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.
Congratulations to William of 7th Grantham for being 1 of 20 unsung heroes to receive an award from Chief Scout Dwayne Fields
World Scout Jamboree Leader Applications
☕ Brew it Forward – Nominate a Volunteer for a Well-Earned Cuppa!
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! Chill Out Membership System Programme Team Youth Shaped Safety Making plans for the future New Lead Volunteer for Sleaford needed Poacher 2026 Jamboree and County Internationals
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Adam Jacklin will be stepping down from his role as District Lead Volunteer for Sleaford District on 4 November 2025. As Adam prepares to step down as District Lead Volunteer for Sleaford this November, I would like to take the opportunity to offer my thanks for the energy, dedication, and leadership he has brought to the role. Adam has been a driving force behind many positive developments within the District, always bringing a thoughtful and steady approach to everything he does. Throughout his term, Adam has consistently put young people at the centre of our work. His collaborative style has helped build strong teams and foster a real sense of community among our volunteers. Whether supporting events, shaping strategy, or mentoring others, Adam has been generous with his time and tireless in his commitment to the values of Scouting. While Adam is stepping back from the DLV role, I know his involvement with the District and County will continue. I look forward to seeing the next chapter of his Scouting journey and extend our warmest thanks for the significant contribution he has made over the years. We are looking a new District Lead Volunteer roles for Sleaford District. As a result we are now recruiting for its next inspirational volunteer (or team of volunteers) to lead Sleaford District. Please click to download the pack which contains detailed information about the role as well as 2 application forms which volunteers can use to either express their interest in the role or to nominate someone else for consideration. We would love to hear from you if you would like to apply or if you would like to find out more information about the role. The deadline for all applications is 1 July 2025. Interviews will be held in July. Please contact malcolm.moore@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk or howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk if you have any questions. The application form and more information about the role is enclosed here . Applications should be sent to malcolm.moore@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk Deadline for Applications: 23:59 1 July 2025
Module 10 First Response An opportunity to complete your Module 10- First Aid. During the day, you will complete your First Aid training, meaning you'll have all the skills and knowledge to manage an incident and cover basic First Aid. This is a county-run event, but taking place locally, so if you need to complete your first response training soon, now is the ideal opportunity! There are two courses, and they will take place at: 1) Grantham - May 10 Scout Hq, Earlesfield Lane, Lincs, NG31 7NT 0900-1600 Link to Book https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1320058754269?aff=oddtdtcreator 2) Boston - June 15 8th Boston (Wyberton): Tytton Lane East, Wyberton, PE21 7HP 0900-1600 Link to Book https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1320060278829?aff=oddtdtcreator Further dates will be published in due course. Bring a packed lunch Notepad and pen Tea and Coffee provided
Bookings are now open The county over 18s only camp, training and social event is back from 13th - 14th September 2025 at Sudbrooke Park Campsite, Lincoln. The event is running from Saturday 13 September (with activities starting 10am) to Sunday 14 September (Lunchtime) and also the option to just come for the day on the Saturday. Full information and details will be shared with all participants before the event. The cost of the event is £7 for member within Lincolnshire Scouts and £10 for any other member of the Scout Association. All scouters, including Trustee Board members and Helpers are welcome. Cost includes badge, travel mug, access to the event and all activities and tea/coffee/squash facilities throughout the event. Booking Link = https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=QyFEsSceqkGXT_kCaIBQ3q-HEZPLrxVCm8sIMQEi9TVURUo1OVBETERETE5NTzVMUlY0MVJOMTlBSS4u
