A long-standing leader of the 5th Frome Cub Pack is preparing to retire after 18 years of helping with Beavers and Cubs.
Following the retirement of the Pack’s Akela, Richard Webley, at Easter, the group is urgently seeking a replacement leader. If the role is not filled, the Pack could face closure.
Richard has been involved with the Beavers and Cubs ever since his daughter joined around 18 years ago. He said, “I was never involved in it as a child. I really got involved as a parent helper when my daughter joined the Beavers, I went along with another parent just to help out and got roped in. It’s been around 18 years now that I have been helping out with Beavers and Cubs.
“I have had a fantastic time leading the Cubs and also would like to thank the other leaders for their support throughout my time with 5th Frome and the parents help at our meetings and at our district camps and family camps over the years. The Cub Scouts are for me the best way to learn life skills and making new friends.
“Some of my highlights over the years have been the camps we’ve done at Tedbury Scout campsite near Mells. We do two camps every summer.
“I have also enjoyed the little projects the group do. I feel I have been teaching the group life skills; that’s all it is really. Especially when we go to Tedbury campsite, we would have fire pits and do a day on the river, have raft races, and do crafty bits as well, learning a bit about nature. It’s totally different from any other groups around town.”
Richard says that over the years, he has seen Scouts grow up – he was even recently served by one of his former Scouts in the pub.
Sharing the key to being an effective Scout leader, Richard said, “I think patience and trying to keep them entertained are the main things you need to be able to do. Planning is also key and having a good leadership team behind you as well. And also, young leaders are really good to having a successful group. The children can relate to an older child and then we can communicate that way.”
The Pack are now on the lookout for a new leader to take on the role.
A spokesperson for the Pack said, “If we do not fill the role, this could potentially see the Cub Pack close if a leader does not step forward. Even though we are the largest youth organisation in the world, like a lot of voluntary youth groups we struggle to get people step forward and help out.
“Whilst we do already have assistant leaders, young leaders and a leadership team in place to support any potential new Cub leader, it is a replacement for Richard that we must now urgently find.”
The Pack meets at Selwood Academy from 6.30pm to 8pm every Thursday.
For anyone interested in taking on this rewarding role, or just having a chat about what is involved, what support and training is available, contact Group Scout leader Mike Plaskitt by ringing 07711 090656 or via the website at https://5thfromescouts.org.uk/
Below: Cub camp
Below: Richard investing a cub
Below: The cubs bike night with Pronto
