It was great to meet some of you who were able to get to the BBQ at Mafeking over the summer. We’re excited that there is plenty of interest for outdoor activities and higher awards. We’re looking forward to getting to know more people around the district and to come along to as many events and meeting nights as we can.
Now it’s over to you…
Let us know what you want to do and we’ll put you in touch with Network members, help you with the planning and maybe even cover some of the costs…
As we said when we introduced ourselves, this is your section and we’re just here to facilitate so don’t be shy if you want to get on with things, just let us know what you’re up to and we will help to spread the word. We’re looking to you to provide the ideas, momentum and organisation – we’re just here to help.
[email protected]
A message from our new District Scout Network Commissioners:
Firstly, let us introduce ourselves. We’re Helen and James and we have been recently appointed as the District Scout Network Commissioners for Cotswold Edge.
We’re pretty new to the District but are really keen to help you get a Network up and running. As an 18-25 year-old, you’re automatically a member and the great news is it’s free to join.
If you’ve not already had a look at the information available on the Network section, take a look at https://www.scouts.org.uk/network/ and if you have any questions get in touch with us.
The Scout Network connects 20,000 18-25 year-olds across the UK and gives you the opportunity to take part in a huge range of projects and events centred on the themes of ‘Adventure’, ‘Community’ and ‘International’.
Network groups are flexibly run and self-led. This means you manage your own journey, organising your own projects with the support of us (the District Scout Network Commissioners) and Programme Coordinator (if any of you would like to take on this role).
You can use Network to socialise and meet others with similar interests, and you can also work towards a number of top awards (Queen’s Scout, Explorer Belt, Scouts of the World, D of E Gold etc). Ultimately, it’s up to you what you want to get out of Network.
We think the best idea to kick this off is to get together one evening to meet you all, find out what you’re interested in and start to think about what you want to achieve. We’ll be looking to you to provide the ideas, momentum and organisation – we’re just here to help.
We look forward to meeting you all,
James & Helen
Joining Network
When you join Network, you’ll have the opportunity to stand on your own two feet, test your limits and consolidate skills and learning.
Complete tops Awards, gain activity permits or execute a project. Network is free and open to all 18-25 year olds.
Scout Network is our fifth and final section for 18-25 year olds.
Whether you’re completely new to Scouts or have been with us since you were 5 years old, joining is a great way to meet new people, seek out new challenges and see the world. Because being a grown up shouldn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun.
Questions? We’ve answered some of the most common ones below.
Who runs Scout Networks?
Members manage their own journey, organising their own projects with the support of a District Scout Network Commissioner and Programme Coordinator (if one is in place). Throughout their journey, they might also interact with Assistant County Commissioners (Network) – who assist with Network activity throughout the wider County – and the UK Scout Network Commissioner, who oversees Network activity across the whole of the UK.
Who can join Network?
We’re open to all, not just existing members. It’s free!
What do Network members get up to?
Scout Network connects 20,000 18-25 year olds across the UK, and gives them the opportunity to take part in a huge range of exciting projects and events centred on the themes of ‘Adventure’, ‘Community’ and ‘International’. Whether you’re organising a local meet-up or a once in a lifetime trip to the Amazon, it’s all about working together to build new skills, seek out new experiences and make a difference in the world.
Network groups are flexibly run and self-led. Members can create profiles on the Scout Network website, using the platform to meet others with similar goals and share their progress. There are 395 virtual badges currently available to achieve, and members can also work towards a number of Top Awards. A full list of badges and awards can be found here.
Is there a uniform?
Yes. Network members wear a stone shirt or blouse with an added Scout Network uniform badge. If they like, they can also wear the nationwide UK Scout Network Scarf or their local District Scout Network scarf (known as a necker)
How often do Network members meet up?
Network members don’t necessarily meet every week. Some might meet a few times a year to complete a single project together. Others might dive into lots of different projects at once, or meet more regularly.
No matter how you’d like to do things, advice on how to get the most out of projects and events can be found here.
How much does Network cost?
As an adult member of the Scout Association, there are no membership fees to be part of Scout Network.
When there are events and camps there may be fees etc to cover running costs but like all Scouting events we aim to keep activities accessible and affordable for everyone.
If you have any concerns about cost or your ability to pay to participate in an event, please don’t hesitate to speak with the District Scout Network Commissioner or another member of the District Team in confidence, about ways we may be able to help you.
