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A summary of the Teignbridge District Scout Council’s approach to meeting the challenge to take Scouting to the community
A GREAT DEAL OF EMPHASIS HAS BEEN MADE NATIONALLY ON THE EFFORTS OF GROUPS AND DISTRICTS TO ATTRACT MORE AND MORE YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULTS INTO THE SCOUT MOVEMENT.
THE TEIGNBRIDGE DISTRICT HAS NOT BEEN SLOW TO RECOGNISE THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKING AN ALL OUT EFFORT TO MEET THE CHALLENGE OF STRENGTHENING LOCAL SCOUTING. FIRSTLY, BY INDENTIFYING AREAS WHICH ONCE HAD A SCOUT GROUP, AND THEN BY EXPLORING OTHER PLACES WHERE IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO COMMENCE SCOUTING.
Under the leadership of Alan, District Commissioner, a small team of leaders began visits to key areas where an initial response had been received from interested people. This was followed up by an invitation for interested residents to meet with the Team at a local venue, usually the Village Hall.
In most cases potential leadership was realized and followed up by a further visit to confirm promises and to start the ball rolling in organizing a Group Council. In some cases it was made clear who was willing to undertake leadership of a section; in most cases a Cub Pack or Beavers (sometimes both) were proposed. The initial enthusiasm was evident and grew as the date for the first meeting of young people and their new leaders drew near.
Members of the District Team have been encouraged by the initial willingness and commitment of new leaders and members of Group Councils, and the sense of achievement in seeing a fledgling group reach its potential more than justified the time and travel to realize this outcome.
Not every attempt to start a new Group has been successful due to various reasons, but there is a certain optimism that the door will never be entirely closed for those needs to be met in the future.
SUMMARY of Developments:- between March 2008 and February 2009 five new Groups have commenced, most with both Beavers and Cubs, and a growing number now with Scouts. Investigations have started at two centers and a further 17 more areas are to be considered.