THE 1st Buckfastleigh Scouts are hoping a day spent helping shoppers at Morrisons in Totnes will earn them a new year packed with adventures.

The group, formed in 2019, is looking to build up a stock of camping equipment for use by its more than 80 members aged from 4 to 18.

Scout leader David Patrick says ‘Camping is a key part of scouting. In order to take the scouts away, we need tents. Tents are very expensive and we need help raising money.’

The children will be at the supermarket between 9am and 5pm on Saturday, December 10.

Group Scout Leader Sara Pitchford says: ‘Our Scouts are responsible members of the community and they’re really looking forward to making themselves useful – from packing bags to carrying shopping.’

Scout Leon (13), says: ‘I love scouting because we can learn lots of new skills and meet new people. The best part is the camps, when we can join other scout groups from around the world.’

The five sections of 1st Buckfastleigh & River Dart Explorers - Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers – have recently returned from a two night camp at Watcombe in Torquay.

Afterwards, Beth Chequer, mum of Scout Florrie (10) says: ‘My children get so much out of scouting. Going on camp is fantastic for fostering their independence skills and making new friends.

The Scouting movement was formed by Lord Baden Powell more than a hundred years ago. Former scouts include the England men’s football manager Gareth Southgate and Sir David Attenborough.

The Chief Scout, adventurer and TV personality Bear Grylls is proud of how the organisation has developed: “Together, we have grown our movement, given young people the voice they deserve and welcomed so many new communities to the Scouts.

‘It’s all about delivering chances to young people where they are needed most.’

For more information, contact Sara Pitchford on [email protected] OR via the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BFLScoutGroup’