The island’s scouts are living up to the motto ’Be Prepared’ by refusing to let the coronavirus pandemic put a complete halt to their activities.
Scouting was started in 1907 by Robert Baden-Powell and came to the Isle of Man two years later.
During the last 113 years, the movement has endured many changes and is determined to continue developing and adapting during these turbulent times.
Manx Scouts is no different and its members have managed to embrace the challenge of continuing some of its activities during the ongoing lockdown caused by the spread of Covid-19.
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The island commissioner, Guy Thompson, explains more: ’Manx scouting is fortunate to have a great team of dedicated leaders and supporters who are all volunteers.
’Our young people now number over 800 with 21 groups and explorer units spread out all over the island, with ages ranging from six to 18.
’With the schools now closed, face-to-face scouting has also paused but online scouting is blossoming. Innovative leaders have developed and adapted existing and traditional programmes as diverse as navigation, scavenger hunts and gardening all done from home.
’Other activities include the Great Indoors, lockdown challenges, online St George’s Day (scouting’s patron saint) and much more.
’Groups have been making fishing lines which includes knots, knife skills in making the rod, understanding catch and release, and identifying species all getting prepared when face-to-face scouting starts again. We also clap each Thursday for the NHS.
’Other activities include cooking, home help etc and scouts will receive their badges for these activities.
’Manx scouting saw a significant increase in youth membership of 10.5 per cent last year and it proved to be a busy year for us with lots of exciting adventurous activities, including camps, hikes, bush craft, rock climbing and much more.
’There is no doubt that 2020 will present us with enormous challenges but we are confident about the future ahead.’ If any adults are interested in becoming a part of island scouting, they are asked to email Guy at [email protected] for more information.