1st Fressingfield Scout Group

We are a very active group and now have over 150 members ranging from Squirrels (aged 4) to leaders (aged, well, a bit more than 4!). We meet over four evenings depending on the section you have joined.

The Group is currently made up of a Squirrel Drey, two Beaver Colonies, two Cub Packs, two Scout Troops an attached Explorer Unit and an active Network contingent. We have around twenty uniformed and supporting adults who work with the young people and we are supported by an effective Board of Trustees. In addition, we have scouting sections at both Middleton and Yoxford Primary schools, as part of their curriculum.

Scout Troops and the Explorer Unit attend weekend camps regularly, and have in recent years visited Wells, Holt, Sussex, Hadrian's Wall, Thetford and Eaton Vale to name just a few. An annual Group Camp brings together all sections for a weekend of outdoor and adventurous activities.

We use local facilities to enhance the range of activities on offer to our members and have close links to two local primary schools and use their facilities. We also use the climbing wall at Diss and the swimming pool at Yoxford Primary School.

The Explorer Unit based at Fressingfield have a full-on programme with international camps to Kenya (in 2013, 2016, 2019 & 2023) and Ice & Fire Expedition Iceland (in 2014 & 2017), the Explorers also take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme (Bronze, Silver and Gold).

Organisation

The Group Lead Volunteer is the administrator of the group, with responsibility for all sections, working and communicating with leaders, with help from the Board of Trustees. All adult members give their time voluntarily.

Group Lead Volunteer: Andrew Aalders-Dunthorne

The Board of Trustees:

Exist to support the Group Lead Volunteer in the effective delivery of scouting through the provision of sufficient funds and resources. The Board of Trustees also have important Governance responsibilities - membership is drawn from parents, volunteers and the local community. The committee is elected annually at the Scout Group AGM.

The 2024/2025 Trustees:
Executive Chair: Dawn Carman-Jones
Executive Secretary: Gail Jerman
Executive Treasurer: John Coop
For the full list, please visit the Board of Trustees page.

Volunteering Opportunities: We are always seeking new volunteers, if you are over 18 and would like to experience new things and learn new skills we have a range of opportunities for you. The time you donate is up to you and we are particularly interested in anyone who have a skill that would complement our already experienced and talented leadership team - click here for more information and how to get in touch.

Community Action Suffolk

1st Fressingfield Scout Group are a member of Community Action Suffolk. "Community Action Suffolk supports organisations in Suffolk's Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector, to enable them to operate more effectively."
- Community Action Suffolk | About Us

Subscriptions

Subscriptions cover Scout administration at national and county level as well as providing the Group vital funds to ensure that we have well trained leaders with good facilities and great opportunities for our members. Approximately 1/3 of the annual subscriptions are paid to the national body to cover insurance payments.

The annual subscription for all members is £150; this is paid preferably by our online system 'Online Scout Manager' in twelve equal payments of £12.50 as a direct debit. Other methods are available at the discretion of the Group Treasurer. No subs are due until the young person is invested.

All UK tax-payers are encouraged to complete a Gift Aid form. This doesn't cost you anything but allows us to claim a significant tax rebate from HMRC on any payments you make to us.

As a Group we are determined to offer quality scouting to all, if parents find themselves in financial difficulty the Group does operate a small welfare fund to support young people's attendance, camp fees or uniform support. If we are unable to help we can offer support to families to secure funding from other sources for those who are eligible.

Additional activity and camp fees are also charged but the Group endeavours to keep costs as low as possible.

Welcome to the adventure...