There have been Scouts based in Ditchling village, at the foot of the South Downs, since 1912. 1st Ditchling Scout Group was founded in 1929 and is part of the Mid Sussex District Scouts.
We run Beaver, Cub and Scout sections which are open to boys and girls. Each section offers fun, lively, informative and age appropriate termly activity programmes for its members as well as the chance to take part in our brilliant District Events.
Scouting traditions go all the way back to 1907 with Robert Baden-Powell’s experimental camp on Brownsea Island and in 1920 at a Rally at Crystal Palace he was proclaimed ‘World Chief Scout.
Scouts Mission
Scouting actively engages and supports young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
Scouts Values
We act with care, respect, integrity, cooperation, exploring our own and others’ beliefs.
We also have close links with Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint Explorers for ages 14-17 years and the Mid Sussex Young Leaders programme.
Each Section has its own Promise, Law and Regulations.
Our Sections meet once a week during term time. We try to take advantage of the amazing outdoor settings on our doorstep as much as possible and also have use of our Scout Hut on East End Lane.
For each section these run on –
Throughout the year there are also regular events and camps such as summer camp, raft races, swimming gala and as well as the opportunity to take part in Village events.
Our Group Lead Volunteer (new name for a Group Scout Leader) is Greg Smith. He is responsible for managing and supporting the Group and its Leaders to ensure it runs effectively and develops Scouting in the local area.
Ben Whitby is our Group Chair. He works closely with the GVL to develop 1st Ditchling and chairs the Group Executive Committee (the Group’s Trustees).
The Section Leaders manage and lead the operations of each section. They work with their teams to plan and deliver exciting programmes for each age group, including camping and nights away activities as appropriate.
The Group Board of Trustees ensures the Group has sufficient resources to operate and does so safely. It also manages the Group’s finances and arranges insurance for people, property and equipment.
We rely on our amazing team of volunteers and parent helpers. The Scouts award-winning training scheme for volunteers means that adults get as much from Scouts as young people.
An explorer, adventurer and TV presenter, Dwayne's been seen in BAFTA nominated Channel 5 series Race to the Pole, on BBC Springwatch, Countryfile, National Geographic and Disney+.
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