REPORT OF 12[TH] BANGOR SCOUT GROUP 2022/2023
The group continues to consolidate after the Covid 19 Pandemic. Numbers are returning to pre pandemic numbers with a Scout Census ( jan23) return of 116 young people and 27 leaders. The Squirrels section did not restart as the leaders could not return due to health reasons and so far, we have been unable to secure a team to take on the new section.
The programme continues to expand with more outdoor activities as leaders grow in confidence and numbers continue to remain high.
Summer camp returned after the two- year break with the older Scouts and Explorers attending an international camp at red Rose Jamboree in Yorkshire.
The cubs returned to the Soap box Derby in England and the sections continued to gain the top Chief Scouts Awards in good numbers.
However, the main concerns remain, finance and volunteers remain the main thrust of the way forward for 12[th] Bangor Scout Group. The Executive team have managed to secure some funding for paying the bills on the property at Ballycrochan Road. and the maintenance will require extensive repair to the front of the building to stop water ingress. We would hope to get this completed in the year 2023/24 if we can get some volunteers involved. It would have been impossible to survive without financial help from the Education Authority, Ards and North Down Council and the Scout Assoc. This funding should place the group in a good position to move forward with the help of parents and volunteers moving to a decreasing reliance on funding. Running costs are now rising with c3K per annum with up keep and equipment extra to that.
There is no doubt that groups like 12[th] Bangor who have their own property will continue to struggle with costs and we will have to work harder at gaining support financial aid and more volunteers.
I would like to thank all those people involved in helping run and support the Group. We are investing in a lot of future citizens through our skills for life programme.
Don Mc Evoy Group Scout Leader.