District Team

My Scouting life started at a young age when I joined Cleeve, Claverham and Yatton Scout Group, in the Gordano District during the late 1980’s, where I was a Beaver Scout. After progressing through Beavers, Cubs and Scouts I became involved in Venture Scouting, which is where I gained my enthusiasm for Hiking and Expeditions.

In 2009 I started working in Burnham on Sea and became involved in local life. During 2012 I became an Occasional Helper with the Cubs section at 1st Berrow, progressing to Assistant Cub Scout Leader.

2013 saw my move to the Explorer Unit within Moors and Coastal District. Here, I was able to put my skill set to better use with the members of the older sections by introducing and developing their map skills, hike experience and introducing many of them for the first time to expedition camping. Along with many other skills I had learned from my Scouting.

During this time, I had also been involved with launching and revamping the Young Leader Programme within the District. I developed into the role of District Explorer Scout Commissioner, this position works well alongside the Young Leader Leader and allows me to ensure those who wish to step up become a Young Leader are identified and assisted to do so.

In early 2017 I attended T1 Hill Walking Training where I successfully gained my permit. Since then, I have become a Duke of Edinburgh Leader and started supporting the Duke of Edinburgh scheme in Moors and Coastal District; by being an Expedition Supervisor where my skills help guide and support those young people that are completing the expedition section of the award.

During 2019 I saw an opportunity to help develop and widen the Somerset County Scout Ten Tors Teams, this is where Young People successfully take up and complete the rigorous Ten Tors Challenge across Dartmoor.

Like many during the COVID-19 pandemic I have developed my skill set, making me part of the District Team enabling and approving the Safe Return to Scouting. Many groups across the District needed help and support in areas such as Risk Assessment, and Checklists etc.

I believe that by taking up the role of District Lead Volunteer I will be able to support an even greater number of leaders who are working directly with Young People and are providing high quality Scouting. I see this as an opportunity to continue the growth and development of superb scouting across the District recognising our outstanding leaders.

Outside of Scouting I am a self-employed IT Consultant. With the impact that COVID-19 has had on scouting in the past 12 months my skills in this area have proved to be invaluable where I have been supporting groups to develop new and exciting ways to scout online.

Hi I’m Jacob and I’ve recently taken up the post of Programme Team Lead. I started Scouting as a Beaver, and worked up through the sections including a Young Leader for both my local Cub Pack & Scout Troop. I’m currently a Scout Leader. One of the key highlights in Scouting for me was seeing the Young People at a recent adventure camp face their fears and have the confidence to undertake activities they had never tried before.

I Started off Scouting in the 1st Bridgwater, then I moved on to the Explorer Unit. During that time I had the opportunity to be a participant in the Somerset contingent for the WSJ in Japan. After I turned 18 I became part of the Explorer Scout Leadership team, where I have been able to share my experiences and knowledge gained through my time in scouting to help provide opportunities to the Explorers in the district.

I am looking forward to the role and to help represent the Youth members in the District and help develop the opportunities that can be provided across all sections.

Hi, I’m Chris and I’m the District Media Manager. I joined Scouting as a Cub, and progressed up through Scouts, Venture Scouts and became a Scout Leader. I was also a member of the Burnham & Highbridge Scout & Guide Marching Band. After a break from Scouting to concentrate on my career, I have recently returned to Scouting.

I enjoy using the all the skills I have learnt through Scouting and passing them on to others. I also love a good campfire.

Some of the highlights of my Scouting life mainly hark back to my time in the Band; playing at the Royal Albert Hall, the N.E.C. and marching from Horse Guards Parade via The Mall to Buckingham Palace as part of a massed band to help celebrate the Queen’s 40th Anniversary of being on the throne.