Home : Wayne's Blog (Wayne Bulpitt - UK Chief Commissioner) : The simple things
The simple things
To start with, I know that it’s not all plain sailing. I appreciate that I’m one of those people who are always happy and smiling, but let me assure you I’m not immune from some of the less enjoyable aspects of Scouting, and I don’t only handle the glossy, positive things, whether through visits, meetings, post or telephone conversations.
I do believe however that more honesty, openness and support can signifanctly improve these challenges.
How can you help?
I also believe that everybody can play a role in making our Movement better and open to all, there are a number of ways in which we you can do this locally, too:
- Challenge what 'full sections' means – did you know for example that only 18% of Beaver Colonies have more than 20 members, or that just 17% of Cub Packs and 21% of Scout Troops have 24 members or more. How many of you could take just a few more members? And how do those of you with much larger sections manage? Please let us know.
- Be flexible - consider doing your Scouting differently, or splitting your evenings. Work in teams to share the load, sharing programmes, or allowing volunteers to contribute to Scouting once a month
- If you have a joining list and a Group next door doesn’t, instead of boasting of how much more successful you are, ask yourself what you could do to help them.
Success breeds success
I am not naïve enough to believe there aren’t a multitude of issues that sit behind some local challenges, but just imagine how much more rewarding it might be if you could help other Groups benefit from your success too.
After all, success breeds success. Share your success with neighbouring Groups and rejoice in knowing that more young people and society in general are benefiting from the fantastic commitment that you offer Scouts in your village and community.
Comments
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By Barry Hewitt
on 19/09/2011 17:40 Totally agree Wayne, we manage a unit of 80 explorers with five leaders. Lots of split programmes, smart grouping and technology helps us keep on top if it.
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By Paul
on 20/09/2011 16:03 I have recently stepped down from Cub Leading for Personal Reasons. I had grown the pack to approxiamtely 30+ cubs. However when I stepped down I was told by the group that that was too many and 24 is a good size!
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By John Beaton
on 20/09/2011 17:18 Our Cub Pack currently has 15 members we want to increase the number to 20-25 Cubs. Do you have any tips on how to recruit new youth members and Adult leaders/helpers.
NOTE FROM WAYNE; Hi John, for recruiting adults, take a look at www.scouts.org.uk/supportresources/search/?cat=268,269 or The Big Adventure information, for tips on recruiting young people try www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/facts/pdfs/fs391003.pdf.
Please let me know how you get on. Wayne
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By Jamie
on 21/09/2011 11:25 I think these figures are totally misleading. We for example, couldn't have 24 Cubs because it would be a hazard due to the size of our meeting place. We can take up to about 18, and I suspect we are not the only section in this situation. So, in reality, we are a full section, just not according to the official statistics. However, I do agree with your tips for growth. Central waiting lists are also useful so that less successful groups can take the ease off the ones with large waiting lists
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By John Alexander
on 24/09/2011 13:00 Jamie makes a good point - there may be good reasons why some sections can't take any more. Perhaps a Census questionaire would be a start. How many do you have in each section, what do you consider your maximum size for each section and what limits it - accomodation, leaders, adult ratios, ability to run a good programme, camps, etc.
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By Geoff Powell
on 26/10/2011 22:24 You will always lose a few when there is a change of leadership, 24 is an ideal number for a cub pack and if you have more then start another pack.
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