Did you know that every member of Scouting aged 18-24 is automatically a member of Scout Network? It is an opportunity for young people in Scouting to continue to develop skills, gain awards, explore the world and make new friends.
2019 has been a busy year for the Scout Network within South East Region.
A number of members joined a group of Networkers from across Scotland in travelling to Madagascar to help upgrade the Madagascar national scout campsite alongside local scouts. They worked hard to gain construction skills ahead of the trip, successfully undertook work on site, and made lasting friendships.
Closer to home members have been engaged in a number of events at a UK and Scottish level, including camps in the Lake District and Dundee, a ceilidh for Burns night, and numerous outdoor activities including kayaking, climbing and hiking.
Within the Region Networks meet on a regular basis to enjoy a range of activities from trampoline parks to board games nights, campfires, local camping, and escape rooms. Networks aim to be inclusive with a range of activities to suit the interests of all members.
Alongside the fun there have also been opportunities to undertake award work, with individuals gaining national activity accreditations as well as working towards top awards within Scouting including the Queens Scout Award. We are looking forward to individuals attending the St Georges Day parade in April in recognition of their QSA successes.
The next international events on the horizon for Networkers in the region include Blair Atholl in 2020 and the next World Scout Moot in 2021. The Moot is similar in emphasis to the World Scout Jamboree, except that all participants are Network age. The Moot is going to be in Ireland, where participants will form patrols with participants from around the world, spend a week on ‘trails’ exploring and enjoying Ireland, before coming together at the base camp to learn about issues affecting young people today. Those who went to the last Moot in Iceland had a life changing experience, and we expect the UK to open to applications in the spring. More information can be found here.
If anyone is interested in engaging with their District Scout Network they should get in touch – the adventure is out there for all young people that are willing to get involved.
Braid District: Laura Gilman District Scout Network Commissioner laurathered@hotmail.com
Borders District: Appointment Imminent
Craigalmond District: dsnl@craigalmond.org.uk
East Lothian District: Hilary Cartwright, District Commissioner dc@eastlothianscouts.org.uk
Edinburgh North East District: Frankie Stanton, District Scout Network Commissioner frstanton999@gmail.com or network@enescouts.org
Midlothian District: Richard Fairbairn, District Commissioner (Acting) richard.fairbairn@midlothianscouts.org.uk
Pentland District: Nathan Baillie, District Scout Network Commissioner nathan.baillie@hotmail.co.uk