I would like to start by thanking all of our leaders, helpers and parents for their help and support as it is greatly appreciated, however we find ourselves in a position where we need to ask for help. Our group continues to grow year on year and as you know Scouts provides amazing opportunities for young people – but it can’t happen without great volunteers.
Our Scout Group is now urgently looking for new people to join our team.
In 2024 we unfortunately had to close our Thursday night Beaver Colony due to a lack of available leaders and our Wednesday night Scout Troop is currently struggling on with a small but dedicated leadership team. And sadly, the Raven Cub Pack leaders, Jeanette and Stephen have come to the realisation that it is not sustainable to continue running their section and so have made the very difficult decision to step back from Raven Cubs at the end of July 2025.
The closure of the Beaver Colony last year and the potential loss of a Cub section in 2025 will obviously impact our capacity to take in new members from across the Garforth area and will mean a review of our financial position. We are doing everything we can to mitigate any effect on existing children and do not envisage any losses at this stage.
So, we need build up our leadership teams with keen and engaged adult (18+) leaders in order to regrow the group into the strong driving force it has been for over 100 years.
The Group is looking to recruit leaders in a uniformed capacity. We have always been able to rely on our parents to help where needed and even form part of a rota to support on section night, however we now need people to join on a more permanent basis.
Our focus is currently on the following sections:
Ravens Cub Pack:
Tuesday nights 18:15 – 19:30 (will currently close in July)
Burma Scout Troop:
Wednesday nights 20:00 to 21:30 (numbers now locked for 2025 and so new members can be taken)
Opportunities may exist in other sections so please contact us if these times do not work for you however these are the areas we really need immediate help with. We are also keen to re-open our second Beaver Colony so interest here is welcome, there is some flexibility in the days and times for this section.
The Cub and Beaver roles may be suitable for a small team or group of friends looking for a new challenge. there is some flexibility in the days and times for this section.
What’s in it for you?
This role offers the chance to help make a real difference to local young people as you would be part of a small team that will lead and direct how Scouting operates here in Garforth.
The skills that you will use, such as leadership, can enhance your CV and can be a great way to demonstrate to prospective employers that you have additional expertise.
Whilst previous experience of Scouting would of course be an advantage, if you know nothing about Scouts, that’s no problem, as we can teach you everything you need to know, and our award-winning training scheme can lead to a certified qualification. Anyone joining one of our current sections will be provided with a fully prepared programme and the support of a very experienced team.
Being part of our team will be rewarding and give you an opportunity to develop yourself as well as inspire the young people across the Group.
Next Steps?
Simply contact us using the web form (here) or contact me directly using the details below and I would be happy to discuss further details.
PhilHansborough@1stgarforth.org.uk
gsl@1stgarforth.org.uk
Thanks as always for your continued support.
Phil Hansborough
Group Scout Leader
1st Garforth Scout Group
