And it’s no wonder with the packed programme of fun activities for youngsters aged 5-18.
As you would expect from a scout group, camping and bushcraft feature heavily. However, tamariki also get to experience a range of exciting activities. There's plenty to enjoy, from arts and crafts to music, mountain biking and rock climbing.
‘We focus a lot on team building, physical challenges, and caring and learning about the environment,’ reports scout leader Coralie Archer. She adds that another priority is getting out into the community to take part in projects that benefit the neighbourhood. Young scouts will shortly be participating in a rubbish clean-up as part of the annual EcoWest Festival.
For a small volunteer-run scout group, fundraising is always a challenge. Volunteers already give up significant amounts of time to run and manage the programme. However, the Your West Support Fund has stepped in with help for a big-ticket item on Glen Eden Scout Group's wish list for a while.
'We applied to the Your West Support Fund for help to provide more opportunities to use digital technology in the scouts’ learning,’ explains Coralie. The $5,000 has been invested in a state-of-the-art projector.
Already the projector has been put to good use. Air activities is just one of the badges the scouts work towards. Coralie says the tamariki had great fun bringing to life on the big screen their aeroplane simulation rides that would give Air New Zealand a run for its money.
The projector is also used to host movie nights and to showcase some of the great work created by the scouts.
‘Previously, the only way we could share presentations with the group was by using a small screen laptop brought in by one of our volunteers,’ says Coralie. She adds that using the projector to showcase their creative talents has generated a real buzz. ‘Our scouts are super excited to share their work on the big screen,’ Coralie declares.
Glen Eden Scout Group is based at 122 Glendale Road. The group is enormously popular with young people but desperately needs more volunteers. ‘We very nearly closed last year because we have so few volunteers to help run the programme,’ reports Coralie.
The group would love to hear from you if you have some time on your hands. Volunteering with the scouts is a fantastic way to make a difference in your local community. And it’s also fun and rewarding. So, check out the website and get involved.