Annual Report for 3rd Newtownards Scout Group 202&2024
Reglstered Charity NIC103965
Trustee Board
Stephen Markwell (Treasurer)
Helen Caughey (GSL)
Danielle Markwell
Stephanie Potter
Leanne McGrath
3rd Newtownards Squirrel Scouts April 2023 - March 2024
This year there were eleven registered Squirrels who attended regularly. The programme
included games connected to badges. Activities were both inside and outside in the
Church grounds when weather permitted. The planned visit mentioned in last year's report
to Air-tastic in Bangor was a great success.
Other activities included crafts, games and Halloween and Christmas parties.
Once again we grateful to the parents who have helped out as leaders throughout the
year.
3rd Newtownards Beaver Colony Aprll 2023- March 2024
3rd Ards Beaver Scout - Report September 2023 to May 2024
We had 8 new Beavers take their scout promise in this scouting year and they have made
an excellent start into their scouting journey.
The children were awarded 217 badges this does not include the name badge, county
badge, District badge, or indeed the Ulster badge.
The Beavers completed challenge badges which in turn has helped them develop and gain
confidence. They have had to work in team situations where they were asked to vote for a
leader who guided the team. The Beavers also had to work on their own to complete parts
of the badges which they did. The badge work helped the quietest of Beavers as they
were completing tasks without realising that they were engaging with others. We enjoy
time to let the Beavers discuss various topics from environmental changes to world
disasters and how to help people from countries less well off than ourselves. To complete
one of our badges the Beavers were joined by a member of the Guide Dog Association.
She was able to educate our young people not only how dogs help people with seeing
difficulties but also how we should approach and look after our dogs. We then had a pizza
night where the children made pizzas and their parents joined us. We asked for donations
and we raised £100 which was forwarded to the Guide Dogs.
We were also fortunate to be able to get the young people out and about. We visited
Mount Stewart where the children were taught about the environment and the animals
living near us. They also completed a hike from Crawfordsburn Scout Centre to
Stricklands Glen, and another one where we climbed up the front of Scrabo Hill, both of
which were enjoyed by all. We also had our Christmas outing to play ten pin bowling.
We finished our scouting year with a sleep over at Crawfordsburn Scout Centre where the
Beavers had a varied programme which included playing cricket, star gazing, camp fire
and camp songs. We made smores and attempted the climbing wall and grass sledging.

In conclusion I must say that l am so delighted to report that we had 12 Beavers who
achieved their Bronze Chief Scout award and I was so proud to present these to them at
the swimming up ￿remonY which took place in May.
Elaine Anderson
Beaver Scout Leader
3rd Ards Beaver Leader
3rd Newtownards Cub Scouts Aprll 2023- March 2024
The Cubs had twenty eight members and were very active this year doing a range of
activities.
They had a summer camp at Ballyhornan and moving up ￿rernonY before the Summer
break.
From September onwards they attended the annual youth service in the church, held
another camp at Crawfordsburn for the Sixers and Seconders and did a pioneering badge.
There was a Halloween paty and Water Polo session in Bangor Pool and a visit to Clip
and Climb all before Christmas.
The new year saw a music night. Winter Olympics and sessions devoted to Global issues
and environmental conservation.
As a result of these activities many badges were gained by the young folk.
On the sporting front the Cubs took part in the District and Northern Ireland Uni-hoc
competitions.
3rd Ard8 Scouts Actlvlty Report- Aprll 2023 to March 2024
During the year 23r24, the Scout Section continues to be active and striving to provide a
programme which is very much youth lead, with an overall focus on ensuing that each
member will achieve their Chief Scout Gold Award at the end of their 4 years with us.
At the end of the last scout year (April to June 2023), the scouts took part in Easter Camp
at CraKrfordsburn {29 members attending), Expedition Camp (9 attending) and TOE (20
members attending). We also had a number of scouts attending the Trash the Trash day
working in the local area in Newtownards just off the Jubiliee Road.
In June we welcomed cubs into the troop and had our meetings outdoors during June at
Crawfordsburn. This gave the scouts an opportunity to get to know each other through
team games as well as taking part in Tomahawks, Archery, and Abseiling. We finished off
the year with a presentstion from the scouts who completed their Expedition Hike / Camp,
along with a BBQ and Campfire.

The start of the new term saw a number of scouts and new cubs not returning in the new
term due to clashes with other extra circular activities, incluidng football, swimming,
gymnastics and transition to secondary school.
In the first term of the new year (September to December), scouts attended the youth
service at St Marks. In October, we held a membership camp for those joining the troop
which was held in Cladagh Glen Scout Accommodation (indoor camp). Then in November
it was the turn of the older scouts, who had an outdoor (hammock camp) which
incorporated some environmental work at Mount Stewart.
Other activities in the first term included developing our code of conduct for the year,
internet safety, investiture of new scouts, ninja warrior assault course, halloween party,
local knowledge walk and quiz and volunteering at the Warehouse, designing Christmas
Cards for others in the local community.
The second term (January to March), saw scouts learning about disabilities and taking part
in challenges to develop their team working skills. We also had a night hike and wide
game in Mount Stewart and took part in Jambowlree (ten pin bowling event), as well as
enjoying some pancakes and taking part in the Holy Week service at St Marks.
In January we had 9 scouts attend the presentation at Belfast City Hall and receive their
Chief Scout Gold Award, with other Scouts from across Northern Ireland.
As for camps, PLS and APLS attending a Nl Training Event in February and then we had a
weekend away to test our map reading & navigation skills at Shephards Lodge {17
members attending) located in Donard Forest Park.
Leanne Mc Grath Scout Leader
Signed
Stephen Markwell (Group Treasurer)
Helen Caughey (GSL)