The Viking Explorer Scout Unit – Investitures
Author: Richard Harvey
Published: May 6, 2015
In February of this year a new Explorer Scout Unit was formed, for young people aged 14 to 18 in the Caistor area. On Friday 17 April at the Oaks Camp Site, Nettleton, the Viking Explorer Scout Unit (Louth District) took a gigantic step forward with their very first Investiture Ceremony. Eight young people from the Caistor and surrounding areas made their Promise, received neckerchiefs and badges signifying their entry into the Worldwide Family of Scouting.
The eight members have been working towards their membership badges since the opening of the Unit, learning about the ethos and history of scouting, as well as taking part in more adventurous activities. Amongst other things, they have already spent nights away camping; hiking in the Lincolnshire Wolds and the Peak District and also assisted at the 1st Grasby Scout Group at their Families Day in March. The Explorers have been extremely busy and have a packed programme ahead of them, including working towards the Chief Scout Awards, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, indoor rock-climbing, raft racing, orienteering and many more activities indoor and out. Indeed the day after Investiture, 4 of the Explorers successfully completed the Wolds Challenge in East Yorkshire, completing the 17 mile course up and down the hills in less than 7 hours.
Two of the Explorers are also going through a rigorous training programme preparing them for this summer’s World Scout Jamboree in Japan. They have both been on training camps each month for the last year in addition to fund-raising for the event.
With the Investiture, The Viking Explorer Scout Unit is now fully formed. Its two leaders, James Barnett and Jan Waite bring a wealth of experience of the Scouting and Duke of Edinburgh’s awards schemes between them.
“The Unit has a great future ahead; the members have some exciting ideas for future activities. They really are a great group of young people and a pleasure to work with. Other members of my family have been involved with scouting for many years, but it is a first for me and I would recommend it to others. ”, said Jan Waite
James added, “The members of the Unit have bonded together quickly and very well. They each have their own individual trait to add to the whole team effort. We have had a lot of fun already and I really pleased to be a part of the Unit. We mustn’t forget, though, the support from the parents for which we are all very grateful and the assistance that the Louth Scouting District has given us in setting up. “
The Unit has places available for any young person between the age of 14 and 17 who would be interested in joining the Viking Explorer Unit. No previous scouting experience is needed. They meet on Friday evenings in and around Caistor.
The eight members have been working towards their membership badges since the opening of the Unit, learning about the ethos and history of scouting, as well as taking part in more adventurous activities. Amongst other things, they have already spent nights away camping; hiking in the Lincolnshire Wolds and the Peak District and also assisted at the 1st Grasby Scout Group at their Families Day in March. The Explorers have been extremely busy and have a packed programme ahead of them, including working towards the Chief Scout Awards, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, indoor rock-climbing, raft racing, orienteering and many more activities indoor and out. Indeed the day after Investiture, 4 of the Explorers successfully completed the Wolds Challenge in East Yorkshire, completing the 17 mile course up and down the hills in less than 7 hours.
Two of the Explorers are also going through a rigorous training programme preparing them for this summer’s World Scout Jamboree in Japan. They have both been on training camps each month for the last year in addition to fund-raising for the event.
With the Investiture, The Viking Explorer Scout Unit is now fully formed. Its two leaders, James Barnett and Jan Waite bring a wealth of experience of the Scouting and Duke of Edinburgh’s awards schemes between them.
“The Unit has a great future ahead; the members have some exciting ideas for future activities. They really are a great group of young people and a pleasure to work with. Other members of my family have been involved with scouting for many years, but it is a first for me and I would recommend it to others. ”, said Jan Waite
James added, “The members of the Unit have bonded together quickly and very well. They each have their own individual trait to add to the whole team effort. We have had a lot of fun already and I really pleased to be a part of the Unit. We mustn’t forget, though, the support from the parents for which we are all very grateful and the assistance that the Louth Scouting District has given us in setting up. “
The Unit has places available for any young person between the age of 14 and 17 who would be interested in joining the Viking Explorer Unit. No previous scouting experience is needed. They meet on Friday evenings in and around Caistor.
We are pleased to invite all members of Lincolnshire Scouts to attend the County’s AGM to held at Sudbrooke Park Scout Campsite on Saturday 13 September 2025, starting at 16:30. More details can be found at https://www.lincolnshirescouts.org.uk/agm
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 Lincs Fest Kinder Hike Lincoln Pride Jamboree Young person Selection Splash Lincs
Bookings are now open! We are holding two Splash! days for the Scout section at Whitewater, near Stamford that will include Sailing, SUPs and paddlesports. These events are open to Scouts 10-14 years old. The events are only open to members of Scouts. You can book for 1 day or both days. The events are designed to get more experience or have a taste of watersports. The link to book is https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1533761886089?aff=oddtdtcreator
Apply now to be part of the Lincolnshire Unit & UK Contingent to the 26th World Scout Jamboree in Poland from 30th July to 8th August 2027. Is your birthday between 30th July 2009 and 30th July 2013? Do you want to have the adventure of a lifetime? Then apply now via the link below. https://forms.office.com/e/jzrW1JxiZk The deadline for applications to attend the selection event is the 30th September 2025. This is due to take place at Sudbrooke Camp Site on 4-5th October 2025. For any questions please contact international@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk We look forward to seeing you there, Georgia, Dawn, Kev and Shaun
Following a competitive selection process, I am pleased to announce the appointment of the Lincolnshire Scouts Jamboree Team: Unit Leader – Georgia Galloway (Stamford & Bourne) Unit Deputy – Dawn Fear (Lincoln) Team Member – Kev Wrenn (Lincoln) Team Member – Shaun Gill (Sleaford)
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 Vacancies in County Section Support Team Funding opportunities Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre - Available for Group Bookings World Scout Jamboree & International Trips Sensory bags Trustees needed
Charity Quiz - This quiz has been designed and written by the Youth Shapers. It’s purpose is to be used as a starter/game activity in a scouting meeting with the idea being that to participate all scouts would make a small charity donation.
What Trustees do, really makes a difference. Lincolnshire Scouts are looking for a new Trustee for a 3 year term starting from September 2025. We need your experience and wisdom to help us make sure we’re well governed and managed.
