Who Are Our Leaders?

I am the webmaster of this site. My first involvement in Scouting was as a Beaver in 1988. I was actually a Beaver, Cub and Scout in Second Newbury; As a result of falling numbers, I changed groups shortly after becoming a Scout. I later left Scouting to pursue my education but recently joined (in November 2006) after discovering that the Second Newbury group does still exist; I accidentally stumbled upon the old website and it so transpired that I sent an e-mail and so volunteered.

I feel Scouting has truly helped me to become a fully-rounded individual, understand that leaders are sought-after and so wish to give back to Scouting what it has given to me. I believe that although certain things in Scouting should be adapted to the modern-age (coming from someone who works in IT), Scouting should remain true to the traditions set by Lord Baden-Powell, after all, Scouting is not a youth club; it is far greater than that. Although society has changed in the last one hundred years, many of the points outlined in 'Scouting for Boys' are still true to-day and are good practical advice and, quite simply, just make sense.

Nevertheless, after saying all of this, it must not be forgotten that the most important thing in Scouting is: to have fun!

Youth member: Beaver, Cub and Scout. Embarrassing Pictures:

I am Akela for Second Newbury Cub Pack. I became a Cub on my 8^th birthday (many many years ago!) in a Pack in Taunton, Somerset. My mum was Akela so I had no chance of escape. I was a Cub, a Scout, a Venture Scout, a Young Leader and became a fully fledged Leader when I completed my ‘Wood Badge’ training in 1991.

I have been involved with a number of Scout Groups around the country and have also been lucky enough to work at Gilwell Park, the home of Scouting. Through Scouting I have learnt a tremendous amount, both as a youngster growing up AND as an adult leader. It has been great fun experiencing both sides of Scouting and being a Leader has made me realise just how much hard work my mum and all the other Leaders who looked after me when I was a Cub and a Scout put in (I thought tents magically pitched themselves and that programme ideas must have been printed on the back of Cornflake boxes!)

I will always be grateful to those people and have become a Leader myself to give other young people the chance to experience a little of what made my childhood such a happy and exiting one.

Youth member: Cub, Scout and Venture. Other Embarrassing Pictures: