The Group today consists of four active sections: Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts and Explorer Scouts. You can find out more about the activities undertaken by each section elsewhere in the web page. The Group has always been very active and at the centre of community life in and around Burnside since its formation around 1909.
Beaver scouts existed at the 113th for a number of years before they were officially recognised nationally in 1986. Our current leader team of Fiona, Alan and Kerri really do ensure that the youngsters fulfil the motto "Fun and Friends" each and every week.
The Cub Scout section has seen a strong rise in numbers again in the past two years, with a regular 20-24 attending each week. Now fully in to the new programme, the Cub Section is well placed for the coming year. Isla, Graeme and Kirsty provide the regular leadership team with occasional support from Fiona and a rota of parent helpers.
Nigel and Allan run a joint Scout/Explorer Scout night each week, with the opportunity for a split to focus on section specific issues. The Explorer Scout section is the newest one in Scouting (catering for 14 to 18 year olds). Undoubtedly as these sections settles down, there will be increased joint activity and events with other Explorer Scout sections across the District.
All of our members aged 18 to 25 are registered with the Area Scout Fellowship, and may choose to join in some or all of the area events in the coming year.
Like many voluntary charitable organisations, Scouting too relies on background support. Unlike the uniformed leaders who often receive feedback from the youngsters for their voluntary contribution, the members of the parents committee provide much needed support without much praise or thanks.
The 113th has always had a very strong parents committee. It's strength is in raising funds to maintain and improve the Scout hall, and to build links with the wider community. The increased usage of the hall over the past couple of years proves the worth of these relationships. Boxing, Karate, Dancing, pre and after school care, Guides and a playgroup all now benefit from the facilities offered by the hall.
The committee are now renowned for their annual programme of fundraising social events. including the November ceilidh, the February race night and the May Plant sale. watch out for details of the 2003 events.
We should not, however, be complacent. After over 80 years of continuous use, and the last major extension being carried out in the 1950s, the Group are planning on building a new Scout hall on the existing site. Fundraising, bag packing and grant applications are all assisting in the design work for a new purpose built community hall. The Group executive are keen to secure significant funding assistance in early 2003 to enable this project to take off.
It may seem strange to use a website to express thanks to the many people who voluntarily give of their time each week to support the 113th. However for many visitors to this site, who may or may not be involved in Scouting, I feel it is important that we each reflect on the time given up and down the country to support the development of young people through organisations like Scouting. It is so easy to knock young people today or to dismiss voluntary uniformed organisations as archaic, but without them, and without the leaders and the background support, there would be more young people standing on street corners complaining about nothing to do.
The children and young people of Burnside cannot have that complaint. The
113th will welcome any potential new member. If you are interested in finding
out more, then email group@113.org with your
details.
Graeme M Hamilton
Group Scout Leader.