UK Youth Forum - 15 March 2025 | Cambridgeshire Scouts

Updated 22/03/2025

Scouts from Cambridgeshire Join Forces to Shape the Future of Scouting

Oxford, 15th March 2025 – Scouts from Cambridgeshire have made a significant contribution to the future of the Scout Movement, joining 500 other young people from across the UK at a landmark youth forum held at the University of Oxford. This event marked one of the first of its kind for the UK Scout Movement, aimed at defining the next decade of sustainable growth for the largest youth organisation in the country.

The Cambridgeshire Delegation

Cambridgeshire was proudly represented by two young Scouts, RubyMaeb (1st Littleport) and Lydia (57th Cambridge), two young leaders, Jaylen (1st Wyton) and Mia (1st Fenstanton and Hilton). They were supported by two dedicated adult leaders Josh (1st Wyton) and Rhys (1st Little Paxton).

Mia, 15, described her motivation for participating: “I’m here to help improve scouting for future generations and make it an inclusive place for everyone. I care about issues like mental health, and scouting really helps by getting outdoors and having time away from school and homework.” Mia’s enthusiasm highlights the importance of engaging youth voices in shaping a vibrant and inclusive future for Scouting.

Engaging Workshops and Future-Focused Discussions

The day-long forum in Oxford offered Scouts a platform to participate in workshops and discussions on critical topics, including advocacy, equity, diversity, inclusion, safety, stainability, and digital transformation. Young participants were encouraged to envision what the world—and the Scout Movement—might look like by 2035, fostering a forward-thinking approach to their contributions.

Dwayne Fields, the recently appointed Chief Scout, emphasised the value of these contributions: “It’s essential that young people from Cambridgeshire and across the UK have their say in the future plans of the Scout Movement. Their perspectives will help ensure that the Movement remains relevant and impactful in the next ten years.”

A Movement Empowered by Youth Voices

From every corner of the UK, similar forums in Belfast, Edinburgh, and Manchester enabled young Scouts to provide input on future strategies based on their unique experiences. The Cambridgeshire delegation’s participation reinforced the Movement’s commitment to empowering young voices, ensuring their ideas and concerns are reflected in the Scouts’ strategic vision.

The Delegation Lead, Josh reflected on the experience, saying, “It was inspiring to see young people so engaged in shaping the future of Scouting. Their energy and ideas are exactly why we volunteer – to support them in creating a better, more inclusive future. If you’re thinking of joining us as a volunteer, there’s never been a better time to get involved.”

Through events like these, the Scout Movement continues to champion its values of inclusivity, growth, and youth-led innovation—securing a vibrant future for generations to come.