2020 started with Explorers doing all the things they usually do, like a visit to Lochgoilhead by Wildfire, a Pentland District treasure hunt round the New Town, and a ski trip to France by Greenbank.
Wildfire Explorer Scout Unit
However, thanks to the imagination and effort put in by leaders, there has been a lot of Exploring this year, adapted to fit into the constantly changing constraints imposed by the pandemic. Activity moved online, with Zoom providing a platform for Unit meetings and training, and this continues to form part of a hybrid model as some face-to-face Scouting becomes possible again.
As positives, we can highlight:
- Games Where’s Wally? breakout rooms and many more
- Training for Young Leaders and for expeditions
- Investitures done online
- Top Awards modified to fit the circumstances
- Young Leaders assisting their sections
- Involvement of young people to provide ideas and run online sessions
- Expeditions for 59 Explorers in the Pentlands and a group preparing for Silver and Gold canoeing
- New Units including Longcraig ESU
- Moving on from Scouts to Explorers, including completion of CSA Gold
- Network and adult roles encouraged, with input from Explorers
Above all, however, we should highlight the fact that there are still a lot of Explorers actively involved, and this is down to the commitment and effort of many leaders and young people. Many thanks to all, and let’s hope that the report on 2021 will be much more normal.
John Buchanan
Assistant Regional Commissioner (Explorers)
explorers@sesscouts.org.uk