IT’S that time of year when we start looking at how much we have grown as a County. Although not all the figures are in yet, some Districts have done exceedingly well. We shall have to wait a little longer to see how the County has done as a whole.
One of the highlights so far this year has been watching the Jamboree Contingent work together. We really have a great bunch of young people and Leaders going to Japan to represent Suffolk.
Suffolk will also be well represented on the International Service Team. Keith Gleen, John Mabb, Barry Thomas, Tom Nunn, Matt Meyrick, Paul Goffin, and I have all been selected. I am so excited. We are all preparing for the adventure of a lifetime. Our tasks will be many and varied. Someone mentioned toilets but I am sure there will be some more fragrant (?) roles as well - I hope!
Nicola Day has stood down from her role as Network Commissioner and is returning to grassroots Scouting. Nicola has worked hard to get Network started in Suffolk and has left an excellent legacy. Matt Gilbert has now taken on the role.
John Mabb will be leaving Suffolk very soon to live in Hampshire but I am pleased to say that he will continue as the editor of the County News. We wish him well for the future.
There seems to be some misunderstanding with Leaders’ interpretation of when the additional alternative version of the Scout Promise should be used. In the case of young people, it is important that they choose and make a Promise that they are comfortable with and they can be proud to live by.
The role of the Leader is to make young people aware of the options, explain what the Promise means, what the options for alternative wording are, and if the young person expresses a wish to explore alternative wording, depending on their age and maturity, discussing the decision with parents or carers. Ultimately the decision as to which version of the Promise young people make lies with the young people. However, in the younger sections, parents should be aware of the Promise chosen before the investiture ceremony. If you have any questions please contact your District Commissioner for guidance first.
Happy Scouting
Jenny Mullan
County Commissioner