In our latest update to all members, you’ll find details of what we’ve been up to during lockdown, our plans to keep Scouting at Home over Summer and the steps we’ll be taking when the time comes to resume face-to-face Scout meetings.
Because of over 50 adults that volunteer with us, young people are learning to speak up, step forward and make their way in the world. Week in and week out, they’re learning the brilliant skills they need to succeed in life.
We asked Heather (Scout Leader), Lisa (Friday Beaver Leader) and Andy (Explorer Leader & AGSL) why they got involved…
Heather Wright
Scout Leader
Occupation
Chartered Accountant
Why I got involved
I joined the Scout movement aged 14 as an Explorer Scout in my hometown of Denny. You could say I fell in to it accidentally as myself and 5 of my female friends were jokingly asked to go along one night by some of our male friends who thought we wouldn’t like it or stick in, and here we are over 13 years later… I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the movement so after I turned 18 I decided to become an adult leader and give something back for all the amazing experiences I was privileged to have in the 4 short years I was a member. This is the reason I am still involved today. I had a short hiatus from the movement from 2014-2017 when I was taking my professional exams and living in Aberdeen. However upon moving to sunny East Renfrewshire in 2017 after qualifying as a Chartered Accountant I took on the role of Scout Leader with the 28th and there is never a dull moment!
My Best Moment
I would have to say my scouting highlight would be attending the Blair Atholl International Jamboree in 2012 as an adult leader. Getting to meet scouts and volunteers from all across the world is something I will never forget.
Lisa Devlin
Friday Beaver Leader
Occupation
Housing with Care Manager
Why I got involved
I wanted to get involved as a volunteer as my children attend various clubs and groups that are run by volunteers. I felt that getting involved in something for the children in my local community would be a real benefit as I see how much my own children gain and learn from these types of groups and settings. I chose Friday Beavers as I am keen to support the young people at the start of their scouting journey and join in with all their fun! And hopefully learn some cool things myself too!
My Best Moment
I have only recently become involved in the group and I am still going through some training. Before “Lock Down” I had some experiences in the scout hall which I really enjoyed. I liked to see the eager faces when they are working through activities with such determination. It has been great to learn from the other leaders in the group. My favourite moment so far was being involved in the virtual camp. It was such a positive experience to be part of this event and to see everyone coming together showcasing all the amazing things they were doing at home. I enjoyed the chat with Dwayne Fields and the virtual campfire! I can’t wait to be part of more great adventures both virtually and in real life too!
Andy Loudon
Explorer Leader & Assistant Group Scout Leader
Occupation
Engineer
Why I got involved
Like a lot of people, I’ve always been in Scouting. I was a Beaver, Cub, Scout and Explorer, then I turned 18 and decided to stick around as I had enjoyed my time immensely and (although it sounds like such a cliche) I wanted to give something back. I stay involved because it’s great fun – I get to spend a bit of time each week with a bunch of my mates, while we come up with more mad things for the Explorers to do! Who wouldn’t want to do that?!
My Best Moment
Hard to choose between a few to be honest… Taking Scouts and Explorers to Auchengillan Jamboree, meeting Bear Grylls, making lifelong friends, finally being awarded my Queens Scout Award… I think the absolute highlight is taking 40+ Explorers to Copenhagen on the first Mystery Trip.
Dear All,
First, I hope that you and your families are staying safe and well. It’s been fantastic to see our Young People adapting to Scouting At Home and I’d like to thank our volunteers who have taken the time to prepare online activities.
Face-to-face Scout meetings have now been suspended for close to three months. Clearly we don’t know yet when it is going to be possible to restart them. What is clear is that decisions on when (and in what format) meetings can restart will be informed initially by advice from The Scout Association and Scouts Scotland.
The Scottish Government is currently planning for schools in Scotland to go back on 11 August – but with physical distancing measures in place. There are clearly challenges involved in replicating such measures in the Scout Hall – so it is quite possible that section meetings won’t restart until some time after the schools go back.
The Section Leaders and Committee Members have discussed all these issues and agreed that:
Group Scout Leader
Brian Martin, our Group Scout Leader (GSL), intimated some time ago that he’d be standing down from that role at the end of June. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Brian on behalf of the Group for all his help and support as GSL during the past 6 years. Although he is standing down as GSL, we will still be seeing him from time to time (eg at fundraising events) as he is joining the 28th’s Active Support Unit.
This means that we are currently looking for someone to take over the role of Group
Scout Leader. The GSL role is essentially a management role. Prior experience of
Scouting is not necessary. What we need is someone who can provide some leadership, motivation and guidance to our other adult volunteers – and they will of course be supported by 2 very able Assistant Group Scout Leaders who handle much of the day- to-day work. If you think you could take on the GSL role – or if you know someone who might be interested – please let me know.
Kind Regards,
Peter Ritchie
Group Chairperson
Email: group.chair@giffnockscouts.org.uk
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