It almost seems time to retire the #ScoutingNewbie hashtag now I’ve earned my Wood Badge and have my Wood Beads. But I still feel new at this, so I think I’ll continue to use it, just less often.
I'm going to my first Beavers planning meeting tomorrow.
Yes, I’m still going along to Beavers.
No, I’m not a Beaver Leader now.
Should be interesting, especially since it’s not my Section and I’m not sure what level of input from me they are looking for. I’d imagine it’s mostly so I know what’s in store for the Term rather than just going along with little prior knowledge this time.
I just found a photo collage of my first Scout Camp. Not featuring me, or photos taken by me…but I was present.
It feels like an age ago.
Though I’ve still not been to that many Camps & I still feel like a Newbie in that respect.
It’s probably not just because there have been so few I had the chance to attend, but because they have been so “relaxed” since. That first Camp had the Young People making Camp Gadgets, seemed more “traditional” & had more ceremony.
I’m not going out of my way to tick off Firsts, simply letting things unfold & taking opportunities that I’m interested in, that I think I am suitable for & capable of doing. Some Events more than others need helpers. If I’m available I’ll help.
I want to gain experience, & do so in a wide variety of things, so I can be the best I can be & identify what I’m good at. It’s not like I’m trying to 100% Scouting, that isn’t a good approach, we volunteer primarily to help others.
I’ve been on under-canvas Scout Camps & Events of various sizes/levels with my own Scout Group & without. I’ve been on Scouting Residentials with permanent roofs & walls. I even unexpectedly got to be part of Event Support Staff via my course training once.
The next ticks on my list are going to be,*drumroll*
1) a 5-Day Event
2) being part of an Event Team
Not quite up to the 3 year mark but I’ve somehow managed to do a fair few things.
I have now reached the “needs insect repellent” stage of being an Adult Volunteer in Scouting.
Those of you regular followers will be like “hang on, you’re in Scotland, you must have some experience with midges already?!”
Not knowingly. Though I can often be found outdoors, it’s not really been in areas where they are prevalent.
I’m going to an event soon where head nets and repellent are on the kit list.
So, recommendations for midge repellent please!
⚜️
Tonight at Cubs was, I hope, Egg-cellent.
Our Young People:
- made Chocolate Nests
- designed an Easter Egg
- made an Easter Basket
- had an Egg Hunt around the Hut grounds (it was getting dark & they probably didn’t find them all)
I started the night by having an Investiture Ceremony for one of my new Leadership Team. The first I had performed for a Leader, so I modelled it on my own Investiture & got some of the Cubs to help.
⚜️🐣
#ScoutingUK #ScoutingNewbie #Investiture #CubScouts #Scouting
This week was Skills Night at Cubs.
I’m frankly amazed that not only did all my planned things get done, there was enough time for 2 different games to be played too.
There was tattie peeling, necker rolling, table setting, clothes folding, light bulb changing & hot drink making/washing up. Then Sleeping Lions & North South East West.
The last few Cubs Meetings have went so well I’m getting close to retiring the #ScoutingNewbie hashtag (not that I’ve been using it much recently).
The weather forecast has much improved for my Scouting outdoors training event which starts tomorrow.
Pretty much dry now, but they warn you in the provided information that you can get 4 Seasons in 1 day at this time of year.
They say they usually have 140 attending this event. That’s including the instructors. And there’s no Young People, it’s only for adult volunteers to learn new skills.
#ScoutingUK #ScoutingScotland #Outdoors25 #ScoutingNewbie ⚜️ 🏴 🌄
I’m due to go the Outdoor Conference at the turn of the month to learn some Scouting skills.
I just looked at the forecast.
WET. REALLY WET.
As the name implies, the courses are outdoors. I can see it getting cancelled. I don’t think they have sufficient facilities to take the majority into more sheltered circumstances.
(BTW sleeping, catering & extra curricular activities are indoors, if you envisaged camping.)
That said, they may see it as part of the training. #ScoutingUK #ScoutingNewbie
CheekyMcB