Volunteers rush to join the Cambridgeshire Scouting Adventure!
By Chris Ward, 18th November 2005
It’s an exciting time to be a Beaver, Cub or Scout in Cambridgeshire, not only have the young people enjoyed an array of exciting challenges and events throughout 2005, such as the County Beaveree, Cub Scout Challenge Day and 222 Endurance Competition but with a stronger adult team it looks as if it’s set to continue as Scouting prepares to celebrate it’s centenary in 2007.
Since taking the helm in June 2005, County Commissioner, Richard Hames has announced a number of changes to strengthen the Cambridgeshire Scouting volunteer team.
• Judith Halliday (March and Wisbech), Martin Hall (Peterborough) and John Lamoon (North Cambridge villages such as Cambourne, Bar Hill, Swavesey and Over) are all appointed Commissioners with specific responsibility for the development of Scouting in their respective areas
• Rebecca Miller becomes the County Child Protection Co-ordinator with a brief to make members aware of child protection policies and provide specific guidance where appropriate
• Sarah Thurley will be developing the Scout Fellowship. This is the adult support arm of the Scout Association and the aim is to build a network of volunteers across the County covering a wide range of activities
These are all key positions and essential to ensure that Scouting can prosper and flourish within the local community. With adult leadership and support building Scouting is finding the time and resources to offer something a little more adventurous across the 6 to 25 age range.
The new team has also been actively promoting the many volunteer opportunities available in Scouting. For example, the Cambridgeshire Scouting display was at the Anglia Ruskin University Volunteer Fair on Friday 30th September. Students were able to try first hand spaghetti-marshmallow pioneering, pyography and leather work, all creative activities suitable for the 6 to 25 year age range. The team also gave away 100 tins of the finest Scout Network Caviar (aka Baked Beans) to survive the University term!
Around ten students have volunteered to support Scouting directly as a result of this activity and it is pleasing to see that the number of students involved is already up on last year.
County Commissioner, Richard Hames commented,
‘All you have to do is look at the youngsters attending our events to know they’re having an adventure. Scouting provides a time for them to run loose and be themselves. There’s always new things for them to do. Mind you, there’s always plenty for us to do too and it is fantastic to be welcoming new volunteers to help with this challenge!’
