A SCOUT group, which has been serving the Stalybridge community for 115 years, is embracing new technology after receiving a donation of nine tablets.
Stalybridge Scouts, which was established in 1911, will use the devices to help young people develop digital skills, learn about online safety and work towards a range of badges.
The donation from electrical retailer AO will also help the group modernise its day-to-day operations, supporting volunteer leaders with online training and DBS checks.
Scout leader Robert Hughes, 23, from Ashton-under-Lyne, said the tablets would provide young people with new opportunities while ensuring the traditional values of Scouting remain firmly at the heart of the group.
He said: “It’s all about teaching the kids how to use the internet safely, to check sources and be wary of AI especially in the wake of social media bans.
“We’ll continue to keep all the traditional Scouting values – such as camping, hiking and team building – at the heart of what we do. Integrating technology in this way means we have more tools to educate whilst making our admin easier.”
The tablets will allow Scouts to work towards badges including Digital Maker, Digital Citizen, Communicator and Photographer.
For Robert, the arrival of the new devices marks a significant step forward after the group’s old computer room was eventually abandoned.
“We used to have our own computer room,” he added. “It was a useful resource for a long time, but the machines grew old and unreliable with no internet access.
“It was difficult to run any meaningful digital activities with the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. We eventually got rid of the computers in 2019 so getting a hold of some tablets has been a long time coming.”
The group is now looking at other ways to bring its operations into the digital age, with Wi-Fi due to be installed and efforts underway to improve its social media presence and introduce online payments.
“We’re in the process of trying to modernise our way of doing things to keep up the appeal for young people, so we’re having Wi-Fi installed soon and have been working on our social media pages as well as taking payments online,” Robert said.
Away from technology, the group is also working to improve its clubhouse, with the basement currently undergoing refurbishment.
Plans include installing new stainless steel kitchen facilities, toilets and storage, although the work comes at a significant cost.
Robert added: “Donations like these are really important to us as we don’t have much money to work with and all the upkeep is funded by us. While the main hall looks nice, the downstairs has been neglected for at least 50 years, and we’ve been quoted tens of thousands of pounds to get the necessary work done.”
Fellow Scout leader Lewis Williams, 18, said the group continued to offer young people something increasingly valuable – the chance to build friendships and develop practical skills.
He said: “It means that for two hours a week, kids get to build real connections and social skills as well as practical skills they might not be taught in school.
“Most of them join because their dad or grandad was a Scout, so it means a lot to families in the community. This is why we want to evolve so it can continue to serve young people for many more generations to come.
“We’re really appreciative of AO’s support. It’s going to make a genuine difference for the young people of our group and beyond.”