Forres Scout Group launches new Wildcats pack and appeals for more volunteers to help cut membership waiting list further

A new Scout Pack has started in Forres and organisers hope more volunteers will help cut a membership waiting list even further.

Wildcats – running on Wednesday nights from 6.30-8pm – have started off with 10 new Cubs led by current Explorers leader Tom Williams and two other adult leaders, as well as two young leaders also from 1st Forres Scouts who will teach the skills that they have learnt.

Tom said: “We now have two packs – Panthers on Mondays have six adult leaders and one young leader.

“The waiting list now stands at 33.”

A typical 1st Forres Scouts session lasts for around 90 minutes and involves start and end ceremonies ‘the Grandhowl’ and ‘Flag Break’, games, as well as learning new skills.

Tom explained: “Practical show and tell skills instruction lasts for 30 to 40 minutes. We show the young attendees a skill, then it’s their turn to demonstrate they’ve learned it. We try and bring new skills into games - ie. a knot relay race or finding a map grid reference for a particular place - and/or reinforce something they learned from a few weeks previous.

“Sessions are at a fast pace and over before you know it!”

Over the last few weeks, attendees have been hearing how to be a Cub Scout and what it means; they have learned about the history of the movement, ceremonies, as well as the awards and badges that they can work towards and achieve.

“They now know the Cub Scout law and promise,” said Tom. “They’re ready to be invested so will make their promise to do their best in everything they attempt.

“They will then be welcomed into the pack, receiving their world membership badge, group neckie and other badges for the district and region.”

Tom is keen to promote the positives of volunteering and highlighted the fact that Scout volunteers do not have to be in uniform.

He explained: “Some volunteers are on an executive committee, helping to run the group and its day-to-day management via the role of chairperson, secretary, treasurer, fundraiser, quartermaster, support volunteers or something else.

“The executive helps the group Scout leader and section leaders provide an exciting and varied programme for our young people.”

Adult leaders receive support, training and recognition in the form of long-service awards. Volunteers are covered by personal accident and medical expenses insurance too.

“You do not have to have been a Scout to volunteer,” said Tom. “Volunteers also pick up the life skills we are teaching our young people.

“Some volunteers go on to undertake optional specialist training, instructing courses and gaining qualifications in activities including canoeing, sailing, climbing, hillwalking and archery.”

The adults are part of a team teaching the scouts about the importance of teamwork.

“Volunteering boosts mental health and wellbeing,” finished Tom. “There is a sense of achievement, for example, when a young person has been hesitating through fear or struggling to learn new skills and through a volunteer’s support they overcome their struggle.

“The smiles on Scouts’ faces is one of the best benefits of all.”

Visit https://1stforresscouts.co.uk/ or https://www.facebook.com/1stforresscoutgroup/ for more information.