The weekend began with a reflection on UK Scouting’s journey over the last 10 years and the work left to do as we move towards achieving the Vision Towards 2018. Alan Craft (Chair of the National Board of Trustees), Wayne Bulpitt (UK Chief Commissioner) and Derek Twine (CEO, The Scout Association) were chaired by broadcaster and journalist Nadine Dereza as they kicked off the debate.
Powerful speechA highlight of the conference was a powerful speech by our new Scouting ambassador Phil Packer MBE. His talk about his own personal journey and the importance of supporting young people received a standing ovation.
Sainsbury’s CEO Justin King delivered the conference’s keynote speech. He spoke of his own experience of transformational journeys and the crucial importance of leadership in an organisation. Sharing his top 10 tips for success, Justin praised the impact that Scouting has on communities. He said: ‘You can’t get through life without knowing there’s more to life – and that’s what Scouting offers to young people’.
Call to action
The conference continued with a series of sessions on how to deliver the various strands of the Vision Towards 2018. Throughout the discussions, delegates submitted their thoughts and comments to the chair. This valuable feedback was then collated by the conference team and used to inform follow-up debate.
Wayne Bulpitt closed the conference with a strong call to action: ‘Society recognises the role we play in changing the lives of young people...[now] we have to work together to achieve the Vision, and continue to offer the life-changing experiences of Scouting.’
David B Walsh
The Scout Association
Regional Development Manager (East of England)
Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk & Suffolk