How a warm welcome (and some chilly camps) made all the difference
Rehneesa Inez joined Scouts as a quiet 14-year-old. Thanks to a brilliant volunteer, who went out of his way to make her feel welcome and included, she’s developed a lifelong love of Scouts. Now, as a key member of our Regional Services Team and the Race Equity Project Board, she shares her story of inclusive Scouts in action.
I joined a Muslim Scout Group in Nottingham as an Explorer Scout, around the age of 14. I went along because a family friend was the Group Scout Leader. My siblings decided to go and, in the end, I thought I’d go too. This was actually a big deal at the time. No one had ever joined Scouts in our family. In fact, we’d really never heard of anyone going.
However, at that stage, I really wasn’t sure if I’d stay. I’m glad I did, because I ended up staying for nearly four years as a young person (and the rest!).
A nervous start
When you’re 14, you’re still figuring things out about yourself. You’re working on your social skills. I was introverted, but still liked hanging out with people.
We were the only predominantly Muslim Scout Group in the District, and I was the only female Muslim teenager there. Even though everyone was very friendly, it still felt a little alienating.
When we’d go to district and county Scout camps as a group, I noticed the District Commissioner would always come and say hello. He knew who we were and he knew us all by name. I was like: ‘Oh, the District Commissioner knows my name!’
It felt like we were all being seen and acknowledged, not left in the corner. He always came over for a chat and did all he could to help me feel included. This mattered a lot.
Feeling valued and included
One really special moment I remember was when the same District Commissioner asked me to do the flag break at one of the camps. It was such a privilege to be chosen, especially as I wasn’t expecting to be asked.
At another camp we were cooking, and I was hanging out with other girls in the kitchen. Realising they’d be cooking bacon and pork, he came in and, acknowledging my faith, said: ‘You don’t have to be here if you don’t want to be.’
That was really thoughtful. He wasn’t over the top about it. It was just a way to say: ‘I’m here, and we value you being here too.’
Lasting impact
After those first few camps, I then went to every single one I could. I really enjoyed the sense of belonging they gave me.
These positive experiences made me want to keep going in Scouts, so I went on to become a Young Leader, then a Beaver Scout Leader, until I left for university and work.
My experiences have shown me what inclusive Scouts means in an everyday setting. So, when I saw that Scouts was looking for people to join its Race Equity Project Board, I jumped at the chance to help more young people have the positive experiences I had. And now I’m working in the Regional Services Team too!
The power of being part of something bigger
Here’s the important thing for me. Although I was part of a predominantly Muslim Scout Group, it was still very involved in District and County activities – attending camps and so on.
Because of the actions of this District Commissioner, I felt included as part of the wider district and county. This gave me the chance to connect with other groups which I found super fun.
Scouts is very heavy on community and belonging. That’s one of the great things about it.
When we went to these camps, we felt we were part of this bigger thing, not just a small group keeping themselves to themselves, which can sometimes happen.
When we went to the camp it felt like: ‘Wow there’s something much bigger and even better out there’.
We were able to mingle with other Scouts. It’s exhilarating when you’ve got a whole campsite filled with 200 or 300 people, who are all getting along and supporting each other.
Taking your first step with inclusive Scouts
Everyone starts from somewhere. If there’s a person from a minority ethnic background and they’re the only one in the room, they’ll notice it. They’ll feel that difference, as that’s automatic and it happens.
The important thing is to notice and acknowledge that person by saying hello, introducing yourself and make an effort. Just simple words, such as ‘If you need anything, I’m here’, can make a huge difference.
Always take some time to think things through and prepare as well as you can. For example, you can ask everyone beforehand if they've dietary restrictions or any other needs, such as a prayer room, then accommodate their needs.
It's good to be conscious of dates and times, such as if a meeting might clash with a faith or cultural festival. It’s also important not to make assumptions just because someone looks like they may be of a particular faith or cultural background.
We all need to be more open and understanding. Just acknowledging that there are differences, but that these aren’t a burden, is so powerful.
Sharing experiences
Speak with others who’ve been in a similar position, and who’ve already done some work on inclusion, diversity and race equity. They were once in the same place you are now. That peer support is so important, knowing you’re not alone.
As Scouts, we’re here to work together, not judge people. As long as you’re kind, respectful and open to learning you’ll get there. Think about what you’re scared about specifically and what you could do to overcome that fear.
Another good idea for bringing people together from different backgrounds is to talk about race equity as a group. You can plan a meeting to generate ideas and then potentially approach another Scout group, maybe one you’ve already got a connection with, and join them for some activities.
It’s about doing simple things together, having fun and keeping an open mind, which is also good description of Scouts!