Be Prepared...Scouts are coming to Tandragee!!

Monday 10th May saw a packed meeting at Tandragee Golf club to discuss the formation of a new scout group for Tandragee.

The Portadown Scout leaders who were holding the meeting to gauge support for the idea were so  overwhelmed by the number of interested parents and children that they had to switch rooms and hold the meeting in the larger dance hall area of the Golf Club.

Mr Paul Walker, County Commissioner for Armagh, spoke to the parents at length about what would be involved in setting up the Scout group in the town, and was so delighted by the numbers of volunteers to become section leaders that he said we would most definitely have a Scout group up and running for September 2010.

Generally Scouting finishes in June for the children, so this would give a couple of months for the administration to go through and for training of new leaders to commence.  Whilst Tandragee leaders are being trained, Portadown District has offered to "share" their leaders and newly qualified Queen Scouts to help out each week.

Premises have been found for the new group to meet which are central to the town and so should be convenient for all the children to get to, and for parents to drop off safely. A day of the week to meet has still to be decided, and it will depend on numbers if all sections meet on the same night or if the younger groups meet on a different day.

Mr Walker has kindly invited any boys and girls (and their parents!) to come along to the Portadown District Scouts Open Day to be held in Gosford Park on 19th June 2010, 2-5pm. Just mention at the park gates that you are attending the Scout Camp, for directions and a small discount.

Scouting starts now with a new group called "Squirrels" from aged 4 years right through to the Network section for 18+, so there is a section for everyone! See below for a little more information about what the Scouting Association has to offer boys and girls today.

If you wish to find out more information or to register interest for your child or yourself as a helper - there are lots of behind the scenes jobs to do as well if you feel you can't always help out at the weekly meetings - **CONTACT US **

Beaver Scouts are young people usually aged between six and eight years old. Young people can join Beaver Scouts in the three months leading up to their sixth birthday. They can move to the next Section, Cub Scouts, between eight and eight years six months.

Easily recognised by their distinctive turquoise sweatshirts, Beaver Scouts enjoy making friends, playing games, going on visits and helping others. They usually meet together once a week in a Beaver Scout Colony.

The Beaver Scout Motto is 'Fun & Friends'. Lots of games and trips will make sure you have plenty of each! You will be able to make things, to sing songs, to listen to stories and to visit places like a fire station.    Beavers usually meet from 6.30-8pm.

Cubs are aged 8 - 11 and make up the second section of the Scouting family.

There are loads of fun things that you can do as a Cub Scout. You will get a chance to try lots of different activities like swimming, music, exploring, computing and collecting. If you do them properly you will get a badge which you can wear on your uniform.

Cub Scouts also get to go on trips and days out, to places like the zoo, theme parks or a farm. Sometimes you will be able to go camping with the rest of your Pack. This will mean you sleeping in a tent and doing loads of outdoor activities.   Cubs usually meet from 6.30-8pm.

Scouts are aged 11 - 14.

Scouting is for young people aged between 10½ and 14 years who want to make friends and develop their widening interests in way that are both educational and fun - young people who want a break from the usual after school routine of homework, games and watching television.

Our activities are about action and involvement and mean more than just camping. Hiking, rock climbing, gliding, sailing, pioneering, canoeing, parascending, abseiling, putting on shows and exhibitions, motor mechanics, electronics, photography - the list is endless! Scouts are also given the chance to learn skills in survival, cooking and first aid. There are often opportunities to go abroad as well. 

Scouts usually meet 7.45pm-10pm

Explorer Scouts are young people, usually aged between 14 and 18 years old. They make up the fourth Section of the Scouting family. There are many types of Explorer Scout Units, some may be linked to your local Scout Group, others may be based around different activities.

Not all Units meet each week, because you will often be out and about at weekends or in the holidays doing activities. There will be times when you will be busy doing other things such as exams, and being an Explorer Scout will have to fit around these.

As an Explorer Scout, you will be able to decide, along with the rest of the Unit, what you want to do - whether it is powerboating, socialising, hiking or enjoying a trip abroad. Some Units hold their meetings in a hall, or at someone's house, or even up a mountain!

You will be able to gain badges such as the Chief Scout's Diamond and Platinum Awards. The highest award you can earn is the Queen's Scout Award. This is recognised by many employers as the sign of someone that is enthusiastic, dedicated and reliable.

For more information on Scouts in Northern Ireland visit www.scoutsni.com 

Remember to let us know if you or your children are interested - and keep checking TandrageeOnline.com for updates.