INTEREST in the Scouting movement has really taken off over the past seven months in Lifton with both the scout and beaver group doubling in size.

There are now 75 young people in the organisation with new leaders also coming forward to make 19 in total.

‘The past year has seen remarkable growth since we were able to restart face-to-face Scouting in April,’ Rob Weston from 1st Lifton Scouts explained. ‘Not only have we seen our scout section double in size, we’ve also maintained a full cub scout section and we have doubled our beaver scout numbers.

‘In addition, we have just heard that two of our scouts have been selected to be part of the Devon Scouts’ contingent at the next World Jamboree in South Korea in 2023. This is a wonderful international camping opportunity for these two scouts, who were able to demonstrate that they had the necessary skills and aptitude for this adventure.

‘Not only has there been an increase in young people, the group has also recruited a number of new leaders.

‘Our volunteer leaders are one of the most essential parts of any Scout Group and since September we have welcomed five new leaders, taking us from 14 leaders to 19 leaders.

‘The new leaders are primarily for the new beaver colony, but we also have new leaders for the cub scout age group which is eight to 10 year olds and the scout section age group which is 10 to 14 year olds.

‘Each of the new leaders brings a wealth of experience including watersports activity experience which is great as we are a Sea Scout group, meeting at Roadford Lake during the summer months.’

The 1st Lifton Scout Group meets at Lifton Community Centre plus other local venues including the Lifton Recreation Ground and Lifton Methodist Church in Liftondown.

‘The Scout motto is “Be Prepared” and in 2022 the 1st Lifton Scout Group celebrates its 50th Anniversary,’ added Rob.

‘We are grateful to all the young people and leaders that have been part of our group over the years and I feel that we are in a good position to offer scouting activities for the next 50 years or more!

‘It is all down to the wonderful volunteer team and the parents for the support that they provide.’

The community is being invited to the 1st Lifton Scout Group’s annual Christmas Carol Service on Monday, December 20 at St Mary’s Church (the parish church of Lifton).

The group was unable to celebrate Christmas with a carol service last year, so is really looking forward to this year’s service which will be led by Rev Phillip Conway.