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.

Our Team ​ ​ ​ about me ​ ​ ​ about me ​ ​ ​ about me ​ ​ ​ about me Team Lead Ben Ardley Hello, I'm Ben and this is my short Bio. about me Group Skills Instructor Nancy Craven 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. about me Section Leader Sarah Fletcher Sarah has been a Beaver leader since 2015 when her youngest was in Beavers and has continued because she loves it so much! about me Explorers Ian Fletcher Hi I'm Ian, I’m a cyber security consultant working for NHS Digital. I’m married with 3 children and as a family we are all involved in scouting one way or another! We moved down to Sidmouth in 2010 and, wanting to get involved in the community, immediately looked at joining the Scout Group. As well as finding working with young people really rewarding (I was a Cub Leader before moving to the Explorer section), it is great to be involved with a charity that makes such a difference to young people and the community! about me Section Leader Chris Hodgson I believe wholeheartedly in the ethos and values of scouting, I love the great outdoors! about me Group Chairman Gareth Hughes I enjoy being involved with 1st Sid Vale Scout group; there’s always lots going on. It’s great place to meet people and to see young people try new adventures. about me Active Scout Volunteer Brian Manwaring ​ about me Section Leader Simon Snowball (Snowy) I am Shere Khan, the Cub leaders have Jungle Book names, I first joined when my son was a Cub (now a Scout) as a helper and as many will tell you once you join you never leave. I am a building site manager but have other skills I enjoy teaching the Cubs and I am known as the leader who cooks the BBQ and loves doing the backwoods cooking. As a leader for 1st SidVale I am very lucky with the resources and leader team we have. The Cub section is fun and full of adventure, meaning that I get to have as much fun as the young people. about me

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 ​

Our Team ​ ​ ​ about me ​ ​ ​ about me ​ ​ ​ about me ​ ​ ​ about me Team Lead Ben Ardley Hello, I'm Ben and this is my short Bio. about me Group Skills Instructor Nancy Craven 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. about me Section Leader Sarah Fletcher Sarah has been a Beaver leader since 2015 when her youngest was in Beavers and has continued because she loves it so much! about me Explorers Ian Fletcher Hi I'm Ian, I’m a cyber security consultant working for NHS Digital. I’m married with 3 children and as a family we are all involved in scouting one way or another! We moved down to Sidmouth in 2010 and, wanting to get involved in the community, immediately looked at joining the Scout Group. As well as finding working with young people really rewarding (I was a Cub Leader before moving to the Explorer section), it is great to be involved with a charity that makes such a difference to young people and the community! about me Section Leader Chris Hodgson I believe wholeheartedly in the ethos and values of scouting, I love the great outdoors! about me Group Chairman Gareth Hughes I enjoy being involved with 1st Sid Vale Scout group; there’s always lots going on. It’s great place to meet people and to see young people try new adventures. about me Active Scout Volunteer Brian Manwaring ​ about me Section Leader Simon Snowball (Snowy) I am Shere Khan, the Cub leaders have Jungle Book names, I first joined when my son was a Cub (now a Scout) as a helper and as many will tell you once you join you never leave. I am a building site manager but have other skills I enjoy teaching the Cubs and I am known as the leader who cooks the BBQ and loves doing the backwoods cooking. As a leader for 1st SidVale I am very lucky with the resources and leader team we have. The Cub section is fun and full of adventure, meaning that I get to have as much fun as the young people. about me

Gareth Hughes Group Chairman Committee I was lucky to involved in Scouting from an early age; moving through to the Venture Unit, which of course is now the Explorers. At the time I was living in Wales and our Venture Leader was very much focused on the outdoors and we spent a lot of our time walking and climbing in the Snowdonia mountains. My son joined a Scout Group as a Cub, and when we moved to Sidmouth 16 years ago, he joined the 1st Sid Vale Scout Group. The rest as they say his history. I was encouraged to be involved with the committee and I have been Chairman since around 2005. In simple terms I chair the Group Committee which aims to make sure that the Scout Group has the facilities and resources needed to deliver good Scouting in the Group. I enjoy being involved with 1st Sid Vale Scout group; there’s always lots going on. It’s great place to meet people and to see young people try new adventures. Contact me Not available 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 ​

Brian Manwaring Active Scout Volunteer Supporter ​ Contact me Not available This page was last updated ​

Simon Snowball (Snowy) Section Leader Cubs I am Shere Khan, the Cub leaders have Jungle Book names, I first joined when my son was a Cub (now a Scout) as a helper and as many will tell you once you join you never leave. I am a building site manager but have other skills I enjoy teaching the Cubs and I am known as the leader who cooks the BBQ and loves doing the backwoods cooking. As a leader for 1st SidVale I am very lucky with the resources and leader team we have. The Cub section is fun and full of adventure, meaning that I get to have as much fun as the young people. Contact me ​ This page was last updated ​

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 ​

Ian Fletcher Explorers Explorers Hi I'm Ian, I’m a cyber security consultant working for NHS Digital. I’m married with 3 children and as a family we are all involved in scouting one way or another! We moved down to Sidmouth in 2010 and, wanting to get involved in the community, immediately looked at joining the Scout Group. As well as finding working with young people really rewarding (I was a Cub Leader before moving to the Explorer section), it is great to be involved with a charity that makes such a difference to young people and the community! Contact me Not available This page was last updated ​

Sarah Fletcher Section Leader Beavers Sarah has been a Beaver leader since 2015 when her youngest was in Beavers and has continued because she loves it so much! Sarah was a girl guide in her early years and was lucky enough to experience many opportunities that Guiding provided - she has since converted to scouts and loves being part of the 1st Sid Vale group. She loves planning lots of activities and hopes that Beavers gives the children a good start to their scouting experience with 1st Sid Vale Scout group. Contact me Not available This page was last updated ​

Vikki Snowball Section Leader Cubs Hi I am Akela for the Wolf Pack, I first joined as a helper when my son was a Cub, he is now a bit bigger. I am the leader with the crazy ideas who loves to plan camps and activity days. The organisation comes from my day job in Administration, I love creating activities that are full of fun. As all the leaders will tell you once you join you never seem to leave, this is due to the fun I have had and the amazing leader team we have at 1st SidVale. The adventures we get to be a part of with the Cubs are so much fun and I love seeing the Cubs grow and achieve, although I do get sad when they move to Scouts! I am sure I will be here for a while yet as there is a few years of crazy fun ideas in me yet. Contact me ​ This page was last updated ​