A REPORT FROM THE GROUP SCOUT LEADER – SEPTEMBER 2018
None of the exceptional things we achieve here at 4th would be possible without some amazing people, those who lead and manage the sections, the Executive Committee and it’s many supporters too numerous to mention all by name.
We are fortunate to have 2 Beaver Colonies and 2 Cub Packs, feeding in to 1 Scout Troop. We also give a home to Colombus Explorers, with whom we have a Partnership Agreement and a very close working relationship. All of that needs a large team of leaders who give a huge amount of their time to offer young people the opportunity to be involved in the adventure that is ‘Scouting’. As a Group we are active in all sections, proactive in all we do. You will see from the sections reports that hardly a weekend goes by without something going on.
We have responsibilty to run and maintain our building, the only Group in Castle Point District who has that privilege. We have our own Climbing Wall, Crate Stacking & Archery Club. We have a huge amount of camping equipment a mini-bus and van. Last but not least a fleet of boats now all safely stored down at the Island Yacht Club, we have started to use them again on a more regular basis. Next year we hope to be out on the water even more. All this takes a lot of time and money to support.
I will also take the opportunity to say thank you to all the Committee for the time they have given this past year, with particular thanks to Elaine our Treasurer, who has the unenviable task of keeping us all financially in order – no easy feat. We have worked this last year with no Chair or Secretary, I have been standing in as Chair and Karen from Drake Beavers has been taking minutes at our meetings.(with help from other committee members) I am hopeful this is all about to change! Whilst fundraising continues we do urgently need support for our fundraising team. We are open to new members – speak to one of us if you feel you can help with fundraising and give a few hours to join the committee. We do need more people to join us, we meet every month. Please speak to either myself or one of the leaders if you can help out in this way.
We are still looking for occasional help/leaders in some of the sections, particularly Beavers and Stone Mountain Cubs so if you have a few hours to spare please speak to one of us about ‘volunteering’. You will always be welcomed with open arms, even if you can only give a few hours a month, that’s all it takes sometimes to make a difference. There is no pressure to put on a uniform…although we would be happy if you did!
We have had a number of changes in the Leadership Team this year, Fiona stepped down from Stone Cubs after gaining promotion at work, whilst we were sad to see her leave the section, career must come first and Jake is now running 2 Cub Packs, successfully it seems.
Deb who had been running 2 Beaver Colonies very successfully for some time has handed over the reins at Drake to Karen, giving Deb the chance to have Monday nights off! Terry will be taking a step back from the role of Skip as work and other commitments take up his time, he will be Bosun and concentrate more on the boating. The Scout Leader team will work together until a replacement ‘Skip’ is found.
The Leaders intend to continue to make 4th Canvey Island Sea Scouts the best that it can be.
Barbara Hardy
Group Scout Leader