1st Bottesford Scout Group

26/10/2026

**🌟 Inclusion Includes Our Volunteers Too 🌟**

When we talk about inclusion, it's easy to focus on our young people—but what about the adults who give up their time every week to make Scouting happen?

Sensory inclusion isn't just for young people. Many Scout leaders and volunteers also experience sensory overload and can benefit from reasonable adjustments. Bright lights, loud noise, crowded spaces, unexpected changes, or multiple conversations at once can all be overwhelming.

Supporting our volunteers doesn't make them any less capable—it helps them to be the very best leaders they can be. When leaders feel understood and supported, they're able to continue creating amazing experiences for the young people in their care.

This fantastic video from **Scouty Cathy** explores why inclusive Scouting should consider the sensory needs of **everyone** involved, not just our young people.

Inclusion isn't about giving people special treatment—it's about recognising that everyone experiences the world differently and making simple adjustments so everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Please have a watch and let us know your thoughts. Together, we can make Scouting a place where every young person **and every volunteer** feels valued, supported and able to belong.

💙💛 **Over and out,**
**Akela Mousey** 🐺

26/10/2026

**🧩 Support Plan Myth #2: "You need a diagnosis to have a support plan."**

❌ **Myth.**
✅ **Fact:** You do **not** need a diagnosis to have a support plan in Scouts.

A support plan isn't about a medical label—it's about understanding the individual. It helps us identify any barriers a young person or volunteer may face and the reasonable adjustments we can make so they can fully enjoy everything Scouting has to offer.

No one should have to wait months or even years for a diagnosis before they receive the support they need. Sometimes the smallest adjustment can make the biggest difference.

We're sharing another brilliant video from **Scouty Cathy** , who explains this myth perfectly. We encourage all of our Scouting families to have a watch.

Inclusion isn't about treating everyone the same—it's about giving everyone the opportunity to succeed. When we remove barriers instead of expecting people to overcome them alone, we create a place where every young person can build confidence, make friends, learn new skills and create memories that last a lifetime.

If we can change even one person's Scouting journey for the better, then every conversation, every adjustment and every support plan is worth it.

💙💛 **Over and out,**
**Akela Mousey** 🐺

26/10/2026

As part of our ongoing commitment to making Scouting accessible and enjoyable for everyone, we've been working hard to ensure that all of our young people and adult volunteers have the right support plans in place where they're needed.

We're sharing a series of videos from **Scouty Cathy**. They offer some fantastic insights into inclusion, understanding individual needs, and how small changes can make a huge difference.

At 1st Bottesford Cubs, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, belong, and enjoy their Scouting journey. If we can make a positive difference to even **one person's** Scouting experience, then it's absolutely worth it.

Please take a few minutes to watch the videos we're sharing over the coming days and let us know what you think. We'd love to hear your thoughts, experiences, or any ideas you have about how we can continue to make our group as welcoming and inclusive as possible.

Together, we can make Scouting a place where everyone feels they belong. 💙💛

**Over and out,**
**Akela Mousey** 🐺

26/10/2026

This is something to think about

25/10/2026

22/10/2026

The scouts made preparations for halloween this evening. We had a game of pumpkin curling and then carved pumpkins and made milk carton lanterns.

19/10/2026

Beavers tonight started the space badge with star consalation buiscuits and paper mache planets ready for decorating after half term.

18/10/2026

The Scouts tried out Padel this afternoon! Thank you Padel Bottesford.

14/10/2026

🎄 🎁 EXTRA HANDS NEEDED! 🎁🎄

Can you spare a little time after the Remembrance Parade on Sunday 8th November 2026?

We’re looking for some amazing volunteers to help us get ready for our Christmas Fundraiser by:
🎁 Packing gift bags
🎀 Wrapping lucky dip prizes
🎄 Adding a little Christmas magic!

If your young person is staying for the Remembrance Service, why not stay behind and lend us a hand? Even 30 minutes of your time will make a huge difference, and many hands really do make light work.

Every gift bag packed and every prize wrapped helps us raise vital funds to support 1st Bottesford Scout Group and create even more incredible opportunities for our young people.

💙 Date: Sunday 8th November 2026
📍 When: After the Remembrance Parade

If you’re able to help, please let us know in the comments or speak to one of the leaders.

Thank you for your continued support – we couldn’t do it without our fantastic Scout family! 💙💛