Our Lead Volunteer, Craig, reflects on a year full of highlights…

What a year! Our County is flourishing and delivering even more for young people by every measure. We’ve grown our membership in every section, including opening new provisions in areas where we’ve never offered Scouting. Our latest section, Squirrels, is bringing new families to Scouting and revitalising our groups. Our growth in young people is a result of our growth in adults, too- we are more inclusive and seen as the youth organisation of choice in Lancashire.

With the support of adult volunteers, our young people continue to achieve incredible things. The number of young people achieving top awards has increased in every section; we’ve got more young leaders and more young people shaping their Scouting.

For many, the highlight was Red Rose 2022- our international camp at Westmorland Show Ground. It was an incredible celebration of Scouting, of being back together, and the atmosphere was sensational. It’s why we couldn’t wait for four years for the next, and we look forward to Red Rose 2024 and the 50th anniversary of West Lancashire Scouts with great excitement.

It’s been another year of us achieving the goals outlined in our strategic plan. Yet, despite our success, we aren’t complacent. We remain ambitious and committed to eliminating our waiting lists, making opportunities more equitable and delivering Scouting in new communities.

Under each area of our strategy, we’ve made huge progress. The achievements indicate a Scout County in good health and delivering incredible things for young people and the community. Yet, we are not complacent and remain ambitious for our future. It was made possible by an excellent team of over 3,000 volunteers and staff. They are everyday heroes, and I thank them all.