OT Let's see how many young ones turn up today.

[ARW]

In this case I am referring to the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts and maybe some of their parents from my local area.

Last years attendance was appalling.

I accept that turning up is voluntary, but so is the work some people put in 52 weeks of the year to allow the groups to exist just to babysit the kids one evening a week.[1]

I am expecting a good result from the Explorers this year.

[1] I'll tell you when I get back about the "new" parent that gave an evenings help as we needed an extra adult.

[Graeme]

In message , ARW writes

Being part of the parade, and service afterwards, was as good as compulsory in my day. I don't think it had to be compulsory though - it was just something people did.

[spuorgelgoog]

Fit, was she?

Owain

[ARW]

8 out of 12 Beavers attended this year - and I'll make that 9 out of 12 as one said he would not be attending our service because he already attends a different church every Sunday with his parents.

Better than last year when only one turned up (the flag bearer) along with one other who was not yet inducted.

[Bob Eager]

I used to do it every year as part of the Royal Marine Cadets. WE did Trfalgar day too (twice, actually travelling from Brighton to Trfalgar Square).

[Fredxxx]

Most have some desirable evening activity with a sleep-over to 'encourage' attendance!

I suppose sleep-overs are problematic with children and current paranoia.

[T i m]

I was (reluctantly, parents idea) in the Cubs then had a few weeks in the Scouts but found all the inflexibility in what they did (and the level they did it, potentially at the beginning) very frustrating. The same happened with our daughter and the Brownies.

The only time I really remember from all my time in either was a camp at Gilwell Park and sailing on The Broads (that I did with the family anyway).

However, if you aren't / weren't lucky enough to do stuff with your family or be fully entertained 24/7 doing your own stuff (as I was), I can see how it is / was a very good thing. ;-)

Cheers, T i m

[Bob Eager]

I was in the Cubs, the Scouts. They were expecting me to leave as soon as I was old enough for the Royal Marine Cadets...and I did. So did my brother. Might have had something to do with the facts that my dad ran the cadets. I had great fun.

[T i m]

Em, well, yes, that might make a difference. ;-)

Cheers, T i m

[newshound]

Did you sleep with this woman?

Not a wink, M'Lud