YOUNGSTERS can learn to camp, cook and help other people after Oxford got its first new Cub Scout group for 20 years.

The 54th Oxford (Ansar) Scout Group opened at the East Oxford Sports Hall, Collins Street, on Sunday to bring the organisation to more children in the city.

It comes after the demise of a Scout group in Ashurst Way, Rose Hill, last year.

The Beavers and Cubs now join more than 5,000 other Scouts in Oxfordshire. They were given district, county and membership badges and a neckerchief in the group’s colours, red and yellow.

Ansar is the Arabic word for helpers – chosen by organisers because it represents one of the most important aspects of being a Scout.

Ameera Sarwar, 10, was one of the youngsters invested as a Cub Scout.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to being involved and doing all the exciting things on offer.

“I really like cooking and hope to learn more about it, and I’m very excited about going camping. I have never done it before.”

Friends Sadiq Abbasi and Glen Wilson approached the Scouts about creating a new group, and were appointed Group Scout leader and Cub Scout leader respectively.

Mr Abbasi said: “Most of us have been involved in community work for a number of years, and we thought it was a good idea.

“Our children need Scouting as much now as they ever have. It teaches values and life lessons that apply to everybody, regardless of religion, colour or gender.

“Although this is a predominantly Muslim group, it is, of course, open to everybody. Scouting brings people and communities together – almost one third of Scouts around the world are Muslim.”

Mr Wilson said: “Sunday’s event went really well, and youngsters have all enjoyed themselves.

“Sadiq approached me about the role and we went on a number of courses and we were amazed by everything that is involved in Scouting.

“It is truly a world foundation.”

Oxford Spires district commissioner Val Butcher handed out the new badges and neckerchiefs and led the youngsters in their promises.

She said: “ It is wonderful to see the enthusiasm of the young people here and their willingness to get involved with the world of Scouting.

“We are so happy to welcome a new group to the district.

“It shows the world of Scouting is as strong as ever, and these young people will now filter through the organisation.”

Mrs Butcher added the appointment of television survival expert Bear Grylls as Chief Scout this year had made a big difference.

She said: “We have seen a surge in numbers and his appointment has publicised Scouting to a whole new generation of people.”

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk