The DC reflects on the Lockdown

Phil Hunt, District Commissioner writes:

We’ve had to cancel camps, outings, training sessions and expeditions and – because we’re optimists – we’ve rescheduled a number of events until after the Summer. But the reality is that the Government restrictions affecting Scouting are likely to continue for some months yet – and realistically we may even have to wait until next year before we’ll be permitted to return to ‘normal’ Scouting and do all the things we did way back in 2019 (can you remember?).

So, in the meantime it’s great to see that Scouting in Richmond upon Thames at least, has embraced Scouting Indoors and is adapting Programme requirements accordingly.

It’s vitally important we keep Scouting going despite the challenges. It’s important for our adult volunteers to keep in touch with each other of course as we continue to plan and maintain services and offer Scouting by post, but it’s even more important that we offer our Young People opportunities to stay in touch with their Scouting friends in real-time.

Thanks to our amazing Leaders, many of our Beaver, Cub, Scout and Explorer sections throughout the District are meeting regularly on Zoom, Meet, Teams, Skype and other online video software tools and are running very successful evening sessions. I know – I’ve been to few now.

Naturally, just like real meetings, the content of virtual meetings needs to be adapted according to age. Whilst Beavers will love a quick home-based scavenger hunt, Scouts and Explorers love properly organised Escape Rooms, virtual camps and, quite often just a chat with their pals they’re missing. We have lots of ideas on our Scouting indoor page which is updated regularly – check it out, often – and if it’s ideas for Scout and Explorer virtual meetings you want, we have lots of those too. We can put you in touch with a large network of Scouters who are very actively following an online Programme, contact digital@richmondscouts.org.uk

Just like Scouting in person, Scouting at a distance must follow the Safeguarding and Safety rules. More details here.

These are challenging times for everyone but in the Scouts we’re flexible, we rise to a challenge and always whistle in the face of difficulties (I’m sure we still do that, even if we don’t say it any more!).

So let’s keep whistling and Doing Our Best – virtually.

And I’d like to thank all our volunteers who are working very hard to keep Scouting going so that we can hit the road running when it’s all over. And I can get a haircut!

Keep safe.

Phil Hunt
District Commissioner