Introduction to Scouting
Scouting was born when Lord Robert Baden-Powell took 20 boys on the first experimental camp to Brownsea Island, England in 1907. Since that time Scouting has developed across the entire world into one of the largest uniformed organisations today. Scouting is now an international movement with over 25 million members worldwide.
Local Scouting History
1st Ballynahinch Scout Group was formed in 1915 by the Minister from the Methodist Church in the town. This was less than 10 years later from that first camp in 1907. After several moves within the town 1st Ballynahinch Scout troop moved to the Huston Hall of 1st Presbyterian Church Ballynahinch in the mid 1970’s on invitation from Rev Lamont. To this day our Troop nights have been held in the Huston Hall.
Structure of Scouting
The Scout Association governs the Scout movement in the United Kingdom, Its UK Headquarters is based at: Gilwell Park Chingford London E4 7QW. The Association operates on 4 levels: Group, District, County / Area and UK Headquarters. There are approx 9,000 groups within 914 districts throughout the UK. 1st Ballynahinch is the oldest scout group within Ballynahinch & Downpatrick District. Our district name however is soon to be renamed in 2005 to South East Down District as geographically it now covers Saintfield and Newcastle areas.
Troop Night:
Scouting is open for young people between the ages 10 – 14. 1st Ballynahinch Troop night is held on Mondays from 8.00pm – 9.30pm at Huston Hall. We do at times have events planned that require scouts to be left at the hall earlier and be collected after these times. Notification will be given as required. Every event including camps etc will require parental or guardians consent.
Uniform
Why do scouts wear a uniform?
The scout uniform is important because:
- it gives all scouts a sense of belonging;
- it gives the Scout movement a high profile;
- it helps to reinforce a strong unified image of scouting and
- it shows that we are an active, dynamic, youth movement.
Our Uniform Policy
It is important for all scouts to wear the appropriate uniform every time they attend troop nights. It is also required when we attend events throughout the year. For new scouts we expect them to acquire their uniform within 4 weeks of first attending scouts. Uniform comprises of the following items:
- Scout Shirt (green)
- Cargo Trousers (Navy)
- Scout Belt (brown)
- Scarf (presented following their investiture, plain green)
- Woggle (brown)
- Scout Record Book
All above items available from The Scout and Camping Shop, Victoria Street, Belfast
Fun and Activities
Camps, expeditions and outdoor activities have, since Scouting began, been the most important part of the scout programme. Throughout the year we organise many of these events. These range from camping, ten pin bowling to outdoor karting etc. As with everything these days these planned events don’t come cheap so we encourage the scouts to assist in fund raising events to allow us to plan future events for the troop.
 
Badges and Awards Badgework has had a long tradition in Scouting as it awards scouts for personal or group achievement. There is a wide range of badges available. There are currently 70 activity badges aimed at extending young persons interests and skills. Other challenge badges are also available.
The Promise and Law Everyone in Scouting expresses their membership and acceptance of the three key principles (Duty to God, Duty to Self and Duty to Others) by taking the Scout Promise and following the Scout Law.
The Scout Promise The Scout Law
On my honour, I promise that I will A Scout is to be trusted. do my best to do my duty to God A Scout is loyal. and to the Queen, to help other A Scout is friendly and considerate. people and to keep the Scout Law. A Scout belongs to the worldwide family of scouts A Scout has courage in all difficulties A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property A Scout has self-respect and respect for others. Local Contacts
For further information please contact:
Caroline Verdon, Group Scout Leader 028 9263 8734
Sam Currie, Scout Leader 028 9753 2554
Michael Scott, Assistant Scout Leader 028 9756 4708
William Smyth, Assistant Scout Leader 028 9756 3201
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