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Dear <<First Name>>
Welcome to this edition of Wysmail, (West Yorkshire Scouts Mailing and Information List.)
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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:
Daniel Mosby- for commit to his group and District over going over and beyond
Mark Stageman- for his lead on our county governance work including with our legal team.
Marilyn Horton- for her commitment to our providor at Bradley Woods and work over the years.
David Heathcote- supporting this group and district to have strong governance and thoughtful discussion making.
I’m sure our whole scouting family will join in congratulating them.
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We are looking for a County Inclusion Advisor to help create a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive culture across the County, ensuring that all young people and volunteers feel they belong in Scouting. The role involves supporting leaders, promoting inclusive practice, and helping remove barriers to participation in line with our A Place to Belong strategy. Find out more and apply on the County website before 4 April. - Note this is a volunteer role. |
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County Environmental Advisor |
We are looking for a County Environmental Advisor to help embed sustainability and care for the environment across the County, supporting leaders and young people to take positive action and make Scouting more environmentally responsible. The role involves promoting outdoor and environmental programmes, encouraging sustainable practices, and helping deliver our priorities in line with our A Place to Belong strategy. Find out more and apply on the County website before 4 April. - Note this is a volunteer role. |
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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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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 |
2nd 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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🦫🌙 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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Scouts of the World Award (SOWA) |
🧭 How the Award Works “3 Steps. 1 World. Your Impact.” 🔍 1. Discovery A hands-on, interactive event exploring global challenges and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
You’ll connect with others, explore ideas, and choose your focus theme. 💪 2. Voluntary Service Project Plan and lead your own impactful project linked to one of the three themes: Minimum 80 hours of meaningful action. 🏅 3. Reflection & Recognition Reflect on your impact, celebrate your growth, and receive an internationally recognised award. |
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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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10th April - Scammonden Activity Centre (Booking opens 22nd Feb)
3rd July - Whitley Beaumont Campsite (Booking opens 17th May)
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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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Are you interested in gaining an adventurous activity permit to support young people within West Yorkshire?
If yes, we are collating expressions of interest to allow us to organise permit assessment where we have interest and want to hear from you!
For any queries relating to activity permits please reach out to Xavi Fishwick (Manager of the Activity Permit Scheme for West Yorkshire): xavi.fishwick@wyscouts.org.uk
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Activity Team Expression of Interest |
If you are interested in any of the following, please email Trevor.watson@wyscouts.org.uk expressing your interest. |
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16 Hour Outdoor First Aid |
There isnt currently a course organised this year, however if you would be interested in a course in the six months starting from September please let me know and if there is sufficient interest I will attempt to organise a course.
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West Yorkshire Scouts have some fencing equipment that is available to hire to suitably qualified leaders.
To become qualified you need to attend a formal British Fencing 1 day course.
We have not run one recently, are you interested in attending a course?
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The aim is to run a day for adults to come along and with guidance build a substantial structure of their design.
This a good opportunity to learn or refresh your pioneering skills.
Let me know if you want more information about this day.
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Royal International Air Tattoo |
We would like to go to the Royal International Air Tattoo 2026 at Fairford in Gloucestershire on the 17th of July. The trip would take place on a Friday, so far, I have looked at a coach for the day – and this would likely be in the region of £70, leaving in the very early morning hours of the Friday. This is so that we can attend the day which appears to be more suitable for Scouts and Explorer Scouts. If you are interested and think Scouts and Explorers, please let me know and I'll potential put together a video call to discuss options. I have tried to avoid leaders driving, as it would potentially be a very long day.
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Things to watch out for - Time on the Water |
Save the date – September 12th.
Fingers crossed for the return of a significant event.
Also, news on two different activities.
Watch this space!!
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District Events open to other Districts |
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📢 Bradford Gang Show is BACK for 2026!
We’re thrilled to announce our return to the stage with a brand-new production: “BELIEVE!”
After an amazing run last time, we can’t wait to share more songs, laughter, and that unforgettable Gang Show magic with you!
✨ Fresh faces.
😂 More laughs.
🎭 All the teamwork and fun you love.
📅 Save the Date and join us for an unforgettable 2026!
Stay tuned for ticket details and more updates soon.
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Hebden Hey Shooting & Archery Competition 2026 |
Date: Sunday 29 March 2026 10am - 4pm
Ages: Scouts 12 & 13yrs & Explorer Scouts
Cost £15 for pre booked contestants
Location: Hebden Hey Scout Centre, Hebden Bridge HX7 7AW
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External offers - please ensure you do your own checks on POR |
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SWEF Enterprise & Business Fund Do you know any entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 Ready to Take Their Business to the Next Level? “The SWEF Enterprise & Business Fund is here to help ambitious young entrepreneurs, aged 18-30, who are driven to grow their businesses but face financial barriers. If you’re in Calderdale and need support to make a game-changing investment in your business, this grant could be just what you’re looking for. Our priority is to back those who’ve faced challenges early in life, who may not have access to other funding options. If this sounds like you, we’d love to help you turn your vision into reality. With grants of up to £2,000, we’re here to support your growth and success.” |
BUSHSCOUT are running one of our Skills Days - teaching leaders practical skills: fire lighting, campfire cooking, knife, axe and saw skills and tarp shelters at Linnet Clough Scout Campsite, Stockport on Saturday 18th April. There are still places available on the Skills Day. The link to the course booking page is https://www.bushscout.org.uk/courses . A little further afield, on 21st March another Skills Day takes place near Lincoln and we a looking to put a day on in Yorkshire later in the year. |
Scout Group Climbing Offer January – March Special Rate Location: The Climbing Hub, Bradford Special Price: £18 per person
Session Time: 6pm – 8pm
Available Days: Friday, Monday, or Saturday We offer 2-hour supervised climbing sessions designed especially for Scout groups. Perfect for teamwork, badge progression, skill-building, confidence and fun.
Includes: – All climbing equipment
– Qualified instructors
– Safety briefing
– Games & confidence-building activities
Suitable for: Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Explorers To book, please email or call:
Joanna – The Climbing Hub |
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Infinity Parks
I’m getting in touch from Infinity Parks Bradford, where we run a children’s play centre in Bradford. We’re currently offering discounted group sessions for youth organisations such asBeavers, Cubs, Scouts, Rainbows, Brownies, church youth groups and other children’s clubs, and we would love to welcome groups from your area. Our group sessions are ideal for reward trips, end-of-term activities, or just a fun evening out for the children. What we offer:
• Exclusive or dedicated soft play sessions for groups
• Discounted group rates
• Safe, clean and fully supervised play environment
• Optional food packages available
• Suitable for children all ages We would be grateful if you could share this opportunity with leaders in your district/group, and we’d be very happy to arrange a session that works around your usual meeting nights. If any groups are interested or would like more information, please feel free to reply to this email and we’ll be happy to help. Thank you for your time, and we hope to welcome some of your groups soon. |
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