As some of the government restrictions around the COVID-19 pandemic begin to be relaxed, we’re starting to plan for how we’ll be able to return to face-to-face Scouts activities at the 28th after summer.
We’re all looking forward to returning, so we wanted to provide an update on how we’re approaching a re-start. Our restarting plans will follow all government rules and guidance from Scouts’ UKHQ. Our priority is to keep young people and adults safe.
We’ll be following the Scouts’ ‘COVID Code’:
– New control measures will be in place for all activities
– Additional hygiene measures will be put in place
– Social distancing will be observed
– Group sizes will be limited
– Adjustments will be made for young people vulnerable or affected by COVID
Returning to Scouts will happen in phases, the first of which will let us resume outdoor activities in small groups. Returning to face-to-face Scouts is voluntary for all young people, parents/carers and volunteers.
We’ll share more detailed plans for the new safety measures we’re putting in place soon. In the meantime, we’d be delighted to receive any feedback on our plans and to address any questions or concerns that parents and carers, young people and volunteers may have.
Best wishes,
| Andy Loudon Group Scout Leader (Acting) & Explorers Section Leader | Peter Ritchie Group Chairperson |
| Iain Paterson Monday Beavers Section Leader | Sheila Oxburgh Tuesday Cubs Section Leader |
| Derek Ritchie Wednesday Cubs Section Leader | Heather Wright Scouts Section Leader |
| James Gallagher Assistant Group Scout Leader & Friday Beavers Leader |
In our latest update to all members, you’ll find details of what we’ve been up to during lockdown, our plans to keep Scouting at Home over Summer and the steps we’ll be taking when the time comes to resume face-to-face Scout meetings.
Dear All,
First, I hope that you and your families are staying safe and well. It’s been fantastic to see our Young People adapting to Scouting At Home and I’d like to thank our volunteers who have taken the time to prepare online activities.
Face-to-face Scout meetings have now been suspended for close to three months. Clearly we don’t know yet when it is going to be possible to restart them. What is clear is that decisions on when (and in what format) meetings can restart will be informed initially by advice from The Scout Association and Scouts Scotland.
The Scottish Government is currently planning for schools in Scotland to go back on 11 August – but with physical distancing measures in place. There are clearly challenges involved in replicating such measures in the Scout Hall – so it is quite possible that section meetings won’t restart until some time after the schools go back.
The Section Leaders and Committee Members have discussed all these issues and agreed that:
Group Scout Leader
Brian Martin, our Group Scout Leader (GSL), intimated some time ago that he’d be standing down from that role at the end of June. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Brian on behalf of the Group for all his help and support as GSL during the past 6 years. Although he is standing down as GSL, we will still be seeing him from time to time (eg at fundraising events) as he is joining the 28th’s Active Support Unit.
This means that we are currently looking for someone to take over the role of Group
Scout Leader. The GSL role is essentially a management role. Prior experience of
Scouting is not necessary. What we need is someone who can provide some leadership, motivation and guidance to our other adult volunteers – and they will of course be supported by 2 very able Assistant Group Scout Leaders who handle much of the day- to-day work. If you think you could take on the GSL role – or if you know someone who might be interested – please let me know.
Kind Regards,
Peter Ritchie
Group Chairperson
Email: group.chair@giffnockscouts.org.uk
For activities, badge work & challenges that young people can work on from home, check out our new page:
Dear all,
As Scouts, wherever we go and whatever we do, we put our member’s safety and wellbeing first.
As you will be aware, the Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19, is an evolving situation and a difficult time for all of us and our families.
After listening to our volunteers, the decision has been taken to suspend all weekly section meetings for an indefinite period of time (from today, March 16th)
This includes Monday Beavers, The Group Camp meeting & Explorers which were scheduled for this evening.
We are not, at this stage, cancelling Group Camp. However we will continue to monitor the situation and give you an update as soon as possible.
We will continue to provide updates to parents, supporters & volunteers as the situation develops.
Please get in touch with us if you have any questions.
Many thanks,
Brian Martin (Group Scout Leader)
Peter Ritchie (Group Chair)
Andy Loudon (Assistant Group Scout Leader)
James Gallagher (Assistant Group Scout Leader)
In the latest Group Newsletter you’ll find updates from the sections, photos of recent activities and camps, updates about the jumble sale and family fun event, upcoming dates for your diary, and more. We hope that you find it of interest.
Our Explorer Unit joined two other local units in February 2016 for a trip to Copenhagen, Denmark.
Their destination was kept a closely-held secret from the announcement about the trip in August 2015 until around 44 Explorers met at Edinburgh airport on the day of departure.
Check out the 28th Giffnock ESU and Warrior ESU Facebook pages for some great photos from this memorable trip!
Glad you asked! Please don’t guess; you may be asked to move badges that are out of position.
Here are the official badge placement diagrams from The Scout Association.
Badge placement diagram for Beavers
Badge placement diagram for Cub Scouts
Badge placement diagram for Scouts
Badge placement diagram for Explorer Scouts
If in doubt, ask your section leader or a Scouter.