#skillsforlife

We have a proud history and have been having fun and adventures for over 90 years.

Welcome to 237th Scouts

Let The Adventure Begin

At 237th we embrace and offer an everyday adventure. There really is something for everyone, from learning how to light fires, pitch tents and cook for yourself to more modern-day skills such as online safety, coding and first aid. Then there’s the fun stuff: abseiling, sailing, caving, rock climbing, trips abroad, dragon boating, paintballing, the list goes on.

Anyone between the ages of 4 and 17 can join our Group as a youth member; for those a little older we’re always looking for support to help us run the best Group around.

Our Amazing History

1932

1932

Our Scout group first opened on the 8th July 1932. The first Group Scout Master was a Mr C H Tysall. We don’t know too much about the early years, but we did meet in the Victory Hall (pictured) and later at Bentley Road Junior School.
1960's

1960's

In 1960 we leased a field at the back of Westeria Close and expanded rapidly with two new Cub Packs and Scout Troops. The Committee and Scouts raised some money and built a wooden hut which opened in January 1964. We even had our own pond. By the late 1960’s a Venture Scout unit had been formed, running discos, open to the public, every Saturday night, much to the concern of the Committee. Each section ran an annual camp. In 1968, the Scouts went to Swanage. The coach (pictured), owned and driven by a local teacher, was much better, and safer, than the furniture van used previously.
1972

1972

On 23rd January 1972, the HQ was broken into and a fire started. The building was badly damaged and most of the camping equipment was lost so we moved into various temporary locations around the village. We asked the landowner if we could replace the building, but he said no due to a upcoming housing development (Beechcroft Estate). Thankfully Solihull Council offered us a plot of land on the new estate and we set about making it a reality with a massive fundraising effort. Meanwhile, we demolished the worst parts of the HQ, patched up the rest and moved back in!
1979

1979

In 1979 we moved into our new headquarters in Brownsover Close. It was far from finished, but we had run out of money. While contractors had built the shell of the building there was still lots to do. Here’s a picture of the Venture Scouts laying the car park with some donated concrete.
1984

1984

In 1984 we opened our first Beaver Colony. The Group now offered Scouting to boys from the age of 6 right through to 21.
2011

2011

After lots of research, fundraising and finding grants, in December 2011 our solar panels were installed on the main HQ roof. A big thank you to (left to right) Alex, Lianne and Anthony for all the effort you put in to make this possible! Since then the solar panels have a source of green energy and income.
2015

2015

All of the great work our group and amazing volunteers have done was recognised by Her Majesty The Queen in 2015 when we were awarded ‘The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.’ Equivalent to an MBE, the QAVS is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life. It's a great honour for the group and something we are so proud to have achieved together. We continue to do our best to deliver the highest possible standard of Scouting we can.
2018

2018

Over the years we’ve become the largest Scout group in the Birmingham area with over 240 members. We’ve continued to extend our HQ with an activity room, activity store room and double garage for our two minibuses. We've also ensured the HQ is accessible to disabled members. In 2017 we decide to invest in a new large extension including a brand new kitchen, an expanded camp storeroom and garage and a new storeroom. After lots of fundraising and support from Trusts, Foundations and business, the groundwork began in 2018.
2021

2021

After completing the kitchen extension in 2020, in 2021, when we returned to face-to-face Scouting after the Coronavirus pandemic, we were able to start cooking with our young people!
2022

2022

In 2021 The Scouts launched a new provision for four to six year olds called Squirrels. After finding some volunteers, we ran a trial in October 2022. It was a great success so we officially opened our first Squirrel Drey in November! They've already had lots of fun and laughter with outdoors activities, games, badges and so much more!

Section Information

Ages 4–6

Squirrels Scouts are introduced to lots of new activities, people and things through outdoors activities, fun, games, badges, laughter, and so much more. They gain skills for life at a time when it matters most and where it’s most needed. It’s a chance for them to take their first step into being part of Scouts and get ready for the adventure of school too.

Our Squirrel Drey meets on Thursday evenings. 

Ages 6–8

Beaver Scouts meet weekly to take part in a wide range of activities including games, crafts, singing, visits and good turns, along with plenty of outdoor activities. They will also have the opportunity to take part in the fun and excitement of camps and sleepovers. It may be the first time they spend a night away from home so it’s a real adventure for them.

We have two Beaver Colonies who meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Ages 8-10½

Our Cub Scouts take part in a wide range of activities designed to be fun, interesting and challenging. They try new things such as pioneering, cooking and ice skating and plenty of time is spent outdoors. Camps and holidays are some of the most memorable events of the year for Cubs. We’ve even been to Disneyland Paris.

We have three Cub Packs, meeting on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings.

Ages 10½–14

Each Scout Troop are “get out there and give it a go-ers” with a programme which develops teamwork, leadership and skills for life; such as map reading, camp cooking, first aid and DIY. Outdoor activities feature prominently, with the highlights of camps, expeditions and international experiences.

Rock climbing, caving, archery, photography and white water rafting are just some of the things they get up to.

We have three Scout Troops who meet on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings.

Ages 14–17

Explorer Scouts are encouraged to lead themselves in deciding the programme with support and guidance from Leaders. There is wider scope for activities like offshore sailing, campaigning, performing, mountaineering and expeditions including the chance to gain their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

They also have the opportunity to undertake the Young Leaders’ Scheme, where they’re able to take on a leadership role in one of the younger sections.

We have two Explorer Units, meeting on Monday and Tuesday evenings. 

Our Group

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Contact us

General Enquiries

info@237scouts.org.uk

Volunteer With us

Whether you can give an hour a week, an hour a month or an hour a year there is a role for you

laura.millward@237scouts.org.uk

Safeguarding

If there is ever anything you’re concerned about, something your think we can do better, please contact

gsl@237scouts.org.uk