Hampton Explorers

Scouting in the UK is now at Green Readiness Level – which means “business as usual” with just a sensible eye on hygiene, ventilation and distancing.

We expect to be back under canvas in the not too distant future….

We’ve been back meeting face to face since Easter and are looking forward to finally moving to Green some time in the next 2/3 months – which will mean that we can start getting back to what explorers do best – Camping !!

In the meantime we are planning a hike or two as well as participating in The Borough Activity day (no camping this year) in July for some good old fashioned sporting competitions and campsite activities.

Just a short message to let you all know that although we have been unable to meet face to face for a lot of 2020 and so far in 2021 – as a unit, like many across the UK, we are carrying on, as best we can, to keep explorers meeting regularly on Zoom.

We all have to dig in and keep ourselves and everyone else safe by properly following the rules (hands, face, space) in the best traditions of scouting.

If everyone is careful we will get back to what scouts do best and be able to enjoy the outdoor (and indoor) activities that makes scouting such fun at all ages.

We remain optimistic that we will be able to get back to camping this summer, fingers crossed,

We have recently restarted the Explorer Unit Face to Face – but only after preparing detailed risk assessments and being approved by District so that our meetings are Covid safe.

Numbers are limited meaning we have split the Unit into 2 smaller groups. It will take some time getting used to scouting indoors with facemasks – but all the explorers are thoroughly enjoying doing “physical” not “virtual” scouting.

Weather permitting and with the use of some good lighting we are doing as much as possible outside which means the explorers don’t spend all evening wearing a mask

Here’s hoping that next year we can enjoy scouting in larger groups and maybe even do some camping like we used to…….

All, please see the extract below from a message this evening from Tim Kidd, the UK Scout Chief Commissioner

Late this afternoon, the Prime Minister has said that everyone in the UK should now avoid non-essential travel and contact with others.

Suspension of face-to-face activities

Given this guidance, all face-to-face Scout meetings, activities and events must be suspended from tomorrow, Tuesday, 17 March 2020. This suspension applies to young people and adults, and will be until further notice.

We must continue to respond to the developing situation in a calm, measured and appropriate way. We will continue to follow official guidance. The safety of everyone involved in Scouts, both young people and adults, is our number one priority. That is always at the heart of our decision making.