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10 Days to go until Gang Show 2024

10 Days to go until Gang Show 2024

19 Oct 2024

Picture of Scott Walker

Scott Walker

Gang Show Marketing Lead

10 Days to Go Until the Edinburgh Gang Show 2024!

 

The excitement is building, and the countdown is officially on! In just ten days, the curtain will rise on the Edinburgh Gang Show 2024, bringing a burst of energy, colour, and entertainment to the historic Festival Theatre. Since August, more than 250 young performers—Cubs, Brownies, Scouts, Guides, Explorer Scouts, and Rangers—have been hard at work, supported by a dedicated team of over 100 volunteers. Together, they’ve been perfecting every dance step, line, and song to ensure this year’s show is nothing short of spectacular.

A Momentous Milestone

Recently, the cast took part in a vibrant photocall, marking yet another important milestone on their journey to opening night. For many, it was a moment of pure joy and excitement, a chance to don their respective uniforms with pride and see just how far they’ve come as a cast. This year’s Gang Show is all about bringing people together, and the buzz of anticipation during the photocall was infectious. It’s clear that everyone—from the youngest Cub to the seasoned Explorer—is thrilled to be a part of this much-loved tradition.

Why should you come and See the Show

The Edinburgh Gang Show is more than just a performance; it’s a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and community spirit. Year after year, it brings together young people from across Edinburgh, showcasing their talent, hard work, and dedication. For many of them, this show is a highlight of the year—a chance to shine on stage, make new friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime. But don’t just take our word for it. Watch our video to hear directly from some of our talented cast members about why this show means so much to them. 

An Urgent Appeal

We need your help! Due to a change in scheduling, our Thursday night performance is clashing with Halloween, which has affected ticket sales for that evening. It would be such a shame for our dedicated cast to perform to a smaller audience after all their hard work. If you can, please consider attending on Thursday night, or help us by spreading the word. Your support would mean the world to the young performers and volunteers who have poured their hearts into this show. Let’s make sure the theatre is filled with laughter, applause, and support on every single night.

Edinburgh Gang Show 2024 – Show Details


📅 Dates: Tuesday 29th October to Saturday 2nd November
🕖 Times: Evenings at 7:00 pm, plus a Saturday Matinee at 2:00 pm
📍 Location: Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
📞 Tickets: 0131 529 6000 (For group bookings of 8 or more, call 0131 529 6005)

BOOK ONLINE HERE

Get your tickets now and prepare to be dazzled by a show that promises to be a true celebration of Edinburgh’s young talent. Whether it’s your first Gang Show or a cherished tradition, we guarantee you’ll leave with a smile on your face and a song in your heart. See you there!

Our Gang Show Partners

Explorers and South East Explorer Expeditions

Explorers and South East Explorer Expeditions

13 Sep 2024

Picture of SEEE Team

SEEE Team

John Buchanan
South East Explorers Expeditions

The summer was a very active one for Explorers, so this is just a brief summary.

Camps

Many Explorers were involved in camps over the summer, both with their Units and as Young Leaders helping the younger sections.  Special mention should be made of the International camps, including Blair Atholl, Kandersteg and Denmark. 

SEEE – South East Explorer expeditions

The DofE Qualifying hillwalking expeditions for Gold and Silver are well under way, with two of each completed using routes between Arrochar and the Dunoon area.  There is another Silver in the Lowther Hills, and another Gold starting at Arrochar.

 

There was also a very successful combined Gold and Silver expedition for Explorers with additional support needs.  Congratulations are due to the young people concerned, including those who attended as supporters, and special thanks go to Neil and Colin for organising and running this so successfully, having previously run Bronze and Silver.

 

There is a Biking Silver and further Bronze expeditions this month.  Canoeing should be completed shortly. 

Awards

As a result of their activities over the summer, many Explorers will have completed nights away, hikes and expeditions that count towards their Chief Scout’s Award Platinum and Diamond levels, and King’s Scout Award, as well as specific badges.  We would encourage all leaders to check what individual Explorers have done, and add it to their record.

Community comes together to support Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service

Community comes together to support Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service

10 Sep 2024

Picture of Namiki Ikeshima

Namiki Ikeshima

Group Communications Manager
21st Craigalmond Group (South Queensferry)

The South Queensferry community recently came together in a show of support for the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS), hosting a local session at the Scout Hall on Monday, August 5th. This heartwarming event saw a diverse group of young people, volunteers, parents, carers, guardians, and community members uniting with a shared goal of contributing to this crucial cause.

One of the most touching moments of the gathering was when young Explorer Cooper Hardwick commemorated his 18th birthday in May by making his first blood donation. Cooper’s act of selflessness was inspired by the impact of blood transfusions on his grandad, who has received over 30 transfusions. Reflecting on his experience, Cooper shared, “It went well. My Grandad has had over 30 transfusions, and this has only been possible by others’ selfless acts.” His gesture undoubtedly brought immense pride to his grandad and served as an inspiration to everyone present. It has certainly made all of us in South East Scotland Scouts extremely proud and inspired!

Lise Coles, Scout and Explorer Leader at the 21st Craigalmond South Queensferry Scouts and National Maintenance Manager at SNBTS, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am truly honoured to bring the Scouts and SNBTS together. By actively participating in community blood donation sessions, we can inspire our friends, family, and fellow community members to donate blood as well. The profound and far-reaching impact of blood donation plays a critical role in preserving the health and well-being of individuals across Scotland.”

Jo Mitchell, District Lead Volunteer for Craigalmond, highlighted the significance of community involvement, stating, “The importance of community involvement, participating, and contributing within such a wonderful community not only supports and empowers grassroots scouting but also brings joy to all involved. Events like this contribute to building stronger, closer communities and creating brighter tomorrows for young people and society as a whole.

Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland, Martin Elliot shared “I have seen first hand the life changing effect that blood donations have so  I am exceptionally proud of all of those from the 21st South Queensferry Group who have put their Scouting Values into practice by participating in and supporting this blood drive.”

If you are between the ages of 17 and 65 and have never donated blood before, please consider joining the blood donation drive. For more details on how to get involved and the impact of your donation, visit www.scotblood.co.uk or call 0345 90 90 999 (phonelines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). Each donation can save or improve the lives of up to three people.

Finally, a special thanks is extended to Katie-lee Arrowsmith for her captivating photography, effectively capturing the spirit and essence of the event.

Exciting events coming to Bonaly

Exciting events coming to Bonaly

24 Jun 2024

Picture of Peter Casebow

Peter Casebow

Bonaly Lead

Bonaly Scout Centre has a number of exciting events coming up later in the year.

Cubs

Cubs Nature Awareness and Conservation Camp 13th – 15th September

This is an opportunity for Cubs to learn about nature awareness and conservation by taking part in several Bonaly led activities. These will include bug hunting, burn dipping, animal games and doing nature crafts. The activities will take place on Saturday and each group will be allocated four different activities. The Cubs also get the opportunity to stay overnight in Ken’s Den. 

The nights away permit will be covered by the Bonaly Team.

Beavers

Beavers Adventure Day 13th October

An opportunity for Beavers to take part in lots of Adventurous activities which count towards the “My Adventure Challenge Award.

Explorers

Explorers Halloween Survival Camp 26th – 27th October

Explorers are challenged to survive the spooky Halloween weekend! Sleeping out without tents, cooking everything on open fires and learning survival skills.

To register an interest and get an information pack please contact events@bonaly.org.uk 

Skills for Life and Youth without Limits

Skills for Life and Youth without Limits

19 Jun 2024

Picture of SEEE Team

SEEE Team

South East Explorers Expeditions

Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Explorers are very active across our Region and are involved in a huge range of activities.  DofE often provides a focus for their interests, with Bronze, Silver and Gold levels providing internationally recognised certification that dovetails perfectly with the Chief Scout’s Award Platinum and Diamond, and the King’s Scout Award.   

Though some Explorers choose to do DofE through their school, many do it through Scouting, thanks to the efforts of a large group of adults who take on the task of organising DofE locally.  As a result, from August 2023 to June 2024, the following Awards were gained in the Region:

83

45

17

Total number of Awards 145

Twelve of our Golds will be attending the ceremony at Holyrood on 5 July.

EXPEDITIONS

Hillwalking and Biking

This is the most high-profile section of DofE, and one which is often hard to organise at a local level.  Because of this, we encourage Units and/or Districts to run their own Bronze expeditions, with assistance, if necessary, but we run expeditions for Silver and Gold at Regional level through SEEE (South East Explorer Expeditions).  We have built up a strong team of excellent adult volunteers who have already been very active this season. We ran two training days in March plus one Silver Qualifier, and we are nearing completion of the June Practice expeditions: 

7 Hillwalking Expeditions:

63

55

2 Biking Expeditions:

5

16

These include several candidates with Additional Needs, and we are very keen to emphasise that both DofE and Scouting will do everything possible to ensure that every young person can complete an expedition, regardless of the specific challenges they may face. 

Canoeing

This season’s DofE canoeing is well underway, with 32 Explorers from across the Region undertaking training for their Silver or Gold Expedition.  The training we provide in canoe expedition campcraft, navigation, route planning and paddle skills is helping the Explorers develop their knowledge of something that’s new to many of them, and whilst the Explorers all have different paddling abilities they share a common goal of wanting a new challenge in how they do their next DofE expedition.  

Starting out with training sessions on the Union Canal, the Explorers have been learning (or improving) their paddling skills and then putting them into practice in more challenging conditions (and learning capsize rescues) on open water at Lochore Meadows and Loch Venachar ahead of their Practice and Qualifying Expeditions later in the summer.  Our special programme this season involves the Gold paddlers gaining moving-water paddling skills ahead of the chance to paddle the Lough Erne Canoe Trail in Northern Ireland next year for their Qualifying Expedition.  

If any adults are interested in joining our welcoming Leader Team providing Explorers with a fun, challenging and memorable experience paddling on Scotland’s lochs, camping in castles on islands and achieving new skills, or have Explorers looking to do their expedition by canoe in the future, get in touch! Our programme of training and expeditions can be seen on the Longcraig Explorers website (www.craigalmondscouts.org/longcraig-explorer-unit/). 

Steve Hankin, DofE Canoeing Lead for SEEE 

Email: steve.hankin@yahoo.com 

First Aid

SEEE recently ran a first aid course for 32 Explorers and 3 volunteers. One of main aims for DofE expeditions is that the participants are trained and have the skills to complete their expeditions without direct adult supervision – and having a holder of an advanced First Aid qualification in each expedition group allows expeditions to be held in some of the more remote and adventurous terrain that Scotland has available.

We’re indebted to FAST Training (First Aid School Training), a community interest company (CIC) who focus on training many hundreds of young people each year in Scottish schools, and have expert trainers drawn from the emergency services and mountain rescue.  

We’re delighted to announce that everyone gained two externally recognised qualifications: 

  • First Aid at Work which would allow them to be a First Aider in any workplace. 
  • Outdoor First Aid (16 Hours). 

For our expeditions, it means they have the highest level of First Aid qualification required in Scouting for adventurous and remote activities, and the technical knowledge to act a trainer for First Response. 

Volunteering

This key section of DofE is also fundamental in Scouting.  Many Explorers are Young Leaders, and they make a huge contribution to the younger sections they help.  Others are sports coaches in schools or clubs, assistants in charity shops, part of an environmental team … the list is endless.  Each year DofE adds up the hours of volunteering and this certificate shows the hours recorded in our Region: 

It is worth noting that the actual time given could be much more.  For instance, a Young Leader helping for 3 months with a Cub Pack meeting for one hour is likely to be doing nearer an hour and a half per week, plus work on their YL Training, though it counts as only one hour per week for DofE.

Residential

The Residential, an extra section for Gold DofE, can be tricky to arrange, and covers many areas.  The Blair Atholl Jamborette has always been a popular option for adult leaders, but Explorers can now use it, too, so long as they have arranged it properly in advance.  Others have attended the excellent Bushcraft course at Meggernie, or the Environmental course at Fordell Firs, or have helped with events at Lochgoilhead. 

Administration

Exploring

Explorers live up to their name, and many Units are quite hard to track down, as they do not meet that often in their hall. Apart from doing expeditions, being Young Leaders and completing DofE, they are currently focused on things such as: 

  • Blair Atholl Jamborette 
  • International trips like Kandersteg 
  • All sorts of camps, hikes and adventurous activities 
  • Meeting with Explorers from other Units 

These wonderfully varied activities certainly build the Skills for Life that we aim to provide in Scouting, for Youth without Limits as envisaged by DofE.

Adults

None of the above would happen without the involvement of our dedicated adult leaders, assistants, trainers and helpers, and we can always use more.  There are opportunities to be a Leader with a Unit, to support DofE or, of course, to help run the Expedition section. For expeditions, we would be very happy to hear from anyone with skills in hillwalking, biking or paddling who could offer at least one day.  Note that it is not necessary to have a permit to assist, and we would advise on any Scouting procedures required. If you are interested in any of the above, please contact us using expeditions@sesscouts.org.uk. 

John Buchanan and the SEEE team 

https://see-expeditions.org.uk/ 

Volunteer Opportunity – Edinburgh Tattoo 2024

Volunteer Opportunity – Edinburgh Tattoo 2024

12 May 2024

THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO 2024

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is the most spectacular show in the world, enjoyed by an international television audience of 100 million.

But there’s no substitute for being there, as part of the 217,000-strong audience over its three-week season at Edinburgh Castle. As a member of Scouting you can become part of it.

The Scout Association in Edinburgh has been part of this fantastic experience since the first Tattoo in 1950 and you could be part of its magic!

We are looking for enthusiastic and confident Explorer Scouts to be part of the sales team to sell programmes on the stands at the Castle Esplanade to the Tattoo’s home and international audience as they go to their seats.

You will need to be available for about five or six nights between 1st & 24th August 2024.

You will be on duty from 7.15pm until approximately 9.45pm on weeknights and from 4.45pm until 9.45pm on a Saturday.

Explorers can possibly use the event to complete sections of their badge work or towards a section of their Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

If you are interested, then please complete the form below and return it by email to sue.timmins@sesscouts.org.uk by 19th June 2024.

For further information please contact Sue Liddle 07954 386571.

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