4TH ANTRIM (Methodist) SCOUT GROUP CHARITY REG NUMBER: NIC 103876 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 1st APRIL 2022 thru 31st MARCH 2023 _Organisation Address Mailing Address_ 4[th] Antrim (Methodist) Scout Group 4[th] Antrim (Methodist) Scout Group Antrim Methodist Church C/O Mrs Kate Daley Greystone Road 110 Abbeyview Antrim BT41 1JY Muckamore BT41 4QA ## _Trustees_ All have served since 2nd September 2015. Mr Stephen O’Neill, Chairman Mrs Christine O’Neill, Hon Treasurer Mr Michael Dundee, Group Scout Leader Mrs Kate Daley ## _Governing document_ Our governing document is The Royal Charter of the Scout Association 4th January 1912, as amended by supplemental charters dated 28/03/1949, 18/02/1959, 05/05/1967 and 19/07/1991 Purposes of our charity: Promoting the development of 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 . ## _Public and Private Benefit of our charity_ The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s Public Benefit Requirement statutory guidance. 1. The benefit which flows from our purpose is that young people are empowered to make a positive contribution to society through being engaged and supported in their personal development, including physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually. 2. This benefit is demonstrated through Scouting making a positive impact in our communities; preparing young people to be active citizens; embracing and contributing to social change; being as diverse as the communities in which we operate. These are evidenced by feedback from our beneficiaries and the wider community. 3. There is no harm arising from our purposes. Scouting operates within a framework of safety to enable young people to take part in adventurous activities safely. 4. Scouting’s beneficiaries are children and young people. 5. The only private benefit from this purpose is that Adult Volunteers are trained to deliver the programme, but this is incidental and necessary because it is needed to operate in today’s society, when working with young people. ## _Main activities to further purposes for public benefit_ Scouting actively engages and supports young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. 4[th] Antrim is a successful Scout Group in Antrim Town delivering a varied program of activities, fun and experiences to young people between the ages of six and eighteen. We welcome people of all genders, regardless of religious background. We will do all we can to accommodate young people with disabilities. ## _Review of our charity’s financial position as of 31[st] March 2023´_ Our funds are in a healthy state and we do not have any debts or funds in material deficit. We do not currently have a reserves policy but collect subscriptions and fees on a regular basis in order to satisfy contingencies and anticipated regular expenses. ## _Main achievements in the year_ Our two Beaver Leaders, Susan Blair and Emma Daley, stood down as leaders effective from the end of December 2023. Since then, the other leaders in the Group have been working to keep the section open. They have been ably helped by Helen Richmond, who was formerly the Beaver Scout Leader in 4[th] Antrim and who was highly respected by the Northern Ireland Beaver community. The Beaver Scouts completed their Teamwork Challenge Award and the Road Safety and Astronomers badges. In addition, they worked toward their camp craft badge. The Cub Section had a busy year. I’m pleased to say that, largely thanks to the efforts of our wonderful parents, we increased the Cub numbers by 50%. Work continued earning badges. In October, the Cub Scouts had a Fancy Dress Party and we saw some brilliant costumes. December saw a joint Christmas party with two other Packs from the District. February saw a lot of craft work, celebrating St Valentine’s Day, Mothers Day and Easter. The Scouts completed their Chefs badge and worked towards the outdoor challenge, personal challenge, first aid and orienteering badges. They, too, had a Fancy Dress party in October and the costumes were most imaginative. The Troop took part in a District Badminton competition. Despite having only two members, the Explorer Section had two weekends away camping and went bowling. They earned their Survival badge and took part in a number of hikes in the Mournes. I pleased to be able to report that various sections got together a number of times during the year for joint events. In June, the Cubs and Scouts held a joint camp in Shane’s Castle. Each section had its own activities but got together at meal times and, of course, the Camp Fire. All Sections were represented at Antrim Methodist Church’s Remembrance Day Service in November, when Group Flags were returned. Cubs, Scouts and Explorers raised money in December for Focus, a local support group. We were offered free places to see a demonstration ice hockey match in January in the SSE arena and the Cubs and Scouts journeyed by train to Belfast for what turned out to be a great day. While the Cub Section has increased members, the Group desperately needs more young people in all age groups and adult helpers and leaders. AGREED BY ALL TRUSTEES AND SIGNED BY TRUSTEE ## _Stephen O’Neill_ Stephen O’Neill (Group Chair) 24 October 2024