Hemel Hempstead school celebrates a decade of Scouting

Lockers Park in Hemel Hempstead is celebrating a decade of Scouting at the school.

Officially known as the 7th Hemel Hempstead (Lockers Park) Scout Group, the private group – open only to members of the school – was originally set up in 2011 with a Cub pack, growing from strength-to-strength over the years to now include a Scout troop and a Beaver colony.

Lockers Park is one of the few schools across the country that has its very own Scout group.

The past decade has seen the group enjoy lots of exciting opportunities, that are designed to help boost self-confidence as well as encourage pupils to develop leadership and citizenship skills along the way.

Highlights from the past decade have included pupils making their promise to Scouting 12m above the ground at the XC High Ropes Course, meeting Bear Grylls, volunteering at the local DENS Food Bank in Hemel Hempstead and joining 140 scouts from across Hemel to visit the European home of Scouting in Switzerland – Kanderstag International Scout Centre – as part of a 12-day trip.

While face-to-face gatherings have stopped during the pandemic, the group has continued to meet online.

Virtual sessions have included sleep-ins and sleep-outs, den-building and cooking challenges.

Jan Maddern, Lockers Park’s Scout Leader said: “Scouting introduces children to a world of fun and opportunity, inspiring and helping each to do their best and become role models for others.

"The camaraderie within a Scout group really is second to none! Being a Scout Leader at Lockers Park for the past ten years has been a real privilege, working alongside the school’s teaching body and parents to build a fantastic, inspiring community.

"It has been a decade of adventure and I cannot wait to see what the next ten years bring.”

Chris Wilson, Lockers Park Headmaster said: “Being a member of our Scout group at this particular time has been a real help to pupils, who have been cut off from socialising with their peers in the usual way.

"With the worst of the pandemic hopefully over, we are looking to safely resume our hugely successful Scouting activities onsite along with other popular extra-curricular pursuits including chess and skiing. I am sure the children simply cannot wait!”