All good things must come to an end, and our Centennial Gilwell Reunion was no exception, as crowds from across the site accumulated around the stage for a moment of reflection at the close of such a fantastic weekend.
This year CJ Ledger (our Deputy UK Chief Volunteer) took lead of the proceedings with a thank you to the volunteers that make Scouts what it is. The ones who, for over 100 years, have been reuniting at Gilwell each year learning, sharing experiences and making friends. The ones who have been taking something home with them to their own groups. Each of us has our own reasons for going to Reunion each year, but together we not only make Reunion a success, but also make Scouting a place to belong for everyone. “You are the people who create these places. You are a part of that story and we are very glad you’re here”
CJ was joined on the stage by Ayesha Karim and Satvika (our previous and current UK Youth Leads) as well as Olly Rhodes (a UK Scouts Trustee Board member) and Robert Mason (a former member of the UK Youth Team). Together Ayesha and Satvika discussed our shared Scout commitments: not only to the promise we would shortly be renewing, but also to our Scout Law. It may have changed over time, but its purpose – to be something we try and live by – has remained.
According to the Heritage team, a verse from the Quran was read out at the closing ceremony of the very first Reunion – Chapter 24, verse 35, which Ayesha read for us all, discussing how light can be a source of guidance. We also heard a passage from Matthew 5:14-16, stating that people can be the light of the world, that and that we as people can shine our light on others.
But, as CJ rightly pointed out, “we haven’t come here simply to look backwards” and as such, we turned our focus to the future, to the year that lies ahead, and the young people who haven’t seen the Reunion we’ve enjoyed, but will see us and the lessons and enthusiasm we take back with us – which the training ground took a moment to discuss with one another.
And by caring for our young people, by fostering that sense of belonging and joy in our communities, we are caring for the movement we’ve inherited from those who sat in the training ground before us, writing our chapter of the story of Scouting. And together, we are creating a Scouting that’s stronger because we were there.
“The fire we share here doesn’t belong to us, we’re simply holding it for a while. And one day, 100 years from now someone else will stand here and hold onto it too. So let’s look to pass it on, not just burning, but burning brighter, stronger, and with room for everyone around it.”