Kingsley Scouts den lit up by Trust Horizon grant

Whakatāne’s Kingsley Scouts will soon be enjoying a cosy and well-lit den, thanks to a $13,534 grant from Trust Horizon.

Scouts Aotearoa has been encouraging young Kiwi adventurers to experience the outdoors for over a century. Established back in 1959, the Whakatāne branch of this beloved global institution has enjoyed decades of helping children build confidence, gain leadership skills, be involved in the community and forge new friendships.

The group’s central hub is the Scouts Den on James Street. It’s here that over 30 cubs, scouts and venturers and 10 volunteers meet once a week, and where events and activities such as orienteering, camping, community work and jamborees are organised.

In recent years, volunteers noticed the den’s fluorescent batten lighting had begun to fail. Seeking funding to replace the broken lights, Scouts volunteers reached out to Trust Horizon. “The Trust was incredibly helpful,” says Paula Hayward, Kingsley Scouts Committee Chairperson. “We were only looking to replace the specific lights that were broken, but when the Trust came and met us at the den, they suggested we reopen our application and get all the lights done instead.”

Kingsley Scouts jellyfish parade at the Trust Horizon Light Up Festival

With the support of Trust Horizon, Kingsley Scouts Whakatāne received funding to replace all the lighting with energy-efficient LEDs, and to upgrade the den’s heat pumps.

“We rent the den to a disability art group, and Eastbay REAP runs a preschool under-5 group there twice a week,” says Hayward. “It’s fantastic to be able to share this community asset with others, but it does mean the space needs to be functional and comfortable. There are kids at the den all the time, so it really needs to be well-lit and well-heated all through winter.”

The new lighting has already been installed, and the new heat pumps are soon to follow. “The quality of the LEDs is amazing, the whole space feels lighter and brighter,” says Hayward. “They’re more energy-efficient and longer-lasting, so we’re hoping to save on both our energy bill, and on bulb replacement costs.”

Trust Horizon’s grant will also go towards the purchase of a chest freezer for the den. With regular sausage sizzle fundraisers and food required for overnight camping trips, the Kingsley Scouts needed a place to store leftover provisions. “Having a chest freezer will be a huge help in letting us plan ahead, and save money by bulk-buying food at better prices,” says Hayward.

Trust Horizon trustee, David Bulley, says the Trust was pleased to be able to support the den’s upgrade. “The Kingsley Scout volunteers put in a huge amount of work to provide our rangatahi with opportunities to learn, grow, take pride in their communities, and enjoy the outdoors.”

Kingsley Scouts have enjoyed connecting with the Trust in more ways than one, with the Scouts taking part in the Trust Horizon Light Up Festival parade. “This was our second year involved in the festival, and it was such a highlight, the kids just love it,” says Hayward. “It’s been great interacting with the Trust on several levels, and we so appreciate their support.”

If you want to apply for funding, look at our funding page for more information.