MEMBERS of a Bradford Scout group have taken their scouting promise, to have “courage in all difficulties”, to a whole new level.

Ninth Bradford North Scout Group, based at Sandy Lane near Bingley, is celebrating its centenary, and one group leader, Emily Hall, explains how they have adapted to scouting in a pandemic.

Emily, who said their 40 members come from the Sandy Lane, Wilsden, Cottingley and Denholme areas, said: “Scouting is traditionally very much hands-on, but as leaders, with our young people facing such difficult and worrying times in lockdown, we agreed at the outset we were not going to stop scouting”.

Moving to a full online/Zoom weekly schedule was the first hurdle the group had to overcome.

“We had great feedback from parents, as we kept life structured and enabled social interaction with friends. Many parents told us this gave the whole family a positive weekly focus, throughout the endless and monotonous weeks”.

Despite the virtual twist, the group continued with regular activities: investing of new group members, treasure hunts, earning badges and virtual Scout camps.

After a bowling trip had to be cancelled, they created an online bowling competition, including designing their own pins.

Emily said: "Unsurprisingly, several pins featured the Covid-19 virus, so we could enjoy knocking it down!"

“We found ways to help others in the local community too, emailing letters and sending artwork to a nursing home to cheer up isolated residents.

“With the difficulties of 'online life' and the young people becoming less engaged with virtual meetings as the months passed, we invited charities and different groups to join us. An art expert helped us make animation figures like in Wallace & Gromit, and we had a Birds of Prey meet and greet via Zoom.”

Positive mental health and benefits of daily exercise were at the forefront of all discussions throughout the pandemic, including numerous virtual challenges.

“Blackhills to Gilwell was our biggest event where we challenged our families to walk or cycle 240 miles, the distance between our local campsite, and Scout HQ near London. Our young people relish a challenge and certainly made the most of the summer weather and their one hour of freedom.”

To continue a full scouting schedule, the leaders also created “Camp at Home” which encouraged families to make dens/camps at home, in the garden or treehouse.

"It's been successful," added Emily. "We haven't lost many kids. We've actually gained some."