Scout Network

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)

I had the absolute pleasure of being able to watch the young people of Wyre Forest perform in the first Gangshow since 2017.

Mark Atkinson was keen to get this idea off the ground with a very youth led approach. We had Explorers write and direct the show while others Stage managed and looked after the fantastic sound and light systems. They also choreographed the routines and oversaw the costume department.

We had a campfire that needed energy form performance to light after a slightly irresponsible Scout Leader made it rain with his singing, there was pillow people, synchronised swimming and even Agadoo made it in, I did get slightly concerned when they burst in to Charlie was a Pigeon! Fortunately that was soon halted. The Beavers and Squirrels added to the show with an exceptional rendition of Alice the Camel, the Beavers took to the stage for The Grand Old Duke and the squirrels did a great job of My Baby Bumblebee. Of course, no Gangshow would be complete with out a rousing finale performance of crest of a wave.

I am thankful to Mark and the leaders for facilitating the show but I know they will all agree that it was very much the Young Peoples production and they did themselves proud!

Well done to you all.

Andy

Andy Brooks

District Lead Vounteer – Wyre Forest

First Aid Courses

Faith has added the following dates for everyone to book on.

NEW! !NEW!! NEW!!

18th January 2025 9.30am to 4pm at WF15

16th March 2025 9.30am to 4pm at WF17

24th May 2025 9.30am to 4pm at WF15

20th July 2025 9.30am to 4pm at WF17

All the above will have an opportunity to complete the Practical session at 4pm.

For those who wish to complete the Blended approach there is an opportunity to complete Part 2 on 21st January or 19th March. Both sessions will run 6.30 to 9.00pm.

Faith

Please book directly with Mark Strain at County, when they are available on the County  website. A link is below.

Those dates not suitable, then please go here First Aid Training | Scouts Hereford & Worcester (scoutshw.org.uk)  and you will see courses elsewhere in the County or the "Hampshire Model" an online session to cover module 10a. The next module 10b can be completed locally. Demand for these FREE courses is bound to be high as we move into Transformation so please take the opportunity to book early. Check your compass record to see when your renewal is due.

Contact Faith directly faith@westoaks.org.uk for further information or look in the Training Diary page on Hereford and Worcestershire Scouts website for alternative FA courses outside of the district.  Remember to check when your FA expires and book in good time to avoid travelling.

Reminder that under Transformation, First Response will be mandatory for:

• Group Lead Volunteers
• Section Team Leaders
• Section Team Members
• District 14-24 Team Leaders

• In other words, ALL face-to-face leaders and team members.

• There are a small number of volunteers in the District who are not compliant, please contact Faith if you are unsure about your status.

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.