80 Cubs from across Maidenhead District joined forces for a special You Shape themed team-building day at Dorneywood campsite in Burnham last weekend (22 January).
11 groups were represented at the outdoor extravaganza with the Cubs tackling a series of activities and challenges in order to complete their You Shape award, which empowers young people to speak up and have their say.
Throughout the day, the Cubs learned vital skills to help them in their role as peer leaders. From archery and fire lighting to challenges and games, it was an action-packed day for the young people and their adult leaders alike.
“This event was a fantastic opportunity to introduce Cubs in Maidenhead District to the new You Shape award, to engage them in shaping their own programme and to share their ideas,” said Assistant District Commissioner Cubs, Loz Marchant. “It was an incredible display of local and inclusive Scouting, I feel we have re-energised our fantastic volunteers that do amazing things for our young people.”
By 2025, the Scout Association’s goal is that 250,000 young people will have the opportunity to shape their experience at Scouts every year. The You Shape award makes it even easier to embed chances for young people to speak up and take the lead right into our programmes.
The You Shape award, which is open to Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers, is formed from four sections – a central badge that covers the goal-setting elements, followed by three additional badges that cover the areas of ‘plan’, ‘lead’ and ‘represent’. The ultimate goal is to encourage young people to think about how they can genuinely shape Scouting in their community – and beyond.
Loz added: “We hope our You Shape event will inspire the Cubs to take the lead in decision making at youth level and take their ideas back to their own groups. It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces, and we’re grateful for the support from the Friends of Berkshire Scouting fund for helping to make the day a reality.”
For more information about youth shaped Scouting in Berkshire, please visit our dedicated page to download the activity pack.