Scouts 1st HALESOWEN SCOUT GROUP Annual Accounts & Report 2020 -2021 Registered Charity No. 524625
Trustees, Annual Report For the period From (start datel to end dale Section A Reference and administration details Charity name 1st HaSoWen Scout s Group Other names the charity is knrywn by Registered charity nurnber (rfany) HQ registration numter Charity's principal address 1st Halesowen Scout Centre Elizateth Road Halesiywen Postcode Names of the charty Irustees who man4e the charity Trnstee Name Irf any) Dates acted If not for whole year Mark Timmins Claire Timmins John Carter Alison Wood Mar aret Mccann Sarah Re nolds Paul T8 lor Samantha Grinham John Sanke Peter Case Danielle Ba liste Gai5 White lan Dale Caroline Betterid Joinl Chair Joint Chair Treasurer Subscri ons Sec Grou Scout Leader Assistant GSL From 2810712020 Resi ned 2910912020 10 11 12 14 15 Custodian Trustees Name Sandra Smith Roger Whrte Cliford Shackleton Anthony Alcock Address 1 LT70000111 st February 2017)
Section 8 Structure. 9overnance and managemenl DeriPtIon of the ¢harity's trusts Type of goveming document The GroLtP'5 goveming drnents a those of the The Scout Ass¢xiation. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in lum give5 authorty to the Bye Laws of the Assw'ation and The Policy, Organisats'on and Ruks of The Scout AsSOCtation. How the charity is constituted The Group is a trust estsblished under its Nles which are common to all Scouts. Trustee selection methc#Ys The Trustees are appointed in accordanc with the Polry, Organisalion and RuS of The Scout AssocialKJn. The Group is managed by the Group Executive Committee. the members ofwhich are the 'Chanty Truslees, of Ihe Scout Gr(NJp which is an educatK>nal charity. As charity trustees they are SponsIb for complying wtth legislation applicable to charithes. This includes the registrats"on, keeping proper accounts aftd making retums to the Charity Commission as appropriate. Poliues and prCedUreS adopted for. The Committee consists of 4 independent pSent8"Ve$, Chair. Treasuref, Secrelary and Subscription Secretary together wth the Group S¢out Leaders, indNidual seCtn Leaders, parenfs and SUPFM)rters representatsves and meets every month. Members of the Executive CommFttee complete 'Essential Infomiation for Executwe Cornmrftee. training wrthin the first 5 ryK)nths ofjoining the ¢ommittee. Thi¥ Group ExtiVe Committee exists to supwrt the Group Scout Leader in meebng the resF¥)nsibilib"es of the apFointments and is resp)nsible for. The maintenance of Group propety,. The ratsing of funds and the administrat)n of Group finance.. The insurance of Frsons, property equipment Group publ cccasions,. Assisting in the recruibnent of leaders and other ajuit support,. Appointing any sub committees that may be required,. ApFM)inbng Group Administrators and Advisors other than those who are eed. 2 LT700001 (1st Felyuary 2017)
Section B Structure. governance and management Icontinuedl Risk and Internal Control The Group Executive Committee has identified the major risks to which they believe the Group is exposed. these have been revWed and systems have been established lo mitigate against them. The main areas of concern that have been entified are.. Damage to the building, property and equipment. The Group would requesl the use of buildings. property and equipment from neiqht(•uring organisations such as Ihe church, comrnunty centre and other Scout Groups. The Group has sufficienl buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against pemanent kjss. Injury to leadefs, helpers, supwrters and membets. The Group through the capitab.on fees conth"butes to the Scout Associations national acLKlent insurance sx)licy. Rk Assessments are undertaken before all ath"vits"es. Reduced income from fvnd raising. The Group is primarily feliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The grovp drEs hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of actsvf(ies should there be a major reduction In income. The Commfftee Uld raise the value of subscn'pbons to increase the income to the group on an ongoing basis, either temporarity or pennanenty. Reduct or loss of leaders. The group is totalty rel¢ant Lspon volunteers to run and administer the actmties of the group. If there was a reduction in the number of leadets to an unacLept8ble level in a pa{tlar section or the group as a vthole then there woukj have to be a ContraCt)n. onsolidation or closure of a sectson. In the worst ease scenarto the complete closure of the Group. ReductK)n or kJ$s of members. The Group provides actNib"es for all young people aged 6 to 18. If there was a reduction in membership in a particukqr section or the group as whole then there would have to be a contraction. consolidatson or ck>sure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group. The group ha3 in p* Systems of intemal ntrOl5 that are designed lo prOve reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss. these include hvo signatories for all payments and a comprehensive Insuran policies to ensure that Insurab risks are cx>vered. 3 LT700001 {15t February 2017)
Section C Objectives and activities The Purpose of Scouting Scouting exists lo actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them lo make a poS"ve contn.bUtn lo siety. Summary of the objects of the chanty set out in its governing document The Values of Scoutlng As Scouts we are guhled by these values.. Integiity - We act with integrity,. we are honest, truSrthY and loyal. Respecl - We have seff-respect and respect for olhets. Care - We support others and take care of the world in whith we live. Bellef - We expk)re our faiths. beliefs and attitudes. CoperatIon- We make a F()sitTve difference". we c operate wilh others and make frns. Th• Swrt Method Scouting tskes pkn tTr young Feople. in partnership with adults, Wofk Ic¥Jether based on the values of Scoubn9 and.. - enjoy what they are doing and have fun - take part in actiwbes indoors and outdrS - tearn by doing - share in spintual refiect - take responsibilrty and make ch0S - undertake new and challenging ac*"vities - make and live by their Promise. Summary of the main al¥le$ ift relation to these objects The Scout Groijp is indebted lo a significant number of adult volunteefs who gtve their time freely and at no cost to the Group. These include Leaders in the Sections, members of the Group Executs"ve and a number of Supporters who assist the Group on an a5 required basis. Contribution made by volunteer5 Public benefit statement The Group meets the Charity Comrnission's public benefit crtteria under both the advancement of education and the advanrnet of crtEenship or community development headin 4 Lf10000111st February 2017)
Section D Achievements and performance Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year During the year the youth sections managed almost no face to face meelings and had to rety on Zoom to maintain engagement wrth our young people. Despite the magnificienl efforts of all our Leaders. our youth membefship has declined by 27% and we have 31so lost the services of several adult volunteers. No subscriptions were charged fof the first six months of the year and, together wth the loss of our third paty hire of the Scout Centre, has reduced income by over £20K Fundraising totalled less than £1K. However this was signtficanty offset by Government grants that were made availabk. Whilst overheads were reduced we still required almost £800 per month lo stand sts'll. Hopefully 2021122 11 et us back to business as USLbal. Section E Financial Review Reserves Policy The Group's FKJlicy (m reserves is to hotd sufficien resources to continue the Charitab activFties of the group should income and fundraising acts"vities fall short. The Group ExecLthe Committee considers that the group should hokl a sum equNalent to 3 months runn costs, circa £4K. Investment Poli¢y The Group's Irthme and Expenditu is required for day to day OperatnS and as a consequence the Group does not have suffiu'enl funds to invest in bnger-tem investments such as stocks and Sha$. The Group has thereft)re adopted a k)w risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All fvnd5 are hehj in eash using onty mainstream banks or building sociebes. 5 LT700001 {1st February 20171
The Group ExecutNe regulaty monrtors the levels of bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure the group obtsins maximum value and income from its banking arrangements. Occask)nalty this may involve using an account that requires a rK1 of notr"¢e before funds may be thdrawn, tefofe doing so the Group Executive ConSe[S the cash fiow requirements. Section F Other Optbonal Information Plans for future peri$ Idetsi15 of any signifirAnl 2cbvtbes planned to achieve them} The COMth19 OLrtbreak has meant all activities and income is supended. This is likety to have a significant effect of income from subscriptions, fundraising and renlal income in the next finanual year. Our reserwes are $Lrffiuent to suNive the current drfficUlts. Section G Declaration The trustees decla th* they have approved the trustees, rert aLM)ve Signed on half of the charitys trustees Signaturels) Full namels) fjuJCJA¥ cL/2RIIIrn-/ P0son leg Secretsry. Chair} Chair Secreta Date 6 LT700001 {1st February 2017)
1st Halesowen Scout Group Receipts and Payments Account For the year 01.04.2020 To 31.03.2021 Receipts and payments 2020121 Restricted Endowment funds funds 2019120 Unrestricted funds Total funds Total fund5 Receipts Donations. legacles and 5hnllar income Membership sub%iipth)Trs 3.693_L 3.693.00 14.114.00 Less" fftAembgIship Substriptyons 3,871.50 3.871.Y) 5.148.00 Net membetship subxriptims rela1 8.966.00 Donations 1,114.50 1,114.50 S22.51 LegacEs Grft 3,462.42 3.462.42 Grants 7.573_20 12096.OD 19B69.20 Sub total 11.971.62 12096.00 24,067.62 9.688 51 Fundralslng Igrossl Social Events 3,911.90 Other Events 985.21 965.21 J,1B9.25 Sub total 985.21 985.21 7,101.15 Actlvitles Weeh1y program1rS & a¢tvts8S 2,641.00 Camps 1.00 169.00 5,694.00 Dukg ofEdinburghAward 1.680.00 Minibus & EquIent 25.00 440.00 UnrfoTms 8 Training 33.00 178.50 Sub total 227.00 227.00 10,533.5D Investm*nt Income 8ank Interest BulldirKJ Sceièty Intere51 S.91 5.91 11.02 Property Rent income 1455.00 1.4SS.00 11.120.00 Othèr Ineome 136.66 136.66 $94.00 Sub total 1,597.57 1.597.57 11.725.02 Total Gross Income 14.781.40 12,096.00 26.877AO 38.948.18 A55et and invkstment sal¢s. etc. Total receipts 14.781.40 12.096.00 26.877.40 38.948.18 1 LT70U3
1st Halesowen Scout Group Receipts and Payments Account FOF the year from 01.04.2020 To 31.03.2021 Receipts and payments 2020121 Restricted Endowment funds funds 2019120 Unrestricted funds Total funds Total funds Payments Charitable Payment5 Youth pro9fatntne and actsvitias 2.158A7 2,158.17 4,519.27 UnrfrormsaThY IFaini 10.00 10.00 796.20 k¢ dEdinburgh Award 76.00 76.00 899.67 Carn 150.00 150.00 5,232.76 E19CtriCity and Gas 1.078.59 1.078.69 1.905.72 Insurance 2.094.97 2,094.97 1,912.98 Repalrs and Maint&nanc• 951.92 951.92 3.000.7B Walel and Sevlerage 21B.46 218A6 316.74 Equipmènt 154.12 154.12 1.434.20 MinibLLS I.74?.Cl 1.742.00 2,803.43 Clèaning aThl Sanrtary 2,688.03 2.688.03 4,632.38 Security 1A63.03 1N63.03 1,259.64 an(1 Intemet 3$2.03 362.03 423.82 Administration S27.08 527.08 417.91 Dtsnation5 190.cwj 190.00 Subtotal 13.77B.70 75.40 13.853 70 29,655 3B Fundraislng expense5 Evonts 2,673.16 Other Ev¢nts 138.31 138.31 948.39 Sub tctsS 138.31 t38.31 3,621.65 Total Gross Expenditurè 13,917.01 75.00 13.992.01 33.176.93 Asset and investrnent purchases, etc. rotslpaents 13,917.01 7S.00 13,992.01 33,176.93 Net of receipts/(pa7entSj Transfèrs iunds 12.960.39 12,885.39 5771.25 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end 19231.65 19231.65 13480.40 32,192.04 75.00 32,117.04 19231.65 2 LT70m)3
Statement of assets and liabilitie5 at the end of the year 314•lar-21 31-Mar-20 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Endowment funds Total funds Total funds Cash funds 16,040.84 15,169.16 31310.00 11,005.18 ank deposit account Building society acrnunt 7,487.22 Tho ScoutA$50(xabah StTr Investmerrt Seroice CashFbats 907.04 SYJ7.04 739.25 Total ca$h funds 16.947.88 15,769.16 32.1f7.04 19231.65 other monetary assets GIftAid OLtstanding 7m).00 7.OOQ.00 9.000. Hire charge5 0(rt5tarpding fr(Kn Trlot)- Group users of the Scout Centre 140.00 InsufAnce clairn Sub total 7,000.00 9,140.00 Investment assets Invostrnent propeFty- d8tril Quoted investments Other investrnents- d91ail Sub total Non monetary assets for char4ty5 own use 8adgè Stock 2.663.00 2.É63.00 l.H3.00 Unthm 100.00 100.00 100.00 Othèr stock Land and buildin95 408.7W).00 408.700.00 760.000.00 Motorvehicles 12.760.IX¢ 12.750.00 1S,000.00 Scoubng gqUlPtnFDt, fwnitur8 ¢ 42.50D.00 42.500.C 50.000.00 Okner Slsb total 486,713.00 466,713.00 826,663.00 Liabilities Accounts not yet Paid 20.IX) Èxpenses incuired but not in¥¢*9d Sutwnptitins not yet paid Loan- detsil Other lia115 Sub total 20.00 Contin9ent liabilities and future oblfigations The above receipts and payments xcount and statement of assets and IFabilFlies were approved by the Trustees on 13th April 2021 and signed on their behalf by Signature Print Name Chair CAK<il Treasurei 3 LT70CEQ3
Scrutineerfs Report to the Trustees of the 1st Halesowen Scout Group I report on the accounts ofthe Group for the year ended 31" Mareh 2021. Respective responslbllltles of Truste and Scrutlneer As the Group's Injstees you are r8sponsible for the preparab¢)n of ts accounts,. you consider that rteither the audit or independent examÉnalion requirements of the Charitses Act 2011 apply. It is my responsibility %Mthout carrying out an audrt or independent examinalis)n to scnrtinise the accounts and to resMNt to you. 8a8ls of Scrutlneefs Ststement In aOrdanCe wth the directions given in Ihe Group's C$tu. I have s¢nrtinised the records and the accounts set out on pages 1 to 3 Scrutlneefs Statement In my opinion the acctyjnts are in acccKd8nce th the records produced lo me arKI comply vthh the constitution. Signed..................Ili Name.... Addfess.. 34 Birtey Grove. Halesowen. West MidlarKls B63 1EP Date.. 11, April 2021 LT700005 (1•1 February 2017
SIMPLIFIED FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2020- 2021 INCOMF. EXPENDI'fuRE Membership Fees Refund {Gift Aid) Grants / Donations Loan RLntal Income Interest 3871.50 3462.42 20783.70 190.00 1455.00 5.91 294(Kb.03 4061.50 Fundraising: Balloon Race Afternoon Tea 200 Club Xmas Meals Social Events Other Fund Raising 378.19 558.(K) 12.IX) 126.31 49.02 98521 138Jl Overheads: Insurances Water Rates Elcctricity 40.00 2094.97 218.46 557.82 520.77 527.08 352.03 1463.03 2688.03 951.92 Secretarial/AGMIAuditlPrinting Internet Fire & Security Cleaning & Sanitary Repairs & Maintenance 136.66 9374.11 Section Operating Costs: Weekly Programmes & Activities Camps Duke of Edinburgh's Award Equipment UnifOrn & Training Minibus 2158.47 150.IK) 75.00 154.12 i 0.00 1742.00 169.00 33.00 25.00 227.1)0 4289.59 TOTALS 3074&90 17863.51
BalYdn¢e as al 31.3.20 19231.65 Excess income l ¢xp¢nditure 2019- 2020 12885J9 Balanee 4$ at 31.3.21 32117.04 Funds a$ g131Jal Building Society Bank Cash 31210.00 907.04 Total 32117.04 Re$lri¢ted Funds Duke of Edinburgh Award 1273.16 Building Fund 12096.(KI Lutley Lunch Club 181Mb.00
CHAIRMANS REPORT 2021.
Where do we start, all we can say, is the past year has been one we will never forget!
In January 2020, we had various proposed fund raising events planned such as, quiz and race nights, a live music evening with the Pop Doctors, fayres, camps and much more. By March, as you know, everything stopped and Scouting was put on hold, with no face to face meetings allowed.
We have to thank the leaders and helpers who during the lockdown, have continued to check our Scout Headquarters. Jobs which are unseen but essential, to ensure we have a functional headquarters and mini buses for when we are able to return. A special thank you should go to Chris Sheppard, in helping with the upkeep of the grounds and the recent PAT testing.
With the ever changing nature of the pandemic, there has been a lot of behind the scenes planning (via zoom- something few of us had heard of at the start of 2020). This included preparing risk assessments and getting them approved by the District COVID Officer, ensuring that we had the necessary sanitisers and cleaning regimes plus the correct numbers of helpers and leaders, to make sure we could carry out face to face meetings. Sadly, this was only permitted for a few weeks as Dudley was placed back into Red- no face to face meetings were allowed due to the increase in COVID numbers.
Throughout this past year, whatever has been thrown at the leaders they have accepted the challenge. Virtual meetings have been organised across all sections which we know have taken time to plan and they have been very inventive with their ideas. Examples include virtual camps, sleep overs (including getting the children up to complete an activity during the night), delivering activity packs before the meetings and so much more. The hard work can be evidenced by the many badges that have been awarded and the number of children that have taken part in the events.
Events that deserve a special mention, are the baking of many Christmas cakes for delivering to the OAPS who usually support our annual Christmas OAP meal and to the scout troop in delivering 62 meals to residents who were isolated at home during this difficult time. The hard work by those involved was appreciated by the lovely comments received from the Halesowen Community and a special thank you letter was received from James Morris, our local MP.
Fundraising hasn’t been easy this year. We have been fortunate to receive various grants from Dudley Council to help with our ongoing costs and we have been able to run two events; a Virtual Balloon Race and Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea. Thank you to everyone that supported these events and a special mention should go to Caroline Betteridge, for having the inspiration for these. Thanks to everyone who also made these a success and in particular to the leaders and parents who did the baking of the many cakes for the 96 teas.
Our star baker being Melanie Case who as well as making the scones, also baked the Christmas cakes.
This year, more than ever, there have been many ‘unsung heroes’ who have helped the group. We would like to thank Sarah Reynolds (Group Scout Leader) who has helped to make sure the programmes have run smoothly and safely. Ian Dale as well as being a Scout Leader, has been checking the Scout Centre and carrying out the day to day maintenance of the centre. Members of the executive committee- Alison Wood (Secretary), John Carter (Treasurer), Caroline Betteridge, John Sankey, Margaret McCann (Subscriptions Secretary), Gail White and Peter Case have worked very hard over the last twelve months. Thank you all for your tireless work and support.
If anyone would like to help on the executive committee please feel free to call us on 07800 563174 or email claire.timmins@1sthalesowenscouts.org.uk.
Finally we would like to thank our members and their parents and guardians who have attended the events and for making all our efforts worthwhile. We both feel very proud to be associated with this group and we look forward to when scouting returns face to face, when the time is right.
Claire & Mark Timmins
Chairpersons Executive Committee.
GROUP SCOUT LEADERS REPORT 2021
What an eventful year we have all had. Never in a million years did I envisage that scouting would be delivered remotely. All sections have been working hard under very difficult circumstances this year and have continued to provide a variety of programmes, so that badges can be gained and the youngsters given knowledge of scouting and skills to last them a lifetime. Camping is one of the key parts of scouting and I’m happy to say that Beavers have taken part in sleepovers and the Scouts a virtual camp. The Cubs and Scouts are planning for virtual camps to take place over the next few weeks.
This year our membership numbers are down by about 25% however those youngsters who have remained within scouting have been enjoying a variety of activities that have tested our leaders knowledge and versatility when making programmes suitable for delivery online.
I would like to say a huge thanks to all the Leaders for their hard work and dedication to our youngsters and scouting, especially getting to grips with Zoom, Google Meet, break out rooms etc. They give up an enormous amount of time to ensure that we are able to provide a varied programme of events. Thanks to all members and their parents for helping to facilitate the section meetings and joining in whilst still engaging in completing badges at home. We have presented almost 600 badges during lockdown.
Financially this has been a difficult year for a number of people, especially charities who rely on fundraising to maintain their facilities. Please can I ask that in the coming year you try to support any of the future fundraising that we hold. If you have any fundraising that you feel we could offer in the future please don’t hesitate to approach your child's leader or any member of the exec. Most fundraising is organised by a dedicated Executive team who are always looking for more help. If you feel that you could help with the Executive committee (the team that keeps the Scout Group above water), even on an ad hoc basis please either see me or our Chairperson.
I say this every year but my thanks go to all the Leaders, young and old, and to all of the supporters/helpers of the group. To the Executive Committee, Mark and Claire Timmins (our Chairs), Alison Wood (Group Secretary), Margaret McCann (Subscriptions Secretary) John Carter (Treasurer), Gail Jukes, John Sankey (200 Club, still numbers available only £1 per month per number), Danielle Baptiste, Peter Case, and Caroline Betteridge for all their help and support and to their partners for allowing them to give their time. The Executive Committee are the backbone to the group, without them we would not be so successful. A special mention must also be made to Ian Dale, who works tirelessly within the group looking after the repairs and maintenance of our facilities and equipment. Hiring of the centre is an important part of our group income as it provides a large portion so if you know
of anyone looking for somewhere to hire please put them in touch with me. Thanks go to Sam Grinham and Elaine Eustace who have chosen to ‘retire’ from the Executive Committee. I would like to thank them for all their help over several years.
Most of the Younger Leaders this year have chosen not to join in with the remote scouting, I’m hoping that they will return.
In terms of our Scouting team, I’m delighted to say that James Timmins and Malcolm Wood have taken on Leadership roles this year and we welcome them to the fold. We are always looking for more Leaders, Section Assistants and Occasional Helpers, to help us deliver our scouting programme. Likewise we’re always on the look out for those that might want to lend a hand on the Executive Committee. If anyone is interested in helping in either of these capacities please have a chat with me, give me a call on 07773010995 or see your section leader.
On a personal note I would like to thank Tim and my family for all their support in what has been a difficult twelve months, onwards and upwards as they say. As a group we are hoping that all sections will be back to face to face Scouting by May. We’ll keep you updated whilst we put the wheels in motion.
I look forward to an exciting twelve months ahead.
Yours in Scouting
Sarah Reynolds
Beaver Scout Report 2021
What a strange year we have had! One minute we can meet, then we can’t, then we get back together for one week with a small group only to be closed again the following night. However we have achieved a lot over the past twelve months with Beavers gaining 189 badges - all remotely, and often by doing the work themselves. We have had lots of firsts - online meetings, (sharing screens, separate rooms - still not sure on how this works, thanks to Cathy I don’t have to), online investitures, virtual sleepovers, a visit from a poet, a policeman, the bird of prey man to name just a few.
We have awarded lots of badges, including 1 Adventure Challenge, 1 Outdoor Challenge, 4 Personal Challenges, 1 Skills Challenge, 1 World Challenge, 1 Animal Friend, 14 Book Readers, 2 Builders, 1 Camp Craft, 5 Collectors, 8 Communicators, 19 Cooks, 10 Creative, 4 Cyclist, 17 Experiment, 3 Explore, 8 Faith, 6 Gardeners, 2 Hobbies, 13 International, 2 Photography, 4 Safety, 3 Space, 2 Sports 1 Communicators Activity Plus, 1 International Activity Plus. 1 Air Activity, 9 Digital Maker, 20 Nights Away, 1 Swimmer, 1 The Great Indoors, 1 Digital Citizen and 23 Joining In Badges. These have all been achieved with a lot of hard work from the Beavers, the Leaders and Parents.
It has taken a lot more thinking time to produce programmes that can be accessed online, some warranting home deliveries of resources. I cannot thank Cathy and Sarah enough for their support with this. Online Scouting may not be what we all had in mind, but the last twelve months has shown us how much we can achieve with creative and lateral thinking!
Leadership this year has been up and down with the Younger Leaders unable to join in with the online sessions due to the amount of work they have with their studies. I am hoping that once we go back to Face to Face Scouting that they may choose to return. I would like to thank the Leaders and Young Leaders for all you do and for all the help you have given me in making our colony one of the most successful.
Finally, we need your continued support. We are now short of Leaders on a Wednesday and need more Adult help. This could take the form of an Occasional Helper (someone who takes out a DBS with the group but doesn’t progress to a full leaders warrant and only helps occasionally) or, you could opt to become a Full Leader with a progressive training programme. If we don’t get any new Leaders we will have to start operating a parents rota.
On a final note we hope to see you again face to face by the end of April. Thank you for your continued support.
Sarah Reynolds, Beaver Scout Leader.
1st Halesowen Cub Pack Yearly Report 2020/2021
Well that didn't go as planned, did it!
2020 certainly was a different year, and not the one that Darren anticipated in his first full year of leadership in the movement, with camps, trips and other outdoor activities to look forward to, none of which actually happened!
We made the decision early on, that both Tromans and Shackleton packs should join together for the weekly meetings, and that we would alternate these between the Thursday and the Friday evenings, to try to allow as many cubs to join as possible. Trying to remember which night we were meeting each week, proved to be quite a challenge for the leaders, let alone the parents!
Over the past 12-months the cubs have earned over 200 badges, and we have done our best to get these delivered out to you all. These have ranged from the more traditional badges of Communicator and Backwards Cooking to the newer skills of Entertainer and Skater.
We have tried to embrace the new (to us) technologies and use the Google Meet service to maximise our interactions, this has included a visit from Joe's Birds of Prey, a photography session with LR Short Photography and utilising the 'break out rooms' when we have done a number of Escape Rooms. It hasn't all been hard work and graft though, we have tried to have some fun along the way, including a 'poo quiz' and 'Spijkerpoepen' which is a Danish game which Cubs play, where you try to get a nail, that is attached to your trousers with string, into a bottle placed on the floor!
We would like to thank the parents for the encouragement and support that you have provided us and your children in joining us on a weekly basis, and thank you for inviting us into your homes via Google Meet each week. We certainly look forward to getting back to face to face scouting activities as soon as possible, and seeing you all in the flesh.
We would also like to send huge thanks to Sarah M, James T, Malcolm W and Iestyn G who give up their evenings and weekends after hectic days at work, college or school in order to provide a balanced programme of activities for your children. Special thanks has to go to Paul T (Mr IT) as without him, the weekly invites would not go out, and we certainly wouldn't look so proficient with the technology. Paul thank you for making the online meetings 'simple' and making us look professional.
If you are interested in helping us, especially when we return to face to face scouting, please contact Tim Reynolds, Sarah Reynolds or myself to discuss how to get involved.
Yours in Scouting -- Darren Betteridge Cub Scout Leader Shackleton Pack
Tim Reynolds Cub Scout Leader Tromans Pack
Troop Report 2021
These last twelve months have been quite a challenge to keep the scout actively involved in activities but despite that they have achieved over 150 badges whilst being in lockdown.
Some of them have been involved in The Big Camp out, where they camped out in their gardens or built a shelter in their homes and completed activity over the week. We also linked up with a group from Australia. They showed how their scout groups ran and what sort of activities they did, some of the camps they went on were amazing.
Remembrance day we made paracord poppies and we celebrated Chinese’s new year. Completed a treasure hunt on ‘what 3 words’ and went on a vertical farm tour. We’ve made pancakes and pizza and cake in a mug, not at the same time, we have done pioneering with a pen and strawberry laces
At Christmas, we cooked and delivered just over 50 Christmas meals for the elderly. I would like to thank all the parents and leaders and scouts who helped to make it a great success
A big thank you to Sarah Jane and Stephen who have done a fantastic job on running our Zoom Meeting.
Roger P
Scout Leader