Higham Wood Scout and Guide Group was formed in 1977 with the merging of the 17th Tonbridge Scout Group with 12th and 13th Tonbridge Guides.
The Group includes a Beaver Colony, Rainbow Unit, Cub Pack, Brownie Pack, an RAF-recognised Air Scout Troop, two Guide companies and a Ranger Guide unit.
The 17th Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band is also part of the group but draws its membership from across Tonbridge and beyond.
The Higham Wood Scout & Guide Group aims to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.
We believe that through adventure we challenge individuals so that they learn and experience new things that enrich their lives.
Our vision is to provide Scouting and Guiding to the young people of Higham Wood with a safe, exciting, fun programme of outdoor and indoor activities. We want to be able to provide a place in one of our sections for every young person who wants to join.
Scouting and Guiding started at Higham Wood in 1966 less than a year after the newly built Methodist Church first opened its doors.
The first section to open was the Cheal Cub Scout Pack which prompted the registration of a new Group, The 17th Tonbridge Methodist Church Scout Group. The Pack was led by the then Akela Jill Langstaff.
At around this time the 12th Tonbridge Guides opened for girls and from these beginnings, the Group began to grow requiring the opening of more sections over time.
Until 1977 both the Scouts and Guides operated independently, the Scouts with its own Group structure and the Guides collectively as Tonbridge North District.
Before 1977 both the Scouts and Guides were responsible for their own fundraising and equipment purchases and both operated with their own committee structures as set out in their respective Policy Organisation and Rules. (POR)
In 1970 the 17th Tonbridge Scout Band was formed and remained male only until Guides were admitted in 1975. It is possible that the closer cooperation that existed at this time helped lead us to joining together as a Scout & Guide Group in 1977
Today the Group structure of the HWS&G Group is largely based on Scout Association rules because Guide policy does not suggest the same Group structure as the Scouts. For example the 12th and the 13th Tonbridge Guides encompassing Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers form the Tonbridge North Guide District with their own District Commissioner. The position of Group Scout Leader has no equivalent in Guiding UK but with the agreement of Guiding HQ the position of Group Guider was created in order that the Group would have leaders of equal stature in charge of both the Scouts & Guides and with overall responsibility for all training within the Group.
The HWS&G Group is the only Scout & Guide Group in Tonbridge and such Groups form a small but increasing percentage of Scouting and Guiding across the UK. We are not unique but nevertheless, joint Groups are in the minority. Both associations appreciate the additional benefits that closer cooperation brings to such Groups.
You can read our full constitution here.
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