Over the past few weeks volunteers have been supporting each other and shaping the Scouting year ahead with gatherings for amongst others: Section volunteers, Group Lead Volunteers, District Team Leaders, and our District Trustees.
We are keen that volunteers use our WhatsApp groups to build on this to continue collaborating and sharing. We have also now launched our new City of York Facebook group for volunteers to keep connected with what is happening around the District. You can join here
We have launched our re-shaped Events Team who are keen to have more people on their team to help occasionally, and enjoy the camaraderie.
Our team at York Scout Activity Centre are keen to recruit volunteers with trade skills such as plumbing, electrics, and property maintenance.
We also want to hear from website developers, and people confident with using social media, or helping with projects.
One of my personal highlights has been going back to front-line Scouting by refereeing at our Cubs Football competition, where Paddy McLaughlin from York City FC presented our new trophy. It was also inspiring to witness Explorers at our Denmark Jamboree Reunion sharing memories and fielding questions from parents. We had guest appearances from our County Lead Volunteer (Max Butler) and YouTuber Scoutadelic (Mike Rouse-Deane).
Our Trustees have also been reflecting on the amazing achievements of our volunteers over the past 6 months, including; setting up a charity with new bank accounts, policies, systems and processes; establishing new District teams; improving facilities at York Scout Activity Centre (Snowball Plantation), running a Youth Forum, and developing strategic plans for the future…..all whilst maintaining a fabulous programme of District events, and Groups continuing to deliver opportunities for over 2000 young people every week in over 100 Sections, and looking after 100s of customers at York Scout Activity Centre.
Over the next few months I am particularly looking forward to our Youth Weekend in December to shape our support for DofE, develop Young Leaders, and the Explorers Party. We also have parties for Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs. We keep adding to our Events calendar every month, so do check it out. Please do your best to encourage young people to sign up to join the fun.
Thanks for all you do..
NIgel White
District Lead Volunteer (DLV)
