Not So Broken Britain

Mr Cameron has adopted the phrase "Broken Britain" (and it comes to something when the Prime Minister has to steal his soundbites from The Sun) presumably so that he can blame the previous government for breaking it and then take the credit when (if) he fixes it.

Engaged Cubs

On Saturday I was priveliged to take a Cub Pack to the excellent RAF museum at RAF Cosford. It was a day I approached with some trepidation, as the Pack has been a little boisterous for my delicate constitution lately, but they were as good as gold on the day. The boys were enthusiastic, yes. Energetic, most definitely. But they were also keen, interested, engaged, polite and respectful. They made the day easy for their two leaders, both of whom are fairly new to the job, and you can't ask for more than that really.

I didn't see a lot "broken" on Saturday and it occurred to me that organisations like the Cubs and Scouts have a major role to play in shaping the future of British society and saving it from the apocalyptic meltdown that the media tells us is just around the corner. I was a Cub and a Scout myself, many moons ago. The organisation taught me many valuable life skills and I've taken a lot of its values and principals into my adult life. It's a shame that it's only recently I've decided to give something back and become a Leader.

Yes, society is very different today to how it was 30-40 years ago, children have different needs and are subject to greater pressures. Scouting faces stiffer competition from TV, DVD, video games and the internet, as well as the vast array of activities that schools and clubs now offer. But surely the fundamental principals that Scouting encourages are just as valid today as they were then, probably even more so. Cubs, and especially Scouts, are prime recruiting material for the gangs that are supposedly bringing our society to its knees.

And yet, all Scout units are set up as charities and rely on donations, subscriptions and hours and hours of volunteers' efforts to keep going. A forward thinking government might just be smart enough to recognise the link between keeping kids occupied and interested in wholesome activities, and improved behaviour and values. It might be sufficiently wise to consider providing funding to these organisations, instead of forever cutting away at services provided to the young, the elderly and the disadvantaged. Just a thought.

The only downside of Saturday is that I now have to sew two newly earned Air Activities badges on to my sons' uniforms. A small price to pay.