CUBS from 1st Dumbarton Scout Group are keeping busy and learning how to benefit the community throughout lockdown.

Back in April, the Reporter told how the Cubs had been following individual fitness programmes, collecting materials for recycling and working towards their Scouting badges, these were just some of the ways the group had been ensuring that lockdown restrictions won’t stop them doing their best for those who need help.

And the little adventurers have continued to do so, but this time taking a more global outlook on their quests of accomplishment.

They have been working towards their Great Indoors Badge, a Scout achievement earned through learning skills at home and the immediate outdoors. Some of the activities that the Cubs must undertake in order to earn their Badge include trying a new practical skill from home, learning about a local service or charity in the community, doing something that helps family members in their own home and playing one traditional game from another country.

Marie Kelso, one of the leaders at 1st Dumbarton Scout Group and an early learning childcare officer, told the Reporter: “We’ve been working on global issues, with a focus around World Ocean Day. At the beginning of the week the Scout Association also produced a brand-new badge of staged activities which young people can work through at their own pace.

“I am so conscious, being a mum of three, of how much our young people are having to cope and don’t want to bombard them with more, so we have taken a slower pace at the moment.

“It’s still learning skills for life, but the focus is on learning through experience and understanding with a huge amount of fun added in for good measure.”

One of the best parts of being a Cub is going camping, but with coronavirus lockdown putting a stop to that, the group has come up with an original and exciting way to enjoy regardless – virtual camping, a fun event done through the Zoom webchat app which the Cubs participated in over the weekend.

Marie said: “It’s a normal camp in abnormal circumstances, so lots of fun games, adventures, cooking, campfire songs and marshmallow toasting in their own homes at a physical distance.

"We had around 14 coming and going over the 3 sessions. We kicked off with an informal catch up and check in, then we had a break and came back together for campfire sing-along, marshmallow toasting and chubby bunny challenge.

"On Saturday we all had breakfast together."