OUR ADVENTURE. ct Report
Somerset Scouts’ Impa 2013
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COUNTY COMMISSIONER’S REPORT
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he past year has been both active and successful for Scouting across Somerset. The annual Census showed growth of over 4% and we now have in excess of 4,000 Young People and 1,000 uniformed adults regularly engaged in Scouting, supported by over 1,500 adults who work “behind the scenes” ensuring that grass roots Scouting continues to thrive. The Scouting programme continues to amaze me with varied programmes running right across the County and with our members being active on the national and international scouting scene. I was honoured to be asked to judge the Sedgemoor District sand castle competition, see some of our Network members attend the World Moot in Canada, see 7 members and leaders undertake an expedition to Madagascar, and hear about Templecombe Scouts visit Australia. These are just a few examples of the higher profile Scouting activities. Equally important are the regular weekly meeting enjoyed by so many and often supported by parents and other sections of the community. The Scout Association has a Vision 2018 programme with an aspiration to ensure Scouting effectively reflects the communities in which we live.
I think Somerset is well placed to meet this aspiration due to the energy and enthusiasm of those who support Scouting. The County Treasurer’s report demonstrates that we are a financially “sound” organisation. Looking forward we are earmarking funds to support our 27 Young People and 3 Leaders that will represent the County at the World Jamboree in Japan in 2015 alongside 30,000 other Scouts from around the world. The quality of adult training in the County is recognised as “best in Class” and the envy of many other counties. The training team play their part, but again it is the engagement and enthusiasm of participants that deliver this success. To the County Executive Committee and all those who support Somerset Scouting in such varied way I say a big thank you for making us the success we are. Shaun Dale - County Commissioner
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DEVELOPMENT ell done to all on the Development front – we kept up the momentum of the past four years with increased membership by 4%. The ‘Want to Join’ enquiry system is working well in Somerset. Parents are joining us as Leaders through engagement with local groups where they experience Scouting in action. This year has seen four new District Commissioners come into post. Pam Gaines (Taunton), Tim Burch (Yeovil), Paul Chisling (West) and Jill Groves (Sedgemoor). These roles have a real positive impact on the quality of Scouting delivered to young people. Colina Hine - Deputy County Commissioner (Development).
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TRAINING ongratulations to all our leaders who have been awarded their wood badges for completing their training this year. In total 49 Wood Badges were earned. Leaders attended 1209 modules, 1478 modules were validated and we have over 369 adults currently undergoing training. This shows that our highly skilled leaders are committed to training and delivering a safe and challenging programme to young people. Janet Hall - County Training Advisor
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PROGRAMME oung people have been treated to a stunning year of Scouting opportunities by Somerset this year from the County Chess and Draughts Competition to the World Scout MOOT.
We were fortunate to be able to send 3 youth members to Canada in 2013 to join 2500 Scouts and Guides from all over the world. These international experiences do so much to enrich Scouting locally with a fresh perspective. This year we held two Moots in Somerset. This double Moot bought together 140 Explorers over the two events for weekends of fun, opportunity and development. Our Scouts enjoyed a hugely successful County Jamboree in May. In excess of 200 young people camped together at the Frome Showground with both patrol and competition camping. Cub Scouts spent a day at the Crealy adventure park and our Beaver Scouts enjoyed taking part in the County Connect 4 competition. Our sincere thanks go to the energetic and passionate leaders of Somerset who made the year possible. It was another superb example of the balanced, challenging, and progressive training scheme in action. Thank you. Liz Henderson - Deputy County Commissioner (Programme).
2018
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ince introducing Vision 2018 in February this year, excellent progress has be made in the generation of engagement with young people. This was clearly displayed during the Explorer Scout Moot when the Explorers were engaged directly with the event management team ensuring that their views were taken in to action. In October each year we are now delivering Young Leader Training empowering young people to grow into leadership roles. This was again very successful in 2012 and we delivered modules on challenging behaviour and special needs. Interest continues to pour in from young people wanting to attend these Young Leader Training Weekends. Interest groups are now working on individual strategic items in the vision that will change and shape the way Scouting is delivered in Somerset making it right for the young people of the future. Opportunities will continue to be available to contribute to the future of Scouting in Somerset.