VOLUNTEERS are being sought to save a Beaver Pack from risk of closure.
The 14th Airedale Beaver Colony has been running in Guiseley for more than 25 years - but that looks set to change unless new volunteer leaders can be recruited.
The group, which is based at the scout hut on Hawksworth Lane and the Methodist Church in Guiseley, is thriving. Currently the Beaver Colony has 30 children aged between six and eight who go along every Wednesday. But now its future is threatened by the loss of its leader Steve Riley, who will be leaving for personal reasons at the end of the school year, and the stepping down of its assistant leader.
Tom Morrish, Group Scout Leader said: “The current leaders have done a fantastic job of providing many local children with the opportunity to attend Beavers. However, losing an experienced leader leaves us at serious risk of closure.”
The scouting movement is still extremely popular and is headed up by UK Chief Scout Bear Grylls. Children across all stages of the movement are encouraged to participate in activities, programmes and events with the aim of helping them to grow into active citizens.
Tom said: “Running a pack is not hard, it just takes confidence, a little time and some planning. Our aim would be to have at last two leaders as well as section assistants so that the planning can be spread out and to cover illness or any other things that may crop up.”
New volunteers are provided with a wealth of knowledge through a learning portal as well as resources and support available through the wider local Scouting community.
“Many of our leaders are parents. However, this is not always the case,” Tom added.
“People who were part of the Scouting Group growing up or people that just want to help inspire the younger generation often step forward to help keep this valuable community asset going.”
Stanley Sadgrove, a seven-year-old member of the 14th Airedale, said: “ I love going to Beavers, it’s my favourite hobby. We do lots of fun stuff like going for walks on the Chevin, cooking sausages on a campfire and visiting the fire station.”
Anyone who would like more information about getting involved should email Tom Morrish on Tom.sarah@tiscali.co.uk
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