Jacob Wood at the World Scout Moot
This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to attend the World Scout Moot held in Portugal as part of Path 87, as part of the UK Contingent. The Moot brought together thousands of Scouts and leaders from across the world for a week of adventure, friendship, and learning. Travelling on Path 87 gave me the chance to meet people from many different countries, share experiences, and take part in activities that challenged me in new ways – from outdoor adventures to cultural exchanges and discussions about Scouting’s impact on our communities. Being part of the Moot was a truly unforgettable experience. It was inspiring to see how Scouting brings people together, no matter where they come from. I’ve returned home with new skills, memories, and friendships that will last a lifetime – and I’m excited to bring that energy back into my Scouting here. .
First Response
First Response learning needs to be undertaken by adult volunteers in the following roles: Group Lead Volunteers Section Team Members (including those who were previously Sectional Assistants) Section Team Leaders 14-24 Team Leaders Volunteers in other roles can undertake first response if they wish There are three main ways to complete First Response: Attend a f2f First Response Course (usually 9.30am to 4.30pm) – we have a range of courses available at weekend or midweek between now and the end of the year in various locations across the Region – you can register here South East Scotland Scouts Training Team Events – 12 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite Undertake First Response via the Blended Model where you do some online learning (3 hours), attend an online confirmation session (2.5 hours), and then attend a f2f practical session (30 mins). Details of the Blended model can be found here and you can register for the online learning here First Response e-learning 2025 Undertake an External First Response Course e.g. FAW or BASP and or present your Professional Qualifications as evidence as having the appropriate First Response Skills. You will need to send your course certificate or details of your professional qualifications to firstresponse@sesscouts.org.uk A Regional First Response Trainer will then validate your learning/experience and confirm whether it meets Scouting requirements or whether you need to do some additional learning e.g. Child CPR, knowledge of sepsis, meningitis etc.
Volunteer with South East Explorer Expeditions (SEEE)
Ready for a new adventure? Join the SEEE Core Team! We are looking for new Team Members — people who want to help young people in South East Scotland achieve more than they ever thought possible. You’ll be a behind-the-scenes catalyst, making life-changing expeditions—hillwalking, canoeing, biking and more—happen for 250+ young people each year. Who Should Apply? Parents, students, professionals, retirees—anyone interested in supporting youth. People who want to be purposeful behind the scenes or those willing to spread the word to friends and networks. Apply now! https://sesscouts.org.uk/…/seee-team-member-south-east…/
Edinburgh Gang Show 2025
Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Network and Team Members … get ready for an epic experience at the Festival Theatre with the Edinburgh Gang Show 2025. This isn’t just any theatre show — it’s a high-energy, laugh-out-loud, sing-your-heart-out spectacular starring our very own young people. Expect dazzling dance routines, hilarious sketches, and toe-tapping musical numbers that’ll have you cheering from your seat. Planning your programme – pop the dates 4th to 8th November into your plan and we guarantee a fun night. This year we have Scouts and Explorers participating from: Braid – 4th, 25th, 44th, 75th, 103rd, 162nd, Albatross ESU, Greenbank ESU, SMESU. Craigalmond – 10th, 16th, 21st, 23rd, 30th, 102nd, 150th, Graeme Allan ESU, Douglas Brown ESU, Granton ESU. Edinburgh North East – 7th, 11th, 64th,104th, Links ESU. Midlothian – 49th Pentland – 19th, 107th, 108th, 172nd, Bore Stane ESU, Edge ESU, Pentland YL, Wildfire ESU In the next newsletter we’ll give a shout out to all the Cub Packs participating. Why you should come: Support your friends as they shine on stage. Be part of the electric atmosphere in the amazing Festival Theatre. Get inspired to join the cast next year! It’s the perfect group night out for your section – just book tickets, turn up and enjoy the show. Group bookings available! Reserve now and pay later – just call 0131 529 6005+ Edinburgh Gang Show 2025 4 – 8 November 2025 Tickets from £16 and on sale now – Edinburgh Gang Show 2025 – Capital Theatres
Network News September 2025
We will be running an information evening focussed on top awards for the 14-24 age range. We will be covering recent changes to the Platinum, Diamond and KSA, the new KSA sign off process and discussing available regional support for the awards. While the session is open to anyone interested in the awards, it is particularly aimed at leaders working with Explorers, Network, or supporting those who do. The session will be repeated twice and can be joined on Thursday 18 September or Tuesday 23 September, both at 8pm on Teams. Link for the 18th: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_Yjc3YmE4ODYtYmEzMC00NDZhLTg1ZmYtMjI2NTBhMTM0OWYz%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%224e7719aa-7161-463d-a2ed-22e598aae889%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22e9d36694-e3bd-40be-8db3-fe141adbda1d%22%7d Link for the 23rd: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZTMzYjAyMGYtNTdhOS00ODQ5LTgxZDItYThiN2FjZGQ2OTIz%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%224e7719aa-7161-463d-a2ed-22e598aae889%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22e9d36694-e3bd-40be-8db3-fe141adbda1d%22%7d Any questions please message: laura.haley@sesscouts.org.uk
JOHN CRUICKSHANK VC AE
John Cruickshank, who died recently, was the last surviving holder of the Victoria Cross from the Second World War. He was also one of the six founder members of the Scout troop at Greenbank Parish Church, Edinburgh. Scouting at Greenbank goes back to 1933. The “Fourth” has been thriving ever since – under slightly different names, currently 4th Braid. John Cruickshank was born in 1920 in Aberdeen and moved to Greenbank with his family in 1929, pioneering the Scout troop in January 1933 when he was 12. Looking back in 2023 for the troop’s 90th anniversary, John said “I was glad to have been a Scout and enjoy the benefits of the movement”. Flight Lieutenant Cruickshank won the Victoria Cross in 1944. Piloting a Catalina flying boat with the RAF’s Coastal Command from Sullom Voe in Shetland, his crew found and attacked a surfaced German U-boat, flying through flak from its anti-aircraft gun. On his first pass, his plane’s depth charges did not release, so Cruickshank brought the aircraft back round for a second pass and this time straddled the U-boat with his charges, sinking it with all hands. The German flak had however been deadly accurate, killing the Catalina’s navigator and injuring four including both pilots (Cruickshank himself in 72 places). Flying through the night, it took the damaged Catalina five and a half hours to return to Sullom Voe. Cruickshank’s injuries were such that he never flew in command of an aircraft again. After the war he returned to his pre-war job of banking, working in India and Pakistan with Grindlays Bank before retiring in 1976. He died in August 2025.
Young Leader Update September 2025
Training Weekend South East Region Scouts are running a Young Leaders Training weekend for Young Leaders over the weekend of 31st Oct – 2nd Nov 2025 at Bonaly Scout Centre, where we will be delivering Modules B-J as part of the weekend. There is limited space per district. Invites have gone out to each district through OSM, please speak to your Team Lead for Young Leaders or your 14-24 Team Lead for information regarding signup to this event. The cost will be £75 for the weekend, this is an indoor camp and fully catered. Any questions then please email youngleaders@sesscouts.org.uk Who Are Explorer Scout Young Leaders? Explorer Scout Young Leaders are Explorers or Duke of Edinburgh volunteers who volunteer alongside adult leaders in Squirrel Dreys, Beaver Colonies, Cub Packs, or Scout Troops. They’re not just helpers; they’re role models, innovators, and crucial members of the leadership team. If you’ve got a Young Person in your section from school years S2 to S6, make sure they’re registered with your District! This will ensure they have access to all the training, support, and opportunities they need to thrive as Young Leaders, even if they are only doing the volunteering part of Duke of Edinburgh, they still need to be registered with your district. All Young Leaders aged 13.5 to 18, whether in Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, or Scouts, should be members of a Young Leaders Unit, even if they don’t attend Explorers. There are three types of Young Leaders: Explorer Scout Young Leaders: Part of both an Explorer Unit and a Young Leader Unit. District Young Leaders: Dedicated to their role within the District Young Leader Unit, without being part of an Explorer Unit. Volunteer Young Leaders: These are members of the public or Girl Guiding who volunteer with Scouts, often as part of their Duke of Edinburgh or other Top Awards. While they aren’t members of the Scout Association, their contribution is invaluable. Got questions about the Young Leader Programme? Reach out at youngleaders@sesscouts.org.uk and get all the information you need! Young Leaders and Top Awards: The Path to Success For Explorer Scout Young Leaders and District Young Leaders, the sky’s the limit! They can work towards Explorer Badges, Staged Badges, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and the prestigious Top Awards – Platinum, Diamond, and King Scout Awards. Leaders are encouraged to talk with their Young Leaders about how the programmes they help deliver can also contribute to these achievements. It’s all about recognising their hard work, passion, and commitment. If you have any questions then please email youngleaders@sesscouts.org.uk