Top Our 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.

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.

Explore East Devon Camping and Activities in an Outstandingly Beautiful Location . We are based off the beaten track in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the cliff top just outside Sidmouth. Our wooden Pavilion and newly built Centre occupy two corners of a picturesque four acre flat field. Campers can use the basic facilities in the Pavilion or if you are looking for more mod cons we have the newly built Sid Vale Scout Centre - great for sleepovers. ​ The large and flexible indoor space in the Centre can be used for a wide range of activities including climbing and target shooting. Visitors (mainly Scouts and Guides) can hire the whole Centre for anything from a couple of hours to a whole week. Or you can hire just the activity space for a few hours at a time - perhaps to add in an activity to an overnight, weekend or week long camp. Availability is based around our own Scout Group activities. The Field is surrounded on all sides by mature hedgerows and is next to extensive National Trust woodland, with paths leading to the village of Salcombe Regis and the beach at Salcombe Mouth. And for star gazers it's a 5 minute walk to the Norman Lockyer Observatory with its amazing telescopes and planetarium. The regency seaside town of Sidmouth is a couple of miles away for shops, swimming pool, and sports facilities including kayaking, surfing and paddle boarding. Our Spaces to Hire Scout Centre Our brand new Scout Centre has a large main hall (15m x 10m) with a 15m high climbing wall (3 ropes). We also have 3 anchor points for ropes in the centre beam allowing for climbing activities such as crate stacking. There's a second large room upstairs (6m x 7m) that can be used as a meeting/activity space or set up as a target shooting range. There are separate male and female toilets and a disabled toilet/shower room as well as two further showers - making the Centre a great space for sleepovers. The good sized kitchen makes catering for large numbers easy and allows youngsters to get in there and practice their cooking skills too. Scout Centre Outside the Centre Scout Centre Looking across the field towards the Scout Centre Scout Centre Entrance to Centre Scout Centre View of the Field from the Main Hall Scout Centre Patio area with seating Scout Centre Main Hall with 15m climbing wall Scout Centre Upstairs room / Target Shooting Range Scout Centre Kitchen Pavilion A back to basics wooden building approximately 6m x 12m with electricity and mains water supply. It has a small kitchen containing sink, electric cooker, hot water boiler, fridge and freezer. There are two separate toilets, and a third toilet/shower room suitable for disabled use. ​ Great facilities for a traditional camping experience - offering secure storage for supplies and valuables, but not detracting from the joys of camping under canvas. Pavilion Covered seating area Pavilion Back to Basics kitchen Field The Pavilion and Centre are located in the Salcombe Regis Recreation Field. It's a perfect location for all sorts of outdoor activities. Lots of wide-open space - great for games, camping and group activities. Safe and secure because it is surrounded by hedgerows, with a secure gated entrance. We maintain a large campfire area which, thanks to donations from local builders, is well stocked with firewood. Our Scouts have recently built a wood fired pizza oven and there's plenty of room for Scouts and Guides to make their traditional altar fires. ​ We can lend activity kit including pioneering poles, barrel BBQs and sports equipment. Ready to start your Adventure? If you're interested in hiring any of our spaces or have an event in mind, please contact us to discuss availability. Contact us

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

Yes! Adventure is for everyone. Scouts only exists because you make it happen. We know how important it is having easy access to all the information and guidance you need. Whatever your role, we want to empower and support you as much as we can. 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. 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. Thinking about volunteering? All of our leaders are trained volunteers, working to make sure Scouting is safe, inclusive and accessible. Some lead a section week in and week out. Others visit occasionally to help run a session or drop in to share their skills. Our volunteers come from many different backgrounds and with a variety of skills. Some of our volunteers have been in scouting for many years, others for just a few months (or weeks!) They either commit to a few hours a week or just give time to help at our events. ​ These are just a few of things that you could become involved in if you became a volunteer: Running our Regular meetings Scouting is becoming more and more popular. We have waiting lists for all our sections and are currently looking for some new adult helpers to support the group as it grows. Fundraising events for our group We fundraise in many different ways, through jumble sale, fetes, family nights such as Ceilidhs and skittle evenings. Car boot sales, fashion shows, sponsored walks etc. At present we have 3 main committees. General Scout Committee Who address such matters as the new building, publicity and ensure the overall effectiveness of the group. Social Committee Who plan and co-ordinate our fundraising events. Fundraising Committee Who primarily look at grant making bodies and also make applications for grants from local and national charities. If you would like to come along and meet us, or find out more about becoming a volunteer we would love to hear from you. Contact us

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 ​

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

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.

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 ​

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 ​