As our Scouting year comes to a close, Chief Volunteer Rhian Moore thanks volunteers in her annual summer message and reminds us that our Scouting values are at the core of everything that we do
Hello. Shwmae.
We’ve got to the end of another Scouting year and it’s thrown up new challenges around the way that we Scout and how we keep everyone safe.
Integrity, care, and cooperation from our values are at the core of the work that we have been doing and I thank everyone involved for what you are doing to formalise how we Scout in line with the approved policy and rules, as well as keeping the doors open for so much fun and adventure for young people.
We’ve asked Area and District teams to focus on rules for nights away, adventurous activities, visits abroad, training compliance and adult training, with checklists and assurances that we are doing the right things in the right ways, proving we are putting safety at heart of all that we do.
All so you can all focus on the things you do brilliantly:
I see you, and I see what you’re doing and I see what you give, and I am massively appreciative of everything you contribute to the wonderful world of Scouting. Thank you.
Please have your own summer of fun, and take time to recharge and reflect on everything that you’ve achieved for young people in your groups and areas.
In September I am asking you to focus on getting ready for the switch on of the new digital system, getting your emails up to date in Compass and ticking all the right boxes so the transfer is easy. I promise you it is coming before the end of the year, and Clwyd, our early adopter, will go first and then very soon afterwards the rest of us will go live on that new system.
I am also asking you not to forget about how we can invite even more young people and adult volunteers to join our adventure so we grow. How we go out into communities where we know there are people who we can work with to become Scouts, and how we grow our existing sections and keep opening Squirrel Dreys all over Wales.
In moments where overwhelm sets in and I start to unpack the things that we are asking you to do in a big long list, I pause, panic a little, ground myself, breathe, and remember that we aren’t alone. We have the privilege of asking for help, of working together and making a difference for each other.
Then, my confidence soars, my pride in our movement grows and my heart and my head settle and stop swirling. And I know that as Scouts, we have got this – we have got the rules and processes, we have the willingness and expertise, and we have the pride and the passion to do the right things in the right ways.
Putting young people at the heart of all that we do is centre to this, and working with each other to create fun and adventure, and skills for life for a positive future, we make a real difference, one Scout meeting at a time.
I’ve been out and about speaking to volunteers and watching the smiles on the faces of young people – remembering why I Scout, remembering what we are capable of and remembering why we spend the hours helping other people.
It’s the laughs, the cheeky antics, the pride in themselves. The campfires, the competitions when they say they aren’t even competitive, and the excitement when they tell their parents about what they have been up to.
That’s what you make happen. That’s the part you play. And that’s why we Scout.
Next year we will celebrate 100 years of the ScoutsCymru Council and we are looking at how we mark that milestone. We reflect on our heritage, look forward to the future and how we navigate our way through the challenges that we undoubtably will face.
You are all making a difference to people’s lives, and sometimes you don’t even realise how you are helping them to live their promise of being their best, doing their duty and helping other people.
I promise you that you are. You are brilliant, you are inspiring, and I appreciate everything that you do. Thank you all so much for everything. You’re brilliant and Scouting really wouldn’t be the same without you. Thank you, have a great summer, and BRAVO.
