Scouts group make virtual trip to the seaside

Youngsters taking part in their holidays from home

Young people from 5th Tyldesley Cub Pack should have been enjoying an exciting overnight experience at the resort’s famous tower with a trip to watch its circus too.

But unfortunately the trip had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However the young people, thanks to their leaders, were still able to take part in lots of exciting activities from their own home - virtually.

This included making Lego models of Blackpool Tower, learning how to be a clown and gaining essential Skills for Life by making their own fish, chips and donuts at home.

Jacob Bond, Deputy County Commissioner at Greater Manchester West Scouts, said: “Many of our young people like others across the UK have had their usual routines turned upside down during this time.

“We are working hard as a movement locally to give young people opportunities to complete their badge work, keep them involved by meeting virtually with their friends.”

And the virtual Blackpool experience is one of many scouts have enjoyed during the lockdown.

Although children haven’t been able to meet face-to-face since the government restrictions came into place, they have continued to work towards new scouting goals at home.

Scouting at Home has been providing over 5,000 young people across Salford, Trafford and Wigan in Greater Manchester with a number of activities to keep them engaged.

New virtual At Home Challenge badges offer young people something to work towards during lockdown and include activities from cleaning to DIY, baking, and gardening.

All of the skills learned from these activities are essential skills for life that prepare young people for the future.

These badges also make continuing young people’s Scouting adventures easier for leaders and parents who are key workers or are juggling home working with childcare.

Each week thousands of young people have also been enjoy virtual Scouting sessions, giving them an opportunity to meet with their friends online and complete activities as a group.

Jacob added: “We have been running activities such as virtual camps and activities that promote wellbeing and support good mental health for our young people.”

For access to free resources to help keep children entertained, visit www.scouts.org.uk.