Paris, Bougival & Maisons-Laffitte support Queen’s Green Canopy

October 29, 2021

When we heard that the Princess Royal was to visit Paris, and that one of her engagement was to plant a tree in the Ambassador’s Residence, we immediately jumped at the opportunity to try and find a way to either plant our own tree alongside hers, help her, or just stand there…as long as we got involved! All groups and units here in Paris are currently thinking how we can support Prince Charles’ Queen’s Green Canopy project given that the environment is so important to all of us, so the opportunity was too good to miss! Thankfully, the newly arrived Ambassador was keen for us to get involved, as were Palace officials, so we got the green light.


The start was really fun. The Ambassador’s residence is a really secure area, but once you’re inside, you can see a trampoline because the Ambassador has children!! I wonder if they’ll join Scouts!!?? We then went to the State Dining room which was really, really fun. The head Butler, Ben Newick, is a real legend, and he fist bumped us, saying this is what you do when you arrive at the Residence!!! We got to eat loads of little sandwiches and miniature cakes which were really, really nice!! We also got to drink juice!


Then the Deputy Ambassador made a little speech introducing the Defence Attaché Air Commodore Tim Below, who told us he was a former Scout and had achieved the Queen’s Scout award!! He then presented the 1st Maisons-Laffitte GSL, Gillian Barrett, a Commissioner’s Commendation – she nearly cried she was so surprised!! We took the opportunity to shout a big Oggie Oggie Oggie for her…everyone joined in, including Ambassadors from other countries (Australia, Canada, and St Kitts and Nevis) and senior military guests!


We then went outside. Though we weren’t able to plant our own tree, and the Princess is quite capable of planting a tree herself, so we stood there, taking the whole experience in, listening to the words of the Ambassador (the Queen herself has already planted a tree in the Residence garden a long time ago…we got to see it!), and we even got to meet and speak with the Princess! She asked us how many British scouts were in France, where the units were, and whether we would also plant trees for the Queen’s Green Canopy. Of course we said yes!


It was a really incredible opportunity which our group which included the Southern Europe DESC, a GSL, one Beaver, 2 Cubs, 2 Scouts and 2 Explorers will remember for our whole lives!!

From Yves Gagnon, District Explorer Scout Commissioner, Southern Europe

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By Jane Warne April 14, 2026
British Scouting Overseas wants to appoint two trustees, to serve for an initial term of three years, starting in September 2026. Our trustee board provides collective leadership and oversight of the charity, in support of our volunteers who deliver our programme to young people around the world. Trustees may be of any nationality and live in any part of the world – the only condition is that you are willing and able to carry out the duties of a trustee and to bring a constructive and independent-minded approach to the role. The main requirement is a commitment to Scout values and willingness to do the best you can to help the Board carry out their role. It’s a bonus if you can bring some personal skills or experience in a particular area, such as any of the following: Administration and meeting management Data protection - policy and practice Development planning in a voluntary group Finance and budgeting - oversight Governance Media and public affairs Risk management - policy and practice Safety - policy and practice We are also keen to include young adults (for example, under twenty fives). The role of trustee is a volunteer one, but reasonable authorised expenses may be claimed. Trustees serve for three year terms, up to a maximum of nine years, after which they must stand down. Trustees may only be appointed if they are not disqualified under UK law from being a trustee of a registered charity. Successful candidates will be required to sign a statement confirming that they are not disqualified. There is some mandatory online learning for our trustees. The Board meets four times a year, plus the annual general meeting. There are additional ad hoc meetings from time to time. Meetings are usually held online via Microsoft Teams. Appointment requirements Hold or obtain membership of The Scout Association in accordance with appointment requirements Complete The Scouts Joining Journey and membership declaration. Follow our code of conduct for members of the BSO Board Communicate with purpose and efficiency Always act with integrity and in the best interests of the charity Champion our vision, mission and values Accept the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a Trustee and adhere to the ethical standards outlined in the Nolan principles: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership Take on training and development that will help you in your role Responsible to Area Chair and British Scouting Overseas Scout Council Main tasks and responsibilities To be a full and active participant in Trustee Board meetings and activities To uphold the responsibilities of a Trustee Board as outlined in The Scout Association’s Policy Organisation and Rules Contribute to the strategic aims and future development of the Area An understanding of their own role, and the role of others on the Trustee Board A commitment to understanding and forming opinions on the key discussion points and responsibilities of the Trustee Board Willingness to complete various tasks which support the work of the Trustee Board and the aims of the Area Skills for a trustee Ability to work as part of a team Strong communication skills Able to think creatively and solve problems Able to handle and resolve conflict effectively Willing to speak one’s mind and listen to the views of others Able to maintain independent and objective judgement Willing to actively design and contribute to the strategic vision of the Area W illingness to take decisions which will further the work of the Area Willingness and eligibility to act as a charity trustee for the Area Time commitment The estimated time commitment is: 4 Board meetings a year 1 AGM Other commitments as required to fulfil the role Meetings are normally online using Microsoft Teams About BSO BSO is a part of the UK Scout Association with headquarters in Gilwell Park, London. 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.
By Graham Eden April 14, 2026
Congratulations to our Good Service Award Recipients
By Graham Eden March 13, 2026
About the role The Chair of British Scouting Overseas’ (BSO) will provide inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees. The Chair will ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the BSO Lead Volunteer (and their team) to achieve agreed objectives and oversight. The chair will focus on BSO’s governance and regulatory compliance long-term sustainability, enabling young people to gain skills for life.
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