Programme

Our volunteers have told us what‘s working, what isn’t, and what support they need to continue to deliver amazing programmes in the current climate. Thanks to everyone who took part and shared their thoughts – it’s been really helpful.  

We found that:

• Adapting a programme and digital or connection issues have been the main difficulties when delivering Scouts online.
• Online activities haven’t felt like proper Scouts – it’s been hard to run suitable activities and maintain engagement.
• 73% of leaders are either completely or slightly confident delivering a blended programme, but 68% think that parents will have concerns about it – particularly about staying safe.
• We could do more to support you – leaders need content with adapted guidance, risk assessment support, and clearer information.

Our focus

We’ve developed a wide variety of new activities, video content and resources to support leaders in delivering the programme either online or at a distance, depending on government guidelines. All of this can now be found in ‘Running your section’ – there’s risk assessment templates, guidance on moving up, press-play-and-go videos, and more.

We know that delivering a programme online can be tricky, so we’ve run lots of programme support webinars and campaigns like ‘Wellbeing champions’ to give you an extra helping hand.

There’s also a full programme for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts on our activities database that can be adapted to work online, indoors, and outdoors. Just follow our top tips for making activities work online and at home, or use the new socially distant location for activities that’ve already been adapted.

Watch: Become a programme planning pro (originally recorded for Reunion 2020)

We’ve now got more than 1,150 activities available on the database, accompanied by a rich mix of illustration, animation and short ‘how to’ films to help you with delivery. All of the activities have been co-designed with volunteers across the nations, experts throughout HQ, and our corporate partners. We’ve provided a variety of filters to make it easier to find what you’re looking for – you can search by section, skill, location, cost and more – and there’s also a digital planning tool to support with long-term and short-term planning. You can choose from ready-made programmes or build your own based on badge goals. 

What’s next?

• We’ll continue to develop new activities to help leaders deliver the programme
• We’re exploring how we work with members to showcase user generated activities and other content
• We’ll improve and add more programme guidance based on member needs

For Explorers, there are already more than 450 activities to try out. However, we’ll need to do a strategic review of the Scouts provision for ages 14–25 before we can do a full programme.