New session gets under way

Traditionally the autumn and New Year see an increase in recruitment, both young people and adults.

Within the groups Beavers become Cubs, Cubs move into Scouts and Scouts become Explorers.

Members transfer from other groups and for new recruits it’s a chance to try something new.

For young people there are opportunities to make new friends, learn new skills and achieve a degree of responsibility which helps them in the future.

Explorer Scouts invariably complete the stages of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. They can also work towards the Saltire Award which rewards the mid-teens for their voluntary service and they are expected to become very self-sufficient.

For adults the reward is manifold. From the pleasure of seeing children and young adults flourish, to increasing your own skills and, quite possibly, discovering talents you never knew you had.

And because we are all volunteers you do as much as you can, when and if you are available.

Some people get bitten by the bug and as one of my colleagues admitted: “I don’t understand what I used to do in the time I now give to Scouting. All I do know is it can’t have been this fulfilling.”

If your interest has been piqued take a look at the Falkirk District Scout website which has details of the groups in the area. Go to: http://falkirk.frscouts.org.uk/index.php/how/.

TIME is running out to sign up for an adventure on an island in the Indian Ocean.

That’s four weeks in Madagascar in July 2019.

Scottish Scouting is looking for Scottish Scout Network members to join in and help build a national scouting centre.

It will allow Malagasy Scout Associations to come together in one location to train, learn and have fun.

Organisers are looking for leaders (over 25) and participants (18-25 years in July 2019) able to fundraise approximately £3000. Sign up to note your interest by September 3 at https://form.jotformpro.com/72072902237957.