Dear all,

We want you to know that for all those who want to keep Scouts going while we’re not meeting face-to-face, we’re here to help.

There’s lots to tell you about but first I want to acknowledge that with so much going on, we understand that everyone has a lot to deal with. You may feel stretched, anxious or overwhelmed. For some of you, keeping Scouts going through this period may not be top of your mind, but for others the prospect of keeping connecting, learning and helping, may feel like a way to maintain a sense of community and lightness during this time.

However, for all those who feel like some form of Scouts must go on, you’ll be pleased to hear that we’ll now be providing you with more support, two members’ emails each month full of (entirely optional) ideas and things to use at home.

We’ll be sharing activities to help young people and their families take part in Scouts together, to keep learning skills.
You’ll find ways to bring sections, groups and the wider movement together digitally, to stay safely connected.
We’ll also share direct calls-to-action to help young people to help others. As a movement we’ll be working together, even while we’re apart. All whilst sticking to our top priority: keeping young people safe.

And for support and ideas between members’ emails, you can find the latest information and updates on the Scouts at Home web page.

Here’s a taster of what you can expect…

 

Ways young people and their families can keep learning skills.

Our Great Indoors campaign has over 150 activities that are perfect for sharing with your young people and their families. You can find even more on the Programme Planning Tool.

 

How young people can stay connected, safely. 

Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI) is hosting a very special version of the yearly JOTA-JOTI event, bringing fun and education to the homes of young people around the world this weekend (3-5 April). Why not share with your young people so they can take part along with their families? This could count towards the International Activity Badge! Find out more on the JOTI website.

Keeping young people and volunteers safe is the number one concern for all of us at Scouts. That’s why we all need to continue to follow the Code of Behaviour set out in the Yellow Card when connecting with young people online. Online as much as in the real world, a young person should never be in a one-to-one situation with an adult. For more information, including safeguarding measures relating to different online activities, take a look at our guidance about staying safe online.

There are various platforms you can use to communicate with young people and families online. They’re all slightly different with different features, and most importantly, different levels of security and privacy. Be sure to check the minimum age requirements.

 

Scouts helping others. 

It’s been heart-warming to see so many of you responding to this crisis in such positive ways. We’re going to be asking young people to decide on an action Scouts across the country can take together as a movement. Watch this space.

In the meantime, here is guidance from the government on how to help people safely. This is written with adults in mind so please remember all of our rules and procedures for keeping young people safe still apply.

 

We’re still looking for ideas about the best ways for Scouts to continue, within families and virtually, as well as collating practical and safe ways to help people in our communities. We’d love to get your input.

We know it’s a difficult and challenging time for everyone, and the safety and health of you and your family is of course your number one concern. But if you do wish to give Scouts at Home a go, we hope you find whatever you need through this support – some comfort, distraction, fun, hope or the reassurance that throughout all this: you’re not alone.

Best wishes to you and all of your family,

Wendy Human

UK Commissioner for Programme Assurance

Scouts