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
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.
Drop in on the Heritage team in the Programme tent to step through scouting history with their simple but fun activity – and if you’re lucky, you might even earn a badge for your efforts.
The stall offers the opportunity to try seven activities drawn from activity (proficiency) badges throughout the years. Can you tie knots blindfold, know the difference between Cumulonimbus and Cirrostratus, perhaps you can show off your skills by spinning plates (not the metaphorical ones) or even fly a diablo.
This is not just an exercise in showing that leaders can turn their hand to anything, it also shows that these skills have been something we’ve been encouraging and sharing with our young people for over 100 years. The badges might have changed name, shape or even disappeared completely but our Scouting Heritage is always with us.
If you want to see more on the history of Scouting along with some objects on display, pop in on the exhibit in the Collaboration Space in Gilwell House.
Rhian Moore, Chief Volunteer of Wales dropped by the Reunion Express news desk this morning to share her thoughts and reflections on the weekend ahead.
Taking time for an early morning wander around Gilwell reunion you quickly remember what the event means to the thousands of volunteers who come along. For some it’s an annual event, for others it the first time they have some and are taking it all in.
It is easy to take our Scouting family for granted, and taking time to pause, look around and remember that we are part of a worldwide movement is good for our soul and energy levels as we prepare for a new term.
As a nation chief volunteer, the weekend is packed with things to do, from meeting and greeting Council members at the AGM and then helping to share the amazing story of Scouts over the last year, to visiting volunteers from Wales who are at the event.
A highlight for me this weekend will be seeing Gill Clay presented with her Bronze Wolf on behalf of the World Organisation of Scout Movement on Saturday afternoon. I have the privilege of knowing Gill as a Beaver leader in Cowbridge, south Wales. She is an amazing lady with a wonderful energy and enthusiasm for supporting young people to be the best they can be and sharing skills for life.
I hope you find time this weekend to unite with friends, make brilliant memories and gather some new knowledge that will make your scouting even more amazing next year. Thank you for all you do and thank you for coming along to reunion and being part of this amazing movement.
With so much going on, Scout Content ASU is here to help record your memories and share stories from across Gilwell Reunion. You will see our team out and about creating a wealth of content for you to enjoy. Our photographers will be abroad trying to capture your best side whilst our video team will be capturing highlights for a summary video. We’ve taken over the Reunion Social media channels and you will find our content being shared there (Instagram: gilwell.reunion and Facebook).
The Scout Content website is now the home of Reunion Express: https://reunion.scoutcontent.org.uk/ . We will post all of our main articles in the Reunion App but for the full experience, photo galleries and more head online.
Reunion Express welcomes you to the 98th Gilwell Reunion.
As usual we will be here to share news, reviews and reminders over the course of the weekend. If you are attending don’t forget to download the app for all the most up to date information on workshops, activities and stalls.
So, if you are here to explore all things transformation, meet Scouts Partners or simply relax with friends we hope you have a wonderful time.
Working away quietly, unacknowledged by many visitors to Gilwell Park but essential to all those who know him, Asa leaves Scout Adventures on Monday for new adventures.
After 17 and a half years as Head of Scout Adventures, and Scout Activity Centres before, Asa moves on but is not lost to Scouting. As Quarter Master at his local group and father to two young people in the movement, Asa will be kept busy in scouting.
There have been many highlights over the years from his eldest taking their first steps on The Training Ground, to the 3am hot chocolate runs into London during Operation Feather. Asa has also been involved in various interesting media calls over the years from arranging BBC breakfast on the climbing wall and offering a certain future King the opportunity to drive a mini digger!
“In honesty, it’s the people who make Gilwell Park. Our international volunteers are a joy to work with, they bring such enthusiasm to the job”. Gilwell Park Activity Centre has a staff of around 11 and is supported by around 60 international scouting volunteers, who are trained up through a programme developed by Asa and his team, to provide the activities at the activity centre.
Gilwell will always hold a special place for Asa and his family. “We are all custodians of this place. I like to think of BP’s quote about leaving something better than you found it”
