Hi everyone,
We want to start by apologising if you haven’t received all communications from us since Compass went offline last year. Unfortunately, we have had difficulties obtaining communication email addresses for everyone in the County. We hope this has now been resolved so we can resume regular communications to you all going forward.
Inside this month’s communication email:
County News
- Local Growth Officer – request support
- Motion Picture Licence
- Our 0845 telephone number
Events and activities
- County events
- Awards Day – nomination deadline Friday 14 March
- Workshop – Writing Risk Assessments
- Learning Opportunities Available
- First Responses Courses
- Scout Adventures Youlbury
- Youth Forum Camp
County News
Local Growth Officer
Meet Katy!
My name is Katy Hadfield and I am excited to be the new Local Growth Officer for Oxfordshire.
I live in Witney with my husband and two boys who both attend the local Cubs and Scouts groups. It has been great to see how much they have enjoyed and benefitted from Scouting and the new friends they have made along the way. I became a Cub Section Leader in September 2022 with one of my local sections and am known as Raksha to the Cub group I volunteer with. I love helping our Cubs try new activities, challenge themselves and see how proud they are when they achieve their goals. I really enjoy the community I have become part of and the people I have met and volunteer with.
When I am not Scouting, I love reading, walking and exploring new places with family and friends. My eyes are always on the lookout for new places to explore and adventures to go on!
I am really looking forward to working with districts and groups across the county more closely to see the great activities already on offer to young people in Oxfordshire and to help equip more young people with the skills for life. I look forward to hopefully meeting you soon.
If you have a project that you would like to be considered for our Local Growth Officer, please complete the online form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSft_JxfGvtdvK7z6cfvCqmgo6wMxyGR1eOPUhMCS2uIYXX-tA/viewform?usp=header
All projects received will be considered by the Project Steering Group and prioritised to ensure Katy’s time is maximised and allocated across the whole County.
Motion Picture Licence
As a county we have purchased a Motion Picture licence for every section in the County. You can now watch your age appropriate movies during a Scouting activity knowing that the licence fee is covered.
Our 0845 telephone number
After discussion we made the decision to close our 0845 number, it was costing too much to call, and we don’t want volunteers out of pocket calling us.
We are always available on email: info@oxonscouting.org.uk or the phone numbers in our email signatures.
We are also very happy to give you a call if you need support, drop us an email to arrange a time that suits.
Events and activities
County Events
For 2025 we have minimised our county events, we are taking the time to review them and are looking to bring them back in 2026. This means that unfortunately in 2025 Aqua Camp and CPCW will not be taking place.
We are also looking for more support to help make 2026 events happen! If you want to get involved in supporting the planning and running of an event, please reach out to us by emailing info@oxonscouting.org.uk we would love to hear from you.
Despite that there are still lots of opportunities to get involved see all the events and activities being held below.
Awards Day
The nomination deadline is next Friday 14th March 2025.
For more information on the event and how to nominate, visit our website here: https://oxonscouting.org.uk/youth-resources/youth-awards/awards-day/
Workshop – Writing Risk Assessments
We have developed a workshop to help anyone who may struggle in writing risk assessments, it is approximately an hour long and it covers;
Why do one?
The definition of a risk assessment?
What should it contain?
Hints and Tips to writing a risk assessment (inc examples)
OK risk assessment written – what now?
Help
If you would like to book a session for you and/or your team please contact Ian Broome (County Safety Team Lead) safety@oxonscouting.org.uk
Learning Opportunities Available
Our amazing learning team have created a schedule of learning opportunities for any volunteer to join, if you want to complete your woodbadge or just fancy leveling up on your skills we have a wide range of courses to suit. Check them out and book your place here: https://bookwhen.com/oxfordshirescouts
First Response Courses
We have a mixture of first response courses available, from whole day courses to Module 10B to complete the requirements. The courses are spread across all Districts for the rest of the year and are available to book via bookwhen: https://bookwhen.com/oxfordshirescouts
Scouts Adventures Youlbury
The team at Youlbury have got some exciting stuff going on with leader-led activities and they would like to get some local volunteers (or explorer units) to help with a few projects – in return groups would get some free activity sessions.
The projects they’re looking at are:
– Laser Tag – building the activity area for this to take place
– Sensory Trail – Rebuilding the course to add more and better challenges
– Firelighting – rebuilding fire bases and boundaries
Want to help out? Reach out to Ed Mitchell on Edward.Mitchell@scouts.org.uk
County Youth Forum Camp!
We’re excited to invite Explorers to an awesome camp happening from the 4th April to the 6th April at Youlbury.
Where: Youlbury (in one of the lodges)
Cost: £15
During the event Explorers will: take part in the 3G Swing or Ariel Trek activities, learn leadership & teamwork skills to boost their explorer programme/young leader training and participate in the County Youth Forum to feedback their views on Scouting in Oxfordshire.
How to sign up: If you’re interested in this amazing event, register now using this link: https://forms.office.com/e/Nrs4pmrAyD.
Leaders, please share this with your Explorers!
Got questions? Drop us an email at: cyc@oxonscouting.org.uk
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Best wishes,
Michelle
__________________________________
Michelle Turnell
Pronouns: she/her
County Administrator
Oxfordshire
M 07484081551
F Oxfordshire Scouts | T @OxonScouts | I @OxonScouts
We prepare young people with skills for life
Oxfordshire County Scout Council | Charity No.: 291693
