At West Thorpe, we are proud to have been providing Scouting in York for over 45 years. Across the group, we have over 20 volunteers, who are all working towards the same goal – providing vital skills for life for our 60+ incredible young people.
What Do We Do?
We provide Scouting for anybody aged 4 and up at West Thorpe. For many of our members, once you’re in – it’s very hard to get away! We have 5 ‘sections’ at West Thorpe, each of which meet regularly during term time:
- Squirrels (Age 4 – 6) – This is for our youngest members. The focus is on making friends, being creative and starting to understand the importance of key skills, such as teamwork, cooperation and listening.
- Beavers (Age 6 – 8) – Beavers focuses on beginning to experience the world much wider. Building on the skills developed in Squirrels, Beavers adds that extra element of excitement, providing opportunities for plenty of nights away and outdoor experiences!
- Cubs (8 – 10 1/2) – By the time our young people reach Cubs, many of them are already established Scouters. This is the chance to learn even more life skills, such as navigation, cooking and leadership. Lots of nights away opportunities too!
- Scouts (10 1/2 – 14) – Our Scouts begin to become independent young people, who take autonomy over their own programme planning. Through Scouts, our members get to experience activities they would not get to try anywhere else, such as international jamborees and expeditions.
- Young Leaders / Explorers (14 – 17) – Upon graduating Scouts, many of our young people choose to help out at a younger section in order to remain in the group and give back their expertise to our younger members. All YLs are part of the West Thorpe ‘Young Leader Unit’ and meet regularly to complete training modules; socialise; go on camps – and just have a bit of a laugh!
Our History
West Thorpe Scout Group was founded on 9th April 1980 on the back of discussions between District Commissioner, Alan Wright, who pointed out the need for a brand new Scout Group in the area. It was decided that the group would wear a necker of grey and maroon colours. Unfortunately, there is no exciting story as to why this was decided to be the colours of the group – instead it was all that was available at the time!
But that colour has stood as a symbol for West Thorpe Scout Group ever since that day and down the years, hundreds of young people and volunteers have walked through the doors of West Thorpe Methodist Church, all in the name of providing exciting experiences for our young people.
For further details about the early days of West Thorpe’s Scouts, have a read of this document put together by former Group Cub Leader, Doug Paxton:
