Since measures were announced almost four weeks ago, schools across Wales have closed and families have faced unprecedented upheaval. ScoutsCymru have responded by providing free activities, games and craft ideas that can be done from the safety of their homes.
Scout groups all over Wales have taken part in a bid to ensure that young people are staying active, having fun and continuing to learn skills for life.
One District in particular have proved that being at home shouldn’t stop young people from Scouting. Wrexham Scouts have been busy holding a Scouts first ’Stay Home Sleepover’, necker flip challenge, video diary challenge and Easter baking challenge to name just a few.
The ‘Stay Home Sleepover’ saw almost every Scout group in Wrexham take part. They abandoned their bedrooms and either camped in their gardens, hung a hammock in their hallway or built a den in their dining room. They made their own food, took part in a scavenger hunt around their houses and almost 300 people took part in a virtual campfire singalong.
Each Scout will receive a special badge for their participation and the District has also put badges on sale with proceeds being donated towards the purchase of medical equipment for the Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
Moz Morris, District Commissioner for Wrexham Scouts, said: “This is potentially a really tough time for young people, many will be frightened by what’s going on and they’ve faced massive disruption to their normal lives.
“It’s important that we do our best to instil a sense of normality and keep as close as possible to their usual routine, The Great Indoors resources have been an incredible help in trying to achieve this. We’ve worked hard to keep some sort of weekly Scouting going and we’ve been amazed by how many people have got involved.
“Parents are facing a massive challenge in keeping their children occupied at home and their input in the activities we are providing has been amazing.
“I’m so proud of the way the leaders, parents and the Scouts themselves have been quickly learning new skills and adapting to this new way of life.”
Social distancing has proved to be tough on young people, their parents and carers, who are facing the prospect of the coming weeks or even months at home. As the nation’s experts in creating innovative activity ideas to help young people develop important life skills, and that never-give-up spirit, ScoutsCymru is hoping more and more young people across Wales will use their tried and tested resources and continue to gain skills for life.
ScoutsCymru Chief Commissioner for Wales Rhian Moore said: “It is essential that children across Wales continue to have access to fulfilling, fun, and educational activities during this challenging time.
“Through my role in ScoutsCymru I’ve seen thousands of young people progress and succeed. I can see the invaluable role that exercise and activity can have for children not just in supporting them today, but in shaping their future too.
“This is why I’m delighted to see groups from across Wales like Wrexham Scouts taking part in The Great Indoors. There are so many fun things that the whole family can enjoy in the collection and its fantastic to see the positive feedback.
“At ScoutsCymru our mission has always been to support young people right across Wales, and whether that’s indoors, or outdoors, we’ll always be here.”
ScoutsCymru has pulled together over one hundred activity ideas into the ultimate resource for families. The activities are fun, free, and designed to keep young people entertained and educated throughout any extended time in the home. Each activity has a clear set of outcomes, such as developing communication skills or learning how to problem solve, which will also support schools in their aim to keep young people learning in their homes.
