Scouts

WF8 Scout Troop

AGM Annual Report

July 2023

Over the last 12 months WF8 Scouts have completed a full programme of activities, completed some amazing challenges, and had loads of fun. The troop have had some changes this year, but with the support of leaders across the group and the GSL, we are in a positive position and looking forward the next years planning. 

Leaders and Young Leaders

Over the last 12 months we have seen some transition with leaders.  Currently we have 6 leaders across Tuesday and Wednesday sessions. 

We have another potential leader, who has completed all required paperwork and training as is currently spending some time getting to know the group.

In response to the changes in leadership; all Section Assistants have agreed to step up to a full appointment within the Troop starting from September 2023. 

1 leader is currently completing their Nights Away Permit training, which will allow the troop to be independent and fully functional for troop camps and nights away.  This is supported by the GSL who is also completing the NA training.

We have 4 young leaders.  2 of which are currently being supported to complete their Chief Scout Awards

Programme

We have completed a full and varied programme of activities which the scouts have enjoyed.

This includes

• hikes,
• orienteering,
• back wood cooking,
• photography,
• problem solving activities,
• assault course
• Scout stills including knots, tents and fire lighting.

Scouts have also done first aid and internet sessions.  Scouts have completed natural fence building and created wildflower seed beds at Rhydd. The Scouts were proud of this and have continued to look after these areas.

Leaders have sought to diversify some sessions to give Scouts different experiences within the programme.  A good example of this is the recent Hike and Photography session around Trimpley Reservoir.  This was a standout session, and a format we wish to use for programme planning next year.

Badges

Over the last 12 months scouts have achieved a total of 248 badges including

• 5 Gold Scout Awards,
• 33 Emergency First Aid,
• 38 Nights Away badges,
• 33 Joining In badges,
• 34 Hike badges,
• 5 of our senior scouts have completed their Adventure badges.

Events

The main event for the Scouts this year have been;

Looking forward

The troop are in a very positive position and are looking forward to taking on more responsibility, new training and planning for the next term.

Other items of the group agenda for the coming months are;

• Summer Camp 2024 planning – we want to a make a start on this early.
• Quartermaster activities – Hopefully we will have a leader who is happy to help with this function.
• Be part of the district camps.

If you wish to join us at any of our session or event you are more than welcome!

Yours

Dan W, Dave G, Dan S, Joe, Louise and Leanne

8^th Wyre Forest Scout Group

Group Scout Leader Annual Report

July 2023

The past 12 months have been a period of development, challenge and change for the Group.  I took over as GSL in Summer 2022 having received an incredible handover in terms admin, buildings, premises, and finances from Ian Setchell.  This allowed me to focus almost all my attention on the ground with the leaders, the programme, events, and the young people within the sections.

My aims at the start of my tenure were;

• Engage with and support the leadership across the sections.  Ensure all leaders are happy, and have agency in contributing to their own Scouting journey; ensuring they feel valued and have a positive sense of purpose.
• Ensure the programme for Young People is suitable, challenging, and fun; whilst also being safe, and compliant with standards & expectations.
• Ensure that the Group has a positive focus towards the District; that the leaders have sufficient information to engage with, and have a voice within the District, and that opportunities within the District are maximised for the benefit of the Young People within the Group.
• Draw out any persistent, negative issues within the group and resolve them.
• Demonstrate active leadership and support towards all parts of the Group; Trustee Committee, Leaders, Young People.

Trustee Committee

The Trustee Committee have provided valuable guidance and support during the past 12 months.  We have robustly addressed financial issues within the group, and the Trustees have offered welcome check and challenge on an open and regular basis.  Although the personal have changed, and some have changed roles – the core of the group exec have remained a coherent and welcome support to me.

Leaders and Young Leaders

Leaders are now (hopefully) engaged and (hopefully) feel happy that they can contribute and develop themselves within the group.  Leaders having access to information has been an important aim for me, and giving all leaders exposure to a wider network has driven consistency across the adult volunteers across the sections.

Some significant, long-term leader have chosen to move on from WF8.  However, recruitment of new volunteers has been healthy across the sections.  We now have more volunteers than 12 months ago.  And we no longer have single-person dependencies within sections. 

Young Leaders have reduced from a total of 17 in Summer 2022; to a more appropriate and manageable 9 in Summer 2023.

Programme

Standout events that I have been fortunate to be part of over the past 12 months were;

• Scouts Summer Camp to Blackwell Court in August 2022
• Pledge Plod and Camp in Autumn 2022
• Scouts Christmas Post  
• Beavers Space Centre Trip
• Cubs trip to RAF Cosford
• WF8 Group Camp with the Squirrel Section
• Coronation Bank Holiday Big Help Out
• St Georges Day Parade with all sections

Looking forward

The Group is in a very positive position moving into the next 12 months.  A better coherence and team spirit across the section will allow room for us to develop further to the benefit of all involved.  Of particular interest to me for the coming year are;

• Full engagement will District events – not just attending the events but allowing leaders to be part of the planning if they wish.
• Recruitment of leaders for the Scout Section, and the development of identity for the Scout Troop currently split across two days.
• Opportunities for leaders to take on more senior roles; I aim to appoint a Deputy GSL, a Transformation Champion, and a Quartermaster.  I want to see if a leader can be a cross-section champion in terms of social media coverage & exploit the Group identity.
• Development of the Trustee Committee – seeking additional support of new Trustees, legacy and resilience capacity within the Trustee Committee, and opportunities for leaders within sections to be ex-officio members of the Trustee Committee.
• Develop links with Explorer Units to provide a smoother transition for Scouts and be a source appropriate future Young Leaders for the Group.
• Engage and built on the positive relationship with parents.
• All members of to have an awesome time and enjoy their Scouting journeys.

Very Best Regards,

Matt Whitehouse

Group Scout Leader

8^th Wyre Forest Scout Group

Here you will see some reports for our AGM in July

Louise, Chair

We recognise that times are hard for some folk at this time. Our leaders are conscious of this and review their plans to ensure maximum benefit of Scouting in their section at an affordable cost. All camps and visits have a costed plan to check safety and affordability.

Our monthly membership fee is £12, payable each month throughout the year. Payments should only be paid to the nominated account as we no longer accept cash. The best method is a standing order although you can pay by cash direct into our account at a bank. Our bank details are available from the leader team.

At £12 our membership fee is at the median amount charged by other groups in the Wyre Forest District. Like most groups we have a hut to run and keep up to date with costs all the year round. It's also important to remember that half of the membership fee goes to pay National, County and District levies for the support and services they offer to us. Overall, the Exec feel that the monthly fee is value for money.

It is vital that membership fees are paid regularly. If at any time parents / carers feel they are unable to pay, please contact the GSL to explain - gsl@wf8.org.uk. All cases will be kept private - the Exec of the Group have the final say on any help that can be given but no individual will be named in their discussion or decision making.

The Exec gave a commitment at the start of 2022 that they had no plans, after reviewing the Groups fiscal responsibilities and plans, to increase fees for the next two years. The Exec will review that again in early 2023 and report their findings prior to the annual general meeting in June 2023.

GSL

Follow this link to find some very useful tips if your Young Person is camping with us at WF8 for the very first time

https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2023/april/nights-away-prepare-your-child-for-their-first-camp/