Welcome to Ripon and District Scouts

Founders Day is celebrated by the Scouting movement on February 22nd to commemorate the birthdays of Robert Baden-Powell and his wife, Olave: 

• Robert Baden-Powell: The founder of Scouting, born in 1857 
• Olave Baden-Powell: The first Chief Girl Guide, born in 1889 

On Founders Day, Scouts and Guides: Renew their promises, Reflect on Scouting's values, and Consider how Scouting's values apply to the modern world

 

Well, this year it was 6^th Ripon’s “turn” to organise the Ripon & District Xmas event and we decided on a Xmas Carol type event, only one problem the Group Lead Volunteer doesn’t have a musical bone in his body, but in accordance with POR, we Pressed On Regardless.

At the end of August Andrew Roberts teacher, organist, pianist, composer and member of R&Ds Ex-active support team agreed to be our Music Maestro. The date was already in the District Diary, so Allhallowgate Church was booked, the Reverend Ian and the IT expert Robbie, both from the Allhallowgate Church, agreed to assist – things were moving in the right direction.

Sarah, GLV from Topcliffe provided some script from their excellent event the previous year.

In October, the 6^th Ripon Group camp was where Charlotte and Millie, two Young Leaders “stepped forward”, Charlotte quietly rewrote the lyrics to the Twelve days of Christmas to Twelve days of Scouting & Millie started to think about the music.

Invites were formally sent out to all the Groups.

Several meetings later with the music Maestro and we suddenly had a Programme -which was a combination of sketches and carols - WOW how had that happened.

Also, quietly in the background Millie had been rallying her “group” of 6^th Ripon, musical young leaders; Tom & Dexter on Piano; Tom & Poppy on Percussion; Sam on Guitar, Charlotte on Violin & William, from Sowerby on French Horn.

OK, two weeks to go, time for our first practise, well what an interesting night! No music stands, reeds had to be warmed to enable instruments to be played! music for different instruments to be found, music in the right key, insufficient music! It’s a good job Andrew & Millie knew what was happening it was all going over that GLVs head.

A second practise was needed the following Friday night, which was much better; stands & music in the right place, 12 days of Scouting props available, one out of two sketches run through. Well, that is it we are either ready or we are not!!

No No not quite we hear, Millie thought another musical rehearsal was needed so again rallied the Group of Young Leaders and they held another practise on the Friday morning at the Grammar School – well done.

So, the big night arrived, well what a hoot; after a brief introduction by the Rev. Ian we set off with Jingle Bells followed by Jingle Bell Rock; then a sketch about Getting Ready- and a reminder “The Son of Man comes at an hour you do not expect him!”; (thank you to David, Kim, Cameron & Rev. Ian); a couple more carols then on to the Hook, a quiz of opening verses of carols lead by Andrew on the organ. Now into the Twelve days of Scouting, how does this work, 12 days and only 6 Young Leaders, – well just watch as those Young Leaders run round the altar rail, with the props; how tiring was that! Now let’s distribute the props around the audience and get them up and down and dancing in the aisles! Oh, and yes, and the Young Leaders continuing to run round the altar rail - What Fun! Then into Rudolph and a couple more Carols, followed by a few moments of reflection by the Rev. Ian. Nearly over and just about on time, but just time for one more rendition of 12 Days of Scouting and a final carol of We wish you all a Merry Xmas. Before everyone retired for refreshments, which were more than adequately provided by two more Ex DAS members in Brian & Peter

This was certainly not a traditional Carol service; it was more a cross between a Carol service and a campfire, where anyone and everyone had great fun

A massive thank you to all those who made this happen and all those who turn out and supported, we believe around 175 attendees

And for those interested the words of 12 days of Scouting are below – lyrics by Charlotte

12 days of Scouting

On the first day of scouting, my leader gave to me a book to identify trees

On the second day of scouting, my leader gave to me Two soggy socks

On the third day of scouting, my leader gave to me Three muddy boots

On the fourth day of scouting, my leader gave to me four pop up tents

On the fifth day of scouting, my leader gave to me five climbing ropes

On the sixth day of scouting, my leader gave to me six mugs a cocoa

On the seventh day of scouting, my leader gave to me seven empty rucksacks  

On the eight day of scouting, my leader gave to me eight dancing beavers

On the ninth day of scouting, my leader gave to me nine challenge badges

On the tenth day of scouting, my leader gave to me ten flashing torches

On the Eleventh day of scouting, my leader gave to me eleven lines of bunting 

On the Twelfth day of scouting, my leader gave to me twelve plastic woggles 

The purpose of Scouting is to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.

A World Scout Jamboree is a Scouting event for young people aged between 14 and 18. It is a gathering of Scouts and Guides from all over the world for an exciting programme of global development, peace, cultural understanding, adventure, fun and friendship.

The 26th World Scout Jamboree Site is to be located within the borders of a City, on the coast of the Baltic Sea in Northern Poland.

The 26th World Scout Jamboree will take place from the 30 July to the 8 August 2027. To participate as a Youth Participant, individuals must be between 14 and 17 years old at the time of the event. This means they should have been born between 30 July 2009 and 30 July 2013. Will YOU be trying for a place in the UK Contingent (as a part of the North Yorkshire Scouts Contingent)?

Scouting is open to people of all faiths and of none and must therefore take account of the different religious obligations of its members whilst upholding the essential spirit of the Promise.

There are also alternative wordings for Squirrel Scouts, Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scouts (including Explorers, Network and all other Adults) as well as alternatives for Buddhists, Christians, Hindu, Humanist, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, and Atheists or those of no faith backgrounds (thus making 112 variations in total across the board).

If you wish to see the full range of Promises see the Association website at -

https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/1-our-fundamentals/112-variations-to-the-wording-of-the-promise/

Volunteering can be a brilliant way to boost your mental wellbeing. Its a great feeling knowing you are helping young people get skills for life, and you might even learn a lot about yourself along the way. 

Scouts can make you feel good in other ways too. We will guide you to an opportunity where you - 

• Make friends and meet people 
• Try new things and challenge yourself 
• Get outdoors and get stuck in
• Positively impact your community 
• Create vital opportunities for young people 
• Make memories that will last a lifetime

If you can only occasionally help, that is OK. Whether you would like to be an activity planner, tea-maker or craft creator, we appreciate any time you can spare.

To VOLUNTEER just use the CONTACT tab on the front page of this website.