BSO Events March 2020

March 25, 2020

Bob Thorpe
Assistant Area Commissioner (Events)Introduction


It probably seems a funny time for me to be communicating with you about events, when we are living through such difficult and troubled times. However, this is just the time when we should be remembering our Scouting Values and planning for easier times ahead. That way we can make sure, as soon as we can all resume full Scouting activities, that we continue to provide amazing experiences and skills for life for all our young people.


First of all, who am I?

I have been involved in Scouting for around 5 years (not a lifetime like so many of our wonderful volunteers!) and been running a Scout Group, 1st Hedgerley, in South Buckinghamshire, for just over four years. I was Cub Scout about 300 years ago in Singapore but since that time until 2015, I had had no involvement in Scouting.

So, what makes me (and indeed Nathan) think I can add value to BSO?
I started my working life straight from school and after graduating from Sandhurst spent 14 years in the Army primarily as an Army Air Corps pilot. Leaving the army in 1987, I worked in the airline industry in sales and management, dealing with companies in almost every country across the World. My third career was as a Sales Consultant and again I worked with companies across the world and every Region.

In my three careers, I have developed leadership, management, organising and programme management skills all of which I hope to employ helping you all attend and join in some first-class events at an Area level.


What would I like to achieve?

As an old Chinese curse is alleged to say “May we live in interesting times”. Well we are certainly doing that, and this pandemic is unprecedented. All we can hope for is that it does not go on too long and put everything on hold for months.

However, we do not need to stop Scouting in its entirety. As leaders we can proactively offer our young people activities to carry out at home

… But I need your help to help you!

Two ways we can carry on Scouting whilst isolating at home


Scouting at Home

As leaders we can proactively offer our young people activities to carry out towards badges at home and I urge you all to investigate how you can keep our young peoples’ interest in Scouting. Scouts UK has provided a link for activities that our Scouts, Cubs and Beavers might do, and I know Online Scout Manager will be coming up with ideas. Activities we might offer include:

• Fun activities
• Badges
• Virtual Nights Away
• Much, much more

We have some great ideas and I know you do to. For example, we might offer a Virtual Area Camp and award prizes for the best tent and camping area set up by a Scout


JOTI (Jamboree on The Internet) Special Event

JOTI (Jamboree on the Internet) Special Event takes place on weekend of 3rd – 5th April and this will be a fantastic chance to interactive with Scouts from all over the world. As the tag line for JOTI, on their website https://www.jotajoti.info, states “Connecting young people virtually because Scouting never stops! 3-5 April 2020”

Obviously, you can all, as individual groups or Districts, join this without help from area but it would be good to coordinate our plans…

Visit the JOTI website for more details.


Call to Arms…

Call to Arms…
I need your help to help you. I am looking for some volunteers to join an Events Team. This team will be coordinate events during the COVID-19/Coronavirus crisis across BSO and plan for the future. As we know WINGS 2020 is postponed. However, if this crisis is over earlier than expected might we actually hold a smaller area summer camp. It may seem unlikely at this stage but if we are not prepared then we might miss an opportunity.
So, call me, WhatsApp me, email me and join a select team to drive Area events and support District and Group Events in BSO.

I’m waiting for your call


Bob Thorpe
Assistant Area Commissioner (Events)

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By Jane Warne April 14, 2026
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BSO members have access to the same resources, support and programme as UK based Scout groups. BSO exists to support British families living overseas in the provision of a UK Scouting programme to expatriate British children and to several British Overseas Territories. We aim to ensure that all our members have the opportunity to feel and experience high quality UK Scouting whilst providing support and advice to adult members no matter where they are in the world. BSO undertakes Scouting activities in a safe and secure environment with flexibility to adapt to both local customs and guidelines set out within The Scout Association's policies and rules. BSO operates 60 Scout Groups, 25 Explorer Units and 3 Scout Networks, with an impressive 3,138 young people supported by 1473 adult volunteer leaders across 29 countries around the world. Whilst most adult volunteer members are delivering programme activities with our young people, many volunteers are also based in the UK offering support, training, mentoring, governance and resources in a variety of different roles from trustee to marketing and event support to skills assessors. BSO is fully inclusive and open to all who share our fundamental values. BSO exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
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Congratulations to our Good Service Award Recipients
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