First Response

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.

Recruiting Leaders was identified by GLV’s as the most challenging part of their role, acting as a blocker to growth of sections, and one which is becoming more difficult. In response County are offering to support projects identified by you with paid expert help. This will include paid advertising through social media and professional part time support staff paid for by County to make your project a success and support to start or expand sections. We also hope to recruit local volunteers who are interested in recruitment and growth to join in the training provided by HQ to help support the project and once the project is complete, be able to continue using the skills locally. To maximise the use of the funding we are hoping to identify a number of posts located near the projects to minimise travel costs. This is your opportunity to put forward a project for your Group/ District for consideration. You will need a well-defined project, give some background as to what you have already tried/achieved, the support you can give your project as volunteers, and the project outcomes you are hoping to achieve. We will scope the project with clear timelines, define and agree the project outcomes with you, and identify the professional who will support you. We are hoping to start this project in March 2026. If you want to be considered either for a project, part of the volunteer support team to be included in the HQ training, or you want to be considered for the part time fixed term paid roles, please email me at malcolm.moore@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk Census 2026 Thankyou for completing the annual Census. County and Region will review the figures to identify areas that require support and we will be in touch with District Leads to discuss their plans for development. Volunteer champion Some Districts have identified a lead for Volunteer Development but we are hoping to develop teams in every District that will support best practice in the volunteering process of recruitment, welcoming, induction, and encouraging Learning. If you would like to be considered as a volunteer champion please email me malcolm.moore@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk No obligation.

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.