Scouts Bridge Generation Gap with Winchester Care Home Residents
Fourteen children shared their enthusiasm for being Cub Scouts on a visit to meet residents at a Winchester dementia care home.
The young visitors from the 12th Winchester (Royal Green Jacket) Scout Group were welcomed as special guests at Colten Care’s St Catherines View.
Timed to coincide with the birthday of Lord Baden Powell, the founder of the Scouts, the visit prompted smiles and conversations all round as the children showed off their badges and what they need to do to achieve awards.
There were also campfire songs, a recitation of the Scout Promise, a demonstration of Scout hand signals and a talk about Baden Powell and the founding of the movement.
Resident Maggie Green said:
“They were amazing and so friendly. It was great to hear what they have to do in the Scouts.”
Fellow resident Denise Howard agreed, saying she hoped they would be asked back and adding: “They were very kind and showed me all their badges.”
The visit was organised by Laura Sheldrake, Companionship Team Leader at the Stanmore Lane home.
Laura said: “The Cubs came well equipped with pictures, information, books and their campfire blanket. Everyone joined in with the songs and trying out the hand actions.
“The interaction with our residents was a joy to see. Residents were all so engaged and enjoyed every minute.
“Intergenerational activities like this are so valuable as they bring out the best in everyone.
“Enabling residents to maintain and strengthen contact with the community, especially across the generations, is part and parcel of what we do and we are arranging for the Scouts to come back on a regular basis.”
Scout group spokesperson Stacey Burrage said:
“We had a fabulous and informative evening visiting St Catherines View to celebrate founders’ day. Our club were a little apprehensive at first but soon settled into the swing of things, talking to residents about their uniform, badges and favourite activities.
“The residents themselves enjoyed the company of the cubs, chatting away and shaking hands.
“We are very much looking forward to visiting St Catherines View again soon and welcoming a few of the residents to our scout hut for tea and cake, continuing to bridge the gap between the older and younger generations.”
