News

Scouts Enjoy St George’s Day Safari

14 April 2014 written by : Ethan (Webmaster)

On Sunday 6th April, young people from the Combe Down Scout Group joined other Scouts from across Bath and converged o n the Longleat Estate for a District-wide Promise Renewal Ceremony and Fun Day. The event was timed to coincide closely with St George’s Day, the Patron Saint of Scouting. Traditionally, on or around this time each year, Scouting members from all over the world renew their promise and the commitment they have made to Scouting and its values.

Over 350 young people from the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers across the city, were joined by their Leaders and parent helpers for the occasion. Flanked by standard-bearers flying the Union Jack and the Bath District Flag, they paraded into the Hunters of the Sky arena, under the watchful eye of the resident birds of prey, and renewed their Scout Promise led by a young person from each Section. The event was supported by Avon Scouts Radio who interviewed many energetic and enthusiastic young members throughout the day with many young person describing their favourite animal.

The ceremony was followed by a visit to the Safari Park and a face-to-face encounter with many of the characters from the original Jungle Book including Lions, Tigers and Wolves. Fun and adventure was then the order of the day as the different Sections explored the various attractions that the Longleat Estate has to offer. Cubs from the 69th cave, with Egyptian fruit bats flying freely around them, whilst Explorers from Phoenix had to find their way through nearly two miles of pathways to reach the centre of the maze where they were duly invested.

Laurie Fielding, a Leader with the 13th Oldfield Park Cubs, who led the Promise Renewal Ceremony commented “It’s been great to see all the young members come together from across scouting to renew their promise and have a fun day together. The promise is an important part of being a Scout, but it’s also the learning, adventure and life-skills in a fun and safe environment that helps a Scout to develop themselves to fulfil their maximum potential. It was wonderful to see so many young people showing a positive attitude and promising to do their duty and do their best. That’s what being a Scout is all about.”Scouting is open to all boys and girls aged from 6 to 18 looking to take part in their next big adventure. In addition there are fantastic opportunities for adult volunteers enabling them to build on personal skills, like teamwork, confidence and leadership. As long as you’re over 18, you can help out as an adult volunteer in Scouting. There is no upper age limit for adult volunteers. For more information, contact our group here, or visit our district’s website at: www.bathscouts.org