Newcastle Scouts Newsletter | December 2021
Welcome to the first edition of the Newcastle Scouts Newsletter! Keep an eye out for these – this is where we will be sharing the latest news, information, and announcements for our District. Dive in below ?
2021 Draws to a Close
Team DC Update
We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone for their efforts this year under very strange and at times trying circumstances!
The popularity of Scouting in the City is still growing and to this end we have recently added a second Cub Pack to Brunton Park, a second Beaver Colony based at House on the Hill to our Westerhope group and a Muslim Beaver Colony on a Sunday morning to the 49th Newcastle. We’ve received over 150 youth joining enquiries this term alone.
We acknowledge that it has been difficult at times in terms of planning and running meetings, trips and camps due to the uncertainty around restrictions which change at short notice and we find ourselves back in this situation with the recent Omicron variant. Whilst it could be some time before we see a complete return to normality, many groups and sections have successfully adapted to shorter programme planning cycles, managing expectations with parents about short notice opportunities (and cancellations) and fully embracing OSM and technology to help with this – and in many cases have actually grown their section membership!
House on the Hill was a lifeline for many Scout and Guide groups displaced from their meeting places during the pandemic, and groups and events looking for large, safe outdoor space and we’re continuing to develop the facilities there and will soon be taking delivery of archery equipment to add to the new grass sledges, pioneering poles, games equipment etc. for groups to use. Unfortunately Sawmill Campsite (Scots’ Gap) is closed until further notice due to damage caused by Storm Arwen recently.
At the start of the year we had 635 young people taking part in our virtual camp – The Winter Weekender – with some invited from the waiting list who really engaged and have now joined a local Colony, Pack or Troop (even if they have to travel slightly further than their local Group). Following that, we then had a further 3,300 young people booked onto various other Virtual Scouting sessions throughout the year and over 2,500 young people attending District-led F2F events since March.
As the number of young people increases, we need more help than ever to support – whether that is with supporting sections/programme/events, administration/organisation, property maintenance, technical/media, etc. – either short-term or long-term – please let one of Team DC know for a quick chat or phone call. Everyone is part of the District and we can achieve much more by working together.
We are looking forward to offering more section support in terms of programme, resources, equipment, more opportunities to share skills and ideas and more camps, trips and events – starting with The Winter Weekender on 5th-7th January 2022.
Once again, thanks for all your help and support during a very bumpy 12 months and we hope that you and your family have a nice Christmas break.
Dan, Kath, Tony
Newcastle Team DC
Year in Review
With your help, we’ve managed to grow our District to just over 1,500 young people and over 300 adult volunteers – along with opening multiple new sections across the city.
We’ve had District camps for Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts; strengthened our Young Leader unit and gained both adults and children to groups across Newcastle. We’ve also seen a bounceback in numbers after Covid, and look to 2022 as an even bigger year!
To put it simply, Scouting in Newcastle could not succed without you! Given the challenges of the past year, this has been more evident than ever – thanks to your hard work, we moved scouting away from a screen and back to face to face. You give Skills for Life and inspire the next generation, Specifically here in Newcastle where we now have 1,500 young people who owe their thanks to you!
We wish you a happy holiday and hopefully some time to relax and prepare for 2022. So, on behalf of all the young people who’s lives you improve on a weekly basis – Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
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Looking to 2022
First Aid Training 2022
Saturday 29th January and Sunday 20th February
These are the first two dates scheduled for the beginning of 2022. Adults only need to attend one complete day to obtain an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification. The training is delivered by Karen Patterson (external). If you are a new adult in Scouting or an adult whose training has either ran out or is running out in the next couple of months you can apply for a course by contacting [email protected]. Course sizes are limited to 12 people.
Remember that every section meeting or event must have at least one adult present with valid and current first aid training. Additionally, HQ expects that all members with roles that require first aid training are expected to be up to date with their first aid training by 31st January 2022.
#GoodForYou becomes #GoodForTwo
A new drive for recruitment begins in 2022 – inspired by the #GoodForYou campaign we hope to push out a new strategy for 2022 called #GoodForTwo.
Launching 22/02/22 (a Twosday) – kick things off by inviting a friend to come along to your section night to see if it would interest them. Combine this with a bring-a-friend night for all your Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts, and use it to help recover and grow your section numbers. More Resources from HQ in the new year.
A New Programme
We’re working hard to create an engaging and packed District programme for 2022. Off the back of the District Youth Forum (below), next year’s programme will be more youth shaped than ever.
Alongside national events and activities, such as the Platinum Jubilee, we’re hoping to provide oppourtunities for all sections and ages to get involved with, while also connecting the adult scouting community more frequently.
If you have and idea or wish to run an event for the District, please get in touch, we love fresh ideas!
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Recent Happenings
Harry Potter Camp 2021
Cubs from across the District gathered for a weekend packed full of Harry Potter themed activities at Moor House Scout Activity Centre. Along with 2 nights away, there was Wand Making, Mini Whomping Willows, Spell Casting, Quidditch, Wand Painting, Potion Making, and brewing Chocolate Frogs
Kingswood Adventure Camp
Over 100 Cubs and Scouts from across the District came together at Dukeshouse Wood Activity Centre to take part in a weekend packed full of adventurous activities including 3G swing, archery, zip wire, high ropes, laser tag, fencing, assault course, and the leap of faith. Take a look below to see what went on ?
Lastly, myself and Team DYC would like to thank you for your support in our new roles. As always, feedback is appreciated.
On behalf of the District Team, Wishing you all a Merry Christmas,
