23rd May 2025

Dear <<First Name>>

Welcome to this edition of Wysmail, (West Yorkshire Scouts Mailing and Information List.)

County Announcements:

Following my first month as County Lead Volunteer, it's been a busy month getting out and about around the County, meeting with team members and hearing all about our amazing Districts from our DLVs. As a consequence I'd now like to confirm some initial appointments that have been made (don't worry there are more to follow in future editions).

Trustee Board Appointments

County Chair - Mark Stageman

County Lead Volunteer Appointments

Deputy Lead Volunteer - Vicki Pearson

Team leads

Programme Lead (4-14) - Phil Pearson

Programme Lead (14-25) - Katie Travas

Volunteer Development Lead - Howard Fishwick

Support Team Lead - Vicki Pearson

Programme Section leads 4-14

Squirrel Lead - Dan Breeze

Beaver Lead - Jaime Armitage

Cub Lead - Tina Knight

Scout Lead - Graham Starr

Programme Section leads 14-25

Explorer Lead - Katie Travas

14-25 Team - Beth Halligan

Young Leaders Lead & 14-25 Team - Tom Lynch

Support & Activity Teams

International Lead - Vicki Pearson

Manager of the Activity Permit Scheme - Xavi Fishwick

Bradley Wood Lead - Elaine Clough

Safety & Risk Team leads - Ian Womersley & Gaz Pierce

Support Team - Gaz Pierce

Support Team - Matt Turner

Growth Chair - Ian Womersley

These are just the people I've had chance to meet with so far, more to follow as I meet with the different teams... To find out more visit meet the team section on our website...

Toby

County Lead Volunteer

Meet the Team

New Membership System

If you haven't already signed into the new membership system, please can you do so and accept your declarations.

All members have to do the new safety Training before 14th July

BTEC / ILM / City and Guilds

Find out about our qualifications on 2nd June. We offer a fantastic range of BTEC qualifications to suit all ages and abilities. Also ILM Level 3 and City & Guilds Professional recognition awards in Leadership and Management.

2nd June and 8th July

Book Here

Beaver Challenge Day 7th June

Beavers will take part in a full day of activities around Bradley Wood which include activities such as crate staking, pioneering, fire lighting, cooking on fires plus lots more

Book Here

Dawn 'Till Dusk Scout Camp 20th June

It’s the BIGGEST County Scout event of the year – and you’re invited!

Join us at Bradley Wood from 20th – 22nd June for an unforgettable weekend packed with action, creativity, and adventure at Dawn 'till Dusk Camp!

Expect a full-on weekend of:
Outdoor activities
Creative challenges
Team games
Campfire fun
And memories that’ll last a lifetime

Don’t miss your chance to be part of something epic. Let's fill the woods with Scouts and serious energy!

Book Here

Explorer 3 Peaks 28th June

West Yorkshire Scouts is challenging teams of Explorers to take on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks.

Teams of 4-7 will attempt to complete the challenge in under 12 hours.

The aim is to offer the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge to as many Explorers as possible from across the County, however there are limited places available.

Book Here

World Scout Jamboree Leader Applications

Applications are now open for leaders who want to be part of our County Jamboree unit. There are four places available. Applicants will be required to attend a selection day on 6^th July - Applications close 30th May 2025

Apply Now

Scout Expedition Challenge

An overnight expedition to walk from Ben Rhydding to the Cow and Calf Rocks to climb, then onward to Sconce.

After camping, and cooking, at Sconce, walk to Reva for some water activities.

12th - 13th July

Book Here

Beaver & Parent Bell Boating

County Beaver & Parent Bell Boating day where those Beavers attending will qualify for a Time on the Water badge and towards a Nautical Skills (Stage One) badge.

13th July at Green Withens

Book Here

County Summer Social

The County Summer Social is returning on 17th July at Bradley Wood.

There will be a plenary with updates from the County, then section meetings before some food.

Please book on to the relevant section meeting for you

Book Here

Save the Date...

Cub/ Beaver/ Squirrel Top Awards party - Saturday 27th September

Scout / Explorer / Network Top Awards presentation - Friday 10th October

Book Here

Claim Badge

Protect the Planet

This county initiative continues to run through to the end of 2025. Over 500 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.

Resource

Young Leader Training

Courses for the rest of this year

4th - 6th June (Woolley Edge)
24th - 26th Oct (Bradley Wood)
21st -23rd Nov (Curly Hill)

Book Here

Upcoming Adult Courses

6th June - Nights Away
12th Sep - Nights Away
20th Sep - Multi Module
11th Oct - Multi Module
15th Nov - Multi Module
29th Nov - Multi Module

Book Here

Outdoor First Aid

In addition for those needing Outdoor First Aid for activities:

21st-22nd June - Outdoor First Aid

Book Here

Wood Badges

Are you wanting to complete your woodbadge for your Scouting Journey.

If you are a Team Leader, Team member or a group/district or county lead volunteer you can do this.

With the new membership system, it is now the responsibility of the individual members to add the woodbadge skill for your role if you wish to complete it. Make sure you add the right one section or manager.

The Section Wood Badge is for volunteers focussed on programme delivery.The Managers and Supporters Wood Badge is for volunteers focussed on leading and supporting volunteers.

Find Out More

Safety

There’s lots of great guidance, advice and sample documentation on the safety pages of the Scout website. Please take some time to familiarise yourself with these resources.

If you have any questions or need local support with any aspects of safety, please reach out to your district safety lead or email safety@wyscouts.org.uk

Resources

District Lead Volunteer - Vacancy Holme Valley

Holme Valley Scout District is on the lookout for our next District Lead Volunteer — and we need your help to find them!

This is a crucial and exciting leadership role at the heart of our Scouting community. But here’s the twist: it doesn’t have to be just one person! We believe in teamwork — this role can be shared by a team of passionate people or taken on by an inspiring individual who wants to make a big difference.

Applications/nomination close 6th June

Nominate Here

External to WY Scouts Events...

Bushcraft Training for Adult Volunteers

Bushscout, the National SASU delivering safe Practical Skills is running a course on 4th October 2025 at Tamarak Scout Campsite, Barlow Common Road, Selby, YO8 8JF

The day will cover:

Fire Lighting
Axe & Saw
Tarpology
Knife Safety
Campfire Cooking

Find Out More

Snozone Scout Open Evening

The Snozone in Castleford are having an Educational/ Scout/ Guides Open Evening on the 18^th of June

They are dedicated to providing unforgettable learning experiences beyond the classroom. As part of the evening they would like to invite you to take part in a FREE SKI/ SNOWBOARD LESSON/SESSION

If you would like to be part of the event if you could please let Amanda Anderson (amanda.anderson@snozoneuk.com) know before the 4^th of June so she can add you to the guest list (2 guests can attend)

All guests will need to remember their own warm , waterproof clothing and gloves and we will provide the rest for you!

County Calendar

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Bradley Wood Campsite
Shepherds Thorn Lane
Brighouse
HD6 3TU
United Kingdom