31/01/2026
District Lead Volunteer Update – January 2026 ⚜️
January has got the year off to a really positive and busy start across the District, with plenty already happening and lots to be excited about. Here’s a round-up of what we’ve been up to this month:
🔹 Trustee Development & Growth
Our Trustees got together in January to start looking ahead and thinking big about the future of the District. We had some really good conversations around the possibility of opening a new Scout Group, which would help us reach even more young people, as well as exploring ideas for securing a new site to support long-term growth. These are early discussions, but an important step in shaping what comes next.
🚑 First Response Training
We kicked off the first of our new monthly First Response courses, with 12 adults taking part. It was brilliant to see such strong interest, and this regular training should really help volunteers feel confident, capable, and ready to support young people safely across all sections. Also 2 other group leadership teams updated their first response skills - we are very safe in E&E!
🧭 Young Leaders – Module A
We also delivered Young Leaders Module A this month, welcoming 9 new Young Leaders into the scheme. They’re already getting stuck in and supporting their sections, starting their leadership journeys in Scouting. It’s always great to see young people stepping up, building their skills, and making a real impact.
🧑🤝🧑 Explorer Scout Leaders – Social & Planning Evening
Explorer Scout leaders came together for a social and planning evening at The Station, and it was a really enjoyable and productive night. Alongside catching up and sharing ideas, there was lots of positive discussion about the future — with plans for a District Explorer Camp in the autumn already well underway. There’s loads of enthusiasm around this, and it’s shaping up to be something special.
🏕️ Programme & Section Development
Work continues at 1st Ruxley, with some really positive progress being made. A big thank you to everyone involved for the time, energy, and commitment they’re putting in to strengthen provision for young people locally.
🤝 Community Engagement
Two of our Scout Shop volunteers represented the District at the Mayor’s Reception this month, helping to build connections in the community and raise the profile of Scouting a little further.
As always, a huge thank you to all our volunteers — adults and young people alike — for everything you do. It’s been a strong start to 2026, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what we achieve together over the coming months 💚
Karl - DLV