News from the

58th ABERDEEN SCOUT GROUP

Three Culter Scouts just back from Thailand

THREE Scouts from the 58th Aberdeen Scout Group have been enjoying themselves in Thailand and Taiwan at the 20th World Scout Jamboree. They left just before Christmas for the jamboree on the beach at Sattahip in Thailand along with 25,000 other young people from all over the world and then went to Taiwan for home hospitality stays with local families. They have just arrived back having got permission to miss the first week back at school! Details and pictures can be found at: http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/inter/jambo/thailand/index.htm

Kevin Dow, Stephen Mathers and Duncan Watt plan to give us a presentation of their adventures once they get their slides developed.

New Explorer Scouts in the process of being established

Several meetings have been held by those interested in establishing the new Deeside Explorer Scout Unit which is a completely new section for 14-18 year-olds and is one of a number of imaginative changes to bring Scouting into the 21st Century. There has been a lot of interest from potential leaders and from about 25 young people that includes Scouts moving up and new entrants.

Explorers is open to both boys and girls and includes informal fun activities as well as a new integrated development programme that is closely aligned with the Duke of Edinburgh 's Award Scheme. The Deeside Unit will include young people from Cults, Milltimber, Peterculter, Drumoak and Maryculter.

Some activities have been held already but the emphasis needs to be to establish the infrastructure and the support arrangements that include who the leaders are to be and the partnership agreements with each of the 5 Groups. It is intended that the Explorers themselves will also be involved in tbis decision-making. The Unit can then be formally launched once these arrangements are in place.

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts A full programme of activities has been arranged for the coming term that includes doing the Friendship badge for Beavers, swimming and athletics for Cubs and skiing and pancake-making for Scouts! And at Easter we shall be camping again!

Please contact any leader if you wish to join any of the sections that now cover the whole age range from 6-25 years old, or call Aberdeen 735151 for details.

Simon Sawers Group Scout Leader