Loose Swiss Scout Group Celebrates 110th Anniversary

Loose Swiss Scout Group were going for gold as they celebrated their 110th birthday in style with an Olympic themed Group camp.

Over 120 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Leaders and friends of the Group, gathered in Loose Valley to enjoy an exciting weekend of games and activities.

The Cubs and Scouts began their camp on the Friday evening with a magnificent Opening Ceremony as they paraded in their team colours, waving the flags of their allocated countries through an Olympic gateway and around the campsite. A huge, illuminated 110 was proudly displayed on the hillside.

On Saturday morning the Cubs and Scouts were joined for the day by the Beavers. With an age range of 6 to over 70 there were activities to suit everyone from water games, archery and swimming noodle javelin, through to stilt racing, Olympic target throwing and limbo to arts and crafts.

The young people also had a chance to experience the challenges that Paralympians overcome in their sports when they had a go at sitting volleyball and blind trails. An enormous inflatable assault course was a highlight for many, including the leaders! Everyone had a chance to try all the activities throughout the day on Saturday as the teams moved from base to base and they were awarded gold, silver or bronze medals as they went. The teams at the top of the medal table were presented with real medals at the end of the day. The Beavers stayed for dinner and were joined by their parents in the evening for a rousing singsong around the campfire.

After a great night under canvas, Sunday started with wide games in the woods. This was followed by a moving tribute to former Group Scout Leader, Trevor Gallavin, as a tree was planted in his memory on the land that he loved. Trevor lead the group from 2001 to 2012 and but sadly passed away in 2014. Family and friends joined his wife Helen, son Nick and daughter Jackie as the tree was dedicated. Helen and Nick are still very much involved with Loose Swiss in the Beaver and Scout sections.

Speaking of the camp, Group Scout Leader Paul Worden said, “Loose Swiss Scout Group is very proud of its long heritage and some of our members are the forth generation to enjoy Scouting in our Group. Our Group motto is ‘Never Give Up’ and this weekend, everyone from the youngest Beaver to the oldest Scouter embraced that as they enjoyed all the activities on offer. Here’s to the next 110 years of Scouting in Loose!”.

Loose Swiss Scout Group was founded in 1908 by Jack Barcham Green and has been running in Loose ever since.