Group Scout Leader update
I wanted to start this week’s Rewind post by saying, “Thank you”.
First of all, to the adults who have been able to support our efforts to, “go virtual”. It hasn’t been the most natural or easy thing for some of us to adjust to.
Secondly, to the young people, for embracing the shift to virtual Scouting, and for reminding us why we volunteer. Was brilliant to see so many happy and engaged faces during our four virtual meetings. We were also grateful to receive positive and warm feedback from parents/guardians sharing how much their young person had enjoyed and looked forward to the session.
Finally, to parents and guardians, especially those of Beavers and Cub age, who we requested stay with their young people during the meeting. We know you’ve all got a challenging level of stuff going on and sitting with your young person for 60-90 minutes whilst they took part may not have been your first choice of how to spend your evening.
None of us has any idea how long we’ll be in this position. And given that uncertainty, I’m pleased to be able to share with you that whilst Scouting would ordinarily pause during school holidays, we will be continuing to offer a programme over Easter. In addition, we will be launching our “Badges at Home” scheme in the next couple of weeks. This is an opportunity for young people to still achieve many of the awards without needing to do so in person at a meeting.
Finally, as a reminder, the Coronavirus information and advice page on our website is updated regularly for the latest on Penistone Scouts’ arrangements: https://penistonescouts.uk/coronavirus
The week ahead (6th April onwards):
When participating in our virtual meetings, please change the name of the person joining to be that of your young person. This change can be made on a meeting by meeting basis, even if you’re using a work account to connect. By the young person’s name being visible, it really helps us to identify and engage properly with the young people. (Of particular benefit when the presenting leader may not normally be at your young person’s section meeting, so don’t know them by face). We will be adding a Zoom top tips section to the web site soon.
Beavers
All three colonies will be virtually meeting on Tuesday 7th April.
Their Zoom meeting starts at 18:30 and will last up to one hour. As with last week, parents/guardians need to please remain with their young person.
Brian has sent an email, via Online Scout Manager, which includes the pre-work your young person to (if possible) please complete before the session and then have to hand during the meeting. The attachments may not have been visible within the email, you need to click the invitation link to see the files in the relevant area of Parent Portal.
Cubs
All three packs will be virtually meeting on Thursday 9th April.
Their Zoom meeting starts at 18:00 and will last up to one hour. As with last week, parents/guardians need to please remain with their young person.
Shauna has sent an email, via Online Scout Manager, which includes the pre-work your young person needs to please do and have to hand during the session. The attachments were not with the email, you have to click the invitation link to get to the relevant area of Parent Portal.
Scouts
Our scout troops will be meeting virtually, albeit on their normal section nights and not all three troops together.
Enigma (Monday) Scouts – will be meeting at 18:30 on Monday 6th April
Wibbles (Wednesday) Scouts – will be meeting at 19:00 on Wednesday 8th April
Viernes (Friday) Scouts – will be meeting at 19:00 on Friday 10th April
Ahead of your young person’s meeting, we will email something they’ll need to have to hand but will not have needed to do any pre-work on. If you don’t have access to a printer, they’ll need to please write out the content by hand on a piece of paper.
Explorers
Our explorer scouts will be meeting virtually, on Tuesday 7th April between 20:00 and 21:00.
Unless there’s a last-minute change, explorers will be taking part in some Kahoot quizzes that other explorers have prepared.
Previously:
Beavers
Beavers were the last to meet in our first week of virtual Scouting. They enjoyed catching up with one another, then taking part in an indoor scavenger hunt. They raced around their homes collecting items on Gordon’s list, before young people being picked out to talk about what they’d grabbed.
Cubs
Cubs were the first to meet in our first week of virtual Scouting. Very much a baptism of fire / learning experience for the adults running the call! Cubs enjoyed catching up with one another, then taking part in an indoor scavenger hunt. They raced around collecting items on Shauna’s list, before young people being picked out to talk about what they’d grabbed.
Scouts
Scouts all met on Wednesday of our first week of virtual Scouting. As leaders we found them a little tricker given that as soon as we’d mute them to give instructions, they’d unmute themselves. Thankfully, we now know how to overcome this challenge! Scouts split out into their troops, making use of the virtual breakout rooms then enjoyed catching up with one another before then taking part in an indoor scavenger hunt.
Explorers
Explorers met on Tuesday. Compared to the other youth sections they were incredibly sedate. We found that once they’d shifted into break out rooms, the ice was broken and the young people settled in. They used the time to catch up and make plans for next week.
3D Printing PPE
One of our Scouts, Ben, has been 3D printing Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Face Masks for healthcare professionals given the lack of them presently. We shared this with our UK headquarters team and the UK Chief Scout Commissioner, Tim Kidd; he commented that it was “Fantastic!”. We’re very proud – great work! Can’t believe how many orders you’re getting.
If your young person has something to share, please feel free to tweet us @PenistoneScouts or send details to us by email on [email protected]
