Support to help you keep Scouts going online
On Thursday 5 November, England enters a national lockdown. The National Youth Agency has confirmed that there can be no face-face-activity with young people or adult volunteers throughout this period in England.
So, with England going back into Red, restrictions and readiness levels varying across the other UK nations and some Groups unable to find venues or enough volunteers to run face-to-face yet – online Scouts remains such a vital activity for our young people.
For those of you who’d like a little inspiration to keep Scouts going online, we’ve pulled together this list of resources. We hope it’ll make it easier for you to access all of the support available from tips on how to use Zoom, ideas for online activities, and lots more.
WATCH – How to use Zoom for your volunteer meetings
This webinar from our friends Barclays’ Digital Eagles will teach you how to use all of the shiny, exciting functions on Zoom.
If you’re not sure whether Zoom is right for you, check out the video about how to use Google Meet. Want to know more about running virtual meetings and how to keep people engaged? Watch this webinar from Barclay’s Digital Eagles.
WATCH – Activity ideas for Scouts and Explorers
Hear it direct from the experts. Scout and Explorer leaders tell us about activities that have worked well online.
WATCH – Activity ideas for Beavers and Cubs
Find out how Beaver and Cub leaders made it work. Hear more about the specific activities they ran for their sections during lockdown and their top tips for adapting activities for Zoom.
WATCH – How to deliver Scouts online
Learn from the people who played their part. Find out how volunteers delivered an online programme in the last lockdown, including the activities they ran and technical top tips.
WATCH – Gilwell Reunion 2020
There are over 40 videos from this year’s Reunion in our showcase on Vimeo. We’ve got tips to make your photos pop, the lowdown on how to use the media, advice for anyone trying to find more volunteers online, and plenty more. Have a browse to learn a new skill (or two) and find support for your role.
READ – Amazing ways volunteers delivered Scouts at home
We’ve been here before, and many of you thought on your feet to make it work. Remind yourself of the creative ideas that volunteers came up with during the last lockdown and let them inspire your online programme over the next few weeks.
- Three amazing things you’re doing during lockdown
- Three more amazing things you’re doing during lockdown
- Another three amazing things you’re doing during lockdown
READ – How to keep young people safe even when they’re at home
Keeping everyone safe is the number one concern for all of us at Scouts. That’s why we all need to continue to follow the Code of Behaviour set out in the Yellow Card when connecting with young people online.
READ – Tips for coping with anxiety attacks
Before the last lockdown, we spoke to Cub Scout Leader and Consultant Clinical Psychologist Che Rosebert about recognizing anxiety and what to do to help. Whether you’re dealing with everyday anxiety or an anxiety disorder, we hope that some of these top tips help you find some space and calm.
FIND – Free access to Zoom Pro for Scout volunteers
Zoom have agreed to extend the licences for a further six months and we’re busy finalising the paperwork. There’s no need to do anything – your licences will just continue.
Keep it interesting and shake it up with backgrounds and videos on your Zoom calls.
- Download and use our backgrounds
- A video message from Scout Ambassador Ed Stafford for Zoom meetings
- A message from Deputy UK Chief Commissioner Graeme Hamilton to play for those who have achieved their top awards.
FIND – Online programme ideas for your section
There are more than 30 online activity ideas in our activity finder. Filter by your section, have a browse, and pick the best ones for your young people.
And don’t worry if you’re planning to join us for our #RaceRoundTheWorld – you can still take part online! Clock your miles in line with government guidelines and fundraise through social media.
FIND – External resources to help
We’re all in this together. There are loads of ideas for online activities and plenty of support from other leaders.
We’re loving these Facebook groups right now:
FIND – Support on getting your restart risk assessment completed
If you haven’t started meeting face-to-face yet, there's lots of support on getting back together safely. Take a look now so you’re ready for when the restrictions are lifted.
Don’t forget there are now plenty of examples to help with your activity risk assessments too, including a few for online meetings. For support carrying out your risk assessments, check out this guidance.
Still got questions or concerns? If you think there’s more we could do to help you get through this difficult time, please let us know.
Thank you for everything you’re doing to adapt to this change and keep Scouts going online wherever you can – it makes a massive difference to the lives of our young people.