A NEW youth-led scouting programme is being launched in Abbotswood.

The young leaders at the 1st Abbotswood Scout Group are launching the programme with new ideas and monthly activities to attract newcomers.

The leaders, aged between 14 and a half and 18, have also launched the programme  to provide youth provision after the services were recently stopped at St Nicholas Youth Centre in the town due to lack of funding.


Acting group scout leader, Georgie Hudd, said: “The group has held talks with the young people currently within the group and have made changes to ensure that we are delivering scouting that is current, fun and inclusive of all.


“With the launch of a new website, Facebook and Twitter account the group is set for their open evenings to welcome new young people and adults to join our forward thinking group.


“All set with new exciting monthly activities, a programme designed by the young people and a team of young leaders with a passion to make a difference in its community.


“We look forward to helping fill the gap left behind by the closure of St Nicholas Youth Centre’s youth club.”


Activities planned through the launch include dry-slope skiing, kayaking, climbing and archery.


Opening evenings will take place for prospective beavers, aged between five and a half to eight and a half, cubs, aged between eight and a half and 10 and a half and scouts, aged between 10 and a half and 14 and a half.


The evenings will take place on Tuesday, February 3 from 6pm to 7.30pm at St Nicholas Church for scouts and beavers, and on Thursday, February 5 from 6pm to 7.30pm at Abbotswood Primary School for cubs.