Welcome to Somerset Scouts
Somerset Scouting offers fun, challenge and adventure to around 4,500 members aged between 6 and 25 …. things are a bit different at the moment, in 2020. The following message is from our County Commissioner.
In the past ten months, many of our adult volunteers have demonstrated even more incredible dedication, skill and creativity than is usually required in their roles. Remember back to this time last year … most of us had never even heard of Zoom!
By the power of video conferencing, social media, YouTube and parental support, thousands of our youth members were able to continue Scouting in their own homes from March to July 2020. During the summer and early autumn, lots of our members were finally able to experience some face-to-face activities again – outdoors in small groups.
However, due to Tier 4 restrictions across Somerset, and now a 3rd national lockdown, face to face Scouting is once again suspended (January 2021). We are in the RED state of alert and all programme must once again be delivered virtually / completed at home until further notice.
Check out our new Scouting at Home 2021 page for virtual ideas and activities over the coming weeks:
https://www.somersetscouts.org.uk/scouting-at-home-in-2021
There are also lots of great ideas on The Scouts national ‘Press-play-and-go’ pages:
https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/scouts-at-home/press-play-and-go/
Social media is a great source of ideas. Somerset is part of the Three Counties Project, who provide activities every week:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/658766431664277
And the County Facebook page is a source of news and information about local, national and global opportunities for all sections:
https://www.facebook.com/SomersetScouts
We owe a huge debt of thanks to all those fabulous leaders who persevere with delivering inspirational programme by virtual means, whilst Covid-19 keeps us separated. Thank you all for your determination, hard work and ongoing commitment which enables us to remain together whilst apart. You are all very much appreciated and valued.
We are also grateful to all those amongst us who continue to work tirelessly and selflessly, serving our communities in front line roles and essential services, many of whom having become unwell themselves – real heroes.
Whilst we strive to continue delivering regular programme activities, I am also mindful that leaders in some parts of our county are now supporting young people experiencing bereavement as a result of the virus.
Leaders – I am very aware that Scouting in 2021 is exceptionally challenging for adults. I know that this is not what you signed up for! Please do reach out for help and support if you need it. Your district and county teams are here for you. My email address is below. Please feel free to use it.
In these unprecedented times, whilst so much is uncertain and unknown for our young people, Scouting still strives to be a constant – offering stability, fun and…. skills for life.
Let us hope that the current tighter government restrictions and the beginning of the vaccination programme in the UK will result in good news very soon!
Stay safe, Somerset.
Elizabeth Henderson (County Commissioner)
January 2021
