Scouting has resumed in Littleport! Of course, it was a lot of work and planning to ensure the safety of young people and their leaders, so at the time of writing meetings have been held online via Zoom calls – but they have been a hit!
“We’ve toasted marshmallows, played bingo, been on safari and held a magic show” says Beaver Scout Leader Susannah Webb, known to the Beavers as Chestnut. “The children have responded really well – I think they enjoy the fact that even although it’s through Zoom, it’s still interactive and interesting.”
Meanwhile, the Cubs have enjoyed a scavenger hunt where they had to decode a message and then find that household item in their home, a team quiz, and games of ‘Guess who?’ and ‘Battleships’.
The Scouts had their brain power tested in a quiz, and they also had a brilliant time cooking the same 15-minute meal in their respective kitchens (the feedback was “yummy!”).
“Meeting online has presented us with challenges but we’re able to use the technology to bring new activities to our members,” says Cub Scout Leader Dan Seaman, known to Cubs as Akela. “We’re trying to make sure our online sessions are enjoyable, social and don’t feel like an extension of school. It’s great to be Scouting and seeing the children again; they tell us they’re enjoying themselves, which makes it worthwhile.”
“Mackenzie has really enjoyed getting back into Beavers,” agrees mum Karen. “He especially loved the campfire sing-song – he is still singing the songs weeks later!”
Mum Samantha says that her Cub Scout daughter was worried about joining a Zoom meeting at first: “Caitlin was very anxious the first week, but we persevered and now she loves it!”
Of course, some children don’t feel comfortable joining the online sessions, so the leaders are hoping face-to-face meetings can happen sooner rather than later so everyone gets to enjoy Scouting again, but the priority is obviously to keep everyone safe.
“It is a difficult time for everyone,” says Susannah. “But at least the Zoom sessions allow us to give the children the opportunity to learn something new, see their friends and have some much needed fun, which is what we all need at the moment.”
If you want to join Scouting or know of a child who does, please get in touch with Group Scout Leader Julie Double at info@1stlittleportscoutgroup.org.uk
The Scout and Guide Hut suffered two acts of vandalism in October, which were reported to the police. Unfortunately, funds that would have been spent on the young people have had to be used to cover insurance excesses to pay for the damage. The Hut Committee and Scout Group would like to thank all those who have helped repair the damage, some of whom offered their services for free:
- Harrison Gordon
- Port Plumbing
- Fenland Spirit Services
- Paul Barham