Extracts from our Group Lead Volunteer’s Message to Leaders
We are now in our 103rd year.
This weekend we restarted our sailing program and kayak pool rolling, plus another windsurfing session. Explorers went wild swimming on Monday.
Summer Hikes, Sails and 573 Nights Away
We’ve had a good summer; 3 brilliant camps for Cubs, Scouts and Explorers. Did you know 114 young people camped with us? that’s 573 nights away. 31 Beavers get their turn on 27th Sept.
Sailing week and Cub sailing day went well (Robbie and the sailing team managed to get an impressive 54 cubs all out on the water in one day).
We’ve also consumed 220 doughnuts and enough Nature Valley bars to warrant a lifetime discount. We’ve waved a fond ‘into the skip you go’ farewell to some of our well used tents and are already enjoying 13 shiny new ones.
Thank you to everyone for giving up their time for those events.
Hearty Bravos
We must say a significant thankyou to Tim B, who now gets the chance to see what retirement really means. His leadership has helped our group grow stronger, and we’re delighted that he’ll continue to share his wealth of skills and experience with us. Thank you Tim, for all you’ve done for so long and continue to do for 8th … I’m very pleased you remain just around the corner!
And a big thank you to Robbie for his ten years of dedicated croc wearing service as our Sailing Manager (also for many of those as PW Scout Section Leader). His enthusiasm, and passion for sailing has given so many skills, capsizing memories and Creme Egg consumption to last forever. We wish him the very best as he sets off on new adventures and we hope he always remembers where we are, starting off with October Power Cruise (he couldn’t stay away for long!)
So what’s changing?
I am delighted to announce that the very skilled Mark has kindly volunteered to be our RYA Principal for Sailing and Powerboating. This is a role not to be taken lightly and we are honoured to have him on board. More from Mark in the weeks ahead, when he is able to emerge from admin, boat trailers and sailing.
Many of you may know Ruth , a renowned sailing instructor here in East Anglia. Ruth now takes on the role of 8th Sailing and Powerboating Manager, with her first event starting today. Welcome to the 8th Ruth, we are very happy to have you on board. Our young people and sailing team are standing by for wonderful boating opportunities.
Gear Up for What’s Next
Leader development is underway with paddling, bushcraft and archery courses coming up. As with all events please sign up online – we’d love to see you!
HQ entrance. Cath will be waving her magic wand and tool box to revive our HQ entrance notice boards, which will show current events with QR codes, activities and certificates. if there is anything you’d like to be included and/or ideas, let me know.
We will be relaunching our comms and social media in the coming weeks, if you’d like to get involved, offer design skills and ideas we’d be delighted to talk to you.
This term Cubs get the chance to try Rookie Lifeguard – Bronze, a first for 8th. So popular it sold out in 24 hours and we had to add another course. The future looks bright with so many engaged Cubs coming through to Scouts in the coming years.
Safeguarding
Elaine has kindly agreed to take on the role of Group Safeguarding Lead. Elaine will be the first point of contact with 8th for safeguarding questions or concerns and can be contacted using safeguarding@8nss.org.uk
Safe Scouting Cards are essential reading for all of us.
Cheese please
We want to see your smiley face! You may have noticed at our Open evening a photographer went around taking photos of leaders? Well, we didn’t capture everyone and we’d love to include your photo on our soon to be revived ‘meet the team’ page. Pictures say so much more than words and give a very relatable intro to parents.
Seeds of adventure
If there is an activity you’d like to suggest or get involved with, let us know. As ever we want to remain progressive, enthusiastic and at the very forefront of leading safe, adventurous scouting activities for young people and adults. 7th October is our next planning meeting – please sign up online
We will be launching a Scout Hub in the coming weeks to support leaders in making new events and residentials happen. We don’t want you to be put off by admin – we can help. Big love to Flora for spearheading this new development.
Moving Forward
It’s a privilege to take the helm as your new Group Scout Leader/Group Lead Volunteer. I am completely passionate about the 8th and what we represent – an exceptional history and a wonderful future ahead. My aim is to support every leader and young person so we can grow, try new things and keep our reputation for adventure alive. I had the pleasure of being told by staff at Duxford that the 8th is very well regarded. I burst with pride, as we all do each time we put on our necker.
Suzy
Group Scout Leader/Group Lead Volunteer
September 2025
