What we do

There is no end to the diversity of activities. Here is a snapshot though of a little of how we work.

We develop skills

We help young people develop important life skills that are often not learned within school. There is a large diversity to our programmes and no two meetings are the same. This has resulted in some spectacular successes with some members going on to pursue careers based on what they have learned and experienced with us.

We’re competitive!

We have a long history of success, so much so, we need a bigger trophy cabinet! We promote healthy competition and help our young people achieve their best. Take a look through our timeline of recent achievements to see some examples of this.

We instill values

All Scouts follow the Scout Law and Promise, simplified for Beavers and Cubs and intended to apply basic moral values to everything that we do. This helps develop character, however it also has other benefits such as widening friendship circles. The result of this has been demonstrated with many parents complimenting us on the young peoples’ achievements.

We Have Fun

Everything we do has an element of fun. Activities are structured in such a way that Scouts learn by doing. Meetings and events are often characterised by laughter and excitement. Most of our Scouts look forward to attending as many activities as they can and often leave us with memories of a lifetime.

Some of our successes

1958-1992

1993-1995

1996-2000

2001-2005

2006-2010

2011-2013

2014-2015

2016

2017

1958-1992

1958 – Longham Scout Group was founded

Cub Pack and Scout Troop were registered in January

Longham Scout Group grows to over 50 members

The group gradually grew from its beginnings to become a flourishing member of the local community. During this time, the group undertook some amazing events such as camps in Wales and Gilwell.

1993-1995

1993 – Longham Beavers is founded

The Beaver section opened in September and quickly grew.

1994 – Scouts expedition to Scotland

The Scouts joined up with Colehill group for an expedition to Scotland.

1995 – Scouts attend the World Scout Jamboree in Holland

Two Scouts from Longham attended and had a trip of a lifetime.

1995 – Cubs success in District football competition

Our Cubs came away with 2nd place.

1996-2000

1996 – Scout hall was demolished and rebuilt

Our old facilities were replaced with a newer, larger and modern all-purpose hall.

1996 – Achievements for all sections

A Longham Beaver was the first to win the ‘Challenge Award’ in the district (the highest award at the time). A Longham Cub was chosen to represent Dorset County at the ’80 years of Cub Scouting’ celebration. The Scouts won the District 6-a-side Football competition and enjoyed an expedition to Devon.

1997 – Scouts win 25th Anniversary Order of the Boot Competition

Our Scouts won the Leader event of the overnight hiking competition. Being the 25th anniversary this included a number of surprises including crossing Poole harbour in a high-speed military landing craft.

2001-2005

2001 – First County international ‘Goose’ camp held

The County launched its huge Goose camp in Buddens, Dorset. This was well attended by Longham and members got to try a range of amazing adventurous activities.

2003 – First girls joined the Group

Longham led the way for gender equality and was the first group in the District to invest a girl into the Cub section.

2004 – First girls join the Scout section

Longham continued to embrace diversity and inclusivity and invested its first girl Scout.

2004 – Second County international ‘Goose’ camp held

2005 – Scout success in Order of the Boot & Cooking Competitions

Our Scouts took 1st place in the senior event of the District Order of the Boot night hike competition. Whilst in the County cooking competition they came 3rd and took the award for best dessert.

2006-2010

Group grows to over 80 members

2006 – Second Beaver colony opened

The popularity of the Beavers grew and we needed to open a second colony. The two colonies were then named ‘Treefellas’ and ‘Loggers’.

2006 – Scout success in Order of Boot competition

The Scouts for the first time won the junior event in the District overnight hiking competition.

2007 – Global centenary of Scouting celebrated

Many events took place this year to celebrate the centenary: Some of our Scouts attended the World Scout Jamboree in Essex. We joined others in the County for a big parade in Dorchester and attended their huge international ‘Goose’ camp. With the District, we attended a big centenary camp. Our Scout Troop completed a 100 mile hike around Dorset.

2008 – Longham turns 50

The group enjoyed a big party to celebrate our 50th anniversary.

2009 – Second Cub Pack opened

With growing popularity, we opened a second Cub pack to meet demand. The two packs were then named ‘Cobras’ and ‘Pythons’.

2010 – Successes for Cubs & Scouts

The Cubs won the District Quiz. Meanwhile the Scouts once again came 1st in the junior event of the Order of the Boot competition. The Scouts also came 1st and won the trophy for the District shooting competition.

2011-2013

2011 – 25 years of Beaver Scouts celebrated

Our Beavers held various fun activities and a party to celebrate 25 years of Beaver Scouting.

2011 – Scouts enjoy success in District Order of the Boot and shooting competitions

Our Scouts once again won the junior event in the District ‘Order of the Boot’ night hike competition. Longham also won the trophy for coming 1st place in the District shooting competition.

2013 – Scouts celebrate best success to date in District Order of the Boot competition

We continued our success and for the first time came 1st place in both the senior and junior events.

2014-2015

2014 – Group grows to over 100 members

2014 & 2015 – Cubs enjoy success in the County Quiz

Our brainbox Cubs represented the district in the County Quiz. In 2014 they achieved 3rd place and in 2015 they came 1st.

2015 – Scouts are winners in District Order of the Boot competition again

The Scouts retained the trophy for coming 1st in the junior event and came 2nd in the senior event.

2016

Cubs enjoy success in District & County Quizzes

The Cubs continued their success again in 2017 by coming 1st in the District competition and retained the County trophy.

Scouts gain trophies in Order of the Boot

In this gruelling District night hike competition, the Scouts succeeded in achieving 1st & 2nd place in the junior event and 2nd place in the senior event.

Cubs take home medals in the District Swimming Gala

Our Cubs did exceedingly well and took home numerous medals for individual events.

Scouts win District Shooting competition

Our Scout Troop came 1st overall in the District and one of our Scouts came 1st in the individual competition.