It’s great outdoors say Cubs!

THE easing of Covid 19 regulations could see a major step forward for Scouting in Scotland and indoors meetings could start to happen within weeks.

But as with all proposed changes to the rules and regulations relating to this devastating disease, there could also be a dramatic clamp down.

Most recently several groups across the four nations have sent notices to all parents detailing the suspension of all meetings until they are allowed to meet with no restrictions.

However, groups across Falkirk District are taking the first tentative steps towards socially distant face to face meetings outdoors.

And earlier this week First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that youth groups can meet indoors.

But Scouting does remains on amber alert (no indoor meetings) and will not move to yellow until updated guidance from YouthLink Scotland is received and agreed by the Scout Association.

When Scouting moves to yellow, updated risk assessments will need to be written to ensure the safety of young people and adult leaders at all times. The suggestion is that leaders start writing them so they are ready if the move is agreed.

In the meantime Cubs from the 16th Laurieston started outdoor face to face meetings at the end of August.

They took to the water of the Union Canal and maintained regulation numbers by splitting the Cub pack and at the same time managed adult to child ratios for safety.

One group went canoeing while the other completed a nature walk along the canal with “bingo” cards. The following week, the groups swapped, so every cub was able to take part in both activities.

Cub leader Wendy MacPherson said: “We also had to adjust for the loss of water in the Union Canal due to the breach at Polmont so we made use of the jetty at the 1st West Lothian Sea Scouts. The other group had a nature trail from Muiravonside Country Park to the Woodcockdale Sea Scout hall at Linlithgow. We have a full programme of outdoor activities planned until the October break.”

The information about getting back together safely can be found here: https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/scouts-at-home/getting-everyone-back-togethersafely/