Scouts celebrate bumper year
Scouts in Gloucestershire are celebrating a bumper year with more local people participating in the movement.
Their annual meeting, attended by High Sheriff of Gloucestershire Mark Hurrell and Deputy Lord Lieutenant Tim Hestie-Smith, heard how membership has increased again this year, with almost 100 more adults signing up to get involved.
County Lead Volunteer Carole O’Donnell said: “I am immensely proud of this County and cannot thank our volunteers enough for the many hours they put in to ensure young people can make memories and skills for life.”
Members heard from Scouts who’d taken their adventures abroad to the Roverway camp, held this summer in Denmark and Norway. Groups have visited more than six countries this year to participate in jamborees and events.
Closer to home, Gloucestershire now hosts the UK’s largest annual locally organised Scout camp, Strategy and Evolution. It is celebrating its 10th birthday this year, with more than 18,500 children and 5,000 adults taking part since it started.
The Scout Association has announced Dwayne Fields as the new Chief Scout, taking over from Bear Grylls. Carole added: “It’s great to welcome Dwayne as our new Chief Scout, and I’d encourage anyone looking for a new challenge to sign up as a volunteer today!”
Annual Report 2024
- Gloucestershire Scouts has grown to over 5,000 young people and 1,000 adult volunteers.
- 686 members achieved Chief Scout’s Awards or became King’s Scouts.
- Eight young people experienced a life-changing opportunity in Norway as part of Roverway 2024
- The local jamboree-style event, Strategy & Evolution, celebrated its 10th birthday. Since its inception, 18,000 young people have attended.
- Scouts appoint Dwayne Fields as the new Chief Scout.