Mixing the traditional and modern helps to keep Scout group going after 110 years

A special cake was made to mark the occasion Picture: 1ST WOODBRIDGE SCOUTS (Image: Archant)

The 1st Woodbridge Scouts its 110th anniversary this year.

The group chose the most fitting way possible to mark the occacion by holding a special camp over the border in Essex.

At the camp the Scouts took part in a range of activities, many of which have long been associated with the youth movement.

"Some activities have stayed the same," said Adam Thorpe, leader of the 1st Woodbridge Scouts.

Making fires from scratch is still an important skill for Scouts Picture: 1ST WOODBRIDGE SCOUTS (Image: Archant)

"Activities like the fire lighting, cooking on fires and camping."

And the group embraced these traditional elements at the camp when they tried out camping like their predecessors with three poles and canvas.

However, modern influences means that Scouts like those in Woodbridge are now embracing a range of modern and traditional pursuits.

"The increase of technology has opened up new activities," said Mr Thorpe. "Scouting is moving with the times."

Members of the 1st Woodbridge Scouts celebrate 110 years in the community Picture: 1ST WOODBRIDGE SCOUTS (Image: Archant)

Badges offered by the movement now include a range covering computing and other technology.

Mr Thorpebelieves it is this mixture of activities that has helped keep Scouting going in Woodbridge.

And it is, in fact, thriving, at present.

He said: "There are 52 people on the waiting list wanting to join. I could fill another group.

Scouts taking part in archery on their special anniversary camp Picture: 1ST WOODBRIDGE SCOUTS (Image: Archant)

"I always say you never need to advertise Scouting for children it's the adult leaders and volunteers that we struggle with."

He is proud of what they offer children and added: "Scouting offers so many opportunities that they might not have had before. Some children may have not been away from home for a night let alone seven."

As well as the programme changing, the movement itself has changed in the past century.

"If you go back 110 years there wasn't such a thing as Beavers, that was created in the 1980s," said Mr Thorpe. "And Cub scouts have recently celebrated 100 years."