From the County Lead Volunteer
Author: Howard Nelson
Published: September 3, 2026
In August, I had the absolute privilege being part of Poacher 2026 as the County Lead Volunteer for Lincolnshire Scouts.
What an incredible week it was.
With more than 12,000 young people, volunteers and supporters involved, Poacher 2026 once again showcased the very best of Scouting and Guiding. Jointly organised by Lincolnshire Scouts, Girlguiding Lincolnshire South and Girlguiding Lincolnshire North, it brought together thousands of young people to enjoy adventurous activities, build international friendships, develop new skills and create memories that will last a lifetime.
My sincere thanks go to Camp Chief Andrew Selby, the Poacher Leadership Team, and every single volunteer who gave their time, energy and expertise. Events of this scale simply don’t happen without the dedication of thousands of people working together behind the scenes.
Poacher is the largest Scout and Guide jamboree held in the UK since the World Scout Jamboree in 2007, and everyone involved should be immensely proud of what has been achieved.
Thank you to everyone who made Poacher 2026 such a success. You have demonstrated the very best of volunteering and created unforgettable experiences that truly embody the values of Scouting and Guiding.
Good luck with the term ahead - hope to see you at LincsFest if you are able.
Howard
September Bulletin
The County Chair and County Lead Volunteer invite you to the Annual General Meeting of the Lincolnshire County Scout Council 2026. Where: Sudbrooke Park Campsite When: Saturday 12th September @ 1630. Apologies to secretary@lincolnshireshirescouts.org.uk Further details at https://www.lincolnshirescouts.org.uk/county-agmc56a51fc
Are you looking for a challenge for your section? The Kinder Extreme & Kinder Challenge are hill walking events in the Peak District, open to Scouts, Explorers, Network & leaders. This year’s events are on Sunday 11th October with both starting and finishing at Chapel-en-le-Frith in the High Peak. The Kinder Extreme set over 30km whilst the Kinder Challenge is shorter at 16km and is ideal as an introduction to hill walking for the Scout section. To book teams onto either event or to find out further information please visit www.derbyshirescouts.org/kinder. Teams entered and paid for by the 17th September will also be eligible for a free, exclusive Kinder t-shirt.
Lincs Scouts Kandersteg Trip 2027 Details at https://www.lincolnshirescouts.org.uk/2027-kisc-trip Booking link - https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=QyFEsSceqkGXT_kCaIBQ3iuhgtkVsWdDvWkoXMEEi3BUMVJBWEdOUVZOWTZYNU9VQTBERTNWT0dWUS4u&route=shorturl
Roverway 2028 Roverway 2028 will take place in Switzerland during July 2028 under the motto “Battasendas” the Rhaeto-Romanic word for Scouts. It symbolises friendship, community, nature, growth, adventure and everything that Scouting can mean for young people. Exact start and end dates have not yet been finalised, but the event traditionally spans about 11 to 14 days during the peak European summer holiday period. We have not received our allocation of places yet, but with people returning to university, we would like to get ahead of the game and start preparing, so we can hit the ground running as soon as information is released. So if you are:- Between the ages of 16 & 22 in July 2028 Resilient and positive in challenging circumstances Self-motivated and able to use your own initiative, whilst recognising the limits of your authority Excited about the experiences an international Scouting event can offer young people No envisaged barrier to holding a valid passport for the duration of the event – and having the rights to enter Switzerland and other European countries Be able to take time off work and travel out of the country for approximately 2 to 2.5 weeks in Summer 2028 (dates are not yet confirmed) Registration & Fees: Expected by the end of 2026 In the first instance please email your details to howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk We will need your: FIrst and last name Email address Telephone number Date of birth Scout Group/Explorer Unit and District If you are under the age of 18, you need to ask your parent or legal guardian to sign up to this mailing list on your behalf.
Volunteer discount at Scout Store. Remember, you can use the code ‘VOLUNTEER26’ to get 20% off all Scout Store purchases, excluding programme badges and young people’s uniform. It’s perfect for stocking up for the new term or a treat for yourself.
Individual Support Plans. At this time of year, we may see new starters in Scouts, or there may be changes in the support a young person needs. Our guidance on supporting neurodivergent and disabled young people in Scouts can help you explore reasonable adjustments, put individual support plans in place and have valuable conversations with parents and carers.
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 Nights away training We have two dates this year, Weekend of the 18th September to 20st 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
Recognition of adult's service to young people and to the movement Anyone can nominate an adult for one of the national awards by logging into your membership and clicking awards. There is help available to effectively word your citation. Once completed, it then goes to the nominees manager for them to confirm their nomination and they can add further information about that persons service and commitment. The county awards team then look over the nomination to see that it meets the required standards. If the award nomination can be improved, it may be returned to the nominator with suggestions to give the nomination its best chance. Branching Out I attended a volunteering development meeting online where we discussed how to support those leaders who have opted to complete a wood badge. Once the new system is launched, there will still be a need for learning assessors to verify learning. We need volunteers now under the present system and to continue in the role once Branching out is launched. If this is something you feel you have the experience to do, please let me know. We will also be supplementing online learning with local courses for those who find that easier. To do this, we need volunteers in Districts and at County to effectively deliver this learning. It involves completed some learning yourself in preparation, but recognition of existing skills will also happen. Contact me if you want to know more. I plan to hold an in person meeting in the autumn to explain more about what is involved. Growth We are identifying areas for growth of sections within the county. If you are thinking of starting a new section or even considering a new group, please let me know so we can support you. First Aid Compliance requirements will include First aid from November 2026 with it being treated with the same importance as Safety and safeguarding. If your role requires first aid, please do your best to maintain your qualification. Should you need help contact firstaid@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk. Malcolm Moore Lincolnshire Team Lead Volunteering Development
Watersports for Explorer Scouts and Young Leaders 26 / 27 September 2026, 10-3pm Your Unit is invited to join us for a day of water based activities on Whitewater Reservoir, Stamford. Planned activities include SUPs and Sailing. Explorers can attend 1 day or bot days over the weekend as part of a pack. Explorers can not attend independently. Each day is limited to 100 participants so please ensure you get your booking in early! Participants will need to bring a packed lunch and a couple of changes of dry clothing, just in case Further information will be sent to leaders one booked in. Cost. - £20 per participant per day. There are no refunds for this event although places may be exchanged with other Units. Leaders do not need to pay. When purchasing tickets please ensure you put your group number and district in the box which asks for a name, this way we know which groups have booked onto the event. Leaders children can attend but cant take part in activities as these are for explorers. E-Splash 2026, Watersports for Explorer Scouts Tickets, Saturday 26 September-Sunday 27 September • 10 AM-3 PM | Eventbrite
Other News from Across the County
Welcome to the latest edition of the Lincs County Bulletin. This is issued on the first Friday of each month. The bulletin will be sent to all adults registered on My Membership and distributed widely. To submit material for the bulletin please email howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk . Download as a PDF View historic Bulletins In this issue: From the County Lead Volunteer County AGM Volunteer Development Kinder Challenge KISCRoverway 2028 Volunteer Discount at Scout Store Individual Support Plans Nights Away Training E Splash
The County AGM to be held at Sudbrooke Park Campsite at 16:30
LINCSFEST 2026 BOOKINGS ARE NOW OPEN! The countdown to Lincolnshire Scouts' ultimate weekend for volunteers has officially begun! LINCSFEST is a weekend created by volunteers, for volunteers, bringing together people from across the county for a chance to learn new skills, be inspired, try something different, and celebrate everything that makes Scouting amazing. Whether you're looking to develop your skills, discover new ideas to take back to your section, try out activities your young people love, or simply spend time with fellow volunteers, LINCSFEST 2026 has something for you. Expect a weekend packed with: Inspiring talks and seminars Exciting activities and challenges New skills and ideas to take back with you Opportunities to connect, share, and belong Event Cost £10 – Lincolnshire Scouts members £15 – Non-Lincolnshire Scouts members Participant bookings are now OPEN! Whether you're booking just yourself or a group of volunteers, everyone should use the same online booking system. https://bookings.lincolnshirescouts.org.uk/lincsfest Individuals are very welcome to book themselves on, so don't worry if you're not booking as part of a group. Staff bookings will be released at a later date. If you're volunteering as part of the LINCSFEST staff team, your line manager or LINCSFEST contact will send you the staff booking link directly. Important: Please keep a note of your booking login details. You'll need these later to register for sessions and book your food choices when these become available. Have a question? Contact the team: lincsfest@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk This is just the beginning… Over the coming months, we'll be revealing more about the talks, activities, experiences, and opportunities waiting for you at LINCSFEST 2026. Get ready to LEAD, LEARN, DEVELOP and BELONG!
Welcome to the latest edition of the Lincs County Bulletin. This is issued on the first Friday of each month. The bulletin will be sent to all adults registered on My Membership and distributed widely. To submit material for the bulletin please email howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk . Download as a PDF View historic Bulletins In this issue: From the County Lead Volunteer Lincolnshire Scouts are growing Hobbycraft 10% offer Save the date - Lincs Fest Carbon monoxide risks during camps and expeditions The new Explorer programme is here Sailing Course- 19-20 August @ Girton SC First Aid workshops for young people aged 11-25 Are you looking at working towards your nights away permit?
Appointment of Rich Spence as Joint Programme Team Lead
Jack Evans appointed as Lead Volunteer for Rutland District effective 1 September 2026
Welcome to the latest edition of the Lincs County Bulletin. This is issued on the first Friday of each month. The bulletin will be sent to all adults registered on My Membership and distributed widely. To submit material for the bulletin please email howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk . Download as a PDF View historic Bulletins In this issue: From the County Lead Volunteer Brew it Forward Lincs Fest 2026 Gilwell Reunion Lincoln Pride Cubs on the Water
Welcome to the latest edition of the Lincs County Bulletin. This is issued on the first Friday of each month. The bulletin will be sent to all adults registered on My Membership and distributed widely. To submit material for the bulletin please email howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk . Download as a PDF View historic Bulletins In this issue: From the County Lead Volunteer DLV vacancy - Rutland Bookings now open for WOW Young Leaders Training Adult Volunteer Skills Day Lincoln Pride Awards 2026
