Scout Network

As we approach the busy camp season, a reminder for all those involved in organising camps, particularly camp leaders:

Nights Away-reminder to include all adults attending & RA when sending information –including programme, to Sarah Bennett, if possible, more than 14 days before the camp starts.  Any adult sleeping over MUST have completed Safety and Safeguarding modules & have a DBS, suggested applications should be made 3 months before the event.

Remember to keep updating RA’s and share with all adults attending camp.

Sarah

District Events Update

• Cubs Founders Day 24^th February – Great success as usual, thanks to Daisy and the Team
• Explorers Target Competition Saturday 25^th February at Rhydd, great day with Harkaway Unit taking the lion’s share of the trophies, but all the Explorers did amazingly well.  Thanks to all involved.

• Explorers Monopoly Run, London Friday 1^st – Sunday 3^rd March. All home safe and sound and very tired.  Some excellent results and a great time spent being tourists in London.  Well done Wyre Forest Explorers.

Plans going forward:

·       Explorers taking part in the Six Summit Challenge in May

District Camps 2024:

A Musicals themed Camp at Rhydd for Cubs, Beavers, and Squirrels 21^st – 23rd June – a planning meeting has now been held for this camp for our younger sections, and the activities have been confirmed.  There will be Giant Inflatables, Science activities, plus a talent contest.  This is very exciting and will involve each group putting on a multi section little show on stage around their chosen Musical, more details from your Lead Section Volunteer (ADC).  There will also be a costume parade on the Sunday morning with prizes and trophies to be won.    Cost confirmed as £35 per child, payable by May DLM.   Formal proramme and times will be out soon

District International Jersey 2025:

There was a core team meeting on the 18^th February, where a great deal of planning and budgeting took place, and there will be a relaunch for any remaining places on the 24^th March at WF8 HQ at 3.00 pm.

St George’s Day Parade – 21^st April 2024

All Groups will be required to provide at least 3 marshalls on Parade Day, who are able to attend the briefing the night before at Rhydd.  Deadline is 7^th April for names and contact numbers.

Julie

County News

• County Klatch (Conference) will now be held in late April, possibly at the 3 Counties Showground.  Carl Hankinson UK Commissioner hopefully to attend.
• County Cub Camp will be held at Eastnor Castle with a Jungle Theme. Clashes with our own District Camp
• Shirehike will be March 2024
• Shirejam, date to announced shortly, possibly a 4-year rotation.
• H & W now have joint Transformation Leads in post, John Day and Derek Barnes
• County TA positions are being reviewed as the role will not exist after Transformation
• Recruitment drive called ‘Bring your Grown-Up’ Useful guide on the website
• All ACC roles are changing to Team Leaders with Accreditations
• Roll out of First Aid Training.  All volunteer roles working directly in the sections will now require a First Aid Certificate.  This means that all current Section Assistants who do not currently need the qualification will require to complete the training.  There will however be a period of 2 years for this to be undertaken. * See below
• Network to be redesigned and/or rebranded.  Districts to be asked what they want for their Network members.
• 2024 Capitation Fee for Hereford & Worcester:
  • The capitation fee for the county in 2024 will be £13.50.
  • This adjustment is necessary due to the rising cost of living and our commitment to support growth within local communities and ensure consistent support across Scouts Hereford & Worcester.
• UK HQ Membership Fee for 2024-25:
  • The UK HQ membership fee for the 2024-25 period will be £38, (£37.50 for prompt payment)
  • Districts will receive invoices from the County Treasurer in due course, facilitating the collection of payments from Groups.

St George’s Day Parade

I can only repeat that I don't really have the words to describe the immense pride I feel for our absolutely amazing young people, and you, their dedicated leaders and supporters.  Everyone looked so smart, and the children were so well behaved, you should all be justly proud and delighted with them all.

A huge thank you to Paul and the organising team, to the Parade leaders, the support vehicle team and to all the wonderful marshalls who volunteered their time to keep us safe. 

Thanks also go out to Ian and Bishop Martin for a lovely service, assisted by the ADCs, and the team of scouters at the Harriers Stadium, from Chris our master of ceremonies, to those that looked after the brilliant bands, those fiddling about with the techy sound stuff, and of course, the dragon dressers and back-stage crew!  So many people work so had to make this incredible event happen for us and our Guiding friends, and which really shows the local community what Scouting is all about, and just how popular and relevant we are today. 

Well done to WF10 who led the Parade, and their four lovely young people who helped me take the salute, and then spent time chatting to our dignitaries and special guests about scouting (while still managing to enjoy hot chocolate and chocolate brownies!).  They made an excellent impression and really flew the flag for Scouting.

We will of course be carrying out a review of the day, to look at some minor issues, such as noise in the stands, sound quality, delays to getting people seated, etc but all these can of course be addressed so that we can make things better for next year.  If anyone has any feedback, now would be the time to let me know so that we can look at it in a timely manner.

Julie DC