The Scout Group is looking forward to its Centenary in 2026 and is planning several exciting events ranging from a Gala Ball in Belfast City Hall to an international Summer Camp. The Group has a long standing and successful partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme where our members can achieve their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards which enable them to obtain their Chief Scout’s Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and King’s Scout Awards.
In 2023-2024, our Scout team of Rocco Steen, Bradley Houghton and Joe Clerkin won the Northern Ireland archery title and finished third in the tomahawk competition. About 150 people enjoyed the annual Parents’ Night where important Scouting ceremonies took place and top awards were presented. The Group continued to support local charities such as The Black Santa Appeal and Storehouse Belfast. School Honours were awarded to four new recipients and redated to seven Explorers for their outstanding contribution to the Scout Group.
32 Scouts successfully completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Qualifying Expeditions in ideal conditions in the Mournes in May. In June after some very challenging flooding in the Mournes, 25 Explorers demonstrated incredible effort, resilience, and skill in successfully completing their Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Qualifying Expeditions. 15 Explorers showed great effort, determination, and skill in completing their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Qualifying Expeditions in The Lake District in June. Their first day involved hiking over four peaks and 20km before three more days in unfamiliar and challenging terrain. 16 Scouts and Explorers attended the Scout Group’s Summer Camp at the Essex International Jamboree from July 28th to August 3rd. They joined over 4,500 Scouts and Guides from 76 countries! The weather was excellent for the entire week as the boys’ enjoyed activities in nine programme zones ranging from rifle shooting, axe throwing, high ropes and kayaking to It’s a Knockout, broadcasting, backwoods fire-making and cooking.
