As we move into spring, it is an exciting time across Lincolnshire Scouts, with lots happening across the county and plenty to look forward to in the months ahead. Firstly, we currently have a number of county volunteer opportunities available, including County Programme Support Team Leader and County Youth Lead. These roles are available as Ellie and Caitlin step down from their positions. My sincere thanks go to both Ellie and Caitlin for everything they have done to support young people and volunteers across the county. If you are interested in helping shape the future of Scouting in Lincolnshire, please do consider putting yourself forward for one of these roles. A reminder as well about the importance of First Response first aid training. Ensuring that volunteers have up-to-date first aid skills is essential to delivering safe and adventurous Scouting. There are several flexible ways to complete the training, including county-run courses, practical validation sessions and online theory modules. If your First Response is due for renewal, please do take the opportunity to book onto one of the courses running in the county. We will be sending out reminders shortly to those that need this vital qualification. It was also a privilege to see volunteers from Lincolnshire represented at the National Scouts Thanksgiving Service, that recognises the dedication and service of volunteers from across the UK. It is always inspiring to see the commitment of our volunteers acknowledged at a national level, and I know many people across the county contribute huge amounts of time and energy to support Scouting. Congratulations must also go to everyone involved in the Grantham Gang Show, which once again delivered a brilliant performance. The talent, enthusiasm and teamwork on display both on and off stage were fantastic to see, and the show continues to be a great celebration of Scouting spirit and creativity. Looking ahead, the camping season is just around the corner, and many groups will soon be heading outdoors again for camps, activities and adventures. It is always one of the highlights of the Scouting year. We are also getting closer to the return of Poacher, which promises to be another incredible event bringing together thousands of Scouts and volunteers for a truly unforgettable experience. Thank you to everyone across Lincolnshire who continues to give their time to support young people through Scouting. Your commitment makes an enormous difference. I look forward to seeing many of you out and about across the county as the year progresses. Howard

Save the Date We are planning a County Young Leader Training weekend at Grantham from Friday 5-7 June. This will be similar to last years event and details will be out shortly.

The new Lincolnshire Scouts App is coming soon, built to support our volunteers. The new Lincolnshire Scouts app is currently being tested locally and is designed to give volunteers quick, practical tools that make every day Scouting smoother, safer, and better supported. What’s inside right now Assurance tools: Quick access to the essentials you need to keep your section safe, compliant, and confident. Minimum Ratio Calculator: No more guessing. Work out the right adult‑to‑young‑person ratios instantly, whether you’re planning a meeting, event, or trip (subject to risk assessment etc.. Find Welcome Conversation Volunteers: A simple way to identify Welcome Conversation Volunteers. What’s coming next We’re already exploring new features to support leaders, managers, and volunteers across the county, and this is where you come in. Get involved If you’d like to test new features, share ideas, or help shape what comes next, we’d love to hear from you. Your insight will directly influence how the app grows to support every volunteer in Lincolnshire. Contact us at support@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk .

First Response in Scouts – Flexible Routes to Gain the Required Skills First Response is the mandatory first aid training required for many adult volunteers in Scouts. It ensures that leaders have the knowledge and confidence to deal with incidents and emergencies while supporting young people in our activities and programmes. There are several ways volunteers can complete First Response , making it easier to fit training around work and other commitments. The standard requirement involves completing two elements: Module 10A – First Aid Theory Module 10B – Practical Validation (including CPR) Both parts must be completed for a volunteer to be recorded as compliant, and the qualification is normally valid for three years . ( training.hampshirescouts.org.uk ) Many volunteers complete the training through a county-run First Response course , which typically combines theory and practical learning in a single day or through a blended model with online learning followed by a short practical session. Another option is to complete online theory modules hosted by Hampshire Scouts , followed by a short facilitated session and a practical validation. The Hampshire resources are widely used across the UK to support flexible training. Hampshire Scouts First Response e-learning (Module 10A): https://hampshire-scouts.thinkific.com/courses/firstresponse Volunteers who already hold a recognised qualification such as First Aid at Work , Emergency First Aid at Work , or Paediatric First Aid may not need to repeat the full training. Instead, they can complete a short conversion or top-up module to cover the additional elements required for Scouts. Top-up modules include: Emergency First Aid at Work conversion https://hampshire-scouts.thinkific.com/courses/efawconversion First Aid at Work conversion https://hampshire-scouts.thinkific.com/courses/fawconversion Child / Paediatric First Aid conversion https://hampshire-scouts.thinkific.com/courses/childfirstaidconversion These short modules cover any gaps between workplace first aid training and the Scouts First Response syllabus, after which volunteers may need to complete a short Module 10B practical session if required. Courses in Lincolnshire Lincolnshire Scouts regularly runs First Response courses and practical validation sessions across the county to help volunteers gain or renew their qualification. These courses provide an opportunity to practice key skills such as CPR, casualty assessment and emergency response in a Scouting context. Keeping First Response up to date helps ensure that safe and adventurous Scouting can continue for the thousands of young people who take part in our programme each week. If your First Response is due for renewal, or you would like to book onto a course in Lincolnshire , please check the county calendar or speak with your District Lead Volunteer .

What a night at Grantham Gang Show! For nearly a century, since Ralph Reader launched the first Gang Show in 1932 at London’s Scala Theatre, Scouts and Guides have been singing, dancing and making audiences smile. The tradition is alive and well in Grantham . Grantham’s show was bang up to date – great music, confident singing, sharp choreography and proper laugh-out-loud moments. The energy on stage was infectious. It is a real pleasure to thank the cast and the extraordinary adult volunteers who make it all possible. Gang Show does not just happen – it is built on months of commitment, encouragement and quiet leadership. An uplifting, life-affirming evening. Bravo to everyone involved.

Leadership Opportunities in the Lincolnshire Scouts Senior Leadership Team Applications or nominations are open for two important volunteer leadership roles: County Programme Support Team Leader and County Youth Lead. These opportunities arise as Ellie and Caitlin step down from their current roles. Ellie has made a significant and valued contribution to Lincolnshire Scouts, both in her current role and previously as County Youth Commissioner. Caitlin has also made a great contribution during her time in the role. She will shortly be moving to Australia to begin university and has decided that this is the right time for her to stand down. As a result, we are now seeking volunteers who are passionate about supporting great programme delivery and youth involvement across the county. The County Programme Support Team Leader will help coordinate support for programme delivery across Lincolnshire, working with Districts, activity teams and events to ensure young people experience exciting, high-quality Scouting. The County Youth Lead will champion youth voice and youth shaped Scouting, ensuring young people are actively involved in decision-making and leadership across the county. Both roles offer a fantastic opportunity to shape the future of Scouting in Lincolnshire and to work as part of the county leadership team supporting over 5,000 young people and 2,500 volunteers. If you are interested in finding out more please take a look at the application packs: County Programme Support Team Leader - nominations or applications to https://forms.office.com/e/Xef38esXGn County Youth Lead - nominations or applications by email to howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk Details of how to apply are included in the pack. The closing date for applications is midnight on 24 April 2026 . Conversation dates: w/c 27 April 2026 onwards. Please get in touch if you would a chat about either the roles - email howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk

AIR RIFLE COURSE A YPS (Air Rifle) Tutor Diploma course has been booked through the National Small Bore Rifle Association at 7th Grantham Scout HQ, Earlsfield Road, Grantham on the 11 th - 12 th April. This course is the reccommended course from the Scout HQ website.  The course can take 12 people and will work out at £75.89 per person if all 12 slots are filled. For more information about the course and putting your name on the list for the course please contact Rob Hamnett-Day by email on dayr272@googlemail.com

ARCHERY COURSE There are currently spaces on a county organised GB Archery course. This course is a 2 day course which is being run out of 2nd Spilsby Scout Group HQ. There is space for camping if required. The cost of the course and certification is £218 pp Anyone who is interested in the course or requires more details, please contact Barrie Jenkinson on Tomahawk@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk Payments will need to be made to County Office so please contact Secretary@lincolsnshirescouts.org.uk

2- day 16 Hour First Aid Course Training - accommodation available 16hr Outdoor First Aid Training 21-22 March. ** Places available for all Scouting Leaders This is a specific first aid qualification for the outdoors and for expeditions, especially in remote locations. Not only will it equip you with the skills needed in remote terrains you may find yourself and your young people in, for activities such as Duke of Edinburgh Awards as well as activities you maybe running with your section, but it will also offer the additional sections needed to sign off your Scout first aid as well. The course will take place at Shacklewell Hollow in Stamford & Bourne District on 21st – 22nd March 2026. As the course is across two days, we have also booked the indoor accommodation for all participants, which is included. We will put participants in touch with each other once registered, to plan for the evening meal and breakfast, as this will be your choice and is not included in the costs.  Places are strictly limited to 12 people – so if you would like a place, please book ASAP https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2-day-16-hour-first-aid-course-training-tickets-1982456393439