Scouts make a difference in Month of Community
Scouts have been out and about lending a hand across local communities this week, living their promise to help other people.
This June is the Month of Community and Scouts have got off to a flying start with events as part of Volunteers’ Week, The Big Help Out and The Big Lunch.
A sponsored sleep
On 5 June young people and volunteers from Bromley Scouts, were joined by Scouts from Greenwich to take part in a sponsored sleep out at the Old Royal Naval College in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
So far, their fundraising efforts have raised £1,095 plus £233 gift aid to support the homeless in Bromley. They have also received a letter from HM The King acknowledging their efforts. While at the college, they were given special permission in recognition of this community service to use the historic Skittle Alley, then watched a film shot on location there.
Sheila Howard, the District Lead Volunteer for Bromley said: ‘I can think of nowhere more iconic to stage this event than the Old Royal Naval College, in the heart of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site.
‘The young people did so well and I am very proud of them. Supporting the local community is so important and forms part of the Scout Promise that every member makes. I am delighted that members of our District decided to support the Bromley homeless charity - a very worthy cause.’
Community clear up
Meanwhile, in Sheffield, Cubs from 229th Greenhill Methodist Scout Group took to the streets to litter pick around the local community as part of the Big Help Out.
The Cubs didn’t let the rain put them off, and were soon rewarded by the appearance of sunshine and a beautiful rainbow.
Half an hour into the clean up, the owner of the pizza shop was so impressed he came out and offered free pizzas to the Cubs which were devoured back at their meeting place. One good turn deserves another.
A new home for adventure in Nottinghamshire
Meanwhile, Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields headed to Nottinghamshire on Saturday 6 June to officially open the new Nottinghamshire Scouts Activity Centre at Hoveringham. He was joined by 120 Cubs, 50 Scouts and scores of dedicated volunteers.
Looking out across a 150-acre lake offering sailing, kayaking, paddle-boarding and much more, the centre will help young people build confidence, teamwork and resilience.
Funded by Nottinghamshire Scouts and community supporters, the centre will help young people enjoy 60,000 hours of activities each year. Dwayne opened the centre with Professor Veronica Pickering, Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire.
Dwayne said, 'Opening this incredible centre filled me with such pride. These facilities will give thousands of young people the chance to grow, challenge themselves and discover what they can achieve.'
An 8-year-old Cub Scout said, 'It was the best day ever! I went sailing for the first time and didn’t know I could do it. I felt brave and proud. I want to come back every weekend!'
King’s Award for Voluntary Service
Finally, Dwayne also paid a visit to 6th Gosport (Rowner) Air Scouts, as they were officially presented with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2025 on HMS Sultan. The presentation was made by Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson and County Lead Volunteer, Paul Bell.
Other groups who received the prestigious award in 2025 were 71st Doncaster Hunafa Scout Group, 1st Ockendon Cub Scout Pack, 77th Glasgow (Disabled) Scout Group, BMHC Scout Group and 1st Cockermouth Scout Group.
Thank you
Well done and thank you to all young people and volunteers across the UK who are supporting communities so well, showing Scouts is truly a place to belong.