When I stepped into the role of County Lead Volunteer on 1st May, I knew we were about to embark on a new chapter of adventure, growth, and community. What I didn’t fully appreciate then was just how incredible the journey would be in just a few short months.
From day one, I have been overwhelmed by the energy, dedication, and sheer passion that radiates from every corner of our county. Together, we’ve already achieved so much – and I couldn’t be prouder.
Adventure and Opportunity at Every Turn
Just to name just a few….120 Cubs kicked off the summer with an unforgettable trip to The Deep, supported by their leaders and our incredible County Cub Team. Meanwhile, 208 Cubs and Scouts raced into action at our ever-popular pedal car racing event – a high-octane day that brought friendly competition and plenty of muddy smiles.
We also saw 250 Scouts come together for our epic Dawn till Dusk Camp, made possible by the tireless support of Young Leaders and adult volunteers. Not to be outdone, our Explorers made a bold bid for glory as 65 of them conquered the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
Adventure continued with 23 Scouts tackling the Expedition Challenge, and nearly 60 Beavers setting sail at our County Bell Boating Day at Green Withens – a day full of courage, teamwork, and paddles in the water!
Strengthening Our County
This period has also marked some important milestones in shaping our leadership and building stronger foundations for the future. I was proud to appoint a brand-new County Team, and we also welcomed a brilliant new County Chair and Deputy, both ready to drive our mission forward with passion and purpose.
We’ve celebrated the past and the present with a fantastic Gang Show reunion, and looked to the future with the successful Jamboree Unit Leader recruitment and a training weekend for 40 Peru participants. These international adventures are just the beginning of what promises to be a life-changing experience.
Investing in Our People
One of the most inspiring parts of these past months has been seeing our commitment to training and development in action.
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Our Nights Away training team ran a fantastic course, ensuring our adults are equipped and confident to give young people those magical moments under canvas.
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The Young Leaders team delivered a brilliant training weekend, empowering the next generation of volunteers to lead with courage and creativity.
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And we had an evening to remember with 44 adults attending our County Awards Meal, recognising Silver Acorn recipients and above, as well as gallantry award winners – shining examples of service and bravery in our community.
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who has worked hard to complete the new safety training. Your commitment ensures our young people can learn, grow, and explore in a safe, supportive environment.
Looking Ahead…
As we enjoy the full swing of our summer programmes at Bradley Wood and Green Withens, excitement continues to build. Over 250 Scouts are heading abroad on international trips – what an amazing opportunity to represent our county and build memories to last a lifetime.
There are more District AGMs on the horizon, and of course, our much-anticipated County AGM, where we’ll be opening our new temporary exhibition: “Our Jamboree Journey” – a celebration of Scouting spirit, friendship, and adventure on a global scale.
As I reflect on the last couple of months, one word keeps coming to mind: gratitude. Thank you to every leader, volunteer, young person, and supporter who makes this all possible. Your energy is contagious, your dedication is humbling, and your belief in Scouting’s power to change lives is what keeps us moving forward.
Here’s to a summer of fun, growth, and unforgettable experiences – and to continuing this incredible journey together. Our Scouting Family is going places!
Always Scouting,
Tobias Hammond
County Lead Volunteer
