Description
We are an active Scout Group based in Grimsby, located in one of the most deprived areas of the country. Our headquarters sit at the corner of Carr Lane and Cooper Road in the East Marsh Ward. This is an area facing multiple social and economic challenges: according to the 2015 Indices of Deprivation, one part of the ward ranked 13th out of 32,884 LSOAs, with East Marsh overall reported as the fourth worst place in the UK for employment, the second for crime, and the lowest for education, skills, and training. In a community where there are very few organised activities for young people, our group has provided opportunities and support for over 100 years, helping local children and young people build confidence, resilience, and essential life skills.
As Scouts, we believe in preparing young people with skills for life. One of the biggest gaps for our members is digital literacy. Many do not have access to equipment or structured learning opportunities in coding and electronics. To address this, we are planning From Compass to Code - a two-day digital skills event using Stage 3 of the Scout Digital Maker activity badge as our framework. Building on the familiar concepts of maps and compasses, our programme will explore coding through creative, practical projects using our existing micro:bits.
With the support of additional add-on kits, we will be able to broaden the scope of activities well beyond simple coding exercises. For example, young people will be able to create coded pedometers for hikes, design digital compasses, build simple robots, or use environmental sensors to measure air quality and temperature during outdoor activities. This hands-on, project-based approach makes coding relevant and fun, while also encouraging teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving.
If the event proves successful, we plan to embed digital making into our regular Scout programme by running ongoing sessions. This would give young people in East Marsh sustained opportunities to build digital skills and confidence, supporting both their personal development and their future education and employment prospects.