Scouts' Christmas party extravaganza goes online this year

On December 12, children from across 10 Scout groups in the district will take part in the Christmas extravaganza from their homes on video app Zoom.

From 9:30am-9pm there will be over 40 activities taking place throughout the day for the Scouts to get involved with.

Chocolate bar making is a popular activity with Scouts

Youth District Commissioner, Josh Harwood said: “Scouting is very much about providing our young people with skills for life, but it is equally important to be able to provide our young people with amusement and entertainment, especially in these winter months when they may be stuck at home for days on end.”

The day will see 200 Scouts and Explorer Scouts aged 6-18 getting involved in Christmas crafts, cooking and baking, gameshows, and quizzes.

Each Scout will also receive a goody bag before the event which will contain a special badge, selection box and equipment to help them take part in the activities.

Josh said: “We hope our young people feel proud of what they achieve throughout the day, and inspire them to take on new hobbies, whether that be baking, bauble making or bingo calling!”

The event comes after the success of other online events Scout leaders managed to put on over the summer and autumn months which saw Scouts taking part in virtual camping trips, Halloween events, and bonfire night.

Scouts are used to being outdoors and they are determined to not let the pandemic interrupt their Christmas party

Josh said: “The feedback from our parents and young people was fantastic! Despite everyone being spread across Wallasey, seeing them all on one screen; dancing, singing, sparkler waving and laughing together brought an overwhelming sense of joy and renewed comradery for all involved.

“We can’t wait for December 12th to arrive, as we know it will be a day to remember for the 200 young people taking part!”

Despite the restrictions of the pandemic, the day will finish with a big virtual Christmas campfire and disco where Scouts will take part in bingo games, campfire songs, and ghost stories.

And in true Covid-19 fashion, the Scouts will even be playing an online game of musical chairs.

Scout groups in Wirral have enjoyed other online events during the pandemic, including Halloween

Mum, Helen Slater whose son attends the 29th Wallasey Scout Group, said: “Since the end of March my son Sam hasn’t been able to attend but the amazing leaders have provided a weekly Zoom meeting instead as well as fun activities to complete at home. These have been full of games, laughter and badge work.

“The leaders who organise this and give up their time are amazing and so committed to the children. My son and I love the virtual camps, although we are looking forward to returning to face to face scouting soon."

Greg Clayton, Leader at 29th Wallasey Scout Group said: “It is great to be able to get the whole district of Wallasey involved, initiating cooperation throughout Wallasey, and giving our young people and leaders their purpose and focus of Scouting back.”