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Dear <<First Name>>
Welcome to this edition of Wysmail, (West Yorkshire Scouts Mailing and Information List.)
A big thank you to everyone who has ensured their group has convened an Extraordinary Trustee Meeting to review the Charity Commission notice ahead of the 31st March deadline. Your efforts, particularly within a relatively short timeframe and alongside religious holidays are genuinely appreciated.
This level of responsiveness reflects the strong governance and agility expected of trustees, and it has enabled the County to begin reviewing submissions in line with the requirement for County to attest to HQ by 30th April.
As we move through this next stage, it is important that all groups are able to demonstrate the same timely engagement, ensuring that responsibilities are met and that we remain aligned with both regulatory expectations and organisational requirements.
Thank you again for your continued commitment and cooperation.
Tobias County Lead Volunteer
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Big News for Squirrel Scouts! 🐿️ |
We’re excited to share that Rachel is our new County Squirrel Lead 🎉
This role is all about helping our youngest members—Squirrels (ages 4–6)—have amazing adventures, learn new skills, and build confidence as they begin their journey in Scouting. 🌈
Please join us in giving Rachel a warm welcome and wishing her every success as she supports leaders and Squirrel Dreys across the county. We can’t wait to see all the fun, energy, and opportunities she’ll bring! 🙌
💚 We’d also like to say a huge thank you to Dan who is stepping down after five fantastic years in the role. Your hard work, dedication, and passion have made a lasting impact on Squirrel Scouts across the county—your contribution truly means so much. |
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The Yorkshire Rose Award is given out by County Team Lead and District Lead Volunteers on behalf of our County Lead Volunteer- Toby Hammond. This is an adult award for those volunteer who have been noticed for going over and beyond. He can’t wait to see more District Lead Volunteers and County Volunteers giving them out!
This months award recipients are:
Sharon Simms (Keighley)
Doug Hails (Keighley) Ash Dixon (Bradford South)
I’m sure our whole scouting family will join in congratulating them.
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Good Service Awards
Congratulations to the following award Recipients :
Susan Haigh (Huddersfield South West) - Silver Wolf
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🦫 County Beaver Lead Update 🦫 |
We’d like to share that Jaime is stepping down from her role as County Beaver Lead. We want to say a huge thank you for all the time, energy, and dedication Jaime has given to supporting Beaver Scouts and leaders across the county. Your impact has made a real difference, and it’s truly appreciated. 💚
As a result, we’re now beginning the process to recruit a new County Beaver Lead. This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the Beaver Scout programme, support volunteers, and make a positive impact on young people’s first steps in Scouting.
If you’re interested or would like to find out more, please get in touch—we’d love to hear from you! |
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Starting on Wednesday the 3 rd of June and running until Wednesday the 15 th of July
the Canoe and Kayak team will be offering sessions at Leeds Road, Huddersfield for Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers.
The sessions will run from 6.30 – 8.30 and cost £3.00 per person.
Please note we can only cater for young people who can swim 50 metres.
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Watersports Multi Activity Days for Scouts and Explorers |
A full day of activities at Green Withens with the opportunity to take part in three different water activities, for example sailing, rafting and bellboating depending on weather, staff and equipment availability.
A Nautical Skills (Stage Three) badge can be made available. Please ask at the time of booking.
Where: At the West Yorkshire County Scouts Green Withens Watersports Centre.
When: Many Saturdays from mid April to October: 10.00am to 4.00pm. |
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Are you a leader/volunteer interested in an exciting underground adventure?
2nd and 3rd May
Cost £25
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Single Handed Sailing for Explorers |
Explorers will take to the water in single handed dinghies. Don’t worry instructors will be on hand, and you will be closely supervised by our safety boat.
Where: At the West Yorkshire County Scouts Green Withens Watersports Centre.
When: Friday Evenings 7pm until 9pm May until end of August
Cost £14 per head |
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Sailing and Bellboating for Scouts and Explorers |
During our evening sailing and bellboating sessions at Green Withens participants will take to the water both in one of our larger sailing dinghies, and in one of our bellboats. An experienced helm will be on hand in each craft and all participants will take part in both activities.
Where: At the West Yorkshire County Scouts Green Withens Watersports Centre.
When: Tuesday Evenings 7pm until 9pm May until end of August
Cost £11 per head |
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Cubs will complete four bases, each lasting about an hour. These will usually be sailing, Bellboating, rafting and water safety; although this may be changed depending upon the weather. The Nautical Skills Stage 2 badge will be covered and included. The day will also qualify for a Time on the Water badge. We start at 10.30 am and finish at 3.45 pm.
Where: At the West Yorkshire County Scouts Green Withens Watersports Centre.
When: 10th May, 21st June, 20th September
Cost £22 per head |
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Beaver & Parent Bellboating |
These sessions are organised on a District or Colony basis. Beavers will qualify for a Time on the Water badge and towards a Nautical Skills (Stage One) badge.
Where: At the West Yorkshire County Scouts Green Withens Watersports Centre.
When: 31st May, 12th July, 23rd August, 11th October. Either a morning or afternoon session
Cost £11 per head |
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Scouts & Explorer Rafting Evenings |
Evening rafting sessions at Green Withens. Participants will build their rafts on dry land before taking to the water to assess just how ‘seaworthy’ their creations are.
Where: At the West Yorkshire County Scouts Green Withens Watersports Centre.
When: Tuesday Evenings
Cost £10 per head |
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Pirate Camp (Squirrels and Beavers) |
J⚓ Ahoy, Me Hearties! ⚓
📍 Blackhills Campsite 📅 9th & 10th May 2026
Get ready to set sail for a weekend of swashbuckling adventure! Squirrels and Beavers are invited to join us for a Pirate-themed weekend camp packed full of excitement, exploration, and fun.
🏴☠️ What’s in store? : Treasure hunts, Sword fighting / fencing, Climbing adventures, Water activities, Pirate crafts, And lots more surprises along the way! Whether your young pirate wants to stay the whole weekend or just join us for the day, there’s plenty to enjoy.
💰 Costs - Young People £20 – Sleepover (indoors or camping)
£15 – Day attendance only Adults £10 – Sleepover
£5 – Day attendance only
You will need a packed lunch for the Saturday but other catering is included in the cost.
🏕️ Accommodation Limited indoor accommodation available Plenty of space for camping, so bring your tents and embrace the full pirate experience!
Sharpen your cutlasses, don your best pirate outfit, and prepare for a weekend of adventure, teamwork, and unforgettable memories.
☠️ Don’t miss the boat – places are limited! ☠️ - DEADLINE 24th April |
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Come along to Bradley Wood and improve your knowledge of building things using ropes and poles. 16th May 9:30 - 4:30
A free day session to help you learn what you can do, if you think you already know a lot then come and share your knowledge! Please book so we know how many biscuits to get.
There is no charge for the day, but there will be a supply of tea, coffee and biscuits |
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Cub & Scout Pedal Car Racing |
Pedal Car Racing is returning 🏁🚗 on Saturday May 23rd 2026 📅 at The Accu Stadium car park 🏟️ in Huddersfield 📍
Teams of Cubs or Scouts 🐺🏕️ are booked into a 1-hour slot ⏱️ and will race to get the best time of the day around the circuit 🏎️💨
Each Pack or Troop 👥 is allocated a session, and you can bring as many participants as you want 🙌
Let us know if you prefer a morning 🌅 or afternoon 🌞 slot, and we’ll get back to you with a start time ⏰
🏅 Medals will be presented to every Pack or Troop entering!
💷 Cost: £3 per person
⛑️ Participants are asked to bring a cycle helmet 🚴♂️ |
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19th - 21st June 2026
Come and join us for a fun filled, action packed weekend at Bradley Wood 19th - 21st June 2026
We will be travelling around the world ( ticking off parts of badges on the way ), celebrating 110 year of Cubs with a Carnival on Saturday evening, so get your feathers and sparkles at the ready. We will be sending out packs to help you prepare as well, so not only a fun filled weekend but some meetings prepped for you as well.
This is a fully catered camp, so bring your tents and maybe something to make a cuppa, while the cubs are sleeping..
Bookings from outside West Yorkshire welcome |
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County all Leaders Summer Meeting |
9th July Bradley Woods 7-10pm
Open to all leaders across the County, come find out and shape the County programme for the coming year and a chance to network and socialise. The bar and BBQ will be open !
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📅 Saturday 4th July 2026
📍 Brooksbank School, Elland
⏰ 9:30am – 3:00pm
This exciting day is open to all Beavers, even those who can’t ride a bike yet. Alongside cycling, there will be plenty of other activities to enjoy so everyone can get involved.
🚴 All abilities catered for! Balance bikes and pedal bikes available Fun confidence-building activities More challenging obstacles for confident riders, including ramps, rollers, and seesaws
🚲 No bike? No problem!
There will be plenty of bikes of all sizes available to borrow on the day. Beavers are also welcome to bring their own bike if they prefer.
A fantastic opportunity for Beavers to build skills, confidence, and have loads of fun with friends – don’t miss it! 🦫😄 |
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🔥 Look who’s back! Grim up t’North returns 9th–11th October — the legendary leaders & network weekend to rewind, reset, and get ready for the new Scouting season.
Think a northern version of the Gilwell Reunion, packed with training, new skills, activities you don’t usually get chance to try, idea-sharing with other leaders, and plenty of time to relax.
Enjoy great evening entertainment with bands, quizzes, and games, plus indoor accommodation or camping with flexible catering options. Saturday day visitors are welcome too — but be quick, beds go fast! Book now to secure your place. 🏕️🎸🔥 |
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Scuba Diving
Have you considered SCUBA diving as an activity for Scouts and Explorers? There are several clubs and organizations in West Yorkshire that will provide an experience for our young people, they include –
Bradford Sub Aqua Club, They run “Try Dive” sessions at Eccleshill, Bradford pool on a Friday Evening.
Huddersfield Sub-Aqua Club They use Kirklees Leisure Centre on a Monday evening.
Below the Surface
Are there dive schools out there? Yes, the thing to watch is that any external provider must have a minimum of £5 million public liability insurance cover, and many PADI dive centres do not have this level of insurance while BSAC clubs do. Remember to see a copy of the clubs’ insurance certificate.
Remember, for Scouts, a BSAC Try Dive meets requirement 1.d of the Water Activities Activity badge - “British Sub-Aqua Club Try Dive or Adventure Diver, or the Discover Scuba Diving Award of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors”. |
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While both Green Withens and Reva offer “Dragon Boating” they use Bellboats. There is a dragon boat club based at Doe Park, Denholme “Bradford Barracudas”. They offer have a go type sessions for groups. To contact them use their website
If you think we should look at running some form of dragon boat competition, or we should help smaller groups get enough people to make a visit viable, please let me |
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🦫🌙 Save the Date! Beaver County Sleepover 🌙🦫 |
📅 Saturday 10th October 2026
📍 National Emergency Services Museum, Sheffield We’re excited to announce our Beaver County Sleepover at the fantastic National Emergency Services Museum! 🚒🚓🚑 It’s set to be a fun and memorable night for Beavers – with more details to be shared in the New Year, so keep your eyes peeled! For now, pop the date in your diary… you won’t want to miss this one! 😄🦫 |
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This county initiative continues to run through to the end of 2026. Over 900 badges have already been awarded but groups still have time to complete and claim their award.
To gain the badge, members should take part in any 4 activities from the themed areas.
Finished the award ? Claim your badges One of our programme team will visit you to present the badges. |
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The Peace pathway focuses on inclusion, understanding, and stronger communities.
Peace isn’t just the absence of conflict — it’s about respect, empathy, and justice in action. Project Inspiration Ideas Host a community dialogue or interfaith event Run a youth mental health awareness campaign Support refugees or youth homelessness charities Create inclusive activities bringing diverse communities together Launch a district-wide “Kindness in Action” initiative
Ready to change the world? 🌍 |
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Are opening on 3rd Thursday of the month at the same time as the Scout Shop.
See image for dates - just turn up on the night |
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Nights Away Outdoor Courses |
8th -10th May - Bradley Wood
11-13th September - Bradley Wood |
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3rd July - Whitley Beaumont Campsite (Booking opens 17th May)
4th December - Blackhills Campsite (Booking opens 23rd October)
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Terrain 1 Training Weekend |
1-3rd May
Cost £130
Places are limited
email hillwalking@wyscouts.org.uk to book |
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In 2027 the UK Scout Association will host the 44th World Scout Conference in London, this event acts as a Governing Body, setting the strategic direction for Scouting. There is real power in bringing people together in person and we’d like to welcome delegates from 176 all National Scout Organisations to London in 2027. By having more diverse voices at conference, we can grow a stronger future for World Scouting.
The Scouts have partnered with an organisation to convert left over currency into GBP, which can then be used to support those delegates from around the world that might need financial support to attend.
We’re asking people to look in those travel wallets and dig out any currency that is otherwise gathering dust and put it to good use! We can accept notes and coins of all denominations, even those that are out of circulation.
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