Christmas Card Competition

October brought some fantastic examples of adventure, teamwork and volunteers making great things happen across Lincolnshire. The month included Rabbit Run and our County Wider Leadership team meeting at Scredington where we discussed the practical implementation of our new strategy - "A Place to Belong". Our World Scout Jamboree Unit, The Flying Farmers, has also been busy with its fifth training camp as preparations continue for Poland. After an evening at Screambrooke (at Sudbrooke), patrols navigated from Lincoln to Grantham using public transport routes they had planned themselves. Kit checks helped prepare them for European travel, before a planned day and night in London took an unexpected turn: their true destination was Brussels! Even a broken-down coach became an opportunity to practise handling uncertainty and working together. The Unit reached Brussels on time and enjoyed exploring, completing a statue challenge and, naturally, finding some waffles. These experiences are helping our young people build the confidence, independence and resilience they will take to the Jamboree. Closer to home, planning for Lincub is progressing, and Chiller takes place on 14 November. Thank you to everyone working behind the scenes to make these opportunities possible. As we move through November, please take a moment to check your first aid training expiry date on the membership system. Courses are listed on the County website, with further dates to follow. Booking ahead helps us keep the skills we need to deliver safe, enjoyable Scouting. We are also keen to expand our First Response training team, so please get in touch with me if you would be interested in becoming a trainer. There is another exciting opportunity for volunteers: applications are open for the Kandersteg 2027 leadership team. The trip, from 26 July to 5 August 2027, will give young people the chance to experience adventure and international friendship in the Swiss Alps. If you would like to help plan and deliver it, please read the Leadership Team Recruitment Pack and submit your application to kisc2027@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk by 14 November 2026. Applicants will need to commit to preparation activities, including training weekends on 5–7 March and 16–18 April 2027. Finally, thank you to every volunteer who has contributed this month. Whether you lead weekly meetings, support governance, maintain facilities or organise events, your time and commitment make these experiences possible for young people across Lincolnshire. Howard Nelson County Lead Volunteer

Your County team: who does what? With the recent changes to the team here’s a short guide to who leads each area and the support available. Howard Nelson– County Lead Volunteer : Providing overall County leadership, managing County staff and overseeing international Scouting and Jamboree participation. Rich Spence – Programme Support : Supporting a high-quality, balanced programme for everyone aged 4–25, from Squirrels to Network. Rich’s remit includes County Programme Support Teams, programme events and opportunities, sharing resources and good practice, and helping young people achieve their Top Awards. Neil Onyon– Adventure : Helping more young people experience adventurous activities, including DofE. Neil supports activity teams, activity permits and Nights Away, working with instructors and assessors to help volunteers access the skills, equipment and facilities they need to deliver activities safely. Malc Moore – Volunteer Development : Supporting the recruitment, welcome, learning and retention of volunteers, including Wood Badges and First Response. Malc also supports Young Leaders, volunteer recognition, and District leadership and volunteer development teams. Growth and recruitment are part of this work, helping expand existing provision, open new sections and build community partnerships. Jacob – Support: Leading the services that help Scouting run effectively, including inclusion, community impact, governance, safety, stores, communications, digital support, the website and major events. Callum Selby – County Youth Lead : Championing youth-shaped Scouting so young people influence decisions, shape their programmes and have opportunities to lead. Together, the team is here to support you, share ideas and help more young people across Lincolnshire enjoy Scouting.

2027: A year of Scouting celebrations Get ready for a special birthday year! In 2027, we’ll celebrate 120 years of Scouting, marking the first experimental camp on Brownsea Island in 1907. It’s also the Scout section’s 120th birthday and 25 years of Explorer Scouts – plenty of reasons to celebrate across Lincolnshire! There are some great ways to get involved. The national 120 Camp Out invites members to enjoy a camp or sleepover between May and September. You could give an existing camp a birthday theme, or camp on 31 July and wake up on 1 August – Scouting’s birthday itself. 120 Acts of Kindness, launching in early 2027, will also encourage Groups, Units and Networks to complete 120 good deeds during the year. Badges available on Scout Store: https://shop.scouts.org.uk/120-years-of-scouts-occasional-uniform-badge-114665?hpp3=#selection.size=7331&selection.color=7469 Start talking with your young people about how they’d like to celebrate, and share your plans and photographs with the County team. Let’s make 2027 a year of adventure, kindness and friendship to remember!

Applications now open for the Kandersteg 2027 Leadership Team Lincolnshire Scouts are excited to announce that applications are now open for adult volunteers wishing to join the leadership team for our Trip to Kandersteg 2027 from 26th July 2027 to 5th August 2027 . Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC), located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is the World Scout Centre and offers young people an unforgettable international Scouting experience. The trip will provide opportunities for adventure, personal development, international friendship and cultural exchange in one of the most spectacular Scout destinations in the world. To deliver this exciting experience, we are seeking enthusiastic, committed and capable volunteers to form the trip leadership team. Successful applicants will work together to plan, prepare and deliver the experience for young people. We are looking for volunteers who can demonstrate: A passion for delivering high-quality experiences for young people. Strong teamwork and communication skills. Experience within Scouting. The ability to support young people in developing confidence, independence and international understanding. Commitment to attending planning meetings, training events (5-7 March 2027, 16-18 April 2027) and trip preparation activities. How to apply Applications are now open and will close on 14 November 2026 . Before applying, please ensure you have read the Leadership Team Recruitment Pack carefully. Completed applications should be submitted to kisc2027@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk by 14 November 2026 . We look forward to hearing from volunteers who are passionate about creating an exceptional international Scouting experience for the young people of Lincolnshire. Together, we can help young people broaden their horizons, build international friendships and create memories that will last a lifetime.

We are really excited to share that the Scouts of the World Award Expedition to India is open for applications for both Leaders and Participants! We would love to see your Network members applying for this trip which will give them the opportunity to complete their award by addressing housing poverty in India alongside the charity Habitat for Humanity. We would also love to invite volunteers from all areas of UK Scouting to apply for this opportunity - an enthusiasm and passion to support Network build new skills, develop quality and form friendships is a must! I have attached a poster that we'd love for you to share on social media and newsletters. All the information about this opportunity can be found on: India Scouts of the World Award expedition | Scouts Please encourage members to reach out if they any questions! Thank you in advance for your support! Chris Worthington UK SOWA Delivery Lead