Hampshire Scouts News - Spring 2022

#SkillsForLife

Hampshire Scouts News Spring 2022

Bear Grylls pays tribute to 'incredible' Hampshire volunteer The Chief Scout Bear Grylls has paid tribute to an ‘incredible’ volunteer who was instrumental in the opening of a new Scout activity centre last term.

Lyn Darbyshire, who was the Group Scout Leader for the 2nd Chandler’s Ford Scout Group (Ramalley), died earlier this year after a short period of declining health.

After years of campaigning for grants for the build, and an endless determination to bring people from within Scouts and the wider community together to complete the project, Lyn’s vision became a reality shortly after her

death.

Bear Grylls said: “I’d like to take this chance to say a special thank you to your late Group Scout Leader, Lyn Darbyshire, who’s going to be receiving her Silver Wolf posthumously.

“She sounds like such an incredible lady – somebody very special to so many of you.

“It’s an amazing new home for your group, I know this has been obviously a huge team effort to get to this stage, and huge credit to you for completing it and especially during the pandemic.

“Scouts and volunteers like you do so much to support our

communities and I think what you’ve done shows us all the power of Scouts working together and never giving up.”

The centre was officially opened on Saturday 20th November with an unveiling of a plaque by the Hampshire Scouts lead volunteer, the County Commissioner Martin Mackey.

Martin also posthumously presented Lyn’s Silver Wolf award – the highest accolade for any adult in Scouts – to her ‘Scout Story continues on page 3...

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Your Hampshire Scouts News Team Michael Doncom, Lead Volunteer for External Media, Hampshire Scouts communications@hampshirescouts.org.uk Sam Poole, Volunteer Manager for Media and Communications, Hampshire Scouts communications@hampshirescouts.org.uk Please share your stories and pictures with county office at the below email address.

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We prepare young people with Skills for Life AS SCOUTS, we believe in preparing young people with skills for life.

We encourage young people to do more, learn more and be more. Each week, we help over 460,000 young people aged 4-25 enjoy fun and adventure while developing the skills they need to succeed, now and in the future.We’re talking about teamwork, leadership and resilience – skills that have helped Scouts become everything from teachers and social workers to astronauts and Olympians. We help young people develop and improve key life skills.We believe in bringing people together, celebrating diversity and stand against intolerance, always. We’re part of a worldwide movement, building stronger communities, inspiring positive futures and creating a better world.

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Bear Grylls Tribute

Continued from page 1...

daughter’ Heather (Baloo) who was wearing Lyn’s shirt at the event.

Tea, coffee, and cake were enjoyed throughout the day, along with activities for young people who are members of the group.

Peter Darbyshire, Lyn’s husband and acting group scout leader of the group, applauded the work of everyone who made his late wife’s dream become a reality.

He said: “I’m feeling excited but with a tinge of sadness that Lyn couldn’t be here.

But, generally, overjoyed that we have got our new headquarters.

It’s open, the young people are enjoying the activities they deserve.

It’s her dream come true and I am overjoyed that it’s happened but it’s just sad Lyn isn’t here to see it.

She was a formidable character, people would describe her as

someone you couldn’t say no to and I think it’s in that description she was so lovely and had time for everybody.”

The building that stood before the new centre was last refurbished in 1982.

Despite it being safe to use, it required much repair and modernisation.

In 2013, an old oak tree fell on the previous HQ which sped up the desire to rebuild something which was fit for a modern purpose for all.

Steve Brine, the MP for Chandler’s Ford, had met Lyn several years earlier to be introduced to her vision of a new centre.

He said: “When Lyn invited me down here to see the old hut and tell me what she wanted to do, I got the impression she wasn’t asking and was very clear what was going to happen. I never doubted for one moment it wasn’t going to happen.

“There was a lot of hard work, a

lot of fundraising, but it has happened.

That is what the community is here in Chandler’s Ford – they value their community and they value their Scouting.

“If you put that together, which this building is; it’s a community facility as well, then you fall onto the Holy grail.”

Hundreds of people, including local businesses, were engaged with the project in some way. Most notably: Dr Rickenbach, of St Francis & Park Surgeries, who donated funds to the project. They were Lyn's boss for many years before she retired from nursing Chris Benham, from Crown Carpentry, who is one of the development team and has been involved since the planning stage. Chris also worked as a carpenter on the build Erin Cuffley, owner of forest Footsteps Preschool, they use the building during the day and have been part of the development team since the planning stage Neighbouring Chandler’s Ford Scout Groups, who have supported the group through storing equipment, providing loans and donations, and organising fundraising events for the build Graham Wade, managing director of Draper Tools, who supported the group through donations and staff volunteer time to paint, pointing of the paths, and garden clearance.

- By Sam Poole

Hampshire Scouts Chat Matin Mackey, County Commissioner for Hampshire Scouts, reflects on 2021 and how the true spirit of Scouting shone through brightly and will continue to do so.

"Since we went to Green, Scouting across Hampshire has most definitely bounced back" As I write this article, we're approaching the end of 2021 and reflect on the unbelievable challenges we faced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, on 6 September Scouting went back to Green and we started to open up properly.

Whilst the pandemic is certainly not over by any stretch, life is returning to some semblance of normality thanks to the vaccine and ongoing measures being taken to reduce our risk of catching the disease.

I think it’s fair to say that since we went to Green, Scouting across Hampshire has most definitely bounced back. We need look no further than the results of the recent young people headcount survey that was conducted by HQ during October 2021.

Having lost almost 3,500 young people (or 17.9%) at the 2021 census, if the headcount is replicated in the 31 January 2022 census, we will have recovered all of those losses and there is a chance we will have even more than

we had in 2020 which was our historical peak.

The headcount didn’t include adult volunteers but I’m confident that whilst there are, and always will be, challenges with recruiting and retaining them, we will see those numbers on the rise as well.

Let’s wait and see.

Who else weren’t included in the headcount? Squirrel Scouts.

Groups in Hampshire have played a huge part in the successful launch of the Squirrel Scout section, notably the 13thSouthampton Sea Scout Group and the 46thPortsmouth (Wymering) Group both of whom played an important part in the Early Years Pilot.

This was followed by the City of Portsmouth District Scouts being chosen to be one of three in England to participate in the District Impact Test with six groups involved with that.

Hampshire has got off to an amazing start with lots of new Squirrel Dreys across the County opening up.

This is a really exciting and historical time given that we haven’t opened a new section in Scouting since the Beavers 35 years ago.

More and more groups are introducing Squirrel Scouts with loads of stories being posted on social media about the successes they have already enjoyed.

As exciting as it has been for us to launch Squirrel Scouts, we also launched our participation in the 25th World Scout Jamboree taking place in Korea in 2023.

We’ll be sending our largest ever contingent from Hampshire giving 144 of our young people the opportunity to enjoy what will be a life changing experience.

Alongside them, we’ll be taking Scouts from the Isle of Wight, South London and Girl Guides from Hampshire.

In total 180 young people, 20 adults in 5 units will be going on this amazing adventure.

Alongside that, Hampshire will be running Project 23 - another

Hampshire Scouts Chat international expedition - that will be heading off at the same time as the WSJ but they’ll be off to somewhere in Europe.

If that’s not enough, having had to delay it because of Covid-19, we’ll be sending a large group to Kandersteg International Scout Centre, Switzerland in summer 2022 where they too will have a fantastic time.

Finally, having started on 1 September 2017, I’m now coming to the end of my time in this amazing role and will be retiring from it on 19 March 2022.

It’s been incredible journey which has seen us all face the biggest challenge in living memory, but the true spirit of Scouting shone through brightly and will continue to do so.

As I prepare to retire as the 14th Hampshire’s County Commissioner in its 113 year history, I’m starting to reflect on my time and hope that I made a difference and that I will have achieved my vision which was ‘to make Scouting in Hampshire even better’.

KEEPING SOCIAL: Martin shares the fun he had at the annual Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre Mud Run event in November 2021.

ABOVE - CELEBRATING SUCCESS: Martin (centre) with Hampshire Scouts President, Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigal Atkinson, presenting 15 Queen Scout Awards to young people from across the county.

LEFT - GETTING CREATIVE: Making camp donuts at Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre with the help of Cub Scouts.

Keen to know more about the Scouts in your area?

Go to hampshirescouts.org.uk

Ferny Crofts Annual Mud Run

Scouts get muddy at the heart of annual Mud Run event As Scouts, we’re all about exploring fresh adventures and trying new things.

And for hundreds of Scouts from across Hampshire, the Ferny Crofts Mud Run was the event to do exactly that.

It was a funny and muddy day for both young people and adults at Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre, in the New Forest, as obstacles were tackled through the messy and wet.

From jumping over hurdles to running through deep and murky waters, there were smiles all around for everyone involved.

The obstacle course had a variety of teamwork-inspired challenges.

With no competitive edge, the Mud Run was all about having fun Lewis, a Scout from Warsash, said "The best bit was where you have to crawl through the mud and walk through the lake. You should do it because it's so fun and you get a medal too."

and making new friends. Plus there were challenges for all ages and all having a go.

James Redfearn, Operations Manager at Ferny Crofts, praised the efforts of the volunteers and staff who’ve made the event a success.

"We couldn't run this without all the amazing volunteers and our dedicated staff who make this happen.

"It may only be our second year but so many people want to be here and take part. That can only happen thanks to all the work the staff do and the time the volunteers give."

It’s the second year for the event, with the first taking place in March 2020.

The course ended with powder paint thrown over participants and recognition of their bravery with a medal to take home.

- By Sam Poole

Welcoming Squirrels

Squirrels launch to bring Scouting to more young people across Hampshire Last year term, the Scouts launched Squirrels, the newest branch in our family tree, giving skills for life to four and five year olds.

This idea isn't new. Scouts across the world (and closer to home) have been trying this for years and in the UK since 2019.

Early years pilots in Gosport, Southampton and Portsmouth have learned the lessons so now we're ready for more to join in.

This new section builds upon what the Scouts are known for today. So expect to find badges, adventures, making a promise and a uniform jumper in Squirrels.

Squirrels steadily spreading to you.

With a programme based on fun, curiosity and discovery it sets a firm foundation for the future.

Launched as part of the Skills for Life plan, this is the first step towards 940 Squirrel Dreys across the country by 2023.

Hampshire Scouts have our first advisor for Squirrels ready to help and new dreys are being started gradually so they have the support needed to make a strong start.

Across the UK, we are targeting the places where Scouts are needed most and where we are looking to grow.

As we start this new journey, we need more volunteers to help us lead Squirrels.

Signing up to register your interest is the first step to making the dream happen near you.

This is an exciting time for Scouts as we reach even more young people give them skills for life.

- By Steven Osborn

International events

International adventures are back as hundreds of Scouts enjoy events Hundreds of Scouts from every district in Hampshire have come together to celebrate the Scouting spirit and decide who is going to South Korea in 2023 for their next international adventure at the World Scout Jamboree.

A chance to meet Scouts from across the world, a Jamboree is an opportunity unlike any other.

This year, more Hampshire Scouts than ever have applied to go, so last weekend was a chance to see them in action and work out who is going.

But those who can't go with us won’t be left out. Hampshire Scouts are instead running an alternative road trip across Europe.

Project 23, as it’ll be called, will take in a number of countries and will be just as powerful an experience.

As well as talking to lots of Scouts at the selection camp at Lyons Copse, we caught up with Jools.

He's the lead volunteer for International trips within Hampshire Scouts and is in charge of this challenging decision.

What will young people get out of this weekend?

"Whilst the camp was a selection event, the most important factor was that everybody should have a fantastic fun weekend, meeting loads of new people and making new friends.

"Hopefully, we gave them all a small taste of what a World Scout Jamboree is like."

Why is it important for young people to take get that taste?

"All Scouts should have the opportunity to take part in an

International Expedition. It enables young people to learn about other countries and cultures. To make friends across the world. To build bridges and to see issues affecting the world first hand.

"This all helps to make the world smaller, and helps young people to have a better understanding of the world."

How many volunteers are here this weekend and what part are they playing?

"A weekend selection camp for 400 young people takes a massive amount of volunteers. Altogether, we had around 150 volunteers on site over the weekend.

"The volunteers did everything from running all of the activity bases, catering, first aid, car parking, erecting marques, driving mini-buses and additional support."

- By Steven Osborn

Adventures at Paultons Park Beaver Scouts are members of the Scout family made up of girls and boys aged 6 to 8. Easily recognised by their bright turquoise jumpers, they give it a go trying new skills, having fun and making new friends. During their time in Beavers, our young people help give something back to their community, spend time with other scouts and spend some time sleeping away from home for the first time.

There was plenty of fun for all at the Beaver Scouts Paultons Park adventure For the first time in two years, over 700 Beaver Scouts from all over Hampshire came together to enjoy two days of thrills and excitement at a family theme park.

In one of Hampshire Scout's biggest events for Beaver Scouts, Paulton's Park on the edge of the New Forest was the base of adventure for six and seven-yearolds from every corner of the county.

And with a brand new land to explore and the park decked out all ready for Halloween, there was plenty to explore.

Paulton's backdrop to new friends and trying something new Since their last visit, Paulton's have opened their new Tornado Springs

area complete with new thrill rides.

Many took to the roads to learn the basics of driving, getting their first taste of this key life skill.

Plus they had lots of chances to meet Beavers from all over the county while they waited and shape their day by deciding where to go.

Benjamin, a six year old Scout, said: It was fun going with everyone and seeing all the Halloween decorations.

I liked the rides especially driving the cars and getting my licence. I hope we go again next year!

Michael Collins, lead volunteer for Beaver Scouts in Hampshire, said: "Paulton's Park visits have been part of our programme for over a decade so we have really

seen the park flourish over those years. It is important to get back to the things we all know and love.

Having it back on our programme for 2021 adds some adventure back to the mix of activities offered by colonies and districts.

It was great seeing so many smiling faces across the weekend and the brave Beavers who took the opportunity to conquer their fears.

It was also great seeing leaders that have only been a name on an email or a square on a teams call for the last 18 months.

After such an exciting and fun trip, for adults as well as young people, it is no wonder the most popular comment was when they could return.

- By Steven Osborn

Hartley Wintney Scouts

Celebrating the amazing contribution of the NHS and scientists, helping a community festival and opening a new sports centre. Three ways one Scout Group have played their part of the community.

Celebrations all round for Hartley Wintney Scouts The young people, leaders and the families from 4th Bramshill Scouts have certainly been busy over the past few weeks supporting the local community of Hartley Wintney.

Last term, there was a buzz in the air as people from Hartley Wintney come together for the village festival, the first since 2019.

With a theme of “Celebration”, Scouts of all ages took to the streets with water pistols and costumes to celebrate the NHS and those who created the vaccine.

Young people from all sections dressed up as doctors, nurses and scientists to celebrate those key workers who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic.

Two giant water-squirting syringes and plenty of water pistols took on the crowds.

However, they met their match when the group came face to face with the Hartley Wintney firefighters. Their big hoses won out, leaving a good many very soggy young people at the end!

The icing on the cake was when the Scouts were awarded first prize for their efforts.

Alongside the fun, 4th Bramshill played a big role in running the festival alongside the Rotary Club of Hart. The older Explorer Scouts and Scout Network worked tirelessly from first thing in the morning to last thing at night, setting up stands, helping stall holders and clearing everything away.

The parents and younger Scouts offered sumo wrestling, a bouncy castle, the ever popular Belgium Beer tent and tomahawk throwing to wow the crowds.

On Saturday 18th September the

group were out in force again. This time, the event was the Hartley Wintney Community Picnic and Annual Awards Ceremony. It's a chance to shout about the people, groups and businesses that have made a difference. Plus the new Lucy Pygott Sports Centre opened for all to use in the community.

The Scouts ran a BBQ, bouncy castle and pizza stall, as well as helping with set up and tidying up until late into the evening. Plus the event celebrated some of the group's volunteer leaders who received Community Awards.

Congratulations to John Carlisle, Rory Wells, Paul Leader, Claire Stratford and Philly Wells.

Well done to all the young people, parents and volunteers who helped make these events happen. You're shining examples of our Scout values!

Going for gold Scout Cerys Grabs Gold as a National Champion

part in a An eleven year old Scout from After recently taking Some of the biggest lessons Fleet has shown she’s prepared for any challenge and become a regional champion for Artistic Swimming and a part of a team of national champions.

Cerys Snelling, from 101st Church Crookham Scouts in Odiham district, has been swimming since 4 years old. A long time member of the Scout movement, she’s been trying new things since 6 years old. Her first taste of synchronized swimming came at age 7.

“I love Scouts, and have always enjoyed it since I started in Beavers when I was six. It enables me to take part in activities I wouldn't ordinarily get to do such as climbing, camping, outdoor cooking, archery, the list is endless! I have a different set of friends from those I have at school and swimming, which is great. Scouts allows me to switch off from school and training and just have fun and learn new skills. I would recommend Scouts to everyone.”

-Cerys Snelling

regional Figures competition she won gold, becoming regional champion in the Under 12s age group. Not content with this, she went on to compete nationally coming 7th solo, 4th as a duet and taking home the gold as part of a team of four.

Life as a artistic swimmer involves a lot of training, dedication and motivation. So how does she find time for Scouts?

Apparently quite easily as it’s been so much fun and played such a big role.

Cerys has worked relentlessly hard over years, training in a pool up to 15 hours a week, plus land training for strength, stamina and flexibility.

Scouts has been instrumental in developing her as a young adult. It's provided her with an outlet to meet a variety of different people and learn new skills that she will have for the rest of her life. It has provided her with an 'escape time' from training, where she can switch off and just have fun with a completely different set of friends.”

- Cerys's Parents

learned from Scouts have applied just as much in swimming. It taught her to never give up, work well as a team and not be afraid of failing. Picking herself up and trying again has been the most useful. And that is not even mentioning the skills and experiences that she says are too many to mention.

"I would recommend Scouts to everyone" “Having moved up to Scouts during the Covid lockdown, Cerys was always fully engaged and actively taking part. This was even true when activities were over Zoom and other Scouts lost focus. With the return of face-to-face meetings, she demonstrates all the core values to be the perfect Scout. She puts her heart into every activity we do.

For a young woman with a very promising sporting future, she somehow finds capacity and energy putting 110% into Scouting. Putting into practise teamwork and compassion instilled from synchronised swimming, she encourages others to raise their game.

With such a mature outlook, it's good to see that it's not at the detriment to her other interests.

Balancing School, Scouts and Sport; I am proud to have her as part of 101st Church Crookham Scout Troop for which she is a great ambassador in all we do.”

- Scout volunteer Des Rivers

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#GoodForYou

All our activities are run by volunteers, who might join us because they want to: Try something new Make friends Spend time with their children – or gain experience with young people Do something good for their community and themselves Keep their bodies and brains active and happy – whether that's by scaling mountains, sharing skills or serving tea All end up making a huge difference to young people's lives – gifting them with skills for life, and learning a whole lot about themselves along the way.

Martin Mackey, lead volunteer for Hampshire Scouts says he is optimistic we'll pick up on volunteer numbers and, as a result, engage with more young people again.

He said: "Despite Scouting shifting to online, this could not replace the fantastic adventure and challenge that young people gain from meeting up both indoors and outdoors.

"Added to that are the many pressures that people have and continue to experience as we emerge from this pandemic.

"It has meant young people have lost out on so much in the past year and our membership numbers show how many were

unable to continue with Scouts due to lockdown.

"Now that we have returned to proper scouting, although with some Covid-19 restrictions still in place, the good news is that we are seeing young people coming back and in large numbers, so we need more people to help us ensure young people can meet friends, have fun and fulfil their potential by learning skills for life.

"That’s why today we’re calling on people to volunteer with us."

Volunteer today at hampshirescouts.org.uk

#BounceBack

We want to continue to give as many young people as possible skills for life At the start of the pandemic Scouts up and down the county had to leave the great outdoors behind and begin Scouting indoors to keep each other safe.

They couldn't see their friends and some couldn't access Scout activities because of a lack of digital devices.

For nearly all of our volunteers, they faced new uncertainty with their jobs or their lives. Many carried on delivering activities and trying all they could. Plenty were working as key heroes and saw their hours increase dramatically Scouting took a back seat.

Many had to stop Scouting for the time being. Newer Beaver Scouts, who would be raring to start learning new skills and making new friends at age 6, couldn't start or wanted to wait until life returned to normal. As a result, we lost about 3,200 Scouts and 900 adults, around 15% of our members.

We're doing all we can to get all of our Scout groups back to faceto-face activities as quickly as possible.

We've made a resource for Scout leaders to help them do this, we're mobilising our reserves to support groups locally and we're trying new things like Squirrel Scouts for 4 and 5 year olds.

We're supporting our volunteer leaders directly through new digital tools, training online to help them do their role well and exploring new ways to develop our local trustees. Our local managers are key to this so we're launching a Step Up campaign to fill any vacancies and amalgamating smaller districts so local volunteers are part of larger, well resourced teams.

We can't do this alone, so we're also going to create links with Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council to

forge connections across the youth sector where we live.

We're determined to grow back to where we were.

Thousands of parents have been able to experience first hand what Scouting activities look like; we're sure many will want to help us to keep giving those experiences. Just as many girls and boys are eager to join us again and our team are doing all they can to create as many spaces for them as possible.

We're ready and have got the vision but do you? We've all learned again the importance of being outside so get involved to help our young people appreciate it themselves. Find out about how you can make a difference on our website.

Can you help? Go to hampshirescouts.org.uk