A Lichfield scouting group are happy campers after a donation of more than £2,700.
The money came from Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s People Power Fund to help encourage more youngsters to get involved in outdoor activities.
The 7th Lichfield Scout Group has been given £2,726 to buy camping equipment.
The group, which is made up of scout, cub and beaver sections throughout the city, brings together more than 200 boys and girls a week, making it one of the biggest in the country.
Matthew Ellis, Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I was really impressed with the vibrant state of the scout group when I met dozens of young people and leaders.
“A bit like the Staffordshire Police Cadets, scouting activities are great for young people to express themselves and gives them a chance to keep active, take responsibility and learn to work together.
“It is important to engage with young people which mean we can intervene early to tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour.”
The group has recently expanded to accommodate new members.
The group’s secretary Fiona Lever said: “This much-appreciated funding has enabled the 7th Lichfield Scout Group to purchase durable tents and cooking equipment allowing our newly expanded Sections to all camp together.
“In order to remove our waiting list of over 100 children, we opened three new sections, one each for beavers, cubs and scouts but we didn’t have the equipment to allow the existing and new members to camp at the same time.
“Enabling all Sections to camp together will also improve cohesion and engagement.”
Fiona added that the skills of camping were still essential in the modern scout movement.
“Camping is a fundamental part of scouting,” she said. “It builds children’s self-reliance and confidence.
“This funding will allow children to engage simultaneously in well organised, constructive activities and to learn and develop skills.
“The equipment is expected to last for years meaning that many of Lichfield’s children will benefit from it.”
