Flitwick Scouts explore the wildlife after returning to outdoor meetings

Members of Flitwick Scouts were delighted to be able to meet each other outside after months of Zoom meetings during the coronavirus pandemic.

The adult volunteers have used their imagination and carried out lots of research to design games and activities for all of the children and young people to do whilst remaining socially distanced.

This has also meant changing times and venues to ensure all of the activities are carried out safely.

The activities have included the Athlete Badge, health and fitness, hoop football, making ballistas, hikes to Ampthill and around Flitwick and exploring the wildlife at Manor Park.

Since March an enormous amount of badges have been earned by the children and the majority of these have now been awarded.

These include Animal Friend, Book Reader, Collector, Disability Awareness, Experiment, Gardener, My Skills Challenge, My World Challenge and Camp at Home.

Adult volunteer, Louise Rutt said: “The children have been very engaged with their badges and it’s been great to see their parents/carers supporting them to achieve them."

One of the highlights of getting back to meeting outdoors was the opportunity for Lead Volunteer Jonathan Smith to present some Chief Scout Awards to Beavers (boys and girls aged 6 to 8) and to Cubs (boys and girls aged 8 to 10 and a half).

Jonathan said: “This is the best part of my role. It is great to hear about the activities the children have done, the badges they have gained and the adventures they have been on.”

Christopher Walker said: “I’ve just moved to Cubs and my first evening was a games night in the rain. The dice game was brilliant. I was so proud to get my Bronze Chief Scout Award.”

Parent, Julia Savage said, “The volunteers with the group have been awesome. They’ve spent many hours writing risk assessments and ensuring all of the activities and children were safe.

"They’ve engaged with all of the parents/carers and children.”

For more information about Flitwick Scouts, visit: www.flitwickscoutgroup.org.uk.