Ottery Scouts pitch up with new tents thanks to council grant

The 1st Ottery St Mary Scout Group is gearing up for more outdoor adventures after receiving a £2,000 grant from Ottery St Mary Town Council.

The group has used the funding to purchase a set of brand-new tents, helping to make camps more inclusive and opening up opportunities for more young people to take part in Scouting activities across East Devon.

The grant is part of the council’s ongoing support for local organisations that benefit the community - and few are more active than the Scouts, who support children aged 6 to 18 through Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers.

Councillor Janice Aherne, representing Tipton St John Ward, visited the group to meet members and see the new kit in action. She praised the group’s commitment to youth development and community involvement.

Kate James, Group Lead Volunteer, said, “This generous support from the council means we can offer bigger, better experiences and it shows our young people that their town believes in them.

We’re already planning more community involvement - helping at local events and finding ways for Scouts to give back.”

Looking ahead, the group is preparing to launch one of East Devon’s first Squirrels Dreys, welcoming children aged 4 to 6 to Scouting from January.

The Scouts also have appearances planned at the Ottery Primary School summer fete and September’s Food and Families Festival, continuing their tradition of community service and muddy-booted fun.

To join the Squirrels waiting list or volunteer, visit otteryscouts.org.uk or email squirrels@otteryscouts.org.uk.