Cheshire Scouts News – 22 February 2021

Date: 22nd Feb 2021 Author: Dave Hopley

Cheshire Scouts News

Hi, welcome to #ThankTwo Day! Here’s an update from Cheshire Scouts.

We just wanted to say… THANK YOU!

This week is all about saying thank you. Especially to you

We’ve all been through a lot this year. In our home lives, we’ve been looking after our families and loved ones, doing our best to keep them safe and well.

At work, things haven’t been easy either. Many of you are key workers, supporting our vital services. Others are still adjusting to different ways of working and home schooling.

Throughout this, so many of you have found time to support Cheshire Scouts too. For that, we wanted to say a huge thank you.

But don’t take our word for it. Here’s a great big thank you from our parents. Parents have bombarded us with messages about the incredible difference you’ve made. Here are just some of them: 

‘Thanks for keeping Scouts going through all of this – you’re amazing.’
‘You’ve been so inspiring and entertaining with your virtual meetings. Some weeks it’s been the only time they’ve seen people outside their family. Thank you.’
‘Scouts has been absolutely brilliant for my two this year. Thank you.’
‘Thank you to my son’s brilliant Cub leaders. I can’t praise them enough for their efforts this year.’

And this is a thank you for everyone.
We know Scouts doesn’t just happen. We know so many of you are supporting behind the scenes with risk assessments, by applying for funding, looking after our buildings, keeping things spick and span or just stopping the IT from falling over. This is a thank you to you unsung heroes too.

We also know some of you have struggled to fit volunteering alongside your other commitments.

And we just wanted to say it’s okay if you’re taking your time. These months have been so tough, and we’ve got a lot on our plate. We know that just because you haven’t found time that doesn’t mean you care any less. We know you do, and you’re still such a valued member of our family of Scouts. So we’d like to thank you too. We’re with you, and we’ll support you every step of the way.

What a difference you’ve made together.

You’ve kept our movement going and we couldn’t have done it without you. We’ll never forget how you supported young people it when it mattered most.

Helping you thank others with #ThankTwo
This year, we’re running something called #ThankTwo. It’s a great way to thank those who’ve gone the extra mile (or two).

Here’s how it works: Simply download one of the posters here, write on the names of people you want to thank and put them up in your window at home. They could be Scout volunteers or someone else who’s gone above and beyond. Then tag them on social media with #ThankTwo – posting a picture of your posters if you can. It’ll be such a special way to show your gratitude.

Let’s say it again because you deserve it: Thank you!
Whatever you’ve done this year, no matter how large or small, or even if you’ve had to step away for a short while, please accept a well-deserved (but socially-distanced) pat on the back.

So here’s to you: our future makers and dream builders. Our smilers and inspirers. Our roll-up-our sleevers, behind the sceners, Zoomers and true believers.

Quite simply, you are amazing.

A thank you message from Dave Hopley.

All member’s meeting

Click here to watch a recording of The Scouts last All member online meeting delivered on 11 February 2021. In this webinar we gave guidance on local funding opportunities you can apply for, discussed how to recruit volunteers, provided an update on online programme delivery and shared updates on our work to keep members safe.

LGBT+ History Month

Celebrate LGBT+ History Month with Great to be grateful – a fab activity to help little ones think about how you can pass kindness and care to others.

Get creative and decorate your own happy cookie characters! Try designing cookies which relate to LGBT+ History month by adding pride flags, affirming messages, or even a colourful rainbow.

Set your inner poet free with Be a blackout poet. Your Scouts could use these poetry principles to create rainbow poems or word out to mark LGBT+ History month.

Health & Wellbeing

Scouts are helping 10,000 young people and adults become Wellbeing Champions, giving them the skills they need to take care of their mental health and support others. Find out more here

Sometimes people say they’re OK even when they’re not. Check our this new activity to help young people learn to spot some potential signs and become active listeners: How are you? Times Two

We’ve all heard that exercise is good for wellbeing. But how does it make a difference, what counts, and what should you do if you’re struggling to get moving? Click here to read more.

A thank you message from Tim Kidd.

An ode to Baden Powell: A founders day reflection

By Jo Hurst (8th Warrington East)

On the 22nd of February Scouts will celebrate, Lord Baden Powell’s birthday on that date.
A man we have a lot to thank for,
a man who gave us our scouting law.

From that 7 month siege in Mafeking,
a mighty movement did begin.
From this humble beginning he wouldn’t believe, the strength of the movement he did conceive.

1907 saw the first camp,
at Brownsea Island, a tent and a lamp. So many changes we have seen, Cubs came along in 1916.

The arrival of girls in 1991,
meaning fun and adventure, for everyone.
The Beavers began in 1986,
then in 2020, we Zoomed, as the world got sick.

From earning one badge to the highest awards,
one thing in scouting, you’ll rarely be bored.
We challenge ourselves and we challenge our friends, for the fun and adventure, there is no end.

The things we learn are so far-reaching, skills for life that’s what we’re teaching. Backwoods cooking, climbing a tree, knots, first-aid and empathy.

From Dib Dib Dib to BRAVO and TA,
the scouting movement has come so far. From Bob a job to a helping hand,
his legacy across this land.

We thank you Lord for Baden Powell,
if only he could see us now.
In Beaver blue or Scouting green,
a worldwide movement, one giant team.

We thank you Lord for the friends we’ve made, for memories that will never fade.
For knowledge, fun and maybe an outing,
we thank you Lord for all our Scouting.

Put your phone down and what are you left with? Just teamwork, courage and the skills to succeed.’
Bear Grylls, Chief Scout Bear Grylls