Following the Prime Minister’s announcement at the weekend, the Government have confirmed there will be some changes to the way we can deliver Scouting activities within England only. Currently there is no change to guidance for the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey, if this changes we will communicate with you separately.

Taking effect today, 2 December 2021, the youth sector moves to the Yellow readiness level and the following changes apply:

•     Anyone aged 11+ must wear a face covering when indoors, unless they are exempt (and we recommend the use of known visible methods for people to display if they are exempt).

•     International travel should be reviewed in line with the latest Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice with the awareness that the requirements/restrictions may change at any time. This includes being aware of Government restrictions on travel (both within the UK and in the destination nation), checking with insurance providers that appropriate cover is in place given the changing Government restrictions, and that appropriate measures are in place for quarantine upon return. Before going ahead, all international trips must consider how the trip will be delivered in a COVID-19 safe manner and must have appropriate approval from the relevant District or County Commissioner and Executive Committee through the Visits Abroad process.

We don’t know how long these restrictions will last but we will continue to update you via email and our website as things change.

I would ask that you please make sure these changes are communicated to young people, parents, leaders and all of your volunteers. Please be mindful and respect that some people may wish to stay away from Scouts at this time.

Please review and update risk assessments for section meetings, activities and residentials as well as meetings, training, events and social activities for adults to reflect this change and the current readiness level.

Thank you for your continued resilience and positivity as we adapt to this change and for keeping Scouts going wherever you can – we’ve seen how much of a difference returning to face-to-face activities has had for our young people.

Please stay safe and look after each other!

Best wishes,

Sam Morris

Chief Commissioner of England

Scouts

Re-energise event

Re Energise was held at Hallowtree last weekend for leaders and supporters throughout the County. Although the weather decided to cool down over the weekend, all those who attended had the opportunity to network and engage with the many stands and activities on offer.

Get involved in adventure!

Find out what you need to do to lead adventurous activities for your section- water activities, mountain activities, archery, mountain biking - visit the link to the Pathways to Permits on this website!

Offshore Adventures

The programme of residential sailing opportunities with Offshore sailing is now on their website- take a look!

Water activities training and development for adults

Take a look at the opportunities to develop your skills and have fun by visiting the water activities page on the County website. Opportunities to support you to gain permits to lead water activities are also listed.

The Training Team have also put together a programme of training opportunities that will take place via Zoom on weekday evenings in February 2022. Modules for Working with Adults (9), Programme Planning (12B), Advising on Adult Appointments (37), International (19), Assessing Learning (25) and Introduction to Residential Activities (16)- are available to book.  Details on the Adult Training webpage.

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The Scouts are once again offering their special Christmas postal service for 2021 in the Ipswich and Felixstowe areas.
 

Cost will be only 30p per card (any size) – Please put your cards and money together in the special Scout Xmas Post boxes.

Please write the full address with postcode and any instructions on the envelope clearly.  

For more details about where to post and where we deliver, please see The Ipswich Scout Post website (or click on picture).

The groups involved will then begin to deliver the cards the day after the special postboxes close and should all be completed by Christmas Eve.

Unfortunately, we are no longer able to deliver to Grundisburgh, Culpho, Playford, Gt. & Lt. Bealings or Nacton.
 

Dear Leaders and Supporters,

As you may be aware, we are searching for a new District Commissioner and hopefully two Deputies for the Bury St Edmunds District.

I am asking you if either you might consider taking on this role yourself or if you could think about suggestions for suitable candidates for these roles. These District roles are instrumental in supporting scouting in the Bury district. The District Commissioner and Deputies will have to opportunity not only to support scouting activities and groups but also to influence the future development of scouting in the district.

Please can you give some serious consideration to these opportunities and promote these vacancies as widely as possible within the scouting community both in your own district and in neighbouring areas.

The closing date for applications is Saturday the 4^th December. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions about the roles or the process.

You can access the role descriptions and application form below:-

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Here’s what you need to know

• The event is aimed at all adult volunteers of Suffolk Scouts, but if you need to bring your young people you are the parent / carer to that’s fine!
• Saturday: the event is 10:00 – 16:00
• Sunday: the event is 10:00- 14:00
• It's a non-uniformed event
• Food will not be provided but teas and coffees will be!
• The event is at Hallowtree Activity Centre (please see the map below for where things will be happening)
• Please bring your own laptop/ mobile device to engage with some the sessions
• Please bring your own mug and chair
• A  lot of the stands will be outside, so dress accordingly for the weather
• The event is a relaxed affair, so come and go as you please, come for an hour, come for a day its up to you!
• Please bring a face covering
• Please do not attend if:
  • You feel unwell.
  • have COVID or
  • have COVID symptoms

For more details,  booking events and more reasons to meet up - see the Re-energise link here - Re-energise!

The course has been designed to provide adults in Scouting and experienced Explorer Scouts with the enhanced skills required to further their interest and ability in hill walking within the UK and to enable those attending to work towards being assessed for a relevant Scout Association Hill Walking Permit /Personal Permit for under 18’s. 

It will be held at Boxford Spinney on 23rd January 2022 09:00. (postponed from November 2021) The CMAT team recommend viewing the Virtual Mountain Awareness Course available to download on the CMAT Activity page before attending along with the event booking form.