Scout Fest a hit with Mansfield youngsters during lockdown

With social distancing rules still in force, large groups of people are still not permitted to get together, so scout groups are having to come up wit innovative ways to keep people connected.

By Katrina Taylor

Published 16th Jun 2020, 15:40 BST

Updated 16th Jun 2020, 15:41 BST

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Over the first weekend of June, 1st Bilsthorpe Scout Group hosted their third event called Scout Fest, with the aim of having a virtual festival of fun and giving their scouts a sense of being part of their group again.

More than 50 children joined via Zoom and took part in baking and craft challenges, a silent disco and games.

The evening was full of activities linked to ‘Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway’ where they played singalong live, had a family quiz and took part in socially-distanced games.

Two of the children joining in the socially-distanced fun.

Two of the children joining in the socially-distanced fun.

Graham Baguley, group scout leader said: “A huge thank you has to go to the core leadership team at 1st Bilsthorpe who have worked very hard over the lockdown to enable scouting to continue, and what a great way to end volunteers week.

“We had 8 adult volunteers providing a fun event to young people during these strange times.”

Children were encouraged to make a den or sleeping area to spend the night as they were unable to go camping as a group, before rejoining the next morning where they had breakfast together and badge presentations.

Parents reported that their children really enjoyed joining in the activities all weekend.

Scout Fest proving a hit.

Scout Fest proving a hit.

For more information on 1st Bilsthorpe Scout Group and their future events, see their facebook page.

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