On Thursday 6th October, there was a pause in Scouting to come together to celebrate the achievements of both young people and adult volunteers across the Midlothian Scout District over the last 12 months. The evening also included the formalities of their Annual General Meeting to approve the annual accounts, make appointments etc. This was also, so far, the youngest average age range for a South East Scotland Scouts attended AGM to date! Congratulations and special thanks go to Richard Fairbairn, District Commissioner, for all his leadership, dedication and time given to everyone in Midlothian, and in fact beyond as he ‘wears many hats’!
Another year has gone by and Midlothian Scouting is as strong as ever. Demand for scouting by youth people is extremely high in Midlothian, with waiting lists growing, however, to match that the need for adult volunteers (no experience of Scouting is necessary) is never stronger. More leaders and helpers are needed to support the recovery and growth of Scouting locally. Please spread the word and help enable more local young people to enjoy Scouting – you will benefit too! Please get in touch for a chat.
Some highlights from the evening included a wonderful presentation from Erin Whyte about the Squirrel Drey at Gorebridge. It launched in 2022 and welcomes 24 four to six-year-olds week to week who skip, hop and jump into Squirrels. It was great to hear about those Squirrels who have already moved up to Beavers to progress their Scouting adventure. And they’ve presented a whopping 148 badges with 50 more to come including 5 Chief Acorn Awards. They even took part in JOTT walking a fair distance with such small legs! Thank you to Erin, the other leaders, parents and of course our Young Leaders for all you do. The ratios are different for Squirrels so your support is appreciated.
We also heard from some Explorers Jason, Amelia (from Borders), Liam and Gregor about their 38th Scottish International Jamborette experience in the summer. They camped alongside 500 Scottish Explorer Scouts and Scouts from around the world, working as a dual patrol of 12, in one of six subcamps. Midlothian’s was the ‘Morrison (Safari)’. Six Midlothian Explorers attended for two weeks. For many, this was their first experience of a major camp due to COVID. They especially enjoyed getting to know and making friends with those from the 30 different countries who attended and, at the same time, making memories that will last a lifetime. There were too many fun activities to list that they recounted but it’s fair to say they were varied – and FUN! They even had Christmas in July and of course a good old ceilidh. On the visitor’s day, the team made woggles branded Midlothian. They sold so many they had to make more by using a branding iron onto leather. At one of the campfires, everyone was given a candle and lit it from the main fire to share the experience. And the flame is still alight and will remain so ahead of the next event. A BIG thanks to Peter and Erika for their organisation, support and guidance.
Congratulations
On the evening we managed to celebrate and spotlight two volunteers to thank in person. Thanks go to all awardees but on the evening Richard Fairbairn was proud to present:
* David Pugh, Assistant Cub Leader at the 5th Midlothian Scout Group (Glencorse) received his Wood Badge for completing his leadership training. Thank you for being a shining light in making Scouts happen locally.
Thank you to all the amazing volunteers across the District for the wonderful work you do. The wide range of activities and events has continued to grow. Scouting is about having fun, learning skills for life and building community – Midlothian strives to achieve these aims and thanks to our members and parents we look forward to reading more about your adventures in the coming year.
Finally, we would like to thank every member of the District Executive Team and supporters who has demonstrated continued commitment to Scouting in Midlothian. Often these are the ‘behind the scenes’ faces we don’t see often. With your help, Midlothian is ready for the future. Thank you.
Join in the Midlothian Scouts conversation and volunteer today.
There are lots of ways you can get more involved with Scouts as a parent, carer or family member. From helping out occasionally on a family rota or playing a vital role behind the scenes, to stepping up as a leader, our volunteering activities are as varied as you.
We’re talking tidy uppers and tea makers, session planners, fundraisers and treasurers, and all-round team players to support our young people.
The good news is you shape what you do and the time you have to give. Scouts happens when a lot of us give a little (and no, you don’t have to be a Scout or outdoors expert to volunteer).
Across the Midlothian Scout District, the current vacancies include:
What to expect:
No two weeks are the same, but the impact you make is always great.
Make a difference, volunteer today
To find out more about helping out, speak to the leader at your local group or use our volunteer enquiry from which can be found using the option below. Share your details and a volunteer from your local team will be in touch soon.
South East Scotland Scouts
71 Bonaly Road
Edinburgh
EH13 0PB
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