Early in 2009, during the annual membership census, we saw how Essex has seen a similar growth of membership to the national picture ensuring that we saw 9 new members join every week and 1,000 new members since 2007.

Following another year of growth across the county where 18 out of 20 Scout Districts achieved a growth, we welcomed 491 extra members right across Essex. In addition, 132 Groups in Essex increased in size during the same period.

Explorer Scouts UP 3.6% (1,230-1,274)
Total Female Youth Membership UP 4.7% (2,206-2,310)  
Total Leadership UP 5.2% (2,592-2,726)
Total Female Membership UP 4.6% (3,757-3,928)

Spring 2009

Colchester Castle played host to the County Awards in May, the achievement ceremony for 500 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Network members who have attained the highest awards in their age group. Bob Russell MP for Colchester and Jan Dear, County Commissioner presented the awards to youngsters who had completed a number of challenges.

Summer 2009

In the summer, Essex Beaver Scouts were invited to join in the fun and games at the County Beaver Scout Fun Day at Cressing Temple. With a theme of medieval, Beavers and their Leaders took part in a wide range of themed crafts and activities on the historic site.

Over 260 Scout Network members and staff from 28 Networks across the UK had a 'MAD' time at Essex Network's annual event MAD, this June held at Kingston Ridge in Laindon Hills, Basildon.

Over the weekend of 3rd July, over 2,000 Scouts and Guides from right across Essex shared a weekend of fun and excitement whilst making friends at this years GiGA Camp held at Skreens Park Activity Centre, near Chelmsford. This was the largest event this year in the UK for Scouts aged between 10 and 14 years.

During the hot summer months, 15 Explorers and Leaders represented Essex Explorers at Flamboree 2009, the Jamboree in Flanders Belgium. The adventure started with a Eurostar journey to Belgium to arrive at ‘De Kluis’ Sint-Joris-Weert in advance of 1500 participants from all over the world.

Autumn 2009

Over 500 members from all around Essex finished their 2 day incident hike, The County Marathon in the Brecon Beacons in September. This year saw one of the highest turnouts yet, and the best weather seen in Wales for a long time. This year's County Marathon consisted of over 60 teams of at least 4 people each, the ages of the particiipants ranged from 14 year olds on their first big hike, to well weathered 50 year olds! But regardless of age or ability, great fun was had by all.

In November, Chelmsford Cub Scout, Alexander, led a Remembrance Sunday with his Cub Pack when he played the Last Post and Abide With Me on his trumpet during a service following a week of remembering service men and women in Essex.

Winter 2009

Whether its ice skating, climbing, or archery, WINTAC had it all in November. On a very wet and windy weekend, Skreens Park Activity Centre in Chelmsford was brought to life with the sounds of over 430 Essex Explorer Scouts from across the county enjoying activities at WINTAC. Over 750 Explorer Scouts also gave Christmas gifts warmly received by the Chelmsford Womens Refuge.

It was an action packed year, but full of great fun, challenge and adventure... 2010 looks set to be even better with large events for the Cub section, another challenge on the mountains at The County Marathon and a whole set of challenges for every section during The Essex Challenge 2010, released just last week.