Young Leaders

We have some exciting news! Network is coming back to the Wyre Forest!

With the District currently having the highest number of Explorers ever, now is the perfect time to bring the last youth section back to life. Please can you ensure that you share this news with all your leaders aged 18-25 as we’d love to support them in their scouting journey.

Our first meeting will be at the Viaduct Tavern (DY10 1XL) at 19:30 for a Pub Quiz on Thursday 24th April. (Please bring £1 cash to enter)

Please let us know if you are coming by emailing us using the address below.

If you are a little unsure on what Network involves:

Network is the next adventure after Explorers, for ages 18 to 25, and it is all about what YOU want to get out of your scouting (after all, why should the YPs have all the fun!).

You run your own activities and projects, you’ll work alongside your peers, with guidance from the District Network Team to plan, book and make memories.

That might mean a games night, trips out climbing, activity days, hikes, pub quizzes. You could also organise relaxed camps or volunteering locally helping our community. The possibilities are endless, and Network is what you make of it.

We can also offer support and guidance in achieving your Top Awards (King Scout Award, Explorer Belt, Scout of the World).

There aren't any fixed weekly meetings, meeting places or fixed costs, it's all pay-as-you-go. You could be a regular, or drop in around work or university. 

Whether you’re completely new to Scouts or have been all the way through from Beavers, joining Scout Network is a great way to meet new people, seek out new challenges and see the world. You can be part of network and volunteer at the same time, or equally you can stick to just network if you prefer!

So come along and see what we have on offer!

Contact us on: sam.dyc@wyreforestscouts.org.uk

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573988982786

Again, please spread the word to all of your Leaders in your group, we’d really appreciate your help in making this a success!

Yours in Scouting,

Sam Turbutt

Network Team Member

District Youth Commissioner (Wyre Forest)

Fellow scouters,

Further to the NOW FULL 1^st course announcement there is another course now on Tuesday 20^th May @ Rhydd Covert. See link below for details and booking.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/risk-assessment-101-tickets-1298939516059

The more advanced course inc Critical Incident Plans also has a date again at rhydd of Tuesday 1^st July. Link below

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/risk-assessments-critical-incident-plans-tickets-1298946486909

YIS

Mark Searl

GLV WF21

The first bit of good news from me has come from the census data. We have grown just a smidge over 3% over the last 12 months, Explorer numbers are at their highest ever. In terms of numbers, we are still 2^nd largest in H&W. We do however have the most groups and sections.

Quick Review

DofE Launch – Well supported meeting, we already have 4 Young people signed up to the scheme with more joining later. This year we will be joining Redditch district for the expedition aspects with a view to offering our own in Wyre Forest in the next 12 months or so. Thank you to Lauren Wheeldon for organizing this, and please get intouch with her if you want any more information

Cub Founders day – More in Section meeting but another great day, almost 100 cubs had fun doing all manner of Scouting Skills bases and the weather was relatively kind.

Upcoming

District Gangshow – 14^th – 16^th March (More details from MA)

Scouts and Explorers Trip to Ypres – 2 Spaces, more in section meeting.

Jersey – Full

PLOD – Long way away (or so it seems) looking to step down, anyone willing to take it on should see me. Its really easy, honest.

St Georges Day

27^th April.

WF14 to lead this year, Same arrangements as previous years. Parade to the harriers. We are requesting this year please that groups arrange their drop off AWAY from New Road and walk their sections in. Far to many parents dropping off last minute with lots of children around.

As ever we do need Marshalls, I know Kathy has asked the groups already but please keep it in mind and forward any interested names to Kathy ASAP. Parade briefing will be Friday Evening this year

Safety and Safeguarding

Reminder that you should all have the QR code for reporting incidents and near misses.

County have created a poster for display and use in meeting places and first aid kits. Please follow these steps:

1. Print and Laminate
2. Attach to First Aid Kits: Securely attach the laminated form to the outside of all first aid bags and boxes used within your group.
3. Pin a copy to your meeting place wall
4. Include: in all documents for events and camps 

Download the Poster File Here

Young Leaders

Transformation (me)

Permits – Please Email, or text or anything else to let me know you are putting permits through. Currently we get no notification that there is any pending approval so they could be sat there for ages without knowledge.

Training- Check mandatory training, particularly if you did it close to the shutdown. Many peoples haven’t migrated as there seemed to be a top secret training cut off date. HQ WILL insist that it done again and you could risk suspension if you didn’t realise.

New Safety module to be done by everyone before July (for those that haven’t done it yet)

Log in – Check all your information. All training will be at least started online so you will need to get in there at some point.

NAN forms – Still use the county system please, as mentioned above membership isn’t giving notifications until it’s too later

County Dates

Shirehike - Saturday 22nd March 2025, Malvern

Costa Rica Trip - April 2025

County Squirrel Day - Sunday 11th May 2025

County Scout Camp - June 2025

Explorers 'Social Camp' - June 2025

Canada trip (Scouts and Explorers) - Summer 2026

Rhydd – Chris R

The lane – Sorry re the potholes. Its ongoing but the key is to solve the issue before refilling them hence the sectioned off bit.

Self led training – Sat/Sun 5^th & 6^th April. Book through Kathy.

Service jobs – Rhydd would welcome any offers to do outstanding jobs by individuals or groups on a weekend or evenings going forward. The site is open but clearing it after the high winds has taken its toll and there is a backlog of jobs.

Volunteers needed – Rhydd service team would welcome any new members to the rhydd service team. The current team isn’t getting any younger. The team work Saturdays 8.30 to 1pm and breakfast is included. Explorers considered. All interested speak to Chris/Kathy.

Evening activities – Don’t try to book using OSM email Kathy direct.

Induction is our settling-in period, a time where we want to give volunteers an extra special welcome to make sure they have a great start with us. 

Here’s what you can expect when you first join: Welcome Conversation Within six weeks of joining Scouts, you’ll have a Welcome Conversation with your Team Leader and a Welcome Conversation Volunteer.

Safety and Safeguarding learning The safeguarding of young people at Scouts is our number one priority. You’ll need to complete your Safety and Safeguarding learning in your f irst 30 days.

You’ll also receive a copy of our Safe Scouting Cards. Criminal record check The safeguarding of young people at Scouts is our number one priority. We have a few steps to follow to make sure only appropriately checked adults can volunteer with us, including a criminal record check.

If you’re in England or Wales, submit your criminal record check within 30 days of joining, or within 60 days if you’re in Scotland or Northern Ireland. Declaration You’ll need to complete a declaration. It involves accepting Scout values, and agreeing to follow Scout policies and complete the learning required.

You’ll have to agree to the declaration when you first sign into scouts.org.uk. References We’ll ask you for contact information of people who can vouch for your character and suitability to work with children when you first join. This is one of our measures we take to keep young people safe.

When you’re asked to provide their details, you’ll then have six weeks to do so. Growing Roots This is the learning you’ll need to do within your first six months as a new volunteer or when you start a new role. It covers the basics of Scouts, data protection and creating an inclusive environment.

Welcome conversations will be held in 2025 on these dates:

22nd March at WF15 10 am start

then

Venues to be confirmed for the following:-

Sun  4th May    11.00 am

Tues 27th May    7.00 pm

Sat  28th June    10.00 am

Sun 20th July    11.00 am

Tues 23rd Sept    7.00 pm  

Sat 25th Oct    10.00 am

Sun 30th Nov    11.00 am

Tues 20th Jan 26    7.00 pm

Julie will write to you with an invite. Please do try to attend as this is a key part of the appointment process and a chance to meet & chat others new to Scouting.