Dear Parents and Supporters

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We need your help!

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As you may be aware, the group is facing a significant shortage of leaders, with parent rotas in place in most sections, and many leaders volunteering two or three evenings each week to ensure that sections are able to run safely.

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In the next year this is likely to become even more difficult due to several factors.

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1. Charlie (Cubs) and Lizzie (Explorers) are moving away from London in September 2024. This would leave two of our sections without leadership.

2. Shelagh (Beavers) also intends to retire from her role as Beaver Leader in the Summer months.

3. Peter and Caroline (Scouts) have built a strong Scouting programme this year, but need additional team members to ensure continuity.

 

What this means

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Without new volunteers at our group, these sections are likely to close. This would be devastating for all of the young people who attend, the leaders who have worked hard over many years to build and maintain our group, and the local community.

Starting now, we need to recruit volunteers to join the existing leadership teams. This will give everyone enough time to learn the ropes whilst our current leaders are still available.

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To help with the transition, we are aiming to set up teams around each section where responsibilities will be shared. This will make sure that it is more sustainable, less work for each individual, and more fun.

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For example, a team of volunteers could run Cubs. Once a term, the team would meet up to arrange the programme utilising the skills of the volunteers. One team member could also maintain the Cubs’ online records, and another could communicate with parents via WhatsApp. Having a large team adds flexibility so that volunteers don’t have to commit to be there every week, as long as someone is responsible for the overall rota.

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How you can help

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If you are interested joining a section leadership team, or know someone who is, please get in touch. We need to find people who believe in what we do for the young people in our local area, can commit to helping us on an ongoing basis, and like being part of a fantastic team who have a lot of fun.

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What’s involved

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There is a small amount of online training to complete as you would be in a position of responsibility. The four modules take about an hour each and can be completed over your first couple of months as a volunteer. We will also request a DBS check and require a reference. This is part of our commitment to the safety of your children, and that of your fellow volunteers.

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Thank you for your ongoing support. We look forward to working together to continue to provide a safe, educational, and fun environment for your children.

 

 

Kind regards

The team at 8th Wandsworth Scout Group