[vixxann]

My two boys (10 & 13) love going to Scouts and we were wondering about how popular Scouts is in New Zealand. Obviously its a worldwide movement but I just wondered how strong it was over there.

They enjoy going in UK as they get to go camping and do other outdoor activities they wouldn't normally get to try. They go on quite a lot of weekends away.

I'm hoping there's something similar in NZ for them, whether scouts or not. My oldest is also into sailing and had lessons last year at our local (inland) sailing club. So it would be great if we can get somewhere he can carry on with that.

(My 4yr old girl is just happy playing with Barbies and colouring!) :roll

[wilson182]

Hi Vixxann, my friends son goes to boys brigade, www.bb.org.nz (http://www.bb.org.nz) or for the scouts try www.scouts.org.nz (http://www.scouts.org.nz)

Hope this helps

Debs

[lollypop]

My two boys (10 & 13) love going to Scouts and we were wondering about how popular Scouts is in New Zealand. Obviously its a worldwide movement but I just wondered how strong it was over there.

I'm hoping there's something similar in NZ for them, whether scouts or not. My oldest is also into sailing and had lessons last year at our local (inland) sailing club. So it would be great if we can get somewhere he can carry on with that.


Hi there,

Not sure where you are headed, we are on Auckland's North Shore, and my son (12) joined the nearby sea scouts and thoroughly enjoys it. We could never get him to try anything like this in UK! He's been learning to kayak and sail and obviously he gets to make a few more friends in the process - ideal!

[gil]

Hi vixxann,
There's lots of Sea Scouts and Air Scouts where we are (Eastern Beach on the Howick peninsula) and when we first arrived, someone told me that there is not a trace of the "peer-pressure stigma" that can attach to membership of these organisation back in blighty. Our son will be joining sea scouts next term and is looking forwrad to it,

Good lcuk,
Gil

[Marie P]

My daughter aged 14 has joined the Young Mariners ,which is like the boys sea scouts. Girls can join from the age of 8 ,so my younger daughter will join too when she is able to swim 50 M in the pool .

http://www.youngmariners.org.nz/

Marie x

[thepiesleys]

My 8 year old is joing Sea Cubs on the 13th feb. He is well excited by the prospect. I don't know a huge amount about it all but the different arms of scouts over here makes me think it is bigger than the UK.

Dan

[veronica]

on the other side of it my daughter and her husband are both scout leaders and both really enjoy it.
Gil, son in law is scout leader with the Howick scouts (the ones on cockle bay beach) and is linked to the sea scouts there at the moment too.

We were talking to a 13 year old who shunned scouts in the UK but he goes quite happily here as there is not the same stigma here of 'goodygoody' there is at home.

[vixxann]

Thank you all for very positive replies :yes Just what I was hoping to hear

Sounds like they are a bit more relaxed and perhaps "just all muck in" attitude. It is a bit regimental over here, but its been the only option for my boys at the moment.

I shall pass on the news and let them look at those websites!

Does anyone know the first group available for young girls? (no rush - Abigail only 4 at moment!) Do you do Brownies?!

[wiki]

Does anyone know the first group available for young girls? (no rush - Abigail only 4 at moment!) Do you do Brownies?!

This link might help http://www.azmetro.com/nzsectio.html

It's Pippins first, then Brownies, then Guides, then Rangers

[andreamatt]

Hi there

My son (8) quite likes Cubs here so I've been wondering about Scouts in NZ - good to hear of so many various organisations. Sea cubs sounds ideal.

Vixxann: my daughter (6) is still very much into Barbies and she's far too busy colouring to be doing with Rainbows - but perhaps in NZ?

Best wishes,

Andrea

[wilson182]

My daughter is at pippins and absolutely loves it....