Scouting in West Hertfordshire

Adventure is at the heart of the Scout Movement and around 750 young people between the ages of 6 and 25 in Tring, Berkhamsted and the villages are involved in this movement. Many groups have waiting lists due to their success. Activities on offer range from sailing and caving to camping and activity weekends.

A group of Scouts aged 14 plus have just returned from the most challenging competition of the year, Peak Assault. The competitors used their orienteering skills, physical ability and mental strength to navigate their way across unforgiving terrain ‘clipping’ as many checkpoints as they could within the allotted time. The competitors also carried all the equipment they needed for a night on the hills.

Earlier in the year 2 groups spent time at the Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland where adventurous activities can be undertaken with Scouts from many other countries in order to encourage peace and international friendship.

Coming up is the Monopoly Challenge. A life-sized version of the popular game, to take place in London.

This fantastic range of opportunities is designed to challenge and enrich the lives of young people, and is open to girls and boys of all abilities and backgrounds at very low cost.

This is all made possible by a large band of volunteers of all ages. Training schemes are available which mean that adults can also get as much out of Scouting as the young people because the skills developed have relevance to working or personal lives.

For all involved, lifelong friendships are made, as activities are shared.

West Herts Scouts are currently looking for people to take on two very important roles: a District Commissioner and a Treasurer.

• The District Commissioner leads Scouting in the District, supporting Scout Groups and Explorer Units, keeping them in line with National and County advice and guidance, seeking out new volunteers, and developing Scouting in the local area.
• The District Treasurer monitors the financial position of the District, reporting to the District Trustees; he/she also provides financial advice to the District Trustees, manages the Bank Accounts and Savings, prepares the annual accounts and financial summary, arranges for an independent examination and contributes to related areas such as Subscriptions, Gift Aid and insurance. Ongoing help and advice is available on any aspect of the role with which the new Treasurer may be unfamiliar.

If you think you might fit one of these roles or if you would like to get involved in some way please contact Ian Cutler (West Herts Scouts District Commissioner) iancutler49@gmail.com.