Scouting Through Covid

The disruption caused by the global Covid pandemic continued to impact our Scouting activities throughout the financial period for year-end 31 August 2021 and beyond, including fundraising and other operational activities. However, we are delighted to note that the Government lifted restrictions from 22nd January 2022, and this will have a positive impact for Scouting into 2022. At the start of the pandemic Scouting Ireland put policies and procedures in place that prioritise the health, safety, and wellbeing of all our Scouts and Scouters, as well as our staff and volunteers. This always ensured compliance with government guidelines while supporting any opportunities to rise to the challenge of joining the national pandemic response at a community level. This was evident during the year, when local projects and initiatives included visiting those living alone and in nursing homes, delivering groceries and medical supplies, and spreading kindness and good wishes to raise spirits in the community. The resourcefulness of our volunteers has not gone unnoticed as they provided this significant support to many in their localities.

As the national response to the pandemic evolved, we were able to see virtual Scouting meetings being slowly replaced with the small-group system. This ensured that our young people could have a vital outlet and some certainty in these very uncertain times. It must be acknowledged that this was a tremendous effort on behalf of our Volunteers who gave their time while continuing to fulfil their personal family roles and, in some cases, providing vital professional care as front-line workers in the public health setting.

Our professional staff within Scouting Ireland also rose to the occasion and maintained vital services while being placed on a reduced 3-day week for several months during the financial year. The difficult but necessary proactive actions by the directors included the reduction, cancellation and/or deferment of virtually all operational expenses in line with income to maintain the viability of the business, while ensuring the continued protection of critical safeguarding and safety functions and frontline support to volunteers. The company also availed of all government supports available.

Kilcock Scouts – 16th Kildare assisting their Tidy Towns group with a project, December 2021.