SCOUTS Decorate Tree In Gourock To ‘Make People Smile’

GOUROCK Scouts have brought some cheer in tough times by decorating a ‘Positivity Tree’.

The 1st Gourock group have been adorning a tree at Pierhead Gardens, much to the delight of passers-by

Cub section leader Alan Nicholson said: “The kids wanted to do something to remind the town they are still Scouting and to make people smile.

“The council was kind enough to nominate a tree in the Gourock Gardens we could decorate.

“We agreed to call it the Positivity tree. The kids and leaders painted rocks, made pom poms and other decorations. They added them to the tree during a scavenger hunt we held.

“It has attracted a lot of attention from passers-by. Our friends in the Guides have joined us and left friendship knots and more decorations on the tree.”

“The tree is still there if anyone wants to visit it and take part.”

The scavenger hunt took the youngsters all over Gourock town centre looking for landmarks. Several local businesses like MyKitchen and Sainsburys supported by leaving clues in their windows.

The 1st Gourock’s sections — Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers — have been running Zoom meetings since the first pandemic lockdown last March meeting more than 30 times online, although did return to the hall as restrictions were reduced between September and December.

They are able to play games, run activities, do badge work and have a catch up, all online.

Alan said: “We have also run several camps, attempting to replicate as much of the camp experience as we can online -– the kids build dens at home, sleep overnight in their dens, roast marshmallows, sing songs and tell stories.

“It’s really good fun and the group is aware how important social clubs and Scouting is to our kids’ mental health and wellbeing.”