Brayton Scouts celebrate 70 years

Brayton Scouts celebrate 70 years

The first Scouts in Brayton formed in 1930 but 6th Selby (Brayton) Scout Group dates to the year of Queen Elizabeth II’s succession to the throne, 1952. The Group was started by King’s Scout, Charles Tiplady, whose woodcraft sign and initials feature on the Group badge.

In all these years Brayton Scout Group has fulfilled the Scout Association’s mission of “supporting young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society”. And, done so in a way that has provided fun, companionship and adventure in a safe environment.

Brayton Scouts have adapted to changes over the years. 1969 brought the end of short trousers, Scout ‘Masters’ and “DYB DYB DYB” (dib-dib-dib). Senior and Rover Scouts became Venture Scouts who, in turn, were replaced by District based Explorer Scouts. In the late 1980s, Beaver Scouts aged 6 and 7 were introduced and the Group now includes the newest section, Squirrel Scouts, for 4- and 5-year-olds. We are no longer ’Boy’ Scouts. Scouting is now open to all young people.

There have been a countless variety of activities at the weekly meetings with day trips and especially camping as an essential part of Scouting. Several Brayton Scouts have gone to World Scout Jamborees as have adult leaders joining service teams.

A Group Camp at Squirrel Wood was held to celebrate 70 years. The older ones camped through the weekend, braving heavy rain on the first evening. On Saturday, Beavers and Squirrels joined in the fun and were particularly enthusiastic about the giant inflatables: ‘last man standing’ in which a rotating (soft) bar spun over the play area with the participants trying to avoid being knocked off. The other was an enormous, enclosed obstacle course. Candles were lit on the 70th anniversary cake and a good time was had by all.

Our biggest challenge in all the 70 years has been Covid but our dedicated, enthusiastic, unpaid volunteer leader Team rose to the challenge with Zoom meetings and restricted face-to-face gatherings, always to government guidelines. We emerged without dropping membership in the Cub and Scout sections. Beavers are rapidly returning to pre-Covid levels and Squirrels now add to the merry mix.

The Group welcomes adults who would like to join our 25 strong leader team with a further 17 in support roles. [email: ad.bscouts@live.co.uk} Training is provided with support from experienced leaders. A new structure is coming in which will lead to more flexibility to match your availability.