I hope everyone is having a good Easter Break, and now that the light nights are back we can really look forward to getting outside and doing what we love.
It has been a busy start to the year for 16th Wigan with lots going on. We have had the Beavers winning the dodgeball, Cubs an unlucky second place at the bucketball, and our Scouts making it into the top 8 in the county at the skills competition. We have also been climbing, scooting, and had a visit from Wigan Warriors and local MP Josh Simmons.
If that was not exciting enough, we are pleased to say that we are continuing to work towards opening our Squirrel Drey soon, and we welcome our new leaders and helpers. There will be more information coming soon, including a starting date and registration information.
Also, our summer camp to Waddecar in August is progressing well, with activities now being confirmed, including foraging, Blackpool Zoo, Pleasure Beach, Ghyll Scrambling and hammocks. Other activities are still pending, and once confirmed will be providing full information to all those attending. We just need to book the weather now!
With the opening of a new section and increasing numbers in all our other sections, we need more help. We are looking for new leaders and trustees (including a chairperson) to ensure we can keep offering the programme we can. We are also facing increased costs, and to help us combat these, we are looking to start a fundraising/ booster team that will support the group.
Leaders – Leaders work in a team with a main responsibility to put on a programme of activities in a safe and fun way. This involves planning weekly activities so the members can work towards their badges. And working with the wider scout network on events (the group, district, and county). This means ensuring there are the right resources in place, that other leaders in the team know what they need to do, and that there is a risk assessment in place for each activity. Additionally, leaders also ensure all young people are registered, badges are up to date, and payments for subs and events are up to date.
Trustees – Trustees meet every couple of months for about an hour. They offer oversight of how the group is run, take care of insurances and finances, building safety and equipment. We are currently looking for at least 2 new members and a chairperson.
Fundraisers/ Boosters – We are looking to start a fundraising team that will organise a few social events, raffles and look for other fundraising opportunities to support the group. This is very flexible and can be a very sociable way to be involved with the group.
Even giving an hour a month could be an extra activity, an ice cream on camp, a new piece of equipment or covers an unexpected bill. It may seem small, but these make a big difference to our young people. And the more help we have, the more flexible it can be and the more the group can continue to grow. If you are unsure what suits you best, please complete our questionnaire. We will be holding a new volunteer drop in on the 14th May at 6.30pm where you can ask anything and get more information.
At our AGM in July, we will be presenting a new trophy to a Beaver, Cub, Scout or Young Leader. We will be sending out forms for this award to all our young people shortly for them to nominate a fellow young person who has made a difference to them at 16th Wigan. Please return these to a leader. Watch out for further information on AGM.
As it is the start of a new term, we ask you to check your young person’s details on OSM are up to date, including gift aid and medical information.
Upcoming Group Dates
26th April – St George’s Day Parade, Mense Park, Wigan – More details to come.
5th May and 7th May – Table Top Swap – We are accepting donations of coats, boots, sleeping bags, and other outdoor/ camping items. These will be made available to pick up between Beavers and Scouts on 7th May and at the end of Cubs on 9th May.
14th May 6.30pm – Volunteer drop in – come and find out how you can be involved with the group. 7th July 6.30pm – AGM – All parents are invited to our Annual General Meeting and Prize giving evening at St Paul’s. Look out for more information coming.