Cash donation will keep kayaking Clipstone Scouts safe

Mansfield Building Society’s Community Support scheme has donated £500 to 1st Clipstone Scout Group to fund kayak equipment including life jackets, safety helmets and emergency throw lines.

Having more than 65 youth members and a number of voluntary adult support staff, 1st Clipstone Scout Group has had a long history of kayaking activities and kayak skills have become an integral part of its programme of events.

With two group leaders trained in kayak instruction, the group’s main aim is to re-establish participation in kayaking for young people in the local area.

Its new equipment will help to deliver a programme which will involve safety training and capsize training at a swimming baths, a normal practice which was done by the group for more than 20 years with its original kayaks.

The programme will also allow the Scouts to go on trips, take part in competitions, and gain awards and badges.

James Gibson, group leader at 1st Clipstone Scout Group, commented: “We are incredibly grateful to the Mansfield for donating these funds to help us get back on the water.”