What’s the best thing about Beaver Scouts? Activities, trips and making friends are all part of what makes it so much fun for girls and boys. As well as earning activity badges, many Beavers Scouts get to go on camps and sleepovers, often for the first time. Beavers are between 6 and 8 years old. We meet once a week during term time. Leaders Sarah Fletcher What we love to do Being creative – making things and singing, playing games, going on visits and investigating nature. Learning about themselves, getting to know other people, discovering the worlds of science, nature and technology and Exploring the natural and manmade world are all what makes Beavers fun and full of adventure. What Beavers have to say The best thing we did was swim in the rain. I wasn’t even sure we were allowed to, it was brilliant! I mean we were wet anyway, so I guess it didn’t matter too much about the weather. Activities, trips and making friends are all part of what makes it so much fun for girls and boys. They do climbing, archery and lots more, As well as earning activity badges; many Beavers Scouts get to go on camps and sleepovers, often for the first time. Our Beavers "What do we have? FUN!" "What do we make? FRIENDS!" "Who are we? BEAVERS!" We build our programme around the Beaver Badge scheme covering all sorts of topics that help the youngsters find out about themselves and the world around them. By the end of their time in Beavers most of them will gain the Bronze Chief Scout Award -of which they are very proud! We have one Beaver Colony of 24 boys and girls organised into 4 Beaver Lodges - Blue Kingfishers, Brown Boulders, Green Otters and Red Rapids. We start and end all our meetings with a Beaver Damn We also have a long waiting list of youngsters waiting to join . We would dearly love to be able to open a second Colony - just need another Leader. Downloads Badges and Awards A diagram to help you position your badges on your uniform. ​ Click to view/download the PDF

Chris Hodgson Section Leader Scouts My Name is Chris Hodgson, I run our very large and busy scout section with the help of our other leaders and helpers. I have been in scouting as an adult since 1989, being involved at Group, District and county level. I have been a scout leader, Cub leader and Group scout leader. ​Why Scouts? I believe wholeheartedly in the ethos and values of scouting, I love the great outdoors, (& play there at every opportunity) but above all else I do it for the young people and what we as adults can give to them. It also gives to me in many ways. ​I am a BMC (British Mountaineering Council) HMLE (Hill & Moorland expedition Leader) I hold a MTA (Mountain training association) CWA & CWAA qualification (climbing wall award, climbing wall abseiling award). ​I have a scouts T1 permit (hill and moorland permit), scouts climbing and abseiling permit, scout’s nights away and expedition permit. I have the scout leaders wood badge (For finishing all training). I'm the District Nights away advisor and I hold a Rescue and emergency care certificate. And in my spare time I am a DOE leader too. So, your young people are in safe hands. Come and join us for the fun and adventure of a life time. Contact me Not available This page was last updated ​

Scouts are between 10 and half and 14 years old. The Scout Troop is the third section in the Scout Group. Our Scout Pack Leaders Chris Hodgson Our Troop We have male and female members. Scouts work toward being senior patrol leaders (these help the adult team run the troop) patrol leaders and assistant patrol leaders. Older scouts (14 plus) will move on to become an Explorer Scout within the Scout movement. In our troop we are developing leadership skills, Learning emergency aid, spending nights away – the summer camp is often the highlight of the year, helping others in the community, cooking (both at home and at camp), adventurous and sporting activities – anything from abseiling to zorbing and Learn survival skills! If your child is moving on from Cubs there is no need to join the waiting list, please speak with your Cub leader. What we do We have a very active programme and regularly take part in archery, climbing, hiking, canoeing, raft building and camping, plus anything the mind can think of in-between! We also take part in external activity/challenge days e.g. Bicton Park which included activities such as climbing, zip wires, kayaking and rafting. We work towards badges; the main badge work is towards the Chief Scout Gold Award. We are currently starting to camp once a month on the Salcombe Regis Activity Centre to assist the scouts in gaining the Chief scout award. At this age, we encourage our members to take responsibility for themselves and each other, with older members leading a small team. They like being with friends and participating fully in the adventure of life. Downloads Badges and Awards A diagram to help you position your badges on your uniform. ​ Click to view/download the PDF

1st Sid Vale Scout Group, Sidmouth, was founded in 1913. We provide a local resource supported entirely by volunteers, to enable young people from the ages of 6 – 18 years to enjoy adventurous activities such as: camping, archery, climbing, hiking, cooking, life skills, working toward badges and team events. We continue to encourage all our youngsters to take an active part in their community. Our Scouting Sections Beavers 6 to 8 Discover Cubs 8 to 10 and a half Discover Scouts 10 and a half to 14 Discover Explorers 14 to 18 Discover All our Sections are open to boys and girls and meet weekly in term time. Our Explorer Scouts are also Young Leaders, who help support the younger sections. Volunteer with 1st Sid Vale There are so many opportunities to get involved with Scouting at 1st Sid Vale. We have a growing team you can be part of. ​ Be part of the team, doing the things you love, and why not even try something new? Learn more #SkillsForLife Scouting encourages young people to never give up, face their fears, take the initiative and work as a team. Through fun and adventures, they gain character, employability and practical skills. ​ Help young people develop skills for life. Discover more Our Raised Beds Thanks to James Trevett and his team from Combe Garden Centre and Combe Estate for helping us to move our raised beds. Find out what they planted... Sid Vale Scout Centre Opened 20th October 2016 by Jeremy Vine, our brand new Scout Centre is open with a new indoor climbing wall, shooting range, and much more! We are based at the Sid Vale Scout Centre. Our Centre and Pavilion, and the surrounding field and woodlands allow us to offer a wide range of fun and adventurous activities for young people. ​ The Centre and Pavilion are available for hire.

About us Teamwork We're all about Teamwork Our activities are run entirely by volunteers - weekly meetings, fundraising, admin the lot! Our Sections are run by teams of Leaders and Helpers many of whom are parents. They are supported by Young Leaders who are volunteering just because they love it. And they may also be working towards an award like the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, Sports Leader Programme or indeed their Queen's Scout Award. ​ Behind the scenes we also have teams of volunteers 'keeping the show on the road' as members of our Executive, Centre Management and Fundraising Committees. ​ If you want to get in touch, please contact us . Discover more Activities New Scout Centre Also on this page Our Facilities Scouting History Fundraising Facilities Our Facilities We are based off the beaten track in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just outside Sidmouth. "The Field" is 4 acres of flat land surrounded by hedgerows and woodland. We have our newly built Centre, our wooden camping Pavilion, a large campfire area, space for altar fires, a wood fired pizza oven, swing ropes etc. There's plenty of space for campers with access to the Pavilion - offering toilets, a shower and a basic kitchen. The Centre is well equipped for activities including climbing, target shooting, crate stacking and so on. It's also a great space for sleepovers with plenty of toilets, 3 showers and a good sized kitchen. Hire our Space History The History of Scouting Without our everyday adventure, the world would certainly be a less interesting place, and if it wasn’t for the talent and originality of one man, the Scout Movement might never have existed at all. This man was Robert Baden-Powell (1857-1941), a soldier, artist, actor and free-thinker. Best known for his spirited defence of the small South African township of Mafeking during the Boer War, he was propelled to further fame as the Founder of Scouting. Inspired during the siege by the initiative shown by boys under pressure, BP realised that young people had huge potential that was often left untapped. Already thinking of developing a training programme for young people in Britain, he was encouraged by friends to rewrite his handbook for soldiers (Aids to Scouting) for this younger audience. The Brownsea camp In 1907 Baden-Powell held a camp on Brownsea Island in Poole, Dorset, to try out his ideas and brought together 20 boys from a variety of backgrounds. The success of the camp spurred him on to finish what would become a classic book of the 20th century. Scouting for Boys was published in 1908 in six fortnightly parts at 4d a copy. What had been intended as a training aid for existing organisations became the handbook of a new Movement, which secured the royal seal of approval the following year when King Edward VII agreed to the introduction of the King’s Scout Award. In its first census in 1910, Scouting had almost 108,000 participants; over 100,000 were young people. Scouting for all ages It was a global phenomenon. As numbers grew, it soon became clear that young people of all ages and in every country wanted to get involved in Scouting. Wolf Cubs came along for younger Scouts in 1916, followed four years later by Rover Scouts for an older age range. 1920 was also the year of the first World Scout Jamboree. At London’s Olympia, Scouts from across the world gathered to celebrate international unity and the growth of their great Movement. Branching out Lord Baden-Powell died in 1941 but his legacy continued. Scouting became a byword for adventure, usefulness and global friendship. As the Movement spread across the world, Scouting continued to evolve in the United Kingdom. Following heroic work during the Second World War when Scouts acted as coast guards, couriers and stretcher bearers, members continued to show they were truly able to live their motto ‘Be prepared.’ Forward thinking Scouting has never stood still. New branches such as Air and Sea Scouts became increasingly popular, gaining recognition from the RAF and the Royal Navy. Scouts were on hand to help out at major events such as the Queen’s coronation, helping the crowds who camped out overnight to get a glimpse of the spectacle. The Movement continued to grow and move with the times. Rover Scouts and Senior Scouts became Venture Scouts and the badge system was updated to reflect the wider range of activities a Scout could do. Girls were invited to join the Venture Scout section; this was introduced to other sections in the early 1990s. In the true spirit of an inclusive organisation, younger children got to experience Scouting for the first time with the official incorporation of the Beaver Scouts in 1986. Three years later, official headgear was abolished for all sections. Scouting for the 21st Century At the dawn of the 21st Century, the Association again underwent reform with the launch of a new logo, uniform and training programme and the introduction of Explorer Scouts and the Scout Network by 2002. In 2007, the Movement celebrated its centenary and the 21st World Scout Jamboree was held in the UK. Scouting hit the headlines in 2009 when TV adventurer Bear Grylls was announced as the new Chief Scout. Fundraising Fundraising Fundraising is a fundamental part of Scouting. ​ In addition to receiving our young member's yearly subscriptions, we also need to raise money to fund activities and equipment in other ways, involving our parents and young members themselves. In recent years we have enjoyed running many very successful jumble sales, summer fetes and other fundraising events such as the Waitrose Shoeshine, etc.

New Scout Centre 20 years of Dreaming , 3 years of Planning , 3 years Fundraising and 18 months of Building ! On 20th August 2016 we opened the Sid Vale Scout Centre and we'd to thank everyone who supported us along the way to secure an amazing facility that we hope will not only support Scouting in the Sid Valley for many years to come but also be a valuable asset to our local community. Jeremy Vine opens our new Scout Centre.

Explorers are a go-getting group of young people aged 14 to 18. Together, they make up the fourth section of the Scouts. Our Explorer Leaders Ian Fletcher Our Exporer Troop Our Young Leaders Scheme: The Scheme is a programme of 10 training modules and four missions (projects) designed to help and support those aged between 14 to 18 who work with a section (Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scouts) as a Young Leader. It gives Young Leaders the skills and knowledge to act as part of the section leadership team, and covers subjects such as a balanced, quality programme, Child Protection, First Aid and leadership skills. The Young Leaders’ Scheme is designed to help Young Leaders to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed in their current role, which can be built on if they decide to take out an adult appointment. ​ You can join Explorers at any age between 14 and 18, although you have to leave on your 18th Birthday. Once you are 18, as an adult you can either become part of the Scout Network (18-25 year olds) and run your own section and activities, or become an adult leader. What we do Explorers is all about doing fun but challenging activities. We recognize that many are doing GCSEs or A levels, so we want to make the evening sessions an opportunity for them to relax, have some fun but with some sort of purpose or aim! We also run additional challenges such as the Young Leaders Scheme, Silver Duke of Edinburgh, and they can also take part in the Ten Tors by joining up with a neighbouring Explorer Unit. Oh, and we will run several camps a year – mainly short weekend camps either at the Scout Centre or further afield. For those who want a real challenge and an experience of a lifetime, there is the Explorer Belt. This award is a chance to take part in a ten-day expedition that brings you a real understanding of a different country, its culture and way of life. So what’s not to like! Interested in volunteering? We’d love to hear from you if you want to be part of our amazing organisation. We have a range of different roles we need filling, from working with the young people with one of our sections, or helping out behind the scenes to continue to make our Group the success it is today. Types of roles include: Helping out with our Working Party which meets every Wednesday to help maintain the centre and field, doing DIY and maintenance jobs. Becoming a member of the Executive Committee – we’re always looking for a range of people with different skills that they can bring to the Group to help it grow and prosper. Skills we are always looking for are planning, administrative, management or financial. If you think you could help – please do get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!

Cubs Scouts enjoy new adventures whilst making new friends along the way! Their commitment is recognised by over thirty activity badges. As well as regular weekly meetings, Cubs Scouts can also enjoy activity days, weekends and pack holidays. Wider Scope Cubs are between 8 - 10 and a half years old The pack is divided into sixes, each named after a colour and led by a Cub Scout called a Sixer. Challenge and adventure are experienced in a wide range of exciting indoor and outdoor activities that include games, crafts, cooking, visits and outings and of course, camping. These activities offer, through the Cub Scout Programme, the opportunity to achieve awards and badges. Helping others forms an important part of Cub Scouting. Our Cub Pack Leaders Simon (Snowy) Vikki Cubs enjoy a wide range of Activities Going camping, Playing games, Exploring the outdoors, Trying adventurous activities – such as climbing, sailing and archery, Meeting people from their local community, Experiencing the culture of other countries and Keeping themselves and others safe Downloads Badges and Awards A diagram to help you position your badges on your uniform. ​ Click to view/download the PDF

Activities Scouting is full of fun, adventure and friendship. As Bear Grylls, Chief Scout says ... ​ "Two things matter in life: following your dreams and looking after your friends.” Our Scout Group is made up of a Beaver Colony, two Cub Packs, a Scout Troop and a active group of Young Leaders. The sections are run by teams of volunteer leaders and helpers who design a programme of exciting weekly activities that build skills, friendships and confidence. There’s also opportunities to join in weekend activities – like District Beaver Fun days, the Devon County Cub Challenge and the Regional Scout Cooking competition. We aim to offer all our youngsters the chance to take part in overnight stays at least once a year. For Beavers this might mean a sleepover in the Scout Centre and for Cubs a 2 or 3 night camp in The Field or other Scout facility in the County. Scouts are regular campers and also make visits to the Boy's Brigade facility at Hay Tor on Dartmoor. Our Young Leaders are encouraged to plan their own camping expeditions both near to home and further afield. Here's a brief look at some of the activities at Scouts. Climbing Our Scout Centre has a two storey indoor climbing wall. Youngsters get regular opportunities to use the wall during their weekly section meetings and at extra activity days and camps. Almost anyone can climb – you don’t need to be super fit! Good technique is more important than physical strength and our qualified instructors help youngsters to gain skill and confidence on the wall. Climbing is a very social activity – you’re never alone on the wall, and over time it can help develop concentration, determination and problem-solving. Shooting The upstairs room in the Centre is designed to be used as an indoor air rifle range. Target shooting is an international sport and many of our top shooting athletes, including Olympic participants, started their shooting careers in Scouting. Our nationally qualified instructors offer youngsters the opportunity to test out their marksmanship skills - the ability to repeatedly place shots in as small an area as possible on a target. This requires a certain degree of physical skill but it is primarily a mental sport -being able to focus and concentrate in the present moment on the task in hand. Youngsters also learn how to operate in a calm and disciplined manner – they learn how to manage a risky activity safely. Archery Evidence of archery goes back 50,000 years and has its origins in hunting food and defending yourself! However, in scouting today we like to offer it as an exciting and rewarding activity that enables young people to develop a wide range of useful skills. They develop the hand-eye coordination to aim, it builds physical strength as they become better able to control their bow, and they need patience to practice and focus to shut out distractions. Archery sessions are always run as a group so young people learn to take turns and to support each other. They develop confidence as their skills improve. Best of all anyone can do it. Kit can be adapted to enable people with disabilities to enjoy the sport too. We offer archery as an activity within our regular weekly meetings and at special weekend activity days and camps. Camp Craft Why do Scouts like camping? Because it gives us all the chance to learn how to take responsibility- to stay warm and dry and safe and not hungry. This is not trivial, and it requires a great deal of teamwork and individual strength of character to achieve. Scouting is one of many good organisations for young people. But camping is what makes scouting great! So in Sid Vale we aim to offer all our youngsters the chance to camp at least once a year. We like to make the most of the amazing camping facilities we have: a wonderful flat field, surrounded by woodland, off the beaten track. We aim to teach youngsters camp craft skills - tents, fires, knife skills, knots, cooking, map reading and so on - during our weekly meetings and then to make the most of them during camps either at our own base or further afield. Sharing the camping chores, having fun together and enjoying each others company – the bedrocks of scouting and an opportunity to learn skills for life.

Ready to get stuck in? We are part of the UK’s biggest mixed youth organisation. We change lives by offering 6 to 25-year-olds fun and challenging activities, unique experiences, everyday adventure and the chance to help others so that we make a positive impact in communities. ​ Scouts helps children and young adults reach their full potential. Scouts develop skills including teamwork, time management, leadership, initiative, planning, communication, self-motivation, cultural awareness and commitment. We help young people to get jobs, save lives and even change the world. How can I be involved? Becoming a Scout Get involved with Scouting from as young as 6 years old in Beaver and work your way up through Scouts up to Explorers. ​ What's not to love about trying over 200 activities? From archery to climbing, being a Scout give you the chance to get stuck into a load of activities you wouldn't normally get to try. You can learn more about Activities at 1st Sid Vale by going to sidvalescoutgroup.com/activities . ​ Have fun and make new friends - without even thinking about it! Going to Scouts is chance to meet people you already know but also people you don't. You'll meet people who are just as adventurous as you and, as a Group, you can have fun. As Chief Scout Bear Grylls says life is about grabbing opportunities and we agree! ​ You'll learn loads of new and existing things, including Skills for Life. Don't forget, you'll also earn badges and rewards along the way! ​ Why not have a look at all of our Scouting Sections to find your troup. Sections Contact us Volunteering You can volunteer and help in many ways; you don’t have to be a regular Bear Grylls. You might have first aid knowledge that you could teach the group, or you might be able to teach our Scouts a thing or two about DIY. If you’re good with accounts you could be Group treasurer, or if you’re a culinary whizz you could run cooking sessions with the young people. Everyone has a skill (whether you know it or not) and we can make use of it. There’s no pressure to continue as a helper or leader afterwards, but hopefully we’ll be able to inspire you by showing how easy and rewarding it can be to volunteer with Scouts. Learn more Video: #SkillsForLife from Scouts.

Nancy Craven Group Skills Instructor Training I've been involved in scouting since childhood. I was a Brownie and a Guide. Then aged 15, myself and 4 friends were the first girls to join our local Venture Troop! I had a wonderful 3 years with them and gained the Queen Scout Award. My daughters were Beavers and Cubs in London and when we moved to Devon in 2007 I decided to become a volunteer - to support them and the Sid Vale Scout Group. I started as a Cub Leader and then became Group Scout Leader in 2012. I love being involved in scouting because it offers young people a way of gaining from and contributing to, the community in which they live. Scouting volunteers are generous, warm, fun-filled people who do their bit for others. Scouting offers lots of fun and a place to develop lifelong skills and attributes. Contact me Nancy.Craven@devonscouts.org.uk This page was last updated ​

Ben Ardley Team Lead Communications Team Hello, I'm Ben and this is my personal Bio. Contact me Ben.Ardley@devonscouts.org.uk This page was last updated ​