Scouting Promotional Day - Sat 17th October 2009

A rousing start to Worcester District’s Scouting Promotional Day was given by members of the 5th Sea Scout band.   They played a full repertoire and entertained many people in the High Street as well as the Mayor, Andy Roberts.   Andy had kindly agreed to open our event and was pleased to give his support to our campaign to attract more adults into Worcester District to become helpers/leaders or section assistants.  He stopped for a while to chat to the leaders and young people gathered before having to leave for another function.

Each Group sent along some representation with the Beavers taking part in designing their own baseball caps and various other craft activities.  Cub Scouts took part in a challenge to build the highest free standing straw tower and also made scones in a cardboard oven.  Workers in the Tourist Information Office gave the thumbs up to the scones the Cubs made for them.

The Scouts undertook some pioneering projects with the Explorer Scouts who attended and also took part in the pop up tent competition.  Sounds simple but, although the tent was erected in a matter of seconds, it took considerably longer to fold back up into the case it came in!  Some Scouts also undertook some plank walking which entertained many of the public viewing the events of the day.

There were various displays of photographs of leaders having fun at various events over the past 12 months or so and also a factual board of information regarding Scouting and a map showing where all the Groups meet in Worcester District.  We also had volunteers helping to distribute leaflets in the High Street throughout the day which also helped raise the profile of Scouting in the City.

One visitor who came to chat was the DC from Monmouth who spent some time sharing “recruitment” stories from Wales amongst other reminiscences of past Scouting camps and experiences!!!!!

A number of  parents asked to put their child’s name down for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in Worcester District, also some asked for names to be passed onto the Guiding movement and also for places in Malvern and Droitwich – so Worcester District did an all round “good turn” for many people by holding the event.

The event was deemed a full success – we came away with names of nine people who would like to become more actively involved as leaders, assistants or occasional helpers – so now we have to make sure we keep in touch to maintain their interest.

My thanks must go to my District Team for all their help and support getting the event off the ground.  Also thanks to all the young people and leaders from the various Groups in the District who came along to share in the fun.

Well done everyone.  Also congratulations go to 8th TIW Cub Pack for building the highest free-standing straw tower, South Unit Explorers for winning the Tent Challenge for Explorers and 6th Worcester for winning the Tent Challenge for Scouts.   Certificates will be forwarded to your leaders shortly.

A few photos of the day are attached to give all those who could not attend a flavour of the day.

Jan Hayden

District Commissioner