into teams, magical fires and exploding coke bottles, socks for Dobby and even owls flying in the hut!! Yes you read right we had owls flying in the hut… Bev has done an amazing job at holding the beaver colony and cub pack together with some significant challenges, she really does deserve a medal and our greatest thanks. 

I would also like to thank all of our leaders for the commitment they show to the young people of our group because without them we wouldn’t be able to run the sessions, events and camps that we do. 

Also within this period we have received the amazing news that Josh, one of our scouts, has been successful in securing one of the 7 young people from Medway Towns District to attend the World Scout Jamboree in Summer 2023 in South Korea, There will be some opportunities in the near future to support Josh and his team mates with their fundraising efforts. 

It’s been a very interesting year! Thank you all for your continued support. 

## _Graeme_