2026-03-31-accounts

62[nd] Belfast Scout Group Charity No. 104000

Annual Report 2025-2026, Financial Year End of March 2026

Being a part of the wider Movement

We're Scouts and everyone's welcome here. All genders, races and backgrounds. Every week we give almost half a million people aged 6-25 the skills they need for school, college, university, the job interview, the important speech, the tricky challenge and the big dreams: the skills they need for life.

At a time when communities are becoming more divided, we bring people together. When many young people are struggling to find purpose and belonging, Scouts helps them develop skills, confidence and a sense of hope. We inspire positive futures and help young people find their place in the world by developing the character, employability and practical skills they need to succeed.

‘Scouts made me a do-er and a give it a go-er. Made me question and listen and have a wide-open mind. Scouts made me take a deep breath and speak up. Made me think on my feet, made me see the big picture, made me ignore the butterflies and go for it. Scouts made me get back up and try again. Made me think about what’s next, and plan for it. Made me jump in, get muddy, give back and get set.’

What do Scouts do?

Scouts take part in a wide range of activities as diverse as kayaking, abseiling, expeditions overseas, photography, climbing and zorbing. As a Scout you can learn survival skills, first aid, computer programming or even how to fly a plane. There’s something for everyone. It’s a great way to have fun, make friends, get outdoors, express your creativity and experience the wider world.

What do volunteers do?

Helping young people develop skills for life is only possible thanks to our team of adult volunteers, who support Scouts in a wide range of roles from working directly with young people, to helping manage a local community-based Group, to being a charity Trustee. We help volunteers get the most out of their experiences at Scouts by providing opportunities for adventure, training, fun and friendship.

‘I believe that Scouts empowers young people. It gives them skills to achieve the remarkable, and opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of the rapidly changing world.’

Carl Hankinson, UK Chief Volunteer

Our values

Integrity

We say what we mean and when we make a promise, we keep it.

Respect

We listen to others, explore our differences and work to find common ground.

Care

Scouts are friends to all and think of others before themselves.

Belief

We believe passionately in improving the lives and life chances of young people and helping them explore and develop their beliefs and attitudes.

Cooperation

Scouting is about teamwork. We believe that when we work together, we achieve more than we can on our own.

Our key policies

All members follow our key policies. The policies cover:

Child Protection

Equal Opportunities

Religion

Safety

• • These policies are fully explained on our website at http://scouts.org.uk/about us/key policies/

62[nd] Belfast Scout Group

It is a privilege to present to the Scout Group Council the 2025-2026 Annual Report for 62[nd] Belfast Scout Group. As you will note, the Scout Group remains community-led, filled with energetic and passionate young people; volunteers who are committed to providing quality experiences and memorable opportunities; and supportive parents and guardians who continue to see the benefit of the Scouting programme.

This Scouting year has been one of growth, resilience and renewed energy. Across all age groups, we have seen strong attendance, enthusiastic participation and a continued commitment to delivering highquality Scouting experiences.

Our young people have embraced opportunities to develop skills for life, such as teamwork, leadership, resilience and confidence through a balanced programme of indoor activities, outdoor adventures, community engagement and personal challenges.

The dedication of our Volunteer Leadership Team has been central to this success. Their time, energy and passion continue to ensure that Scouting remains accessible, inclusive and inspiring for every young person in our Group.

Squirrels

This year, the Squirrel Drey provided a fun, nurturing introduction to Scouting for our youngest members. The programme focused on building confidence, social skills and curiosity through a mix of creative play, storytelling, and themed activities. Regular sessions included arts and crafts, games and simple challenges that encouraged teamwork and participation in a welcoming environment.

Squirrels also had their first experiences of the outdoors, taking part in walks, nature-based activities and seasonal celebrations, such as Elfnavally and more. These early opportunities helped them develop a sense of adventure and discovery, while building friendships.

Beavers

The Beaver Colony enjoyed a lively and engaging programme throughout the year, combining fun with learning and personal development. Activities ranged from badge work in areas such as science, creativity and cooking, to games and problem-solving challenges that encouraged teamwork and independence. The section maintained strong attendance and enthusiasm across all meetings.

Outdoor activities played a key role, with Beavers taking part in outdoor exploration, an overnight camp and District and NI events. All experiences encountered have helped broaden their horizons.

Cubs

The Cub Pack delivered a well-balanced programme of adventure, skill-building and personal achievement. Cubs participated in a variety of activities, including outdoor skills, badge work and team challenges that developed confidence and resilience. Meetings often combined practical learning with

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fun, ensuring continued engagement.

Camping and outdoor experiences were a highlight of the year, giving Cubs the opportunity to build independence and teamwork. They also contributed to community-focused activities, helping them understand the importance of service.

Scouts

The Scout Troop experienced a highly active year, with a strong emphasis on adventure and leadership. Scouts participated in a wide range of activities, including camping, expeditions, navigation and pioneering. These experiences challenged them physically and mentally, helping to build resilience, confidence and practical outdoor skills.

Leadership and responsibility were key themes, with Scouts taking on greater roles in planning activities and supporting each other. The Troop demonstrated excellent teamwork throughout the year, with several members progressing in award schemes and developing skills that will benefit them both within and beyond Scouting.

Explorers

The Explorer Unit continued to offer older members the opportunity to take ownership of their Scouting journey. Activities were often youth-led, with Explorers involved in planning and delivering their own programme, including expeditions and challenge-based events. This approach helped strengthen independence and decision-making skills.

Explorers also played an important role within the wider Group, volunteering with younger sections and acting as role models. Many took part in the DofE programme and the Scout Top Awards, preparing them for future roles in Scouting and beyond.

Overall

I would like to close by noting about how Scouting does not happen with one person, it does take everyone to make the success. We celebrated sectional and volunteer success stories, from badges completed, nights away attained, commenced new projects and not forgetting the opportunity to recognise some of our volunteers. The thing that made it was the teamwork throughout it all.

We see the transition of Trustee Board Leadership as Gordon Myles steps down as Chair after his three year term. I would like to personally thank Gordon for all that he has done to progress the governance of the Scout Group during this time. His friendship and support have been very much appreciated.

Together, we are building a strong, vibrant Scout Group that continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people in our community.

Scott Robinson, Group Lead Volunteer

[e-mail]

Group Location

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62[nd] Belfast Scout Group is located in the premises of Newtownbreda, St John’s Presbyterian Church, based on the Ormeau Road. Our meeting times are:

Squirrels – Monday from 6pm to 7pm Beavers - Monday from 6pm to 7pm Cubs – Monday from 7:00pm to 8:30pm Scouts – Friday from 7:30pm to 9:30pm Explorers - Friday from 7:30pm to 9:30pm

Group Correspondence

All correspondence should be sent to:

Scott Robinson, Group Lead Volunteer, 62[nd] Belfast Scout Group Newtownbreda Presbyterian Church 374-378 Ormeau Rd, Belfast BT7 3HX

Personnel of the Trustee Board

The Trustees who comprise the Group Trustee Board on 31/03/2026 are:

• Gordon Myles, Chair

• Marjorie Guiler, Treasurer

• Scott Robinson, Group Lead Volunteer

• Claire Compston, Trustee

• Helen Morrissey, Trustee

• Liz Dudgeon, Trustee

• Jonathan Dudgeon, Trustee

• Stephen Mallett, Trustee

• Scott Guiler, Trustee

• Michael Forsythe, Trustee

• Kenny Campbell, Trustee

Please Note: All Trustees live in NI and activities held are based in Belfast City Council.

62[nd] Belfast Scout Group Structure

The 62[nd] Belfast Scout Group is a constituent member of the UK Scout Association and follows its

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rules and policies as laid down in a document known as POR (Policy Organisation and Rules). There are 5 sections – Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers which are age-related as set out below in the census section.

Within this financial year, the Group Lead Volunteer was S Robinson, who has the delegated authority to run the Group operations.

Purpose and Benefit

Scouting is established to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential as individuals and responsible citizens.

This also benefits the local and wider communities to which they belong. By gaining awards and badges set up by Scouts UK they learn and display knowledge and skills which will be of value to them throughout their lives. Activities and badges are tailored for the separate age groups.

Membership of the Scout Group

Census (January 2026)

• Squirrel Drey – 18 Members

• Beaver Colony – 24 Members

• Cub Pack – 26 Members

• Scout Troop – 23 Members

• Explorer Unit – 10 Members

Total Youth Membership - 101

• Volunteers – 26 Members

Total Membership – 127

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62[nd] Belfast: Finances

Financial Overview

No two years are ever the same in Scouting!

Income this year totalled £19,230. This was higher than the 2025 total and showcased through the increase of more activities occurring with the financial year and increase of the EA grant.

Expenditure totalled £22,632 within the financial year, in comparison to £14,047 in the 2025 financial year. This is due to an increase in expenses and associated programme costs with more camps in the dairy, resulting in more badge purchases and equipment. Within the 2025-2026 financial year, we also commenced our Den renovations, which will most likely span a two-year period.

As we look ahead to the next financial year, we will be continuing to claim Gift Aid while continuing our Den renovations. The Board is satisfied that the Scout Group remains in a financially stable position.

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62[nd] Belfast: Declaration

The Trustees declare that they have approved this report which has been signed by the Chair of the Trustee Board and Group Lead Volunteer on their behalf at the Annual General Meeting in June 2026.

___ ___ Scott Robinson Gordon Myles Group Lead Volunteer Chair of Trustee Board

___ ___ Date Date

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