🌟 Thank You to the Cardiff Scout Group Community 🌟

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended our Open Day yesterday. The turnout was exceptional, and we are deeply grateful to our current Cardiff families and wider scouting families for their ongoing support, as well as to the many new families who visited our hall to learn more about what Scouting offers.

Our family has been part of Cardiff Scouts since Josh first joined as a Joey in 2015. Like many parents with young children, much of my involvement for many years took place from the sidelines while balancing family life. Last year, after one of our Scouts encouraged me to step forward to help fill a Leader gap, I took that step — an experience that has shown me the true strength and generosity of the Scouting community.

Although I am still learning skills such as pioneering, climbing and archery, one of the most remarkable aspects of Scouting is that there is always someone within the community who brings the knowledge, experience and willingness to assist. Yesterday demonstrated this perfectly. Everywhere we looked, volunteers and families were offering their time, expertise and enthusiasm. The combined effort of so many people made the day a great success.

I would like to extend special thanks to the stakeholders who helped make the day outstanding:

• Cardiff Scout Leaders Slush (Jonathan), Group Leader Pikachu (Nicole), Scooby (Josh) for everything - including making phone calls and making stuff happen! Teamwork makes the dream work!
• Newcastle District Commissioner Kerry Ford and the Fellowship Team, who supported us on the day and set up the rope bridge and mini climbing wall. This was an incredible activity that gave so many young people the chance to overcome fear and feel genuine pride in themselves.
• Ian from the Hunter & Coastal Activities Team, who delivered a fantastic archery experience — another activity that was extremely well received and thoroughly enjoyed by visitors.
• Greg and Scott, also from the Hunter & Coastal Activities Team, who set up and staffed the climbing wall. Many young people left feeling empowered by discovering they could do challenging and “scary” things.
• Cardiff Fire Brigade who made time to visit with their truck!!!! The kids loved it (sorry one of our cheeky Joey Scouts found the horn!)

To our Cardiff families and youth members who assisted with the BBQ, the welcome table, set up, pack down, and warmly greeting our guests — you embody what makes Cardiff Scouts such a strong and supportive community. Thank you.

As a not for profit, fully volunteer run group, we are continually humbled by those who generously give their weekends and personal time to support Cardiff Scout Group. Your commitment is deeply appreciated.

Throughout the day, several youth members asked what Scouting is truly about. Adventure, mateship and skills development are certainly part of it — but just as important is the community that surrounds our young people. Scouting is a village - a place where individuals of all ages connect, support one another, and grow together.

When a child joins Scouts, their family is welcomed too. Whether you are young or not so young, there are opportunities to engage, contribute and be part of something meaningful.

Thank you once again to everyone who helped create such a positive and memorable day for the Cardiff Scout Group community.

Poutine (Christine)- Venturer Leader, Cardiff Scout Group

(And if you're read my super long post - thank you !!!)