## **ANNUAL REPORT** **For the Period** : 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 **Charity Name** : 4[th] Carrickfergus Scout Group ## **Registered Charity Number** : 103859 ## **Governing Document** The District’s governing documents are those of the Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association. ## **Constitution** The District is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. ## **Trustee selection Methods** The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association. ## **Risk and Internal Control** The Group Executive ensures that all activities are undertaken in accordance with the Scout Association Policy, Organisation and Rules. All leaders are members of the Scout Association and as such have a valid Access NI check and are covered by the Scout Association national accident insurance policy. Risk assessments are undertaken for all activities. ## **Objectives** The objectives of the Group are as a unit of the Scout Association. The Aim of the Scout Association is to promote the development of the young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities. It is achieved by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout Promise and Law and guided by adult leadership. Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together on the values of Scouting and: - Enjoy what they are doing and have fun - Take part in activities indoors and outdoors - • Learn by doing - Share in spiritual reflection - Take responsibility and make choices - Undertaken new and challenging activities - Make and live by their promise The Group meets the Charity Commission’s public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizen or community development headings. ## **Committee Members** Our group is governed by the Committee Members: Craig Fairless – Chair Anne Cole – Treasurer Lesley Burnside – Secretary ## **Scouting year 2022– 2023** Our membership totals 58 children comprising of 17 Beavers, 23 Cubs, 5 Scouts and 13 Explorer Scouts, and 1 Young Leader. The Group has continued to develop over the past year. ## **Training Programme and awards** Training was delivered enthusiastically across all sections with many members achieving the top awards in each section. Our weekly programmes, both indoors and outdoors are designed to help mould our young members into useful, responsible and independent citizens. ## **Beavers – Age range 6 to 8 years: 3 Leaders, 2 young leaders and 2 volunteers from Explorers** Beavers work on a variety of activity and challenge badges culminating in the presentation of Chief Scout Bronze awards after which they move up to Cubs in a ‘Swimming Up’ ceremony to which parents are invited. In September beavers spent time getting to know each other and learning the Beaver Promise, and took part in the Investiture Ceremony in November 2022, with parents being able to attend – the first since before the pandemic. Some of this year’s activities included a visit from a fireman teaching Thumbs up for Monday and a closer look at a fireman’s uniform, District Bowling event, District Forest Fitness Fun Day Christmas decorations, pantomime and Christmas party. After Christmas they spend time learning about healthy eating and hobbies, completing their Faith badges and attending the District Beaver quiz. The Beavers were awarded badges for the tasks they completed, and we have awarded over 20 activity badges ranging from Animal Friend to Sports. **Cubs – Age range 7 ½ to 10½: 5 Leaders** Cubs had a busy year taking part in lots of badge work, competitions and visits. In November, we were delighted to welcome parents to attend the Cubs Investiture and swimming up ceremony. During the good weather, we took the Cubs to the park. We also had a fancy dress party, attended the district bowling competition, district 5-a-side football. ## **Scouts – Age range 10½ to 14½: 3 leaders** The Scouts had a very busy time during this period undertaking lots of badge work such as knots and lashings, attending Kinnegar Barracks for the army mechanic badge and first aid. A groups of Scouts represented 4[th] Carrickfergus in the District Archery competition. Some of our Scouts attended the Summer Camp in August 2022. Scouts were delighted to take part in the Scout NI Big Sleep Out in Crawfordsburn to raise funds for the Simon Community. ## **Explorer Scouts – Age range 14½ to 18: 1 leader** During the Summer break Explorers were invited to take part in Belfast Pride and we were delighted to be able to represent both 4[th] Carrick and SE Antrim District. The Explorers attended the District Youth Forum camp in Lisburn Forest in October 22 and attended the Scout NI Big Sleep Out with the Scouts in November 22. Badge work for Explorer Scouts includes working towards proficiency badges and awards including Chief Scout Platinum, Diamond and Queen’s Scout. Topics covered include map and compass, knots and lashings, presentations, cooking, debating and community projects. The Explorer Scouts took part in a wide variety of mid-week / weekend events including Young Leader training, bowling, cinema trip and movie night. ## **Finance** The Group is funded by fees from each of its youth members, and an annual grant from the Education Authority. Extra events are supported directly from the parents of members and occasional fundraising activities. ## **Financial Review** The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the Charity’s trustees |**Signature**|Suzanne Wilson| |---|---| |**Position**|Group Scout Leader| |**Date**|31stMarch 2023| Scouts 4th Carrickfergus