From the County Lead Volunteer
Author: Howard Nelson
Published: March 6, 2025
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
March Bulletin
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
Save the date Lincsfest 25 is being held over the weekend 12-14 th September 2025 at Sudbrooke Park, Lincoln. All the good bits from last year and much more. Bookings open shortly. If you have any suggestions for sessions, please let me know at Malcolm.moore@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk and we will see if we can include it in the programme.
New membership system There are still a large number of members who have not logged into the new membership system. If you continue to have difficulty, please reach out to your Lead Volunteer for help or email malcolm.moore@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk This is essential to be done as you will then be able to accept the membership agreement and access your learning and members of your team. Regrettably if learning is not done, particularly, safety, safeguarding and first aid, then your membership will be at risk of suspension.
Bookings are open for staff members for Poacher 26! First, have a look at the website and see what your top roles are. There is a wide selection across the event, and the web page gives a short description for each. You can also filter your area of interest, so you don’t just see our long list of roles! Then, once you’ve chosen, follow the link to book! https://poacher.org.uk/updates/staff-booking-applications-are-now-open/ If you are already part of a team, please wait to hear from your team leader before registering. They will have a special link for you to use. When completing your booking application form, please fill in all the boxes, if you hover over the question it will tell you what we’re looking for in the answer. Here’s a helping hand: Appointment: please tell us your current role in Scouting or Guiding. Please also consider how this information needs to be appropriate and outline what your current role is. Camping location: We’re wanting you to tell us whether you are camping on the staff camp or with a group (if group, let us know which). Relevant Experience: tell us a little bit about you, but again remember that information needs to be appropriate. Permits and certificates: Relevant certification for the staff team preferences you’ve chosen. For example, if you have a Scouting and/or Guiding permit for canoeing, or a National Governing Body (NGB) qualification climbing, etc. Please write “none” if you have no relevant Scouting or Guiding Activity permits or NGB certificates. Tell us a little bit about yourself: tell us why you’re a good candidate for the team, maybe you worked on the same team at Poacher 2022, or it is your hobby outside of Scouting and Guiding. Don’t forget your membership number! That’s the form complete! You’ll later receive two emails – one confirming your registration, and another asking you to create a login. Please give it some time for them to come through, but also check it doesn’t accidentally go into your spam or junk folders. If it does, add bookings@poacher.org.uk to your ‘whitelist’ by marking them as ‘not spam’ – this way they always get through and you won’t miss any updates! If you’re bringing children, please register the same way, and then email bookings@poacher.org.uk with your child’s name, D.O.B, attending parents name, if they’ve got any medical conditions, and gender. Any questions drop an email to bookings@poacher.org.uk .
First response dates for March and April 2025 17th 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. 26th 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. 7th 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
The County Water Activities Team are again running Weekend on the Water. What : Sailing, Powerboating, Canoe/Kayak, Bell Boat and SUP courses. Who : Scouts aged 13+, Explorers, Young Leaders, Network, all adults in Lincolnshire scouting. For those under 18, a leader will need to attend with the Young people. Location : 15th Lincoln Scouts Water HQ at Apex Lake, North Hykeham. There is camping on site. Cost : £45 per participant for Sailing, SUP, Bellboating and Canoe/Kayaking. £60 for Powerboating . Other Bring your own tent. Water sports kit needed (wet-suits or old clothes + old trainers. Buoyancy aids provided). The only additional costs will be for any specific assessment/certificate costs. Food: We will provide food from Saturday am – Sunday lunch. You will need to feed yourselves on Friday night (we will have hot drink making facilities) – you could bring a packed tea, have tea before you arrive, or get something on your way! You may also want to bring supper snacks! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lincolnshire-scouts-weekend-on-the-water-wow-2025-tickets-1266617560219?aff=oddtdtcreator Places fill quickly, book early to avoid disappointment!
Module 10 First Response An opportunity to complete your Module 10- First Aid. During the day, you will complete your First Aid training, meaning you'll have all the skills and knowledge to manage an incident and cover basic First Aid. This is a county-run event, but taking place locally, so if you need to complete your first response training soon, now is the ideal opportunity! There are two courses, and they will take place at: 1) Grantham - May 10 Scout Hq, Earlesfield Lane, Lincs, NG31 7NT 0900-1600 Link to Book https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1320058754269?aff=oddtdtcreator 2) Boston - June 15 8th Boston (Wyberton): Tytton Lane East, Wyberton, PE21 7HP 0900-1600 Link to Book https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1320060278829?aff=oddtdtcreator Further dates will be published in due course. Bring a packed lunch Notepad and pen Tea and Coffee provided
Bookings are now open The county over 18s only camp, training and social event is back from 13th - 14th September 2025 at Sudbrooke Park Campsite, Lincoln. The event is running from Saturday 13 September (with activities starting 10am) to Sunday 14 September (Lunchtime) and also the option to just come for the day on the Saturday. Full information and details will be shared with all participants before the event. The cost of the event is £7 for member within Lincolnshire Scouts and £10 for any other member of the Scout Association. All scouters, including Trustee Board members and Helpers are welcome. Cost includes badge, travel mug, access to the event and all activities and tea/coffee/squash facilities throughout the event. Booking Link = https://forms.office.com/e/MgCvcssb19
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 New District Lead Volunteer - South Holland Neurodiversity and Special Education Needs (SEN) support Jamboree and International Save the Date UK Youth Forum Message from the Chief Scout – Awards Earn Extra Money This Summer: Become a Site Lead for a High Ropes Adventure Park!
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
