Growth Support

This Bulletin highlights the breadth of activity and opportunity across the County. It includes updates on growth support available to Groups and Districts, details of upcoming soft fencing courses, and information on the international pen pal scheme, helping young people build global connections. We also celebrate youth voice and participation through the Lincs Youth Shapers Fun Run, alongside ongoing work from our Youth Leads and the Youth Consultation Group, ensuring young people continue to shape Scouting locally. Poacher 2026 remains on track and planning for this event continues to move forward at pace and remains in a very strong position. Interest in the event is high, with 5,813 participants registered across more than 294 groups, and deposits received from the majority of those groups. Staff recruitment is also progressing well, with over 1,093 applications received and 1,053 staff already confirmed. International participation is taking shape, with confirmed contingents and ongoing engagement to ensure the right support and logistics are in place. Junior Poacher remains a key part of the event, with 1,641 young people already included within the programme. I would like to thank all involved but especially the SLT and in particular Andrew Selby who is leading the event. I would also like to thank Steve Hartley, Paul Jackson and team for putting on an excellent Explorer Christmas event with over a 100 people in attendance. Finally, a sincere thank you to all our leaders and volunteers for everything you do. Your commitment, energy and care make Scouting possible week in, week out, and the impact you have on young people across Lincolnshire cannot be overstated.

Scouts First Response – Top Up & Consolidation Sessions Scouts First Response is the mandatory first aid training required for adult volunteers across Scouting. In addition to completing the full course (Module 10), there are Top Up and Consolidation sessions designed to help volunteers stay compliant. First Aid Top Up Session The Top Up session is for volunteers who already hold a valid First Response certificate but need a short refresher to meet the First Response guidance First Response Consolidation Session The Consolidation session is designed to reinforce learning after completing First Response training or to support volunteers who want extra practice. This typically follows the Hampshire Online module. The courses we have are listed below: S couts First Response Consolidation Session Thursday, 5 February 2026 19:30 Online https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981047016956?aff=oddtdtcreator Scouts First Aid Top Up session Thursday, 12 February 2026 20:00 Online https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981047782245?aff=oddtdtcreator Scouts First Response Module 10 Sunday, 22 February 2026 09:00 Manby https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981041338973?aff=oddtdtcreator Scouts First Response Module 10 Saturday, 28 February 2026 09:00 Lincoln https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981046153373?aff=oddtdtcreator Scouts First Response Consolidation Session Thursday, 5 March 2026 19:30 Online https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981047673921?aff=oddtdtcreator Scouts First Aid Top Up session Thursday, 12 March 2026 20:00 Online https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981047782245?aff=oddtdtcreator Scouts First Response Module 10 Saturday, 18 April 2026 09:00 2nd Stamford https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981046486369?aff=oddtdtcreator Scouts First Response Module 10 Sunday, 31 May 2026 09:00 Altham Terrace https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981373701077?aff=oddtdtcreator Scouts First Response Module 10 Saturday, 20 June 2026 09:00 7th Grantham https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981373765269?aff=oddtdtcreator Scouts First Response Module 10 Sunday, 25 October 2026 09:00 Manby https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981048749137?aff=oddtdtcreator

There are still 3 spaces available at the course on 7 th March at Earlsfield Rd HQ Grantham for any leaders who would like to learn soft fencing., This is a course taught by GB fencing and certificated by them to allow leaders to run soft fencing for scouts. It is a single day course costing £40 pp.  Please contact Carolyn.Greig@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk if interested

International Pen-Pal Scheme: I’m very excited to announce the launch of our International Pen-Pal scheme, working with the youth team from British Scouting Overseas. This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get involved with globalising their scouting journey in an accessible and inclusive way. Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=QyFEsSceqkGXT_kCaIBQ3tMpbnNAbK1PkS_VErTBfbBUNDJTN1JMMUlLVlUzNDA4SDI5M1IyTVlLTC4u&origin=QRCode

Are you looking at working towards your nights away permit? Are you looking at running over night experiences? Then look no further we have the course for you We have two dates this year, Weekend of the 8th may to 10th May 2026 Weekend of the 18th September to 20th September 2026 The course consists of · How to plan and run a safe experience, including the skills and knowledge of the documentation required to run the events · Roles and responsibilities planning and during the event · Campsite skills and knowledge The course costs £50 per person this includes all camp fees and meals To book on please email: secretary@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk

LINCOLNSHIRE YOUTHSHAPERS FUNRUN Save the date! The Youthshapers are organising a charity funrun on Saturday 18 th April. Beavers and Cubs session in the morning, followed by Scouts and Explorers in the afternoon.  More details to follow - keep an eye out for booking links and adverts.