Now over 60 years old, 3rd Hampton Hill Scout Group continues to thrive. Current membership is 160, comprising two each of Beaver Scout Colonies, Cub Scout Packs and Scout Troops, with 30 adults. Our fantastic leadership team is motivated and enthusiastic. Our Leaders are supported by Section Assistants, Young Leaders and a Group Executive Committee. We rely fully on volunteers, many of whom are parents. Volunteers receive training to hold specific roles.

All adult helpers have to be CRB-cleared, an important step in safeguarding the young people in our care Here’s what some of the members, young and old, value:
• ‘Beavers is really fun. We made bird feeders from thread and popcorn. We play games and we were “pirates” on a sleepover in the summer. We made treasure boxes and searched for treasure as well!’
• ‘Scouts is one of the greatest opportunities a child can take. You learn how to survive in the wilderness, and loads of life skills. We do great stuff, especially things outdoors like camping. I have made lots of new friends: nothing is better than Scouts.’
• ‘Being a Scout is a good hobby. If people think it’s boring, it’s not! Sure, there’s knot-tying, putting up tents, and uniform, but there’s so much more. I’m training with one of the Scouts’ National squads, all because I tried something new at a meeting! If you are looking for a hobby, Scouts should be top of the list!’
• ‘We go everywhere: the St George’s Day Parade in Richmond in April, and the Hampton Hill High Street Lighting Up Parade in November. As part of St James’s Church, we have a Colour Party on Remembrance Sunday. We camp in all weathers, and we walk a lot, on Night Hikes, Day Prowls, and Expedition Camps. Last year we carried huge boxes all round London to help promote Shelterbox, who send emergency equipment all over the world after disasters. Less than a year later we would see these boxes on the TV news, going out to Haiti – wow!’
• ‘I stay involved with Scouting as a Young Leader, helping with the Beaver Colonies. I enjoy giving something back, and developing all the life skills that I’ve acquired through Scouting. It’s also fun and challenging working with the youngest age group in Scouting. Paul (Scout Leader) taught me to shoot air rifles, and now I’m in the National Scout Squad which trains at Bisley, the National Shooting Centre.’
• ‘I have been Treasurer for 3HH for over five years: all stemming from a quick conversation in a school corridor! Both my children are now Scouts, and I am always amazed at the breadth and depth of opportunities and experiences supplied for them, and by the supreme efforts put in by the leadership, all of whom are volunteers! Seeing the time leaders give, it is gratifying to give something back to help ensure these adventures continue.’
• ‘I have been with the group for 23 years. There have been many challenges and much fun, great experiences and many happy memories. I continue to get a real buzz and sense of achievement out of Scouting. It really is great to see all the young people enjoying everything they do. We have a brilliant adult team that continues to deliver a fantastic and challenging programme with lots of extra events: there is something for everyone. The group notches up over 100 nights a year away at camps and sleepovers. This is what Scouting is all about. I am really looking forward to our first international trip to Switzerland in Summer 2011.’
• ‘Joining 3HH has given our son so many wonderful adventures. Scouts have no boundaries of race, colour, gender, or imagination! Under close but relaxed supervision, youngsters gain confidence to try new things: pot-holing, rock-climbing, raft-building and zip-wire sliding, orienteering, crafts, cookery… Goals are important, and everyone is expected to achieve them, and is recognised for doing so. Children learn independence, self-reliance, discipline and respect.’
• ‘The 3HH leaders, are an incredibly strong team. They’re always positive and obviously enjoy and take pride in the development of their youngsters.
Any amount of time I find to share with this fantastic group of people is always rewarded by the sense of being valued for my contribution. I can’t think of a more worthwhile way to give something back to our community, this Lent or any time, than by offering whatever time or skills you have in any capacity. You’ll always be made welcome, and always be found a job!’

If you would like to join us, please contact us via the Web Enquiry Page. Take a look at www.3hhscouts.org.uk to see the exciting and engaging activities on offer. Come and join the adventure!

Source: Richard Moody, The Spire Magazine - 2010 March