7th Ashford St Mary's Scout Group

01/04/2026

Good morning everyone 👋

After months of careful planning, risk assessments, and a few muddy rehearsals, I’m excited to finally announce that our newest section will be launching after Easter… 🐸 Tadpoles! 🐸

Tadpoles is for children aged 2–4 and will focus on developing key scouting skills such as:
• Advanced puddle jumping 🌧️
• Snack-based survival techniques 🍪
• Den building (mostly out of cushions!) 🛖
• And of course… perfecting their campfire song repertoire 🎶😉

We’ve got lots of exciting activities planned, including a possible expedition in June (location dependent on nap times and snack supplies!).

🚨 We can only take a maximum of 10 young adventurers, so if you have a sibling who would like to join, please let Donna or myself know ASAP.

Because after all…
you’re never too young to start your Scouting adventure 🌍

😄

31/03/2026

22/03/2026

**Announcement**

We will soon be looking for a new Group Lead Volunteer for 7th Ashford (St Mary’s), as our current GLV will be stepping down from the role in September. We want to say a huge thank you for all the time, dedication and support they have given to the group it’s truly appreciated and has made a real difference to our young people and volunteers.

There will be full support in place for anyone taking on the role, including a handover and guidance from the current GLV to help ensure a smooth transition. This is a fantastic opportunity to support and shape the future of the group, working alongside an amazing team of volunteers to continue delivering great Scouting for our young people.

If you, or someone you know, might be interested and would like to find out more about the role, please get in touch we’d love to have a chat!

22/03/2026

🌍🐘 Support Ada & Alex – Botswana 2029 Expedition 🐘🌍

We’re excited to share that one of our Group Lead Volunteer (Squirrel) Ada, along with one of our volunteers Alex (Kestrel) have been selected to take part in the Kent Scouts Botswana 2029 International Conservation Expedition.

This is an incredible opportunity to support wildlife conservation projects while developing skills that will be brought back to benefit young people within our Scout groups.

The expedition is fully self-funded, and they will be raising funds over the next three years through events, sponsorship and community support.

If you’re able to help, please consider donating or sharing their GoFundMe page – every little really does make a difference 💛

👉 https://gofund.me/7ce5e789c

Thank you for supporting our leaders and helping make this amazing opportunity possible!

Help Ada & Alex get to Botswana for a once in a life time conservation exp… Ada Black needs your support for Ada & Alex’s Botswana 2029 Kent Scout Expedition

16/03/2026

🚨 **Health Reminder for Our Scout Group Meningitis Awareness** 🚨

Following the current meningitis outbreak in Kent, we ask all parents and carers to please follow UK health guidance and not bring young people to sessions if they are unwell or showing symptoms of meningitis.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/694a83a9033693d5d50eb8f7/Meningo-disease-guidelines-2025.pdf

This applies to all sections in the group: Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

Please keep your child at home and seek medical advice if they have symptoms such as:
• High temperature
• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Stiff neck
• Unusual sleepiness or difficulty waking
• Cold hands and feet, limb pain or pale/blotchy skin
• A rash that does not fade when pressed
In younger children you may also notice:
• Refusing food
• Irritability or being floppy/unresponsive
• A high-pitched cry

If you are concerned about meningitis, please seek urgent medical advice by calling NHS 111 or 999.

The safety and wellbeing of our young people and volunteers is always our priority. Thank you for helping keep Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Volunteers safe by keeping unwell young people at home.

🐿️

15/03/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mums, grandmothers and mother figures in our Scout family 🌸

From Squirrels and Beavers to Cubs, Scouts and Explorers, our young people are supported every day by the encouragement, patience and care you give. Whether it’s helping them remember their necker, sewing on badges, dropping them off at meetings, or hearing all about their adventures afterwards, thank you for being such an important part of their Scouting journey.

A special thank you as well to the wonderful mums and grandmothers who volunteer their time as leaders and helpers, giving so much to help our young people grow in confidence, skills and friendship.

From everyone at 7th Ashford (St Mary’s) we hope all the amazing mums, grandmothers and mother figures in our Scout community have a lovely and well deserved Mother’s Day 💐

08/03/2026

Today on International Women’s Day, we want to celebrate the incredible women who volunteer in Scouting. 💜

From running activities and planning adventures to supporting young people as they grow in confidence and skills, our female volunteers give their time, energy and passion every single week.

They are role models, leaders, organisers, listeners, problem-solvers and often the ones who keep everything running behind the scenes.

Because of them, young people have the opportunity to explore, learn new skills, make friends and experience the adventure that Scouting offers.

Thank you to all the amazing women in our Scout community and across the movement who inspire the next generation every day. We couldn’t do it without you.

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, why not give it a try? It’s a great way to make new friends, gain new skills and experience, and be part of something that really makes a difference for young people.

Happy International Women’s Day! 🌍⚜️

Today we celebrate the incredible women volunteers who give their time, energy and heart to Scouts. We are so grateful for everything you do. Thank you.

Looking to celebrate inspiring women with your Group? Explore these activities highlighting women throughout history and their achievements — perfect to run at any time of the year: https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/?name=women

28/02/2026

Scouting isn’t just for young people it starts with amazing volunteers ❤️

7th Ashford St Mary's Scout Group are looking for Squirrels volunteers to help our 4–6 year olds take their very first steps in Scouting. 🐿️ You don’t need experience. Just a little time, a sense of fun, and a willingness to help young people grow in confidence, friendship and adventure. Flexible roles. Support provided. A brilliant team around you. If you’ve ever thought about giving something back this is your sign.

Message us at [email protected] to find out more and come and join the adventure.

28/02/2026

Scouting isn’t just for young people it’s powered by incredible adult volunteers who make the adventure possible. From camps and badges to socials like our recent Kippy’s leader get-together, being part ofAshford Kent District Scouts means friendship, fun and making a real difference in young people’s lives. You don’t need experience just enthusiasm and a little time to give.

Come and join us as a volunteer. Be part of something bigger.

Kippys leader social