Scout Network
For all 18 - 25 year olds
Scout Network is one of the biggest secrets in Cambridgeshire Scouting and we are working hard to ensure that everyon in the County knows what Network is all about.
The Scout Network is for young adults aged 18 to 25. You do not need to be a Scout Leader to be a member of the Scout Network. However, if you are a leader then you can also access the benefits that being a Network member brings.
The programme reflects the huge variation in members' interests. A key elements is the opportunity to continue to enjoy the adventure of Scouting as an adult. Scout Network members also enjoy great support with schemes like the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The Scout Network is a fast growing organisation, operating both at County and District level across Cambridgeshire as follows:
- Peterborough "Smurfs"
- Cambridge "Muppets"
- Fenland "Wombles"
There are also plans to launch Scout Network in Ely, Huntingdon, St Neots and Wisbech
For further information about Scout Network activities for 18 to 25 year olds in Cambridge, Ely, Huntingdon, Peterborough, St Ives and Wisbech contact Cambridgeshire County Network Commissioner, Martin Whelan.
Email: martin@cambridgeshirescoutnetwork.co.uk
I want to join
If you would like to get involved with the Scout Network in Cambridgeshire, please complete the Scout Association's online enquiry form by clicking here. Alternatively contact the County Scout Network Commissioner for more information.
Inter-net, a new event for Scout Network
Inter-net, an awesome event taking place from 23rd to 30th July 2011 at Newbury Showground in Berkshire.
For more information and the 2010 Launch party read more.
Off to University
Cambridgeshire Scout Network works closely with SSAGO (the Student Scout & Guide Organisation) and locally with the Cambridge University Scout and Guide Club
Growing the Network
The Network has big ambitions to grow quickly and provide more opportunities in Scouting across the County. There is a County Development Plan for Network and regular updates on progress will appear on this page.
Website
For further information visit the County Scout Network website at www.cambridgeshirescoutnetwork.co.uk.
Network happenings
Cambridge Network “The Muppets”
A weekend in June saw Cambridge Network (AKA The Muppets) head to Southend for ‘Mad UK’, the annual network camp hosted by Essex Network. After a quick trip to Southend Seafront to introduce Lise (a visiting Danish Scout) to fish and chips. Friday night was a chance to meet other Networkers from across the Country for a beverage or two. Saturday gave us the opportunity to try something new with a variety of activities on offer. Many of us Muppets tried Fencing for the first time, finding it bizarre to be encouraged to stab your friends! Power Kiting also proved to be a good challenge with the gusty conditions and wet grass sending a number of The Muppets flying across the campsite. The legendary camp delicacy the ‘MAD burger’: two burgers, cheese, bacon, pineapple and a fried Egg all in one roll proved quite a test, although one Muppet managed four!
Saturday evening shenanigans were a Hollywood themed party, with us transformed into Pirates, partying with Oompa-Loompas, Jedi and a 1930s film crew amongst others. An ‘It’s a Knockout’ Competition with a mix of inflatable slides, shaving foam, flour and plenty of water provided much entertainment on Sunday. We did Cambridgeshire proud, joining forces with a group from Hertfordshire to win the competition overall; guess that means we’ll just have to return next year to defend our title!
Cambridge Network (The Muppets) staff a Wedding
Cambridge Network (The Muppets) pride themselves on being able to rise to any challenge, so when we received an email from a Scouter in Bristol asking if we would wait and staff the bar at his wedding in Cambridge, we had no doubts in accepting the invitation. Fortunately for the guests we weren’t doing the cooking, this was provided by a Chinese restaurant in Cambridge.
Arriving at Stow-cum-Quy village hall, we found a beautifully decorated room, a well stocked bar and comprehensive timetables and menus. I thought it was only the bride that was allowed to be late to the wedding; much to our relief the food finally arrived about 20 minutes after most of the 100 guests!
Having served the starters, it was onto the eight different main courses plus two plates of rice for all twelve tables, I’m not sure I’ve seen seven muppets move so fast, doing laps of the kitchen. The limited space proved quite entertaining when we had to clear 300 plates and dishes at the same time as plating up 100 desserts!
The groom presented us with his group’s scarves during his wedding speech and explained to any guests that had not worked out already that we weren’t professionals!
After such a successful evening, we already have our next booking, cooking at the county BBQ!
Media training for young spokespeople
The most positive and geniune messages about Scouting always come from the young people themselves. They are infused about Scouting because they take part in the adventure it brings.
In developing the Cambridgeshire PR strategy it is vital that we can rely on at least one young spokesperson in the locality of each District to help deliver the message through radio, television and the press.
If there are any young people who you feel would make a competent spokesperson then please let Chris Ward know. He will contact them individually about attending the next young spokesperson training event run by the HQ media team. The County will fund the places and we are hoping for an enthusiastic and motivated Cambridgeshire contingent.
For more information, please contact Chris Ward - chris.ward@cambridgeshirescouts.org.uk
