Squirrel Scouts

Outdoor in 24 is encouraging Scout sections, from Squirrels to Network, to get outside throughout 2024.

Whether it's for one meeting, going on a Night Away event or taking on the Outdoors in 24 challenge, we're hoping to get young people trying something new in the great outdoors this year. There's even an extra 24 hours from the leap year in 2024 for you to get outside.

If you're a new volunteer wondering where to start, or an experienced volunteer looking for some new ideas, we’ve brought together resources to help you plan and run outdoor activities with your groups.

We’re also encouraging volunteers to look into getting your Nights Away Permit and Adventurous Activities Permit if you want to. 

From making art from natural materials or sleeping under the stars to paddle-boarding across a lake or visiting a local farm, what will you get up to in the great outdoors this year?

Take a look at the link below for some great ideas

http://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/planning-your-programme/outdoor-in-24/

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

Little litter warriors and Wyre Forest scouts (organiser Mark Searl WF21) have joined the Kidderminster Bid project to help improve Kidderminster town centre. I have attached the area in question. We are looking for sections to get out and about in these areas to help us clean up but also somewhere different and educational to pick. The Kidderminster Bid has offered us donations however I’m leaving that part to Mark. I am running these sessions in Kidderminster and happy to join your group litter picks if can. This activity can then fall under fundraiser, community and part of environmental badge works. It would be great to know where you intend to pick too so that we can cover other areas that won’t have been picked.

Wyre Forest District council are working with me in making sure we have enough equipment to supply the demand. There are also wanting to be more efficient in helping our activity run smoothly. Here is a link to how you can report where you have left your litter filled bags. Reporting this after your pick will ensure a quick collection response. Community volunteer litter picker | Wyre Forest District Council (wyreforestdc.gov.uk). There is also a section where you can let them know how your pick went, filling in this is easy and they may do a social post on their platforms about your achievements, this always is great for promoting scouting in a community.

Karen Blanchfield

Assistant Scout leader

District Events Update

• St George’s Day Parade, great success
• Explorers and Scouts took part in the Six Summit Challenge in May, well done to Harkaway and Valley Explorers and especially WF8 scouts for completing this challenging 3 day hike.

Coming up for the rest of this term:

• Squirrels Mad Hatters Tea Party and Fun Day 7^th July at Rhydd

Plans going forward:

• Scouts C4 Challenge Rhydd 25^th September
• Cubs Halloween Campfire 19^th October at Rhydd
• Beavers Halloween Event 26^th October at Rhydd
• Rhydd Run, all sections, 27^th October
• Younger Sections Carol Service TBA
• Scouts and Explorers International – Ypres and the Menin Gate – October 2025

• District Camp for Scouts and Explorers 12^th – 14^th July, based at Rhydd but with various exciting activities off site, involving Aztec Adventure and the Severn Valley Railway.  Full details in section meeting. 

• District International Jersey 2025, there was a relaunch for remaining places on the 24^th March which was very successful.     See Andy ADC Scouts for remaining availability.