|
|
Dear <<First Name>>
Welcome to this edition of Wysmail, (West Yorkshire Scouts Mailing and Information List.)
|
This Quarters Good Service Award Recipients |
We are super proud to announce the following County Good Service Award Recipients this quarter :
Rob Pawson (Wharfedale) - Silver Acorn Wendy Flatters (Bradford North) - Silver Acorn John Sharpe (Wharfedale) - Silver Wolf Margaret Knapton (Brighouse) - Silver Wolf Lesley Austin (Spen Valley) - Silver Wolf
Congratulations to all. |
|
|
|
As many of you know, Dan our squirrel lead will this summer be moving out of the County and will be stepping away from his County role.
We want to say a big thank you for everything Dan's done for Squirrels in West Yorkshire. His support, enthusiasm, and willingness to help others have made a real difference to volunteers and to the growth of the section.
We’re very grateful for the time and energy Dan's given and we wish Dan all the very best with his move and next adventure.
With this change, we’re now looking for someone to take on the role of:
Help shape the future of Scouting’s youngest members
Are you passionate about inspiring young people? Do you want to play a key role in developing Squirrel Scouting across the county?
We’re looking for an County Squirrel Lead to support and grow Squirrel provision, helping more 4–6 year olds start their Scouting adventure.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Archive & Heritage Experience Open Day & Guest Speaker |
22nd February 2026
The West Yorkshire County Scout Archive & Heritage Experience is opening its doors on Sunday 22nd February 2026, to celebrate the Founder of Scouting, Baden-Powell’s 169th birthday.
Our Special Guest speaker - Colin Walker, author of Scouting Milestones, will be giving a talk on the founder & Scouting. Guided tours of Yorkshire’s one and only Scouting museum will be available throughout the day.
Have a go at blowing the famous Kudu horn, stamp your Heritage passport as you travel through time learning fun facts and Scouting stories as you go. |
|
|
|
|
|
7th March 2026
The day is for PLs, APLs and older Scouts with the aim of developing their leadership skills, which will help them work towards the Team Leader, Teamwork and Youth Shaped awards. They will also have an opportunity to contribute to the County’s Scout programme.
The cost is £5 per Scout |
|
|
|
|
|
🌲✨Party in the Woods is back for its 5th year! 🌲✨ |
Join us at Bradley Woods Scout Camp for another unforgettable Party in the Wood, an evening packed with fun, friends, and classic Scouting. What’s included? 🎧 Silent disco
🍽️ Supper
🍹 Mocktail bar
🎨 Craft activity
🧭 Site activity
🔥 And of course… a campfire! 📅 Event Date: 13th March 2026
💷 Cost: £7 per Explorer
⏰ Bookings close: 27th February
📝 Book via: Bookwhen As we celebrate 5 years of Party in the Wood 🎉🌲, expect more of the same brilliant fun ✨ and plenty of time spent with friends in the woods 🌳😊 |
|
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
Are you a leader/volunteer interested in an exciting underground adventure?
2nd and 3rd May
Cost £25
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
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! ☠️ |
|
|
|
|
|
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 🚴♂️ |
|
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
📅 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! 🦫😄 |
|
|
|
|
|
🦫🌙 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! 😄🦫 |
|
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
Scouts of the World Award (SOWA) |
🌍 Scouts of the World Award is coming to West Yorkshire in 2026! Are you ready to take action on the issues that matter most?
The Scouts of the World Award (SOWA) is an international award for 18–25 year olds who want to create real change in their communities and beyond. You’ll explore global challenges, develop leadership skills, and design a meaningful project linked to world issues like sustainability, peace, and development.
This isn’t just an award — it’s your opportunity to become part of a global movement of young changemakers.
✨ First West Yorkshire Discovery Event: Autumn 2026
👀 More details coming soon! |
|
|
|
|
|
14th March - Bradley Wood 17th May - Bradley Wood
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nights Away Outdoor Courses |
8th -10th May - Bradley Wood
11-13th September - Bradley Wood |
|
|
|
|
|
10th April - Scammonden Activity Centre (Booking opens 22nd Feb)
3rd July - Whitley Beaumont Campsite (Booking opens 17th May)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Terrain 1 Training Weekend |
1-3rd May
Cost £130
Places are limited
email hillwalking@wyscouts.org.uk to book |
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
Activity Team Expression of Interest |
If you are interested in any of the following, please email Trevor.watson@wyscouts.org.uk expressing your interest. |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!!
|
|
|
|
District Events open to other Districts |
|
|
|
📢 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
External offers - please ensure you do your own checks on POR |
|
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 |
Holocaust Centre North (based in Huddersfield)
The Holocaust Centre North (based at Huddersfield University) have got another grant to work with us.... they are offering this for free for the Scouts groups but means that they could go to your groups and deliver a workshop or you can go to them. The session would look at the Holocaust, and the connections to today and human rights. The session as I say would be free, the only caveats are that the Scout group needs to be based in Yorkshire and that we need to get them booked in before the end of Feb. The session can take place in March though – or else the funding will be gone.
The groups which have been to the centre for a takeover day really enjoy it! |
|
Free Tennis Lessons for Children in Bradford
We're writing from Strive Tennis to invite your support in promoting a free opportunity for primary school children in Bradford. We're offering three free tennis lessons at Heaton Tennis & Squash Club for local children, and we'd be grateful if you could share the attached flyer via your school's communication channels (newsletters, parent emails, social media platforms, website, etc.) so parents are aware and can book places for their children. We'd really appreciate your support in helping us grow the game of tennis locally and give more children the chance to get active and involved in sport. |
|
|
|
|
