Scouting October/November 200938

‘YOUR STORIES

and volunteersCooks,

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of the

These are just some of the hundreds of Big Adventures that took place across the country

‘We held a family camp to celebrate our Group’s 70th Anniversary. This was held at Lyons Copse, also known as Solent Scouts’ training site and campsite. Activities included archery, a campfire, climbing tower and loads more. The new Beaver Colony joined us for the day for the activities and campfire.’ Nicole Jefferies

‘We went hiking and canoeing in the Lake District. This is the first time we have tried something like this and the Scouts enjoyed the challenge – as did our parent helpers.’Sylvia Myers

‘1st Cowfold Scouts undertook their first expedition along the South Downs Way. We learnt navigation, campcraft, team-building and leadership skills on route and were supported bya large number of leaders and parents as we worked towardsour Big Adventure.’ Liam Hode

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39www.scouts.org.uk/magazine‘more info

and volunteerstent pitchers

Y our Big Adventures took place between May and the end of August. The results suggest they have

been a great success. More than 500 Groups, from Peckham in London to Galloway in Scotland, took part, and parents also joined in with great enthusiasm.

‘We invited a parent to join us at our weekend camp,’ says Jon Davies,

from Warrington. ‘We involved herin all aspects of the weekend, from craft activities to a night hike. She also helped in the kitchen preparing the meals. She really enjoyed the weekend and will join us again.’

This is exactly the sort of experience The Big Adventure is about – getting adults involved,not just as bystanders, but rightat the heart of the event.

The Big Adventure 2009 aimed to bring

new adults, particularly parents, into Scouting.

How? By inviting them along to a camp,

sleepover or activity day as an active part

of the leadership team

BIG ADVENTURE – BIG RESULTS

The Big Adventure is one of a number of different methods that you can use to help recruit volunteers to Scouting. If you want to find out about any of the other resources that are available to you, visit www.scouts.org.uk/recruit. If you want to tell us about your 2009Big Adventure, you can email us at scouting.magazine@scout.org.uk

‘We held an Australian-themed camp duringthe Whitsun weekend.In preparation, we ran a training and skills day for parents only. After they had acquired the basic skills for camping, I gave them bases to prepare and run for the weekend itself. These

included a cycling tour,a compass/navigationgame and a bush-tucker backwoods cooking activity.’ Nilesh Tailor

Part of the leadership teamThe Big Adventure is an annual initiative encouraging parents and others connected to a Group to experience Scouting as part of the team running a residential experience. Research has shown that this is the most effective way

of turning adults on the edge of the Group into volunteers. John Craig, Assistant Scout

Leader of 15th Fife (Freuchie) Scout Group, recently camped at the Fordell Firs Activity Centreas part of The Big Adventure. ‘We

were joined by 11 parents who experienced the fun

and took an active part inthe leadership team.’ Johnis enthusiastic about the

camp’s impact: ‘After the event, eight parents wanted to

join us as adult leaders. That’s great news.’

From our survey (see next page) a total of 400 parents were invited to come and help out. We expect more than 200 to become volunteers of the future. The parents and helpers who attended the camps were all part of the leadership teams, with roles ranging from camp cook to camp doctor!

Join The Big Adventure 2010 If you missed out on The Big Adventure this year, don’t worry, it will be running again in 2010. Look out for more details about what’s happening and how it will help you to recruit more adults in the next issue of Scouting.

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Scouting October/November 200940

‘

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT THE BIG ADVENTURE?

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‘Parents saw that it is still possible to have fun and enjoy being outdoors, and that many hands make light work!’ Judith Barnett

‘I organised a family day out for 68 people walking the B-P Walk in Northumberland. This was made up of Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, leaders, mums and dads as well as grandads and grandmothers. Better still, the sun shone all day!’ Derek Bennett

‘We did a simple back-to-basics camp at our own meeting places so that parents could stay overnight or wander home after the campfire. Activities included first aid, pioneering, firelighting, backwoods cooking, shooting and crafts. Parents had one of three options: to join in like the young people and give it a go; to assist running a base or help with catering. It’s a great hands-on introduction to Scouting.’ Jayne Vaughan

‘We ran a weekend Cub Camp with a Space theme. There were24 Cubs in attendance, including several with special needs. As well as parents helping for the whole weekend, we involved others who came along and helped us put up and take down the tents. Thishelp was invaluable as there are currently only two leaders in our Pack so these experiences would not be possible without parent support.’ Eleanor Thompson

YOUR STORIES

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