Craig Ellis
Group Scout Leader
Can you tell us about your Scouting History?
I joined Cubs when I was eight, (this was well before Beavers was thought of). My family were heavily involved in Scouting & therefore I was dragged along with them on various occasions. My dad
was the Group Scout Leader at 43rd Crosland Moor Scout Group, & that's where my Scouting began.
I went on to join Scouts & became the Patrol Leader of Owls Patrol. I was involved in starting up a Patrol Leaders Council & that's where I became very keen on making sure that the
youngsters have a say in what they do! I was also one of the last Scouts to be awarded the 'old' Scout Standard Award.
I joined 43rd Ironsides Venture Unit & became the Unit Chairperson, it was then that I started helping in the Cub Section. I gained my Queens Scout Award & became an Assistant Cub Leader in
43rd Crosland Moor & spent two years helping at 4th Golcar Cub Pack. I was the District campfire Leader for the Cub & Scout Sections for a few years before being asked if I would be willing
to move Groups & become the Scout Leader at 4th Golcar. There were plenty of Leaders at 43rd so I decided to give the 4th a go! I completed my first aid training & my adult Leader Training
& was awarded my Wood Badge.
I became a member of Huddersfield South West District Executive Committee & a warden at Scammonden Activity Centre.
I have since gained my Terrain 1 Hillwalking Permit, a Kirklees Mini Bus driving test, the N.S.P.C.C, keeping Children Safe Award & my Nights Away Permit for all categories.
I stepped aside as Scout Leader in November 2010 after fifteen years in the role to take on the role of Group Scout Leader, a role which I had been doing as well as being Scout Leader for a number of years.
I am a member of West Yorkshire Scouts, Senior County Scout Council.
I have my long service award and award for merit.
Where is your favourite Campsite?
This is a tough one. Bradley Woods is where we camp most often due to it being nearest, it has plenty of activities & is fun for the Group.
However I really like Walesby Forest & Beaudesert Campsite as we use these sites occasionally. They are both large sites with plenty of activities & many local attractions to visit.
So I suppose these are my favourite sites!
What is your favourite Scouting Activity?
This is another tough one, I don't seem to be very good at having favourites.
I like traditional rafting, archery, shooting, pioneering, (although it's well known that my knotting lets me down occasionally).But I really have a passion for CAMPING! it's great, & you can
have much more of an impact on the youngsters when away from there safety zones(always for the better!)
What is your most memorable Scouting experience?
I loved camping as a Scout & that's probably what got me into being a Leader.
I was very proud that I gained my Queens Scout Award & went to Windsor to meet the Queen, I also remember the national commissioner for Venture Scouts swearing whilst using a loud speaker
system in front of all the Queen Scouts & the Queen when he gave out some incorrect commands!
The first ever Summer camp I ran by myself for a week. taking the Scout's hiking up Ben Nevis with our Troop flag flying.
I have lots more, but I'd bore you!
What food do you like?
I've discovered a liking for Venison after managing to get hold of a Deer for a Robin Hood themed camp, other than that, I like pretty much anything, although I do try to avoid pineapple & sprouts!
Do you have a favourite quote?
It's not my fault!
