Home : Wayne's Blog (Wayne Bulpitt - UK Chief Commissioner) : Successfully launching Scout Network
Successfully launching Scout Network
I’ve written previously about the challenges we face in successfully establishing and developing the Scout Network.
I for one don’t subscribe to the view that all members over 18 must be leaders (many do, but there must be a choice). I’m always keen to learn through good practice, so quickly followed up an email I received about Callum’s experience in Aberystwyth.
Callum explained:
‘I think we were very lucky to get a Network of our size [30] going this quickly. We live in a university town and each year our local Scout Groups rely on students coming in and becoming leaders, who of course are Network age. The SSAGO group here isn't too popular.
Getting started
‘The fundamentals of our group started with five to six Scout Leaders from the local group (3rd Aberystwyth) who wanted a Network. From there we told a few friends and just went for it, starting with a planning meeting at a local pub - probably around ten people there. At this point we developed a balanced programme, together with a mix of activities and socials and decided how often we'd like to meet with everyone running a meeting generally. Getting on with it
‘Since then it's just been a case of getting on with it and talking to friends, bringing along flatmates etc. Although we set a rough programme in September as a basis, we're always flexible with what we're doing and often adjust it according to what members would like to do.
'Over the weeks we're continuing to see a gradual increase in membership. We're hoping that from September we'll be more known across the UK so new students moving to Aberystwyth from Scouting backgrounds will know we exist. I feel a lot of would-be Network members fail to get involved due to lack of awareness or groups around university areas.’Congratulations to Callum and other members of the
Aber Anon Network.
Share your success
It would be great to hear from others with success stories, and also those of you that have tried but haven’t yet found the solution. Get in touch with me at
ukcc@scouts.org.uk.
Comments
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By titch
on 29/11/2011 16:44 Why was the section named Network? Very confusing when you talk to non-Scout people, when you talk about the Scout network, networking and then the Scout Network. Could there be a better name for the section that makes the section bold and distinctive?
NOTE FROM WAYNE
Any suggestion on what that might be Titch?
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By Titch
on 30/11/2011 12:11 Wayne,
Why not throw the gauntlet down to the age group concerned, i.e. the Scout Network Section; if you had the opportunity to name the section what would it be? The name would have to encapsulate the fun, challenge and adventure that defines the section and which enourages people to join.
Examples could be - Young Scouters Unit, Scouting Plus, or a rebrand using an historical name, like Rover Scouts or Venture Scouts, but with a modern image.
The name identifies the group, individually and collectively, and has to be understood by the populus at large.
What do others that read this blog think?
Give it a go, challenge and empower the thinking of the people (18 - 25 yrs) concerned?
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By Callum
on 30/11/2011 18:33 Personally, I like the name "Network" for the section - however I'd be interested to see if any names were suggested that seem more appropriate.
Surely calling it "Rover Scouts" or "Scouting Plus" would just be the same as calling it "Scout Network"
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By Christopher Dean
on 01/12/2011 18:10 Having given this some thought I have come to the conclusion that the term Network is far too generic, and does not create much of a brand. Also ,what do we call members of the section ? Network Scouts, Networkers, Members of the Scout Network ? None of these roll easily off the tongue, and are unlikely to inspire potential recruits!
No, I would suggest we revert to Rover Scouts, not for nostalic reasons, but quite simply this is the recognised name given to the senior section in most other parts of the world.
Christopher Dean
Deputy CC (Programme)
Formerly County Scout Network Commissioner
Greater London SW
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By Conrad
on 05/12/2011 17:15 I agree with Titch and Christopher; the Network name is generic and bland. A distinctive, vibrant and exciting name is required that shouts out to both internal and external potential recruits plus the general public at large.
I think Titch is right in that the age group concerned should be set the challenge to suggest a name that could be adopted.
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By Chris G
on 10/12/2011 07:08 The title Rover Scouts is widely used by several scouting countries - they have never moved away from the original concept.
I still have my green garter tabs but am not suggesting reverting to shorts!
Chris - GSL Telstar Luxembourg
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