Situated in dedicated facilities along Barford Lane and overlooking the Avon Valley, 1 st Downton Scout Group are fortunate to be surrounded by farmland so rarely disturb anyone except the cows. This allows the leaders to run exciting, mainly outdoor programmes for both the Cub Pack and Scout Troop. We encourage both the leaders and Scouts (of all ages) to work in teams (and as individuals) to lea
rn, share, take responsibility, make choices, and try new challenges - but most of all to have lots of fun in a safe environment. The leadership team brings a wide range of age and experience to the Group and includes:
Jon Edwards - Beaver Scout Leader
Jonathan Borwell - Cub Scout Leader
Kevin Hill - Scout Leader
We have a second site in Redlynch near Barford Down, which is a sheltered relatively shallow chalk pit surrounded by fields. We use this for overnight/weekend green field camping - it doesn't have a water supply or electricity (we're working on the water - and toilets - but can do without the power). It is beautiful chalk downland with orchids, slow-worms, newts, a huge variety of birds (we're going to start keeping a log) and other wildlife including our free-range Scouts. It is a 20 minute walk from the Scout Hut to the Old Chalk Pit - both are just off the Avon Valley Way and ideal for camping. Our Scouts take part in activities both indoors and outdoors. We do try to get outdoors as much as possible at Downton, and include camps and hikes throughout the year as well as traditional rafting, pioneering, orienteering, wide games, lots of fire building and cooking. We also focus on the essentials like navigation skills, problem solving and first aid, as well as joining in with the District events. We expect our Scouts to wear their uniform each week (including their necker - and the all too frequently lost woggle) with trainers or similar sensible shoes - we always let parents know if any other kit is required (waterproofs, walking boots, penknives, torches etc). We let new Scouts settle in to the Colony, Pack or Troop for a few weeks before investing them - Scouting doesn't appeal to everyone and it's better to find this out before parents have committed to buying the uniform and paying subs. Once a child has made the decision to formally join Scouts and they (and their parents) understand the commitment involved, we Invest them into the Pack or Troop. We do ask all parents to help at Scouts at least once a term, and are more than happy if anyone wants to come down and help if they are particularly interested in a specific activity. If parents decide to help out more regularly, we have the necessary forms ready to be completed and are always delighted to have another DBS'd adult ready, willing and able to help. We charge £40 per term per child (three terms per year - autumn, winter/spring and summer - payable once Scouts are Invested) and run two large fundraising events in Downton each year: the Cuckoo Fair BBQ (first May Bank Holiday); and a Fireworks Night (generally the first Saturday evening in November). These events raise both the profile of our Scouts in the local community, and enough funds to enable us to keep our subs low, buy new kit and maintain both the Scout Hut and the Old Chalk Pit. We are a friendly and diverse group of adults and children, and welcome newcomers.
