Forres Beaver Scouts have made the most of the lockdown
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CHILDREN from a local "colony" have kept up their activities despite not being able to meet during the coronavirus lockdown.
The Beavers - 1st Forres Scouts from the six to eight year-olds age group - are working hard to earn their badges through tasks and challenges.
Scouts secretary, Louise Berry, confirmed the youngsters have followed the example of the older Scouts during the Covid-19 pandemic.
She said: "The Beavers were asked during an online meeting how they'd like to keep their activity programme going and decided to carry on badge work and take on a challenge.
"Their main activity is a personal challenge award - they have to choose one themselves and also complete one set by their leaders."
Challenge examples include caring for pets, taking responsibility for personal hygiene (such as brushing teeth without being reminded), helping with tasks around the house and experimenting with new foods. So far, three Beavers have achieved the award with another three almost there.
The Beavers are also completing activity badges including 'book reader', 'cookery', 'photographer', 'space' and 'health and fitness'. More than 25 will be awarded when the children are back together.
The Beavers also joined in with the Scouts virtual camp building.
"Some made blanket forts, others their own tea," said Louise. "Some even camped in their own gardens, toasting marshmallows under supervision over open fires!
"Parents have fed back that the children have had great fun and are enjoying the experience. The leadership team of the whole Scout group are very proud of the way the children and their parents have engaged with efforts to keep Scouting going in Forres under the current circumstances.
"The leaders are still working from home or in the workplace so their dedication is very much appreciated too."
