Scout and Guide Groups

20th Batley (St Thomas) Scout Group - Incorporating Beaver, Cubs & Scouts

The Scout Association has been involved with St Thomas’ Church for over 75 years since the original 9th Batley Group formed. The 20th Batley Scout Group came into existence on the 13th July 1989 when it was formed of 6th Batley Central and 9th Batley St Thomas groups. Over the past 8 decades, 100s of young people have met every week to take part in a varied programme of activities designed to supplement their growth as individuals. 

In 1907, less than 40 years after the church was opened, Robert Baden-Powell invited a group of 20 young boys to take part in a camp on Brownsea Island in Poole, Dorset. This was the start of an organisation of young people and adult volunteers that has since grown to over half a million members in the UK, with a staggering 38 million participants around the world. 

The Scout Group is focused on the harmony between the natural resources of the Earth, and its influence on the ongoing programme of activities that our Beavers, Cubs and Scouts take part in every week. Whether it is camping activities using the natural facilities that the countryside offers, water activities utilising the inland water network of rivers and canals, or activities to promote a more sustainable global future, our young people learn and experience new ideas from the ages of 6-18. 

20th Batley Scout Group is proud to support the activities of the church. As a growing Scout group of young people and adult helpers, we look forward to the next 75 years and beyond. 

“Put down your phone and what are you left with? Just teamwork, courage and the skills to succeed.”        -          Bear Grylls, Chief Scout

Our Guiding Groups - 14th Batley Rainbows, Brownies and Guides

We have been guiding at St Thomas’s Church since 1965 and cherish the relationship we have with the church and the community. 

Girlguiding provides a programme of challenging and enjoyable activities which promote the personal and social development of girls and young women, aged 5-18 years.

Rainbows, aged 5-7 years:

When Rainbows move up to Brownies they cross over this bridge, waving goodbye to their Rainbow friends and excited to meet the challenges to come.  The last badge a rainbow gets is a ‘pot of gold’ which celebrate the memories and achievements in the section.  

Brownies, aged 7-10 years:

If you’ve ever been a Brownie, you will know that the Brownie story is all about two children who go to find a brownie (a helpful elf) in the pond.  When the children look in the pond all they see is their own reflections.  Puzzled, they ask an owl sitting nearby what that means; the owl tells them that they could be Brownies as long as they are kind and helpful.

Guides, aged 10-14 years:

Guides are known for camping;  Coral, Jubilee and Rainbow Bear are our three unit mascots and we always have fun by the campfire. The ‘mountain top moment’ or making their promise – is their pinnacle moment in guiding