Author: Howard Nelson
Published: January 3, 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
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