The Scouts AGM took place this morning. 
Here’s a gallery of images from the meeting.

As scouts we all love the outside and can’t resist an adventure. How many of us have had that conversation of “I’d like to walk the coast”, which bit?  “All of it!” Not many of us then? Didn’t think so. Meet Chris Howard otherwise known as Chris the Coast Walker.

Chris is no stranger to adventures having rowed the Atlantic, Cycled across Europe and walked Northern India, to name but a few, however this latest adventure came when none us could adventure – Lockdown 2020.

“I’ve always been an adventurer and at that time I could do little else.” At the end of July 2020 Chris left his wife and family and headed off on his epic adventure.  It would take 450 days of consecutive walking, with a break of almost four months due to the Welsh lockdown, seeing Chris finally officially home in March of this year.

His walk wasn’t just to get out and have an adventure. Chris used his journey to share his passion for the environment as well as raise money for Children in Need. The early months of travelling, with Covid-19 restrictions still in place meant the walk was often isolated, as restrictions lifted there were more opportunities to see and interact with people.

In the four month break, between Christmas 2020 and April 2021, Chris reached out and made more contacts with scout and youth groups. Sharing his experience and passion for our coast and environment with online talks.

“The whole experience has become less about the places, our coast is stunning and there is so much to see, but it was the people. As restrictions lifted and people heard about the walk they started meeting me on the beach, offering me food, places to stay or even a night In a hotel with a meal”. Scout Groups, youth clubs, schools and individuals would meet Chris and either spend time litter picking or walking with him for part of the day.

Chris’ adventures started in Scouts. “I am where I am now because of Scouts. The impact you as volunteers on young people is incredible and you need to know how important you are. Never underestimate the experience you are giving and the impact you have on the young people you interact with”.

To date Chris has raised £42,500 for Children in Need but his “greatest achievement to date” is the The Conservation Award. Its Occasional Badge supported by Devon Scouts. You can find out more about the badge here.

Chris is here at Reunion 2022 to share his experience as the Guest Speaker. You can hear Chris on the Training Ground this afternoon (Saturday) around 15:00 following the Youth Commissioners Handover.

If you want to find our more about Chris, his adventures and his talks check out his website: https://thecoastwalker.com/

Not planning to be up with the lark tomorrow? Why not join Flags for Brunch on Buffalo lawn from 1030 on Sunday.

The Inclusion team are hosting Brunch with Flags as the special guests.

Cakes and Pastries will be provided. Bring your own Tea, Coffee or morning Orange Juice.

If you are a member of the LGBTQ community or want to know more about how to support members who identify as LGBTQ check out the HQ inclusion team webpages

Picture the scene: it’s Saturday morning and you’re in a field. You’ve partied the night away and awoken to the delicious smell of freshly cooked bacon. Sound familiar?

But now what? With such a full timetable of activities and workshops, where do you even start? If you’re an “early-bird”, the activities team are opening up the Archery, Climbing and Leap of Faith from 9am.

But if you’d rather a more leisurely start to the day, the range of workshops across site are opening at 10am. The Raspberry Pi and Warhammer workshops have set up in the White House Barn for all to explore, while the Buffalo Lawn will be alive with the sounds of samba drumming throughout the day.

Later in the day of course we have our Drinks Reception on the training ground at 3pm (be sure to bring your drinks voucher!) following our AGM and Youth Commissioner handover in the AGM Marquee.

This evening the AGM Marquee becomes entertainment central, with bingo starting at 6pm and the quiz starting at 8pm, while across the site the traditional Reunion Campfire starts at 7:30pm in the large campfire circle.

And of course if none of that sounds appealing to you, the Queen’s Squiggy Woggle Pub will be open from 6pm, and the disco starts in The Lid at 8:30.

A summary gallery of arrivals and opening on Friday night

It was to thunderous applause that Matt Hyde officially welcomed everyone to Reunion 2022 tonight, expressing how much of an honour it was for Reunion to be back at Gilwell once more. Welcoming participants both new and old, his speech quickly fell to the wayside in favour of finding out just who had attended Reunion the most.

But following Matt’s introduction was Sam Morris, Chief Volunteering Officer and our new Camp Chief, following Ross Maloney’s departure to The Ramblers. As Camp Chief he reported that he was awarded six wooden beads, just as Baden Powell gave to Francis Gidney, the first Camp Chief of Reunion. But he stressed that Reunion was not about himself, rather that it’s about the participants, making friends and “learning something new along the way”.

Next to take the stage was Carl Hankinson, our UK chief commissioner, and a heartfelt thank you for the exceptional work everyone has put in over the last couple of years. “We know that when we come together and get to know each other, that’s the magic of Scouting. That’s where it really works for us – that’s where it fuels the flames of Scouting.”

Last but not least we were joined by Ollie Wood, UK Youth Commissioner (for the next few hours) with an encouragement to make the most of what Reunion has to offer. “Whether that’s in the bar or the workshops, we want you to get as much out of this weekend as possible.”

**Edit
Baden Powell presented Sir Percy Everett a set of 6 Woodbeads to match his own.

Welcome to Gilwell Reunion 2022! It’s been over 100 years since Baden Powell first called leaders back to Gilwell Park to renew their training, beginning the tradition that evolved into the event we know today. But now that we’re reconvening for the 96^th time, we hope you’re looking forward to a weekend of activities, training and – of course – reunions with old friends.

Over 2800 people have been streaming into Gilwell Park today from across the globe, trying desperately not to get lost, finding friends and remembering how awkward their tents are to pitch.

Be sure to head over to the Training Ground at 8PM tonight for the Welcome, and of course look out for your volunteer media team across the site this weekend!

Our friends at Scout Radio are returning to Reunion once again, broadcasting music, interviews, shoutouts and more live from Gilwell all weekend on 99.6 FM.

Don’t have a radio? Fear not! Scout Radio also broadcast their coverage on the UK Radio Player app (available for Android or iOS) or to anywhere in the world via their website scout.radio. And of course, be sure to follow them on social media for more updates from the team.

(Click images to enlarge)

vital services are in…

Scout Adventures staff are hard at work making sure all is ready – even the Promise Path is swept in preparation.

We looking forward to seeing everyone and getting our bearings!

We hope you are looking forward to the return of Gilwell Reunion. We know we are.

The much loved Reunion Express is trialling a new format this year. Instead of our sought after printed pages being published once a day from Friday to Sunday, we thought we’d join Scout Adventures in their sustainable approach with an online format. Keep an eye on Gilwell Reunion’s social media channels or check back here for regular updates and glimpses behind the scenes.

Follow along for all updates on Twitter and Facebook: @GilwellReunion