Census 2025

31 December 2024 As I pen this message on New Year’s Eve, it feels like the perfect moment to reflect on the journey we’ve shared over the past year and to look forward to our plans for 2025. The past year has been one of incredible adventures, growth, and learning, and I’m immensely proud of the resilience, enthusiasm, and energy each of you has brought to Lincolnshire Scouts. Since stepping into the role of County Lead Volunteer in May 2024, I have been privileged to witness a wealth of fantastic Scouting. From County events such as Chiller, Lincsfest, and numerous water activity days, to the brilliant Scouting taking place at a local level, it’s been inspiring to see our community thrive. I’ve also been delighted to note the growing number of King’s Scouts and DofE Gold Award recipients. Achieving the King’s Scout Award or DofE Gold is the pinnacle of a Scout’s journey, and I’d like to extend my congratulations to everyone who earned this prestigious award in 2024. This year also marked the beginning of significant improvements to the volunteer experience. With the introduction of new digital tools in November and updated ways of working, these advancements are set to enhance our volunteering environment. I’m keen to see further improvements and refinements to these tools in 2025 and am confident they’ll make Scouting simpler and more rewarding for us all. Looking ahead to 2025, there’s much to look forward to for our Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers. Highlights include the Chill Out Camp in July, as well as LittleLincs and Lincub later in the year. We’re also planning several sessions to support those taking on new Team Leader roles, with the first focused on Programme Team Leads in the spring. Preparations for the return of Poacher in 2026 are now also well underway. You can see details of all events for 2025 on the new county calendar at https://www.lincolnshirescouts.org.uk/members/calendar and on the front page of the website . I recognise that adult recruitment remains a challenge in some areas across Lincolnshire, and addressing this will be a key focus for 2025. Additionally, I’m excited to announce the upcoming launch of a grant programme designed to support the development of our buildings and campsites – more details will be shared on our website soon and in this bulletin. Scouting simply wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and support of our incredible volunteers. To every leader, helper, parent, and supporter across the County, I want to express my sincere thanks. It’s due to your hard work and commitment that Lincolnshire Scouts continues to provide young people with opportunities to embrace new challenges, discover their potential, and create lifelong memories. I have been especially pleased to see a good number of adult volunteers receive HQ awards for their service including a record number of Silver Wolf awards, the highest award possible for adults in Scouting. As we step into the new year, I wish you all a successful and fulfilling 2025. I look forward to hearing about the exciting Scouting adventures that the coming year will bring. Happy New Year! Howard County Lead Volunteer

Lincolnshire Scouts IMP small capital projects fund Applications for the Lincolnshire Scouts IMP small capital projects fund will be considered for projects is designed for small capital (improvement / building) projects, to improve (not repair) Scouting infrastructure / facilities. The aim is to support projects that will facilitate the delivery of better-quality Scouting to more young people. The fund is available to Scout Groups and Districts within Lincolnshire Scouts. Awards to others and individuals are not allowed. The IMP small capital project fund is limited– once allocated funds are spent the fund will be closed. The IMP small capital project scheme can fund no more than £2,500. Funds must be matched by an equal amount from another source. Where possible, other sources of development funding should already have been sought, or should be in the process of being sought e.g. Headquarters grants, other grants, fundraising by the applicants or funding from the applicant’s reserves. Lincolnshire Scout County will not support applications where grants/loans from the County are the only source of funding. Small Capital Project Grants The capital project should directly benefit Scouting, either through: The extension of facilities, to allow Scouting to be provided to more young people, The improvements to Scouting facilities to deliver better quality Scouting to more young people or a more diverse group of young people. This includes the provision of disabled access or improvements to facilities to allow use by minority groups (including gender groups). In exception circumstances, the reinstatement of Scouting facilities, where the condition of the current facilities is a significant detriment to the delivery of quality Scouting. The grant application should indicate any target growth in numbers or improvement in the quality of Scouting which the loan/grant will facilitate. The grant application should indicate how the capital asset or facilities will be maintained. Timing of Applications Applications may be made at any time, but are only considered twice per year based on funds available and the following calendar: For Applications received by 30 April 30 September Applications reviewed during May October Applicants advised of outcomes 30 September 30 November General Conditions Applicants need to run “safe premises” demonstrated by the safe premises checklist which would need to be submitted at the time of the grant application. Applicants with reserves greater than 6 months of their income would not be eligible to apply. Applicants would need to own their property or have a lease with more than 10 years remaining. Applications will need be endorsed by (as appropriate) the DLV /GLV / Group Chair. Applicants should have an effective Trustee Board (a minimum of a Chair and Treasurer) and GLV in place. Applicants must be registered for Gift Aid, or be in the process of registering for Gift Aid. A project report detailing how the funds were spent including receipts will need to be submitted within 3 months of the end of the project. Funds must be spent within 12 months of award and any funds not spent must be returned to the County. Applications will be scored. In the event of applications made at the same time, the application received first will take priority. Planning and architects fees are excluded. Lincolnshire Scouts will publicise the grants. Applicants may only apply once for this fund. Lincolnshire Scouts reserve the right to decide on how awards are made and to withdraw the scheme at its discretion. Application forms can be found at https://www.lincolnshirescouts.org.uk/IMP-grants/apply

Young Leader training weekend 11th - 13th April 2025 Key Details: Arrival: From 6:00 PM on Friday Collection: By 3:00 PM on Sunday Accommodation: Indoor accommodation is available on a First-come, First-served basis. Camping is also available (please bring your own tent). Kit List and Itinerary will be sent out closer to the event What to Expect: Training modules A–J to help you progress towards your Young Leader Award. Additional opportunities For skill development and Fun activities. Food: All meals will be provided throughout the weekend. Cost: The event is subsidised by the County; we ask For a £15 contribution per participant. Payment details: Lincolnshire County Scout Council, 09-01-27, 91841993, Payment Deadline: 01.03.2025 Flexibility: Can’t attend the whole weekend? That’s Fine! You’re welcome to join us for: A single day Specific modules One Night Please make contact to arrange an alternative schedule. Accessibility: If you require reasonable adjustments to participate Fully, please get in touch to discuss your needs. We’ll do our best to support you. How to Book: Complete your booking using the link https://Forms.oFFice.com/e/E2vdn4ekwA We look forward to seeing you there! Shacklewell Hollow Scout Site, Stamford Road, LE15 8ǪǪ Contact: Ellie.Broome@LincolnshireScouts.org.uk

Over these past few weeks, there has been a recruitment drive for the Lincolnshire Youth Shapers, with a recruitment day set to take place on the 11th January to involve more new members in the team. Applications are open for another few days, so if you do want to attend - or let someone who you think would be interested know - the link to sign up is https://forms.office.com/e/9FN3YFUcri . Any new youth shaping opportunities can be found posted on the Instagram page @youshapelincs and on the county website . In addition to this, I have created a short guide on youth shaped scouting based on the comments and feedback from young people, and how this could be implemented within sections. This guide can be found at here . More information on youth shaped scouting is at https://www.lincolnshirescouts.org.uk/youth-shaped . Kind regards, Caitlin

When you access your membership information on the new system, there is an area where anyone can nominate a person for recognition for an award. If you know of a member who has gone above and beyond their volunteering role, taking on extra responsibility, supporting others, building the group or District, or taking on a project that has impacted others, then there is an award available. Click on the section, find the person, and explain why you feel recognition is necessary. The system does the rest by forwarding your nomination to the next stage automatically. Some awards require a minimum number of years’ service, but in exceptional circumstances, this can be overcome. There is also an opportunity to nominate young people and adults for Meritorious Conduct and Gallantry awards, Cornwell Scout Badge and the Chief Scout’s Personal Awards. I look forward to seeing many more leaders and young people receiving appropriate recognition. Malcolm.Moore@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk Tel 07402 504818

The new system of welcoming volunteers into their role is a massive improvement. If you would like to get involved in your group, District, or County, you will need to complete the learning online and the outcome will be recorded in your record. Let your lead Volunteer know you are interested. Volunteers are needed in all Groups, Districts and at County level. Malcolm.Moore@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk Tel 07402 504818