How Washington Scouts are bringing young people together with new innovative online sessions

Washington Scouts, which aims to prepare young people with valuable skills for life, was forced to cancel usual sessions due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis but were determined to continue using online sessions at home.

The new virtual sessions, which have had more than 200 participants, are using video hangouts to offer members fun activities to do at home and also support the local community.

Activities so far have included house scavenger hunts, singing campfire songs and recording messages to send to vulnerable people stuck at home.

Group volunteer, Stephen Harrison, 34, said: “I’ve been a scout leader for a number of years, but never have we delivered scouting in this way. I think it’s incredibly important that Scouts continues to bring young people together because we’re all feeling increasingly isolated as a result of social distancing measures.

“Scouts are helping young people stay connected, that’s great for mental health, social skills and above all makes everyone smile.”

The group hopes that the virtual sessions can continue to bring people together during difficult times and are encouraging members, friends, family, neighbours and newcomers to join in.

Washington scouts aims to help over 200 people aged between 6-18 enjoy fun and adventure while also developing important skills needed to succeed in life. To find out more, visit the 3rd Washington scouts website at http://www.3rdwashingtonscouts.org.uk/homepage

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

How to subscribe to the print edition

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.