News from Gilwell Reunion 2024
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The Closing Ceremony took place this afternoon on the mainstage on the Training Ground.
Lead by the Youth Leads; Ayesha, Nathan, Izzy and Rob the closing ceremony offered the opportunity to reflect on the weekends adventures and what we will all take home to our local Scouting.
To wake us all up and ensure we were fully engaged they started with a short game of “Stand up if” questions included; if you attended the Silent Disco, Campfire and if you still have your Gilwell cup – naturally this gained a cheer.
The team then lead everyone in reflecting on what brought them to be here today. “This weekend is about celebrating getting to know new friends and spending time with old ones”. With this in mind the crowd were challenged to turn to the person next to them and reflect on the inspirational leader who was the reason they had stayed in the movement and ultimately come along this weekend. After a few minutes of discussion with neighbours the team on the stage shared their inspirational adults, from Jamboree Unit Leaders who smiled no matter the challenges, to Explorer Leaders who pushed them to reach beyond personal expectations and even parents as leaders who have been an inspiration just being being determined and encouraging. Each leader making their own distinct mark on the young people they have led.
As the reflection came to a close, Ayesha said “Go back to your local Scouting and if you have one of those leaders tell them. Remember there is someone who looks at you as their inspirational leader.”
As is tradition with Gilwell Reunion there was an update on Gilwell Park and this was given by Carl. Over the past year there have been several maintenance pieces carried out including to the Maori arch at the campfire circle, internal alterations made to the Dorothy Hughes centre and new archery ranges have been installed on the site. Coming up over the next year there will be progress on several new development projects, including the installation of a solar park, rescheduling of some old favourite events and even some new ones and this weekend the Gilwell Fellows over saw the breaking of ground for a new reception centre. Carl went on to thank all of the staff, volunteer teams and Active Support Units who have worked so hard to make Gilwell Reunion 2024 such a success.
“We are here for renewal and share in something special. Have a safe journey to wherever you do your local Scouting. Thank you for everything that you do”
After 11 years at the helm Matt steps down as CEO of The Scouts as Gilwell Reunion 2024 closes. In his last few hours in role he spent a few minutes with Reunion Express reflecting on his time.
Reflecting on eleven years is incredibly challenging and Matt struggled to identify what one highlight to take away. “There’s been so many, so I will give you a few. The launch of Squirrels was incredibly exciting. Squirrels were always going to be a game changer with growth and impact on such a key age group but also the opportunity for diversity and inclusion. Also, the Big Help Out and the visit to the group by the Prince and Princess of Wales with their family. That was hugely impactful.” Matt admits the idea for Big Help Out was something he had had over 18 months before the launch and accepts that you need an element of luck with some successes. In this instance it was a conversation with government representatives at the late Queen’s Lying in State.
Matt is also incredibly proud of the development of the Youth Shape programme including the Youth Commissioners (now Volunteer Youth Leads). “I took my learning from NUS and how you give young people agency and voice and put them in the driving seat.” There are now over 500 Youth Leads across the country. Finally, “Our Brand, not just the rebrand [of the logo] the fact that trust in Scouts is at an all time high despite our challenges shows we are seen as a modern and relevant organisation.
Matt’s passion for The Scouts and the aims of the movement comes across when he speaks. He is proud of so much of what has been achieved from work on making Scouting accessible to all, to transformation and so much more in between. “I’ve also loved the events; Jamborees, Windsor, the Summits and Basecamps”.
“I am proud that Gilwell Reunion is youthful and vibrant. We’ve done that through building a culture full of really good people who live the values of the movement through engagement. We’ve built a culture of transparency so you can explain things even when they go wrong.”
When his predecessor, Derek Twine, left his advice was “You’ve got to do it your way”. This is something Matt has not only embraced but also passes on as his advice to the person who fills his shoes. “Do it your way. It’s such a privilege and enjoy it!”
“If you’re ever having a tough time go out and see a local group. Sometimes you lose sight of what is happening at local level. Visit a squirrel meeting, its impossible not to smile”
When asked if he’s a had fun. Matts response was “I’ve had a blast”. It’s clear that moving on is bitter sweet but the right time. “What a privilege to do a job that’s been a third of my career that’s been so impactful. I’ve done things I’d never have thought I’d do in my wildest dreams, from hanging out with the Royal Family to para-gliding with Bear Grylls!”
We’re sure all our readers will send a heartfelt Thank you to Matt for an incredible eleven years as CEO and wish him all the best as he moves onto pastures new.
On Saturday afternoon, Robin Clay gave a personalised presentation on the history of Brownsea island and its connection to his family. Robin, the son of Betty Clay and grandson of Robert and Olave Baden-Powell described the circumstances under which BP became acquainted with the owners of Brownsea, the tranquillity it provided for his 1907 experimental camp compared to the hustle of London, and the legacy of the camp on the island, and on his family.
The slideshow was followed by a presentation of a wooden sculpture to newly invested Gilwell Fellow David, Lord Baden-Powell, and a celebration of some significant birthdays for two of the Fellows in attendance.
Before the evening came to a close Gill Clay received a special presentation.
Always a highlight at Reunion, this year’s Campfire was led by Alan and Lorna.
As the 4K Special Edition recording of the Campfire is embedded below, it hardly seems appropriate to list the songs, yells, and skits that took place. So unfortunately, you won’t see the Reunion Express’s take on ‘Tarzan of the Apes’, ‘Singing in the Rain’ (without a banana) or ‘If You’re Happy and You Know It’.
David, Lord Baden-Powell took a moment to share the story of campfire ashes, asked Lead Volunteer Carl Hankinson to sprinkle his collection of ashes over the fire, and invited everyone to start their own collection whenever the ashes grow cold. This is an excellent tradition to take to your next Campfire.
Towards the end of the evening Gill Clay, recent Bronze Wold awardee Grand-daughter of Robert Baden Powell was invited forward by Carl. Gill, reflected on how fortunate she had been to travel the world and experience Scouting in so many countries. “We truely are a huge family of Scouting and Guiding, all with our own characteristics. We respect and love each other, we sing the same silly songs sometimes and learn the same Scouting skills.” Gill then lead two songs from her time travelling including one in Silozi (Zambia).
We won’t be describing the incident with Granny in the basement, or the summiting of ‘Sunshine Mountain’. This reporter was “Alive, Awake, Alert (and) Enthusiastic”, but the stream lasted the whole evening.
Enjoy…
A gathering of Gilwell Fellows were among the attendees as former Chair of the World Scout Committee (WSC) and Bronze Wolf holder Craig Turpie presented the Bronze Wolf Award to Gill Clay.
Craig shared the history of the award, its significance, and its connection with Baden-Powell, Gill’s grandfather, before reading Gill’s citation. He described how her lifetime in Scouting (and Guiding) has fostered a “spirit of unity and collaboration”. Her influence “transcends borders”, and extends “far beyond formal titles”. Gill is a prime example of servant leadership.
In accepting the award, Gill expressed her amazement at the honour. “It really feels like a dream,” she says, “when I think about all the people who have done so much to spread this wonderful movement”. “I accept this award, on behalf of all of those people”, she says.
Gill expressed the joys she feels seeing Scouting “flourishing, seeing gatherings in Mongolia, Vietnam, Namibia, mirroring what we do here, but being their own country with their own values. Having different cultures, doing Scouting, but in their own way, knowing we are true brothers and sisters with affection for each other. We sing the same sorts of songs, play the same silly games, and we learn the same lessons,” she says.
“I am so grateful for this extraordinary award”.
Gill is the 399th recipient of The Bronze Wolf, and The Heritage Team brought the first one (awarded to Baden-Powell), to the ceremony, along with BP’s six wood beads.
World Scouting’s post about Gill’s award: https://treehouse.scout.org/bronze-wolf-namibia-uganda-costa-rica-united-kingdom
At the recent 43rd World Scout Conference in Cairo, The Scouts’ bid to host the next conference in London in 2027 was chosen over a bid from Rwanda.
The idea took shape around 15 months ago, explains Nigel Halley of the bid team. “An invitation for expressions of interest was sent out by WOSM, and we thought ‘let’s have a go!'”.
Potential plenary halls with exhibition and meeting spaces were identified, and a bid document was put together. Staff and volunteers from the World Scout Bureau carried out a visit to satisfy themselves that the venues were sufficient and that the organisation had the required capacity to take on the event. This led to the bid being given formal approval, to be considered at the conference.
The campaign was “hard work”, says Nigel, but he’s looking forward to the benefits the event will have to the membership. Members will “see how they are part of a global movement,” says Nigel, “and there will be opportunities for leaders to get involved”. The event in Egypt was supported by 300 volunteers from the host organisation, and 30 international volunteers.
The theme for the bid was “Founding the Future”, based on the UK’s position as the place where Scouting was founded – as well as the location of the first World Scout Conference in 1920 – as well as a determination to “look to the future”.
The specific venue is yet to be determined, but two locations have been shortlisted, the Olympia London (site of the first conference), and ExCeL London, with November being identified as the preferred time of the year.
Delegations and their accompanying family members will have opportunities to visit Brownsea Island, site of Baden Powell’s first scouting experimental camp in 1907, as well as here at Gilwell.
Subject to approval from WOSM the bid team’s suggestions for innovations at the next conference, drawn in part from feedback given by delegates in Cairo, include the inclusion of younger delegates, young people in the hosting team, and the creation of programme materials for youth members to engage with the conference, even if they cannot themselves attend. The team remains open to new ideas including feedback on the potential venues.
Nigel is “super excited” about preparations, and is “hopeful” that The Scouts will put on a “good show!”.
You can see the bid video here: https://fb.watch/ujSrt_DU0q/
Good morning Reunion! Hopefully everyone has recovered from the campfire, quiz and silent disco combo. Today before you head home you can blow the cobwebs away with a Heritage Tour or have a go, for the adrenaline junkies, with Scout Adventures on the various adventurous activities onsite. Our partners and various programme support teams will be back in the Programme tent sharing knowledge and resources. Of course there are still info sessions in various places today, including DofE, Scouts of the World, Safeguarding and International Events. Remember all info about times, locations and availability can be found in the app
Don’t forget the closing ceremony on the Training Ground 13:00-14:30
A gallery from out and about on Saturday
The Scouts AGM took place this morning in the marquee on Branchet Field. County, Region and Area representatives were updated on the year past and looked forward to what the year ahead holds.
As many will be aware this is Matt Hyde’s last few days as CEO and today offered the perfect opportunity for Carl Hankinson, UK Lead Volunteer and Chair of Trustees Jenny Price to say thank you on behalf of The Scouts. Matt received a gift and a two-minute standing ovation from those gathered at the meeting.
Carl also thanked Bear for his 15 years of service and spoke about Bear’s impact on Scouts, both in the UK and worldwide. Bear was unable to attend today but shared a video in which he thanked all the volunteers, saying “I celebrate you and all you’ve done to help so many people… In our lives we all get the chance to stand on the shoulders of giants, as Chief Scout all of you have been giants to me.”
The UK Leadership team talked about the progress made towards the 2025 strategic targets, particularly growth and enhancing the volunteer experience and how they had been achieved.
Congratulations to Jenny Price, who was re-elected Chair of Trustees for a second three-year term.
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