DofE-SEEE
Explorers and DofE We are now in peak expedition training season, and Explorers and Leaders from across the Region have been very busy. SEEE has run two training days at Bonaly involving 115 Explorers doing Silver and Gold. The first weekend had sub-zero temperatures overnight, the second had torrential rain on the Saturday evening and night, but the good news is that camping skills were of a high level, and there were no complaints. It appears that camping is still something that Explorers are quite comfortable with, which is by no means always the case with DofE candidates from outside Scouting. The main focus was on developing navigation skills, mainly on a hike designed for this purpose, which was only possible because 26 different adult leaders volunteered their time; some of them enjoyed it so much they came on both weekends. Bronze level training is under way with at least three major training programmes run by Districts. As we finalise the allocation of leaders to the expeditions planned for May/June (Practices) and August/September (Qualifiers), we would encourage anyone who can offer to help support them to use our form to check dates and let us know when they could be available – even for one day. Hill permits are not necessary, as the Leaders in Charge will have these, though additional leaders with permits are very welcome. We would also like to thank the Unit leaders and others who helped by ensuring that their Explorers turned up with the correct kit, as this is an essential part of the process. John Buchanan and David Newton for SEEE
Ukraine Day
Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Scout Group In February we welcomed a group of young Ukrainians to Bonaly to give them a taste of the kinds of adventurous activities we get up to in Scouting. South East Scotland and Scouts Scotland are working together with the AUGB (Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain) in Edinburgh to establish a Scout group which meets the needs of local young Ukrainian people and their families, the majority of whom arrived in Scotland following the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The group of Scout and Explorer aged young people were shown around Bonaly by Co-Warden and Activity Manager Sean Crossan, before settling down to a seriously competitive archery session led by SES Support Officer Nacho Luna Borras and Scouts Scotland Local Growth Officer, Calum Harvie. Also attending were SES Scouting Support Officer Amy Irvine, along with Martin Elliot, Mike Treanor and John Cannon. After the conclusion of the archery session (a great way to learn how to count in Ukrainian, btw!), we warmed up in the Bonaly bothy and talked about Scouting and to discuss with the young people their hopes for the Group. There was great enthusiasm from the young people – a number had been involved in Scouting in Ukraine – and the team from Scouts Scotland and South East Scotland Region was delighted to answer the many thoughtful questions presented. Work to establish a Scout Group with the Ukrainian community continues to progress.
Save the Date: Skycamp 2025!
Date: 26th-28th September Location: Bonaly Scout Centre, Edinburgh Join us for an exciting weekend where Explorers from South East Scotland will set up camps in the trees at Bonaly! Key Details: Challenge: Build and stay in a SkyCamp 50cm-3m above ground. Teams: 4-8 people. Activities: Live, eat, sleep in the SkyZone, and complete challenges. Judging: Innovation, eco-friendliness, and site tidiness. Cost: £30 per person Sign up: We asked unit leaders to indicate numbers of how many Explorers from their unit will be attending by mid-June. Formal sign up will be between June and 12th September. If any Network members would like to attend a Network Sky Camp on the same weekend, please get in touch. Contact: Fraser Dunmore – skycamp@sesscouts.org.uk Mark your calendars for an unforgettable adventure! ️ Directions: Bonaly Scout Centre, 71 Bonaly Rd, Edinburgh EH13 0PB, United Kingdom We look forward to seeing you there!
Network News
The Network Team have a number of upcoming events during April and May Aged 18-24 or know someone who is? Please come along to some of the events happening over the next couple of months and join our WhatsApp channel to get the latest information on all things Network.