About Genus Network
Genus Scout Network is the local Scout Network for the Belper District. Genus Network was formed in January 2004 by three remaining members of the former Duffield Venture Scout Unit that had closed at the end of 2003 in order to make way for Scout Network.
Genus Network hold regular meetings every Sunday evening at 7:30pm (unless out on camp). Meetings currently take place in Duffield, though this is subject to change.
Genus Network take part in a wide range of activities, camps, and other
events. Genus Network do various award work schemes including the Queen's
Scout Award. Genus Network also take part in other events organised by Derbyshire
Scout Network. Here is an overview of some of the currently most popular
activities:
(Be sure to check out our photo galleries
of past events)
Activities
We do a wide range of weekend activities in the network. These include mountain biking in Derbyshire, walking and hiking in Derbyshire, climbing, map exercises, community involvement (for example village bonfire building and staffing), right down to things like bowling, cinema trips, go karting, and more.
More recently Genus Network have teamed up with other Networks in Derbyshire, particually Lynx and Sandiacre Networks, in order to do more worthwhile activities.
Summer Camp
Every year we organise a Summer Camp, at a time which is convenient for everyone - usually July/August. It's always a good laugh as the weather is (usually) just right for camping out. We tend to camp on Scout sites, which are very cheap and have basic facilities. In 2003, we went to Scotland for 10 days.
Summer camp normally has a duration of at least 1 week. Back in Duffield VSU days we held Summer Camps in the Peak District, Torquey, and Scotland. So far, as Network, we have held Summer Camps in Wales (2004 and 2006), and in 2007 we held a joint camp with Lynx and Sandiacre Networks. Activities we do on camps include all kinds of things, hiking, sometimes mountain biking, visiting local attractions, etc.. and BBQs / campfires most evenings.
We usually decide what we want to do whilst on camp, everyone has a say what they would like to do and we try to satisfy everyone (well, that goes for all camps!). Camping costs are usually something like £2 each per night, and even when you add all the other costs, food / fuel etc the week usually costs around £100* each which is good value really! (*not including alcoholic beverages and excessive BBQ lighting fluid)
Easter Camp
Very similar to Summer Camp activity wise, although this is a shorter camp at 3 nights. It's still a good camp, and we usually manage to pack those 3 days with activities and visiting local places. Past East Camps have taken place in the Lake District, and activities have included hiking, bike riding, and visits to various places and tourist attractions. Also I'd recommend a 4 season sleeping bag for this camp - it does tend to be cold.
New Years Party - Aka the Gradbach Weekend
Traditionally referred to as the Gradbach weekend which comes from the days of Duffield VSU, this is our 'New Years Party'. Until recently it has taken place at Gradbach near Buxton, but the cost of hiring the building has meant we have not held a Gradbach in Network - this is set to change for end 2007. Gradbach usually takes place for two nights, setting off on Boxing Day evening, and it's not unusual to see SNOW at Gradbach, even if it is sunny at home (Gradbach is located very near to Flash - the highest village in the country)
County and National Events
As well as events organised by Genus Network, members also get the chance to attend other Network events, both in and outside Derbyshire.
County events are mainly organised by Derbyshire Scout Network, and events include the County Ball, Pontins Weekend, and the Alton Towers Camp.
Award Work
Scout Network members get the chance to work towards various award schemes. These include the Queen's Scout Award, Explorer Belt, and Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
Community Involvement
We also help out with wider community events such as bonfires and carnivals. Tasks that we do for these community events include security, marshalling, and car parking duties.
As well as the wider community we also help out at Scout Groups in the District. Some of our members have leadership/helper roles with Scout Groups, and every year Genus Network help out with the annual Stamp & Deliver scheme.
Contact Info
Chairman - Adam Thompson
E-mail : chairman@genusnetwork.org.uk
Secretary - Andrew Brownson
E-mail : andy@genusnetwork.org.uk
Phone : 07773946177
Network Leader - Derrick Lodge
E-mail : derrick@genusnetwork.org.uk