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CUBS from the 1st Dumbarton Scout Group have been continuing to do their civic duty under lockdown measures.

Individual fitness programmes, collecting materials for recycling and working towards their Scouting badges are just some of the ways the group has been ensuring that the restrictions won’t stop them doing their best for those who need help.

Marie Kelso, one of the leaders at 1st Dumbarton Scout Group and an early learning childcare officer, told the Reporter: “We planned on a group camp which cannot go ahead, so they have been camping at home and taking part in virtual hikes up Ben Lomond by reaching 11,822 steps on their Fitbits.

“We’re saving plastic bottles which will be recycled at 5p each and the money used to purchase food for the foodbank. We’re still collecting while we are on lockdown to be able to support West Dumbarton Community Foodshare once we start back.

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“The kids are learning the phonetic alphabet to spell their name and learning how to use BSL to sign the rainbow song for the NHS and other care workers.

“We are also hoping to make a time capsule that will be opened in years to come to celebrate what we have achieved during lockdown together.”

Four and a half tonnes of empty crisp packets have been collected by the group, raising £9,300 to help the Scotland’s Air Ambulance charity.

The young adventurers were recently awarded £2,000 by the Million Hands Programme, an initiative by Scout Scotland where Cubs can make the world a better place by helping their local community. They decided to use the money helping their Dumbarton community gardens, learning to grow fruit and vegetables.

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But Marie admits the lockdown measures have taken their toll on the group.

“They have been missing their friends and school, but they’ve kept busy in all their activities.

“We are planning a virtual camp on June 19. We will camp in our own gardens and have a virtual campfire singsong and do other activities via Zoom.”

And once the lockdown is lifted, the group hopes to have a huge garden party to celebrate before returning to its work helping the community.