Nigel Bailey is on a mission. The newly appointed District Commissioner for Saffron Walden Scouts is determined that Scouting continues to grow and thrive. And he's proving that he's game for a laugh.
In their latest World WILD Walkabout, he recorded the challenges with his face painted with different country flags.
And before Christmas, he caused hoots of laughter for a game show beamed live to people’s living rooms by going to the wrong door several times, dressed as an elf!
Nigel said the nice thing is the fun has continued throughout the pandemic, using Zoom.
Even virtual camps for Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers have been possible with some lateral thinking. Young people from Newport, Thaxted-Carver, Clavering, Chesterford, Radwinter and Saffron Walden took part in the summer and again at Christmas from their own homes.
Their festive online camp had activities ranging from making peppermint creams to preparing and cooking a pheasant over an open fire.
Nigel, who lives in Saffron Walden, has taken over the role from Mark Benfold who served as District Commissioner for seven years.
The role covers 500 young people across the seven groups in the district.
Nigel has served for over 10 years as a Cub Scout Leader for the 5th Saffron Walden Incas cub pack and as Group Scout Leader for 5th Saffron Walden.
He was a Cub and a Scout as a child.
"Getting back into Scouting as an adult was always something that I was going to do.
"Mark Benfold had a parents meeting and noted the incredibly long waiting list and said if no one steps forward your child will be too old to take part."
Nigel thinks Scouting is still popular because of the range of activities.
"The Scout strapline is Skills for Life."
He added: "I think Scouting can provide the opportunities and experience. We have taken them to Belgium, taken them to be part of the Last Post ceremony. The Scouts go to Wales camping, all sorts of things that make them better rounded individuals."
Volunteer support is always needed for a wide range of rolls and tasks. Email DC@saffronwaldenscouts.org.uk
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