The 99th Gilwell Reunion drew to a close today as everyone gathered at the stage, in sight of the Gilwell Oak for the Closing Reflections and the 1st Gilwell Park AGM.
The UK Youth Team welcomed everyone to the reflection with shout outs and a good warm up to find out what everyone had done over this weekend. Did you attend a workshop? Make a new friend? Was this your first Reunion? Will you be back?
Led by Rob, the team reflected on what has made them happy this year. One of the biggest achivements for the team has been the Youth Forum which was held in several different locations across the UK earlier this year, allowing almost 1000 young people to feedback what they want Scouting to look like in 10 years time. “It’s amazing what our young people can achieve when they feel supported. They have no shortage of ambition and positive dreams. Scouting makes this happens, so Thank you for all that you do to encourage those dreams and ambitions”.
One thing that was clear from the team is that Scouting makes them happy. When challenged to talk to others around them, the crowd filled the air with a babble of things in Scouting that makes them happy. So the challenge to us all is to take our experience this weekend home to our young people and our other local volunteers and ask them “What makes you happy?”
Carl Hankinson, Uk Lead Volunteer, was then invited to share his reflections of the weekend and to up date everyone on everything Gilwell Park as part of the 1st Gilwell Park AGM. In the next year we will see some updates and changes to our beloved home of Scouting. From more capacity in the tented village, to kitchen cabins and even an upgrade and redevelopment of the Campfire Circle ahead of the 100th Gilwell Reunion next year. Visitors will also experience a new welcome centre complete with heritage space too. The hope is that these new facilities will not only encourage more users but enhance the experience of those who already enjoy Gilwell Park.
Of course plans are afoot to make 2026, 100th Gilwell Reunion even bigger and better. With a call for more groups to attend and provide actitvities for those attending to take part in. So if you know an Programme Team, like BushScout, who could provide skills and activities for the weekend, Lewis is on the look out for suggestions!
“Naturally the weekend doesn’t happen without the sum of its parts. A huge thank you to the 600 volunteers who have made this weekend happen, from stall holders and workshops, activties and of course Scout Adventures Staff.”
“Hopefully this weekend has been joyful, restorative, and you have gone home inspired for the year ahead. As you head home, take the Scouting Spirit with you”
