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Our dedicated Support Team plays a vital role in keeping the county running smoothly and effectively behind the scenes. From delivering targeted support for growth and development, to shaping and promoting our perception, assisting with event delivery, and offering expert guidance across a wide range of topics - we’re here to support our volunteers in any way we can.
With a wealth of knowledge and experience, the team is always ready to provide practical, hands-on help wherever it’s needed, ensuring every part of Scouting in Nottinghamshire thrives.
Scouting in Nottinghamshire is thriving - and the numbers prove it. Our 2024 growth and development efforts have shown that Scouting is more popular than ever across the county. One of the key initiatives was the introduction of tailored growth plans for every district, helping us identify local opportunities and strategically focus our resources where they’re needed most.
We’re proud to announce that youth membership in Nottinghamshire grew by an impressive 2.2% in 2024 - more than seven times the national average. This incredible achievement is a direct result of the passion, energy, and unwavering dedication of our volunteers, who continue to deliver high-quality Scouting experiences across every section.
Squirrel Dreys are expanding at pace, with a remarkable 50% increase in Squirrel numbers over the past year - again, far exceeding national trends. These new dreys are giving even more young people the chance to start their Scouting journey earlier, with fantastic outcomes in terms of engagement and development.
While we saw a slight dip in Beaver and Cub numbers, this presents a clear opportunity for renewed focus in 2025 as part of our growth strategy. We're confident that with continued support and innovative approaches, these sections will bounce back stronger.
Equally inspiring is the 11% increase in Young Leaders across Nottinghamshire - a testament to our commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development. By investing in the leaders of tomorrow, we’re not only strengthening our current programme but also building a sustainable future for Scouting in the county.
Our Perception Team plays a crucial role in shaping how Scouting is seen across Nottinghamshire - from attracting new members and volunteers to strengthening our ties with local communities and leaders. In 2024, we made a conscious investment in new resources and promotional assets to help us better showcase the energy, diversity, and impact of Scouting throughout the county.
A major highlight of the year was welcoming our new Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields, to The BIG Weekend at Newark Showground. Dwayne spent time meeting young people and adult volunteers and was impressed and humbled by the passion and dedication of our incredible volunteers. His visit was a proud moment for Nottinghamshire, helping to raise our profile and celebrate the best of what we do.
We’ve also continued to strengthen relationships with civic leaders across the county, creating exciting new opportunities to give back to our communities. It was a pleasure to host a range of civic guests at The BIG Weekend, who left inspired by the scale and spirit of the event and the life-changing experiences we offer to young people. Working alongside these leaders, we’ve also supported the external recognition of our volunteers through local community awards - helping shine a spotlight on the tireless work they do behind the scenes.
Another standout moment came when we were gifted tickets to see Scout Ambassador Tim Peake live at the Royal Concert Hall. We used this as an opportunity to thank a group of Explorer Scouts who volunteer as instructors at the Hoveringham Activity Centre each weekend. Not only did they get to meet Tim after the show, but their story was also featured on national Scout social media channels.
In November, we were incredibly proud to see Harry Redmile, one of our Queen’s Scout Award recipients, represent Nottinghamshire at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall - a powerful symbol of service and dedication.
We’ve also explored exciting partnerships with local organisations, such as the Nottingham Panthers, who generously offered discounted tickets to our members. Over 600 tickets were sold, giving families and young people a chance to enjoy elite sport and come together as a Scouting community.
In 2024, we were delighted to welcome Bronya Vardy to the Nottinghamshire Scouts team as our new County Administrator. Since joining, Bronya has made an immediate and lasting impact, bringing a high level of professionalism, organisation, and efficiency to the County Office.
The support provided by the office is absolutely essential to the smooth day-to-day running of our operations. From managing membership enquiries and supporting our charity shop volunteers, to offering vital administrative assistance to the wider County Team, Bronya’s work behind the scenes helps keep everything moving forward seamlessly.
We’re incredibly grateful to have her as part of the team and look forward to all that we’ll achieve together in the years ahead.
The Bog Squad is one of our unsung hero teams, playing a vital role in ensuring the success of our events. Often behind the scenes, they are the ones who work tirelessly to maintain the health and wellbeing of all our participants by keeping toilet and shower facilities spotless, and ensuring rubbish is collected and disposed of in a safe and sustainable manner.
They are the true workhorses of our events, often going unnoticed but are crucial to creating a positive experience for everyone involved. We were thrilled to have their continued support at The BIG Weekend, where their efforts once again ensured the smooth running of our county camp.
Their dedication and hard work are essential, and we couldn’t run these large-scale events without them. A huge thank you to The Bog Squad for everything they do!
The Nottinghamshire Emergency Scout Support Team (NESST) had another fantastic year, continuing to play a vital role in the safe and successful delivery of major Scouting events across the county.
A highlight of the year was the hugely popular Challenge Hike at Walesby Forest, which saw over 1,500 young people take part. This event is a true test of teamwork, resilience, and navigation skills!
The team also played a crucial role at The BIG Weekend, delivering essential services including communications, medical support, and operational logistics. Their expertise and professionalism helped to create a safe and well-managed environment for thousands of attendees.
This year also saw significant investment in new equipment, helping to future-proof the team’s capabilities and expand the level of support they can offer at county events. NESST is well-positioned to grow alongside our expanding events programme and continue delivering exceptional support where it matters most.
We’re incredibly grateful to the NESST volunteers who give their time and expertise so generously - they are an indispensable part of the Nottinghamshire Scouts family.
The Nottinghamshire Scout Charity Shop plays a crucial role in supporting the Scouting across the county, providing a vital source of funding. Located in the heart of Sherwood, the shop is run by a team of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to sort, display, and sell donated goods. The revenue generated from the sales goes directly towards funding Scout projects, and adult learning in Nottinghamshire.
The charity shop not only serves as a fundraising hub, but also as a key point of engagement for the community. The shop’s role in raising awareness of Scouting in the area is equally important, as it allows members of the public to learn more about the work we do, and the impact Scouting has on young people’s lives.
After yet another fantastic year, we extend our sincere thanks to all the volunteers who make the charity shop the success it is.
