About the Scouts

Who: Young people aged 10 to 14
When: Thursdays at 7:00 to 9:00pm
Where: Freehay Village Hall, School Ln, Freehay, Nr. Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent, ST10 1TS

Scouts Leadership Team:
Chris (Team Leader)
Hallzy
Bethan
Nathan

What do Scouts get up to?

Scouts engage in a wide variety of activities designed to build skills, foster personal growth, and promote community service. Here are some of the key activities and experiences that Scouts typically participate in:

Outdoor Adventures

1. Camping: Scouts frequently go on camping trips, which can range from weekend excursions to week-long camps. These experiences teach skills such as setting up tents, cooking outdoors, and navigating the wilderness.
2. Hiking: Scouts often embark on hikes, learning to read maps, use a compass, and understand topography. These hikes can vary from short day trips to multi-day backpacking adventures.
3. Water Activities: Canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and swimming are common activities. Scouts learn water safety, boat handling, and rescue techniques.
4. Climbing: Scouts might participate in rock climbing and rappelling activities, learning about safety equipment and techniques for climbing safely.

Skill Development

1. First Aid: Scouts receive training in basic first aid, including CPR, bandaging, and handling emergencies.
2. Survival Skills: Skills such as fire-building, shelter construction, and finding food and water in the wild are taught.
3. Crafts and Handiwork: Scouts often engage in activities like woodworking, knot tying, and crafting, which build dexterity and creativity.

Leadership and Teamwork

1. Patrol System: Scouts operate in small groups called Patrols, fostering teamwork, leadership, and a sense of responsibility.
2. Badgework: Scouts work towards earning activity and Challenge Award badges in various areas, which encourages them to learn new skills and knowledge areas.
3. Service Projects: Community service is a core component, with Scouts participating in projects like community litter picking, helping at local events, and supporting charitable organisations.

Cultural and Social Activities

1. Jamborees: Large gatherings of Scouts from various regions, sometimes internationally, where they share experiences, participate in competitions, and learn from each other.
2. Scout Meetings: Regular troop meetings where Scouts plan activities, learn new skills, and review their progress.
3. Ceremonies and Traditions: Scouts take part in various ceremonies, such as Investiture (when they make their Promise), award presentations, flag ceremonies, and campfire skits and singing, which build a sense of tradition and camaraderie.

Personal Growth

1. Ethical and Moral Development: Through the Scout Law, Scouts are encouraged to develop strong ethical values and a sense of duty.
2. Physical Fitness: Scouts engage in physical activities that promote fitness, including sports, running, and obstacle courses.
3. Environmental Stewardship: Scouts learn about and practice conservation and environmental stewardship, often participating in projects that benefit the natural world.

These activities not only provide fun and adventure but also help Scouts develop essential life skills, build character, and prepare for future challenges.