On Friday 20th March a rather unique ceremony took place at the 1st Bradley Stoke Scout headquarters at Brook Way Activity Centre. Due to the incredible demand on the group’s waiting lists (and after months of planning with considerable help from the Scout Association’s Regional Development Team), the group were able to finally realise their ambition to open a further two new Beaver sections, plus another Cub pack. This means that the Group now has four Beaver colonies, three Cub packs, two Scout troops and a partnered Explorer Scout unit, making it one of the largest Scout groups in the country!
The new Beavers and their new volunteer leaders attended the special evening ceremony to say their Promise and become members of the worldwide Scouting movement. Nearly 30 young people and five adults were officially welcomed to the group in front of a packed audience of family, friends and other 1st Bradley Stoke members.
Group Scout Leader Clive Mason led the proceedings by inviting the new adult volunteers to become leaders for the two new colonies. Then the newly appointed leaders were able to call their own new Beavers up in their smaller ‘lodges’ to make the Scout sign and say their Promise. All the young people coped incredibly well with their new-found fame and waited very patiently at the end, as many proud audience members took photographs.
Nick Nelson, Chair of the 1st Bradley Stoke Scout Group, said:
“It is very rare for so many new leaders and young members of the Scout group to join all at the same time and is a reflection of how popular Scouting is. The Group has wanted to offer more spaces for local boys and girls to join for a long time, but this can only happen if there are the adults willing to volunteer to help make it possible.”
“The group still needs more adults (now, more than ever!), so if you have been inspired by seeing all these little smiling faces being given the opportunity for fun and adventure, please take a look at our website www.bradley-stoke-scouts.org.uk, where you can see even more of what we do.”
Photo: Beavers and leaders pictured after the ceremony on Friday 20th March (click to enlarge; view hi-res on Flickr).