Malcom shares details of this upcoming event for Isle of Wight Scouting. Ed
Corf Campsite is the home of Isle of Wight Scouting. It sits in 22 acres of ancient woodland between two arms of Newtown Creek, in a protected site of Special Scientific Interest.
Apart from being a campsite Corf plays an important part in the Island Community, a part which Isle of Wight Scouts would like to enhance as part of a new “Access All Areas” program.
Help us to make the site more accessible
Isle of Wight Scouts County Commissioner Paul Savill outlined the event,
“We’re holding an open day on Saturday 21st May as a showcase of Corf Campsite and Isle of Wight Scouts. We’d like to invite the people of the Isle of Wight to come and see Corf, and to help us work to make the site more accessible to the community. You can see for yourselves what Scouting is all about and you can try your hand at some of our activities such as Archery, Kayaking and Shooting. There will be plenty for Younger People to try their hands at.
“Our Access All Areas program is partly funded by grants from the Isle Of Wight Council and the national Scout Association headquarters in Gilwell Park. The Isle of Wight Council have awarded grants to 11 Youth Organisations, to support their growth taking up the slack as the Council removes direct support from Youth Groups. Gilwell Park is the headquarters of the 550,000 UK Scouts and the central hub of the 32 million Scouts in almost every country around the world.”
Try a variety of activities
Isle of Wight Local Growth and Development Officer, Kelly Raye, is the driving force behind Access All Areas,
“By attending the Access all Areas open day at Corf Scout Campsite families will be able to see for themselves the variety of activities and possibilities Scouting on the Island has to offer.
“Activities for everyone one whatever your age or ability. Bring your family to try out canoeing, kayaking, archery, fire lighting, nature walks and more! There will be a catering van on-site or bring along a blanket and a picnic. Please note, no dogs will be allowed on site. If you want to try kayaking, bring swimming costume or a complete change of clothes and towel.”
IW smallest Scout County organisation
With just over 1,600 members, the Isle of Wight is the smallest Scout County organisation in the UK, although we have consistently been one of the fastest growing. The county is run as two Districts with 22 active Scout Groups, most of whom own their own Headquarter Buildings. These buildings are a long cry from the original Scout Huts.
Some are new purpose built buildings, some are conversions of older buildings. Some are in the middle of towns and villages, some sit in the middle of their own campsites. All are in the heart of their communities. Kelly’s role is to promote Access to these facilities, and to bring the role of Scouting in the communities more into the public eye.
An inclusive, activity packed adventure
Media Development Manager Malcolm Cox summed up,
“Scouting is an inclusive, activity packed adventure. As our Young People pass through Scout sections, they make lasting friendships. Here on the Island we make sure we add plenty of fun to the mix.
“And if our Scouts are having fun then our leaders and helpers are having fun too! Open Day is a chance for non-Scouts to get a taste of the Scouting Adventure.”
Be prepared … for life changing adventure
