As we move into yet another month of restrictions there is little sign of an early return to normal scouting activities. Whist online scouting helps our young people continue to have some contact with scouting activities, it is at this time of year that many of us would be heading off for more adventurous activities. We can at least make plans for events and adventure for that magical time when normal service resumes. You can follow our news and ideas at https://www.suffolkscouts.org.uk/coronovirus.  All content we post will be based on UK Government and The Scout Association guidelines. Our Facebook and Twitter pages will be updated with pictures and videos of what our young people are up to regarding Scouting.

Suffolk Scouting Sunflower Challenge: Supporting Age UK Suffolk

We are pleased to announce a Community Impact fund raising project with Age UK Suffolk. The value of intergenerational relationships in our community is a part of the values of Scouting. With the country starting to think about a “new normal”, the reality is that for many thousands of older people, this could be a while away.  Older people are by nature of their age, in the more vulnerable pockets of our society and could face longer periods of time in their own homes, or with restrictions in going out and about – and this contributes to an already desperate problem in Suffolk around loneliness and social isolation. 

Suffolk Scouts will be leading a fund raising initiative to grow and have sponsored a Sunflower based on its maximum height. We have about 6,000 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers which equates to a lot of sunflowers and turning Suffolk golden yellow! We look forwards to lots of posts on Facebook of sunflowers and please send your photos in. Once the sunflower has been grown the flower can be donated to an elderly person to brighten up their life.

Funds raised will go towards new services that Age UK Suffolk have been running. Emergency Shopping Service and Good Day Calls services.

Sunflower seeds can be got FREE of charge from selected East of England Co-op stores (with garden outlets). Just provide evidence that you are a member e.g. badge, uniform, scarf. Many thanks to the East of England Co-op. Full details are available here.

Some light musical relief

The National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band have had to cancel their summer course this year but they have released a lockdown performance. You can view this excellent performance here.

Suffolk Scouts and Suffolk Community Foundation

Leaders should have received the poster asking us join the Social Media Army supporting Suffolk Community Foundation. Please can you add this to your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts as we would like to help SCF publicise their message as widely as possible. We will be sending out information on an exciting fundraising activity with SCF soon. You can find out more about Suffolk Community Foundation here.

Annual General Meetings

Many groups hold their AGMs at this time of year. Clearly face-to-face meetings are not possible at present. The Scout Association has released new guidance based on advice from the Charity Commission. Read about this here.

Community Fund

Do remember you can apply for grants from the National Lottery Community Fund. Read more about this here.

Disclosure and Barring Service Checks

The renewals of DBS checks for existing and new volunteers remain suspended at the present time. Although members may get automatic reminders of possible suspension from Compass, checks will only be carried out when furloughed HQ staff return.

 #AdventureContinues

Don’t forget to visit our Scouting At Home initiative, full details on our website. The current challenge is based on Youth Shaped Scouting Adventures 

Check out the challenge here.

42 Marathons in 42 Days

Stephen Johnson is an Essex Scout Leader who is attempting to run 42 marathons in 42 days and raise money for NHS charities. You can read about his efforts and pledge support here. 

Mandatory Training

Great News! Suffolk is the 6th most improved in the Country and 10th best for adults who have completed their training. Over 4300 Safeguarding, Safety online training courses have been processed across the UK. Please make sure you have completed your safety, safeguarding and GDPR training.

In the News

Well done to 1st Pakefield in Lowestoft District for their feature about a virtually presented top award for Thomas Russell – see https://www.lowestoftjournal.co.uk/news/chief-scout-silver-award-pakefield-lowestoft-1-6663092 

We’d love to hear more stories that we can share. Email us at county.news@suffolkscouts.org.uk.

Best wishes

Mark Pearson

County Commissioner – Suffolk