Scouting in South East England: Difference between revisions

The Scout Association administers the region into 9 [[Scout Counties]].

There are also three student associations at various universities in the region, each of which is affiliated to the [[Student Scout and Guide Organisation]]. These are centred at Oxford University ([[Oxford University Scout and Guide Group]] - the oldest such organisation in the United Kingdom), the [[University of Reading]], and the [[University of Southampton]].<ref> [http://www.ssago.org.uk/clubs/england/ SSAGO England]</ref><ref> [http://www.ousgg.org.uk/history.html OUSGG History]</ref>

'''Royal Berkshire''' is a Scout County concurrent with the ceremonial county of Berkshire, and provides Scouting opportunities for 7,500 young people and adults in the area. The County includes the towns of [[Newbury, Berkshire|Newbury]], [[Reading, Berkshire|Reading]], [[Slough]] and [[Windsor, Berkshire|Windsor]], and their immediate environs.<ref> [http://www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/ Berkshire Scouts Website]</ref>

WINGS is a major event which is open to all Scouts and Guides aged 10 to 25 in all parts of the world, and is normally held every 5 years in the County. It is a collaboration with Royal Berkshire Scouts and [[Girlguiding Royal Berkshire]]. Participants camp in [[Windsor Great Park]], where many of the activities also take place. Other nearby sites are also made use of, such as Dorneywood Scout Camp and Wraysbury Lake.

*2004 - [[Slovenia]] - a multi-activity camp in the former Yugoslav republic

*2005 - '''Slovenia''' - a return to the [[Eastern European]] country, but specifically for completion of the [[Explorer Scout#The Explorer Belt|Explorer Belt]]

Organised by Reading Central District Scouts in Royal Berkshire, the [[Three Towers Hike]] is a competition hike held around Easter following routes through West Berkshire and South Oxfordshire. Walking is primarily along the [[the Ridgeway]], although it does not take in the full distance. The event takes its name from the three water towers passed on the main route.

East Sussex Scout County is divied into nine districts, with roughly 100 Scout Groups in total:

* Brighton

* 1st Ewhurst Scout Troop held their inaugural meeting on the lawn of [[Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell|Robert]] and [[Olave Baden-Powell|Olave Baden-Powell's]] home, Ewhurst Place, on [[1913-06-21]]. Olave was the Troop's Scoutmaster and the assistant Scoutmaster were Annie Court, housemaid to the Baden-Powells, and home's gardener. At the opening meeting, they used the [[Union flag]] that had flown over [[Mafeking]] during the [[Siege of Mafeking|siege of 1889-90]].

The Loose + Swiss Scout Group in the Maidstone South District was started in 1908 by Jack Barcham Green a local Maistone business man.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}}

Every four years, Kent organises an international jamboree bringing scouts from all over the world to a location in the ocunty. The most recent was the gathering at The Shaws Guide campsite in [[Cudham]], near [[Sevenoaks]]. 2,500 members of the scout association camped together for a week during the 2009 jamboree. The next will be in 2013.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}}

'''Surrey Scout County''' is concurrent with the political county of [[Surrey]], and is divided into 19 districts:<ref> [http://www.surrey-scouts.org.uk/ Surrey Scouts]</ref>

Also located on the site is the [[Buckmore Park Kart Circuit]], although this is a separate business to the Scout Centre. The Buckmore Park sports complex on the site closed in April 2003 and went into administration in 2008. A buyer is being sought for the 260-acre site. The Scout Association said the local scouts had an existing lease on the site and would work with the new owners to secure a future for young people at the park.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/kent/7634492.stm Sports complex in administration]</ref>

'''Longridge Scout Boating Centre''' is a water activity centre and [[campsite]] on the River Thames near Marlow in Buckinghamshire. It was once owned by [[the Scout Association]] but it is now an independent Charity. The centre provides water activities such as Bell Boating, [[Dragon boat]], [[Canoeing]], [[Rowing (sport)|Rowing]], [[Sailing]], [[Kayaking]] and [[Powerboating]]. It also offers land based activities including [[Climbing]], Team Challenge Zones and [[Disc golf]].

With a very good safety record, Longridge is recognised amongst activity centres as being a leading training centre for young people and their leaders. It as an approved [[British Canoe Union]] centre and RYA (Royal Yacht Association) training centre. Each year the team at Longridge run a large number of courses ranging from basic beginner skills right through to advanced coaching and instruction.

'''Youlbury Scout Activity Centre''' is one of the four [[Scout Activity Centre (The Scout Association)|Scout Activity Centres]] operated by The Scout Association across the United Kingdom, and is located to the west of [[Oxford]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.scouts.org.uk/nationalcentres/|title= Scout Activity Centres|accessdate=2007-08-18 |publisher= The Scout Association}}</ref>

Youlbury is the oldest permanent Scout campsite in the United Kingdom, and acted as the National Headquarters when [[Gilwell Park]] was commandeered by the [[British Army]] during World War II.

The South East Berkshire Scout District started in 1970. It grew larger and moved to Camberley Civic Hall where it stayed until moving to the Wilde Theatre, [[South Hill Park]], Bracknell. A show is produced every year in February. The Gang consists of around 180 people.