Group History

Welcome to the 1^st Fuengirola (The ARK) Scout Group website.

Way back in 1997 on the 20^th of March, over 25 years ago the 1^st Fuengirola (The ARK) Scout Group was registered.

It started with just a Scout Troop by Alfonso Sanchez, better known as Fonz, a South African living on the coast. As a member of THE ARK Christian Fellowship, Fonz brought them into the umbrella of the Church, hence the name of The ARK.

Meanwhile Carol Wright started the 1st Mijas Cub Pack in the town of Mijas meeting at St Anthony’s School in April of the same year. When she read a newspaper article with regards to Fonz and his Scout Troop, Carol contacted Fonz, and it was decided to amalgamate to become part of the 1st Fuengirola Scout Group. Over the years we have added the Beavers and an Explorer Unit.

1st Fuengirola belongs to the Area of British Scouting Overseas (BSO) part of the UK Scout Association. We
are part of the District of Southern Europe and provide Scouting for boys and girls from the ages of 5&3/4 to 18 years old in and around the area of Fuengirola on the Costa Del Sol in the Andalusian province of Málaga.

We follow the UK Scout Association programme where children learn “Skills for Life” earning badges by having fun, playing games, working in a team and taking on new challenges.

The Group is currently about 81 strong with all Sections being represented. The Group meets at different times in at The Ark Christian School C/ Río Darro 2, Las Lagunas de Mijas, Málaga. https://maps.app.goo.gl/GvmqmyAwC1UDqi5d9

Our meetings are held weekly from September till June, and we break for Easter and Christmas.

Some of our past members have earned the highest achievement for Explorer Scouts and Scout Network members by being awarded the Queen Scout Award, now known as the King Scout Award. We have also had past members completing the requirements of the Duke of Edinburgh´s Award, DofE. Whether it be the Bronze, Silver or Gold it gives the young people a sense of achievement, the chance to make friends, have fun and build confidence in an empowering, exciting and non-competitive learning environment. There were also a couple of Explorer Scouts who obtained their Explorer Belt Award, by doing a 10-day international trip away, learning about culture, cooking and the people in Estonia. We have sent many of our members on International Camps at Essex and Kent in the UK, Haarlem in The Netherlands, Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland, numerous camps in Gibralter, including Cave Camping and water activities. Joint activities with American BSA camping in the ROTA BASE and various other camps around Spain. Also, in 2023 we had the opportunity to send one of our Explorers to the 25^th World Jamboree in South Korea.

All these things don’t just happen it takes a team of dedicated Leaders to plan, prepare and execute the weekly meetings, Camps and Special Outings. It also takes a behind-the-scenes team of adults that make up our Trustee Board.

Please have a look at the information in “Sections” with regards to Beavers, Cubs, Scouts or Explorers and do not hesitate to contact any of the Section Leaders for more information.

Robert TROOST
Group Lead Volunteer
1^st Fuengirola (The Ark) Scout Group
Email: Robert.troost@britishscoutingoverseas.org.uk
Mobile: +34 610 755 995