The Scout Association North East Region includes two official regions of England, North East England and Yorkshire and the Humber. This region contains eight Scout Counties. Cleveland, Durham and Northumberland are in the official region of North East England, while Humberside, Central Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire are in the official region of Yorkshire and Humberside and are covered in Scouting in Yorkshire and the Humber.[1]
The first official Scout Camp after the creation of the Scout Movement was at Humshaugh.[5][6] In 2008, Jamboree 2008 an independent Jamboree, was held near the original site to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the first official Scout Camp.[7] A notable early Scout in Northumberland was Captain Cecil Victor 'Swannie' Swan, M.C. (1887–1964), a friend of Baden-Powell and a contingent leader to early Jamborees.[8]
The Scout Association in North East England is administered through three Scout Counties, Cleveland Scout County, Durham Scout County and Northumberland Scout County.
The earliest record of Scouting in Durham City is 1910. At this time there were 6 Scout Groups and 140 Scouts. By 1936 there were 24 Scout Groups stretching from Waterhouses to Cornsay and Pittington. Over the years the various Scout Groups across the district have opened, closed, merged and reformed. 4th Durham Scouts were founded in their present form 1926 and 5th Durham Scouts two years later. Some signs of the Scout Groups which have now closed can still be seen in the current Group numbering system for example, 3rd Durham (founded 1953) and 6th Durham (founded 1930) merged in 1966 to become 9th Durham Scout Group. In 2006 the 1st Durham Group and 9th Durham Groups merged to form the 19th Durham Scout Group.[13] According to the 2012 Census there are currently more than 500 young people involved with Scouting in Durham City and District.
At the 2012 Census there were over 5,500 young people involved in Scouting in Durham County being supported by over 1,000 adults.[23]
Northumberland Scout County
[edit]Map of the UK highlighting the location of Northumberland
Northumberland Scout County covers the historic county of Northumberland.[24] the county has introduced an award for Groups, to give them goals and create a more efficient and better group. The award "The County Standard" is gained by achieving a number of goals/targets published every year by County. 2nd Seaton Delaval Scout Group was the first to achieve this award.
The Cleveland Scout Association County Camp Site is Raven Gill Campsite.[32] Stockton District's campsite is "Pybus".[33] 'Seeonee Lair' (Kettleness) Activity Centre is the responsibility of East Cleveland Scout District.[34] Moor House Adventure Centre is run by Durham Scout Association County [35] and licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Scheme.[36]
Several camping and indoor accommodation sites are available within Northumberland.[37] These include the Ford Scout Campsite and Powburn Adventure Centre].[38][39]
Former Scout Campsites within the North East Region:
Gosforth Park was situated close to the race course in Newcastle.[40]
^Hutchinson, W. C. A.; T. W. Wormell (1968). "Obituary Notice, Dr. J. A. Chalmers". Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society. 94 (399). John Wiley: 121. doi:10.1002/qj.49709439922.
