Features

Be prepared!

Waitrose-DonationCollecting a cheque at Waitrose

Lots of exciting activities have been taking place since we last wrote for the Gazette, says Stephanie Woodley of the 52nd Epping Forest South Scout Group, including preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime jamboree

Our Group Scout Leader has been keen to explore different opportunities for our young people to enjoy and had been hoping to sign the group up for Kander 100. Unfortunately, he was not initially successful, so we were placed on the waiting list. Then, in January, we were contacted by the organisers to see if we were still keen to attend. Planning has since begun in earnest to get 15 members of our troop and five leaders across to Switzerland in the summer.

Kander 100 is a once-in-a-lifetime jamboree for young people from around the world and is the highlight of the Kander International Scouting Centre Centenary celebrations; a jamboree bringing together Scouts and Guides from 100 countries for 10 days of adventure and international friendship in the heart of the Swiss Alps (we’re representing the United Kingdom). 

Patrol leader Danyaal said: “I’m really looking forward to Kander as I will be able to meet lots of new people from around the world and gain a brilliant experience representing the borough of Redbridge and the UK.”

To make the cost of the trip more affordable, and so the Scouts understand the cost of attending, they have all been asked to commit to fundraise at least £350. The group are also holding fundraising activities to support them in achieving this. 

Fundraising events were kicked off with a fantastic contribution by South Woodford Waitrose, who very generously donated £1,000 to the group, which will help with the transport costs. We were really pleased to collect this amazing donation in person from the team at Waitrose.

Following on from the success of our previous family bingo evening, we held another one in January, raising a further £390. Further fundraising activities completed to date have been cake sales at the hut (£40), one at Churchfields Junior School (£140) and another at Walthamstow Football Club.

Future events will include a race night on 3 June (please get in touch for further details regarding ticket prices and sponsorship opportunities), and hopefully, a tombola stall at the monthly South Woodford Market, so please do come along and support us.

Our sections run on two evenings each week: Beavers (six- to eight-year-olds) meet on a Monday followed by the Scouts (10-and-a-half- to 14-year-olds), with the Cubs (eight- to 10-and-a-half-year-olds) meeting on a Tuesday. If you’re interested in getting involved in the group or finding out more, please do get in touch.


The 52nd Epping Forest South Scout Group meets in the Scout Hut behind South Woodford Library. For more information and to get involved, email chairperson.52ndefs@gmail.com