County Lead Volunteer
Author: Howard Nelson
Published: April 1, 2025
Spring has arrived across our beautiful county, bringing longer days, warmer evenings, and a renewed energy to our Scouting activities. From camps and community projects to creative badge work and adventurous outings, it’s been wonderful to see the breadth of opportunities being offered to our young people across Lincolnshire.
I want to extend my thanks to each and every one of you—leaders, supporters, parents, and young people—for your continued enthusiasm and dedication. Scouting doesn’t just happen; it’s built on the passion and commitment of volunteers like you.
Celebrating Outstanding Service – Roll of Honour
Each year, we take a moment to shine a spotlight on some truly exceptional individuals. I’m delighted to highlight the Silver Wolf and Silver Acorn recipients from the 2024 Good Service Awards—our highest recognitions of service and dedication in UK Scouting. I am also delighted to congratulate our other award recipients who can be found at Good Service Awards
Silver Wolf Award
The Silver Wolf is the highest award made by The Scout Association, recognising service of the most exceptional nature.
We are incredibly proud of this year’s recipients:
- Kevin Whitfield
- Malcolm Moore
- Mavis Margetts
- Nigel Savill
- Priscilla Lamerton
These individuals have given decades of selfless, inspirational leadership and truly represent the very best of Scouting. Congratulations on this extraordinary achievement.
Silver Acorn Award
Awarded for specially distinguished service, typically after 20+ years of remarkable contribution.
Congratulations to:
- Clare Dunderdale
- Delphine Norton
- Helen Whitfield
- Irene Hewitt
- Laura Barlex
- Lucy Copeland
- Oliver Chapple
- Paul Woodhead
- Valerie Robinson
- Yvonne Bull
Their dedication has left a lasting legacy in your groups, districts, and across the county—thank you.
The full list of 2024 Good Service Awards can be found at: lincolnshirescouts.org.uk/2024-good-service-awards
March Bulletin
Earn Extra Money This Summer: Become a Site Lead for a High Ropes Adventure Park! Position: Site Lead Location: Wild Pines Park, Market Rasen Attention experienced Scout Leaders! Are you looking to earn extra income during the holidays and weekends? Wild Pines Park, Market Rasen has an exciting opportunity for you as the Site Lead for our High Ropes Adventure Park. Located on an old scout site, Wild Pines has worked closely with the Scouts in the past and see this as an ideal fit for someone who wants to supplement their income and utilise their passion for adventure and outdoor activity. In this role, you will oversee daily operations, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. You'll lead and mentor a team of enthusiastic young instructors, conduct safety inspections, and lead an engaged and friendly team. This is a fantastic opportunity to combine your love for adventure with your leadership skills while earning extra money during your free time. Ready to join us? For more information or to apply, please contact office@wildpinespark.com or visit our website at Outdoor Adventure Fun In Lincolnshire | Wild Pines Park . Wild Pines Park is committed to providing an elite level of customer service and making sure that everyone leaves with a smile on their face.
UK Youth Forum On the 8th March the UK Youth Team hosted the first of its kind youth forum event, bringing Scouts and Explorers from across the county together to help share ideas and shape the future of scouting! 2 Scouts and 2 Explorers from Lincolnshire were chosen to go up to the Etihad stadium in Manchester for the day along with over 150 others scouts from across the county. This was the first every youth forum the scouts have done on a national level and was really amazing to see all the different ideas being shared. This youth forum event will help the UK team put together a strategy for the next 10 years of scouting. Youth Shaped has always played a key part in scouting and this national youth forum showed us that we should all be listening to the voices of our young members as they have some really great ideas! A very big thank you and well done to Edith, Nathan, Hugo, Sophie, Emma Rock (Leader) and Abigail Jodhan-Singh (Leader)
Neurodiversity and Special Education Needs (SEN) support. Throughout May, Scouts will be streaming a series of webinars to help you support young people and volunteers with Neurodiversity and Special Education Needs (SEN). The UK Inclusion Team are running the webinars and they’ll provide you with general support, as well as look at topics such as early years, programme, and mental health. Supporting Neurodiversity | Events | Scouts
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Carla Craney as the new District Lead Volunteer (DLV) for South Holland Scouts from 4 April 2025. Carla brings with her almost ten years of experience in Scouting, having held a variety of roles across multiple sections. This has given her a broad and in-depth understanding of the movement. Carla currently serves as a Group Lead Volunteer (GLV) in Norfolk, and now lives in Holbeach. When she stepped into her GLV role, the group had only two active adult volunteers due to the impact of COVID-19 and the transient nature of its RAF community. Since then, she has rebuilt the team to include 16 adult volunteers from both military and civilian backgrounds. Under her leadership, the group has also launched the district’s first Squirrel section. Carla continues to lead by example, using her experience and knowledge to train and guide others into confident roles. Outside of Scouting, Carla works as a Day Service Manager in Lincolnshire supporting adults with autism, disabilities, and mental health needs, alongside her role as a Regional Manager overseeing community support services for adults and children. Her dedication to building strong, inclusive teams and her ability to drive positive change make her a fantastic addition to the District. I am excited to welcome Carla into this role and look forward to the energy and enthusiasm she will bring to the team. Howard Nelson County Lead Volunteer Lincolnshire
As we move further into the year, I want to take a moment to express my huge thanks to each and every one of you. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment make such a difference to the lives of young people across Lincolnshire. Whether you’re running weekly meetings, supporting leaders, organising events, or helping behind the scenes—Scouting wouldn’t be the same without you! Celebrating Our National Award Winners St. George’s Day is a time for us to celebrate remarkable achievements across our Scouting community. I want to extend special congratulations to all of our National Award recipients, particularly those receiving the Silver Wolf , the highest award for adult volunteers in recognition of exceptional service. Your contributions have been truly outstanding. A huge well done also to our King’s Scout Award recipients —your prestigious achievement reflects incredible dedication, perseverance, and commitment and we are so proud of you! Introducing the New Growth & Development (G&D) Team We are excited to announce the formation of the County Growth & Development (G&D) Team —a new initiative to support Districts and Groups in boosting volunteer recruitment to help grow Scouting locally. But we need your help! We are looking for enthusiastic people to join this team and help make a real difference. The team’s aim is to share learning, ideas, and resources across Lincolnshire, supporting volunteers with: Recruitment Planning – Helping you attract and retain amazing volunteers. Access to Free Resources – Using ready-made, on-brand materials to support your efforts. PR & Event Support – Loaning banners, display boards, and promotional materials for open evenings or local events. Starting New Sections & Groups – Giving you the tools and advice to expand Scouting in your area . If you or someone you know would be interested in joining this important team, please get in touch —we’d love to hear from you! A Final Thank You Scouting thrives because of our volunteers. From all of us at the County Team—thank you for everything you do. You are making a difference, and we are incredibly grateful. Howard Nelson County Lead Volunteer
One thing that we've been hearing in feedback from young people is that post-18, they aren't really sure where their options are for moving forward with scouting. This is backed up by census data showing a huge drop off and retainment rate post-18. To try to fix this, and at least make young people aware of what we are doing, we've decided to run an options session for them, where they can learn more about their choices. Please do encourage as many of your young people aged 16 and above to join. This session is open to those who will be turning 18 in the next year or two, those who have already turned 18 and want to know more about how they can get involved, and even adults who can come so they can better explain choices to their groups in future years. The session will be held on Thursday 20th March at 19:00. The teams link is here: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OTA1ZTFkMGItOGE5Ny00OGUzLWEzMWQtMTBjOTgyMTVhNDU4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22b1442143-1e27-41aa-974f-f902688050de%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22736e29d3-6c40-4fad-912f-d512b4c17db0%22%7d If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at caitlin.hall@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk We hope to see as many there as possible, and thank you for your continued support in making Lincolnshire more youth shaped.
In January, the youth shapers team met at Sudbrooke, joining to share ideas and collaborate on what can be done to ensure Lincolnshire is staying youth shaped. The day itself was fantastic, with young people doing indoor caving and teambuilding activities outside (despite the cold weather) and coming up with some brilliant ideas to implement this coming year. A massive thank you to all involved, and welcome to all of the new members who joined the youth shape team. If you are a young person between 14-18 and interested in joining the youth shapers, please contact caitlin.hall@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk
Your colony is invited to join us for half a day of water based activities on Hykeham Lakes, Lincoln. Planned activities include Bell Boating and Sailing as well as some water themed activities on land. Beavers on Boats (B.O.B) will be held over 2 days at Hykeham Scouts HQ on the 19th and 20th July. Beavers can only attend 1 half day session over the weekend as part of a colony. Beavers can not attend independently. We will be running two sessions each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon All participants will join together for lunch. Each session is limited to 50 participants so please ensure you get your booking in early! Participants will need to bring a packed lunch and a couple of changes of dry clothing, just in case. Further information will be sent to leaders one booked in. Cost - £12 per participant. There are no refunds for this event if the Beaver is unable to attend, although places may be exchanged with other Units. Leaders do not need to pay. When purchasing tickets please ensure you put your group number and district in the box which asks for a name, this way we know which groups have booked onto the event. Bookings link is here Bookings held in line with our privacy policy that can be seen at https://lincolnshirescouts.org.uk/privacy
Please see below for a list of local attractions offering special days/events for uniformed groups. These are all organised by the attractions themselves and not County / District events – Groups interested in attending should book directly with the attractions themselves. Whilst these are specific event dates - all these attractions also offer other deals for uniformed groups on other dates. Saturday 10th May – Science Badge Day at Magna Science Adventure https:// www.visitmagna.co.uk/whats-on/science-badge-day/ Tuesday 3rd June and Thursday 3rd July – Matlock Farm Park Evening visits for Uniformed Groups https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FAXzcBR3n/ Wednesday Evenings in May, June & July – Expedition evenings at Yorkshire Wildlife Park https://www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com/media/5tib5fkt/2022-ywp_1816_expedition- evenings-poster.pdf 21st / 22nd June and 27th / 28th September – Gulliver’s Takeover at Gulliver’s Kingdom (Matlock) & Gulliver's Valley (Rother Valley) https://www.scouts.org.uk/supporters/ gullivers-theme-park-resorts 5th / 6th April, 17th / 18th May, 12th / 13th July and 27th / 28th September – Heights of Abraham https://www.heightsofabraham.com/times-and-tickets/uniform-days Other attractions offering badge workshops Pets at Home – Beaver Animal Friend & Cub Animal Carer Badge Workshops (by arrangement) https://community.petsathome.com/events/the-scouting-association/ RAF Cosford – Air Activities Staged Badge for all sections https:// www.rafmuseum.org.uk/midlands/group-visits/scout-groups/
NorJam Activity Staff Opportunities 🎉 Be a part of the most rewarding way to get involved with NorJam, by enabling young people to participate in over 200 activities! Adult (18+) volunteers are required as Staff to lead and support our awesome activities during the week of NorJam - Saturday 9th to Saturday 16th August 2025. You could be an Activities Leader, Activity Zone Lead Coordinator or Activity Sub-Camp Coordinator, to name drop a few of the activity-related staff roles available at the event! You'll also have access to the Staff Only Areas, to relax and enjoy the amazing entertainment with old friends and new 😃 Click here to see further Activity Staff info: https://www.norjam.org.uk/be-a-norjam-activities-hero/?fbclid=IwY2xjawH6TCdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHY4onfzzcnWFO_iZc3Koz9uksm0yqNzUsqcQEDu9JuB51k2W2jef-Nm4YA_aem_3U4Wwa8YirvvTtb1_e4gLg Click here to book your place as an Activity Staff member: https://www.norjam.org.uk/booking/ Any queries, please go to https://www.norjam.org.uk/contact-us/ and a member of the NorJam Team will respond to you as soon as possible. Thanks, Liam Segust - Programme Deputy Director NorJam 2025 Norfolk Scouts
Other News from Across the County
Bookings open at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bob-beavers-on-boats-2025-tickets-1266630418679?aff=oddtdtcreator
Congratulations to our Good Service Award Recipients
Thursday 8 May is VE Day 80 (Victory in Europe Day). This marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe with the surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allies in May 1945. The day is an opportunity to remember the 450,000 from the UK who lost their lives in the war (including 70,000 civilians) as well as the millions more across Europe and around the world. The event will be marked by commemorative events across the UK. Scouts are invited to light beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace at 9.30pm on Thursday 8 May. If you’re planning to be part of the VE Day Commemoration, you can register your event nationally. You event will be added to the official calendar and a certificate will be issued. Please also let the County Communications tea m know, provide a photo or two plus brief details of the event. The Royal British Legion is also organising events to mark this anniversary, involving veterans from the UK, Commonwealth and beyond. Do one thing: Look out for the VE Day 80 – Scouts for Peace Occasional Badge that can be worn on uniform from May to October 2025. More details on this to follow in the membership email. National VE Day Celebrations – Thursday 08 May 2025 Scouts have been invited to take part in the national VE Day Celebrations, part of which is the special 80th Anniversary concert on the evening of Thursday 08 May 2025. This will take place at the Horse Guards Parade Ground, London. Arrival by 6.30pm and finishing by 10pm. It will be televised on BBC One, but we don’t yet have further details about what will be involved for us. Lincolnshire Scouts has been allocated 10 places for this event (2 adult and 8 young people). Some 10,000 members of the public are expected to attend and we will be part of a wider contingent of 500 Scouts from around the UK and British Scouting Overseas. It promises to be a very special evening, part of a moment in history. Lincolnshire adult volunteers wanting to take part – please respond before Tuesday 25 March 2025 Initially, Howard Nelson -County Lead Volunteer, is looking for two adult volunteers from across the County to lead our contingent of 8 young people of Scout and Explorer Scout age. At this stage, he is inviting expressions of interest from adult volunteers only, to be received by Tuesday 25 March 2025. Candidates will: lead and take responsibility for our contingent, travelling into London, whilst at the event and for the return journey. have section Team Leader or Team Member experience be working with the Scout or Explorer age range (although preferred this is not essential as long as you have experience in either of these sections) If you would to take part, then please let Howard Nelson know by Sunday 23 March and provide the following information: Name Membership number Current role, section, Group / Unit A paragraph about yourself and why you would like to take up this opportunity. Young People wanting to take part – please respond before Friday 04 April 2025 With 8 May being just 8 weeks away, Howard is also seeking candidates from young people wanting to take part. Section Team Leaders in Scouts and Explorers, please talk to your young people about this opportunity at your meetings next week and let Howard know your candidates, by providing the name of the young person(s) initially. If there are too many candidates then it is likely the places will be decided on the basis of ease of transport arrangements or potentially a ballot. The deadline for submission of names is before Friday 04 April 2025. Interested or would like more information? Please reply / get in touch with Howard at howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk.
Welcome to the latest edition of the Lincs County Bulletin. This is issued on the first Friday of each month. The bulletin will be sent to all adults registered on My Membership and distributed widely. To submit material for the bulletin please email howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk . Download as a PDF View historic Bulletins In this issue: From the County Lead Volunteer Beavers on Boats - bookings open 1/4/25 at 10am Post 18 Options Session Weekend on the Water Youth Shapers event January 2025 It's time to book on as a staff member at Poacher 2026! NorJam Activity Staff Opportunities Uniform days at external attractions LincsFest - Save the date New membership system
First response dates for March and April 2025 17 th March 7pm-9pm – online - Consolidation session for those that have completed the Hampshire e-learning module. Please send your e-learning certificate to Lucy or Michelle prior to the course. 26 th March 7pm-8pm – online – Top up session for those Leaders that have completed an external first aid course that does not include the Scout specific extras on the syllabus. 7 th April 7pm-9pm - online - Consolidation session for those that have completed the Hampshire e-learning module. Please send your e-learning certificate to Lucy or Michelle prior to the course. Bookings at https://forms.office.com/e/Xkvgv51NMQ
Bookings now open for WOW (Weekend on the Water). This event is for Explorers (14+), Network and Adult Volunteers.
Welcome to the latest edition of the Lincs County Bulletin. This is issued on the first Friday of each month. The bulletin will be sent to all adults registered on My Membership and distributed widely. To submit material for the bulletin please email howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk . Download as a PDF View historic Bulletins In this issue:
Pride
Young people first: safeguarding and safety in Scouting
Wherever we go and whatever we do, we put young people’s safety and wellbeing first. Here's how.
Lincolnshire County Scout Council
Registered Charity (England & Wales): 522395
Room 14, Greetwell Place Managed Workspace, 2 Lime Kiln Way,
Off Greetwell Road, Lincoln, LN2 4US
Part of The Scout Association
Registered Charity (England & Wales): 306101
Gilwell Park, Chingford, London, E4 7QW