Wigston Scout Group Hosts Open Evening for Potential Scouts and Volunteers
The 28th/61st Wigston Scout Group is extending a warm invitation to the local community for an open evening, aimed at recruiting new Scouts aged 10 to 14 and adult volunteers. This event promises a glimpse into the adventurous world of Scouting, with hands-on activities and expert demonstrations.
Event Details and Activities
The open evening will take place on Thursday, March 5, at the group's headquarters located at 100A Central Avenue, Wigston, LE18 2EA. Running from 6pm to 9pm, it is designed as a drop-in session, allowing visitors to arrive and leave at their convenience. However, organisers emphasise that each young person must be accompanied by an adult for safety and supervision.
Attendees can look forward to a variety of engaging activities, including a climbing wall and fire lighting using flint and steel. Adding to the excitement, members of the Leicestershire Caving Team and the Scouts Sub-Aqua Team will be present with their equipment, photos, and videos to showcase these specialised pursuits. These demonstrations highlight just a fraction of the over 250 diverse activities offered by Scouting, which range from air sports and cooking to emergency aid, global issues, pioneering, and water sports.
Benefits of Scouting for Youth Development
In a recent report, Stephanie Simmons outlined 12 key ways that Scouting contributes to a child's development. These include building confidence and self-esteem, promoting outdoor and social skills, providing a safe environment, and offering genuine adventure and fun. This aligns with the broader mission of Scouting to foster essential life skills in a supportive setting.
Nigel, a dedicated volunteer with the group, elaborated on this, stating, "Young people can learn skills for life, such as commitment, communication, independence, leadership, problem solving, resilience, responsibility, self-confidence, social skills, and teamwork. Scouts is a great place to learn, but in a non-formal environment." He further explained that volunteers play a crucial role in laying the foundations for these skills, encouraging children and young people to build upon them through new activities and challenges.
The Role of Volunteers in Scouting
Volunteering with the Scouts offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on youth development. Nigel added, "Children and young people want adventure, and we provide the opportunity to have those adventures. Volunteering allows you to see changes in character, such as increased confidence and social engagement, as they come out of their shells." Volunteers serve as role models, helping young people learn values, gain experiences, and interact face-to-face with others in a constructive environment.
By participating, adults can contribute to creating meaningful experiences that aid in the growth and learning of the next generation. This open evening serves as a perfect entry point for those interested in joining this rewarding community, whether as young Scouts seeking adventure or as volunteers eager to support youth development.
