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Lincolnshire Scouts help the heroes

13/11/2009

In the week that Britain remembered, An Explorer Scout Unit in Lincolnshire has donated over two thousand pounds to a charity that aims to help wounded soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Scouts, from the Waddington Sentries Unit, Lincoln, decided to choose Help for Heroes as their chosen charity because many of the teenagers parents have served in military operations overseas.

Explorer Scout Leader Andy Nash recalls the poignant silence that followed a DVD the Scouts watched, highlighting the work done by the charity. It was one of those memorable moments that stick with you as a Scout Leader. The impact was profound and suddenly we had a vision for the year and a focus for our programme of activities.

Fundraising focus

Ten months on, the Explorers have completed a long list of fundraising activities, including designing money boxes, running a snack shop, casino night, car parking and a non-stop 24-hour sponsored Scouting marathon. We aimed to fit as many Scouting activities into the period as we could, continues Andy. The 5am start was probably challenge enough for the Explorers, but we continued all day, squashing in pioneering, assault courses, climbing and firelighting. We closed the camp the next morning with a rousing chorus of Auld Lang Syne.

Having raised their staggering total, the Explorer Scouts met on the Royal Air Force base at Waddington to present the cheque to Tarnia Venning-Heyhoe, Lincolnshire representative for Help for Heroes. Receiving the donation in front of an E-3D Sentry, the surveillance aircraft from which the group take their name, Venning-Heyhoe said: Itreally is a cause close to everyone's hearts and all ages, as the amazing fundraising effort from the Explorer Scouts clearly shows. Every day I am overwhelmed by the support Lincolnshire gives to Help for Heroes.

Thinking of others

Reflecting on their fundraising attempt, the Explorers were pleased with their achievement.We see fundraising as a standard activity in Scouting, said Sarah, 17, but it has been very rewarding to do something for other people instead of ourselves.  Imogen, 16 added, 'My dad has just returned from overseas and hes very proud of the work we have done have done for Help for Heroes.' Becky, 17 said 'As teenagers we often get bad press but at Explorers we are proof that teenagers can do good. It was brill!'

Related links

Help for heroes
Scouts remember

 

 

Comments

By Steve McDonnell on 14/11/2009 04:57 Well done to all of you !! You all should feel rightly proud of your achievement.

By Freda Clarke ACSL Altrincham on 14/11/2009 11:21 Many congratulations on your fantastic fund raising achievements. This is the publicity that should be headlines in the Daily papers and not what I have just read about racist remarks at a Remembrance service. Keep up the good work and I'm proud to be associated with young folk like yourselves.

By Mark Spice on 14/11/2009 13:10 I'm a former Lincoln and District Scout (21st Lincoln) of many eons ago now living in Essex - I just want to say well done to the Waddington Explorer Scouts, I grew up in Bracebridge Heath just down the road!

By June Robinson GSL Llanishen & Lisvane on 18/11/2009 10:32 Well done, you've really demonstrated that teenagers are thoughtful and responsible and can play a major part in the community. It's a shame that your efforts are not recognised by the national media as I haven't seen anything yet!

By David Brake on 18/11/2009 12:39 As a now "retired" DC but still, active member of the District Scout Fellowship I admire the support by the Lincolnshire Explorer Scouts of Help for Heros - Well done. In October 2008, I had the pleasure hosting Bryn and Emma Parry when Bryn spoke at the Rotary District 1120 Conference in Eastbourne on their work with Help for Heros. They do a wonderful job and I am pleased that scouting is prepared to support such a worthwhile charity.