Keep On Scouting

To allow members to “Keep on Scouting” during the current COVID-19 situation The Scouts have developed a number of Programme ideas. In addition, leaders across the UK, including those in South East Scotland have posted some great activities to keep our young people engaged during the lock-down. We have collated them together here. Most are “ready to use” but in some cases you might need to adapt for your particular circumstances.

UK Scouts Activity Database

Are you struggling to come up with fresh ideas for your programme? Whether you are meeting virtually or face to face, the Scouts UK Activity Database can help! In this short video (https://vimeo.com/477518017), 5th Midlothian (Glencorse) Cub Scout Leader, Eoin, shows you how you can use this tool to revitalise your section’s programme!

Note from Regional Leadership Team

During this difficult period, we have been continuing to communicate with you, via our Regional Commissioner’s emails, our Regional Newsletter, our website and other means. These messages are designed to help adult volunteers remain connected with Scouting during the current situation and so why we use them to share positive stories and support for leaders to continue providing Scouting via virtual means. We recognise that many volunteers are facing challenges outside of Scouting and thus we have also focused on leaders’ wellbeing in our communications.

We must emphasise that we do not want any of our adult volunteers to feel pressurised into having to continue with Scouting. We do understand if you do not have the capacity, given your other priorities, or if you do not feel confident in terms of using the various technology platforms and/or in developing programme activities. In a similar vein, we understand if parents and carers or our young people do not want to be involved

If you do want support with the technology and /or putting together activities to engage young people, please let us know.  Mike Treanor, our Scouting Support Officer, will be able either to assist you himself or locate someone to do so. Mike’s email is  michael.treanor@sesscouts.org.uk and he would be very happy to work with you, or to have an initial chat with you. Mike is a Scout leader who now runs troop meetings via Zoom so he is completely comfortable with discussing any queries you may have.

Safeguarding

Keeping everyone safe in Scouting activities is our main concern. The Scouts have provided some useful advice on how to keep young people safe while Scouting online. Our Safeguarding Awareness Coordinator, Russell Shoulder can be contacted at any time for advice, assistance or queries about safeguarding. 

Delivering a Flexible Programme during COVID-19

Young people can still work toward badges and award while at home. This is Gilwell’s guidance on making the rules more flexible. 

Sharing Ideas for Keep on Scouting

We have received some great examples of how our Groups/Sections are engaging our young people to “Keep on Scouting”. Please keep sending us your ideas/activities to our Scouting Support Officer, Mike Treanor at michael.treanor@sesscouts.org.uk