Scouts from Ellesmere Port are playing a leading role in shaping how Scouting is delivered in Cheshire in the future.
Several members from the Scouts’ Ellesmere Port and Neston district are involved in the county’s award-winning youth forum which meets to share ideas on how to improve Scouting in the county.
The group has just had a weekend at Queen Charlotte’s Wood near Frodsham where Cheshire’s forthcoming international camp, Chamboree 2014, was high up the list for discussion.
Joe Kervin, 18, from the 1st Great Sutton Scouts, one of Ellesmere Port and Neston’s representatives on the forum, said: “Youth involvement is massively important to improve the Scout movement.
“As an organisation you can’t hope to keep achieving unless you move with society.
“Scouting has done just that recently and historically, for example the introduction of the new optional ‘atheist friendly’ promise.”
Joe also believes young people themselves are best placed to know what young people want and enjoy.
Youth forum members will be taking on key positions at the Chamboree, taking place in August, with roles in stage management, the entertainment and media teams and in planning the ‘Tatton 24’ aspect of the camp, a 24-hour event for Explorers in the 14-18 years age group.
Forum member Luke Atherton, 20, also from the 1st Great Sutton, added: “Scouting offers massive opportunities for young people, which are very important in today’s competitive society.
“The experiences you get from Scouting help you gain so many skills such as leadership, problem solving and self-reliance that on a job or university interview are hugely respected.”
Those who would like to be involved with Scouting can find out more from www.scouts.org.uk/join.
