The 1st Killingworth Scouts has used a £1,933 from the Banks Community Fund to buy two new large tents which have replaced two predecessors that were badly damaged during Storm Arwen and have since reach the end of the lifespan.
The grant has also covered the cost of two new event shelters, which can be used as the location for different activities during trips and provides somewhere dry for the scouts to keep their backpacks and other equipment in wet weather.
A large wheeled cool box has also been purchased which will make it easier for the groups to store and transport the provisions that they cook during their travels.
The new equipment was given a successful first run out by six scouts on a two-day expedition that formed part of their work towards their Chief Scout Award.
And with more trips now being planned through the rest of this year and into next, the group is looking to increase the number of members taking part in its camps and outdoor activities.
Based at St John’s Church in Killingworth, the 1st Killingworth Scouts is run by a ten-strong team of volunteers and includes sections for young people of all ages.
It is one of the few troops in the area to offer a Squirrels section for 4–6-year-olds alongside its Cubs, Beavers, Scouts and Explorers sections.
Alison Gardner, trustee at 1st Killingworth Scouts, says: “Our camps and outdoor activities are about much more than just the things we’re doing on the day.
“As well as helping our group develop a range of life skills, they also help them learn about things like teamwork and resilience and are central to the development of strong friendships that last right through our members’ scouting years and beyond.
“The tents we’ve replaced have served us well, but the damage caused to them by Storm Arwen and the many times they’d been used has finally seen them go beyond being usable.
“The new tents will be used by every section within our group and will mean that more young people are able to take part in more trips, while the event shelters will enable us to do many more outdoor activities under cover, regardless of the weather conditions.
“It would have taken us a long time and a lot of effort to raise the money we needed to buy this new equipment, so we’re really grateful to Banks for helping us make these important purchases.”
Jamilah Hassan, community relations manager at the Banks Group, adds: “The opportunities and experiences that scouting offers to young people are second to none and we’re very glad to be helping the 1st Killingworth Scouts offer even more chances for its members to get out in the open air.”
The Banks Group’s community funds are independently managed by Point North (formerly the County Durham Community Foundation).
The Banks Group was founded in 1976 in County Durham. Banks’ development with care approach ensures sites are developed in close consultation with the community as well as carrying out extensive environmental assessments. More information can be found at www.banksgroup.co.uk