The County Youth Lead Team Blog – April 2024

Hello & welcome to the first of many blog updates from the County Youth Lead Team!

The team is led by Jess, the County Youth Lead, and she is supported by Alfie and Sam. The three of us make up the County Youth Lead Team. You can find out more about what we do on our Web Page.

Over the past few months, we have been rather busy! In January, Jess helped in the selection process for the adults who will be going on the County international expeditions to Africa (Ghana and Zanzibar) as unit leaders. On the same day, Jess presented Ros Watson with a Commendation Award for her hard work and self improvement as a leader whilst in America – a huge congratulations to Ros!

In February, Jess was busy again! Firstly she attended the County Trustee Board meeting. As the County Youth Lead, Jess sits on the Trustee Board as an ex-officio member, and helps to make decisions for the County. The following day Jess made a trip to Southend where she attended Southend Gangshow with Charlotte , the 14-24 Programme Support Team Lead for Essex, and Jaimie, the District Youth Lead for Thurrock. The show is held at the Palace Theatre in Southend every two years (and has done since 1966!). If you’re interested in finding out more, you can visit their Gangshow website.

In March, Jess and Sam were at County Backpack – held this year at Belchamps in Hockley. During the event, they supported the County Events Team in their HQ and assisted with first aid – here is a lovely picture of them enjoying some March sunshine!

On March 25th, we had a Youth Lead team meeting where we discussed and agreed goals for the team. We talked about how we can support the Districts in Essex and how we can support county events. Finally we spoke about this blog and how we are going to be using social media.

Towards the end of the month, Jess spoke with the District Lead Volunteer for Southend Estuary and offered the Team’s support to Lloyd, their newly appointed District Youth Lead. She also spoke with the District Lead Volunteer for Saffron Walden, explaining the Youth Lead role and offered to come and speak to the older Explorers and those aged 18-24 about the role to hopefully find a Youth Lead.

On the first weekend of April, Jess attended the Youth Lead support weekend at Gilwell with a few other District Youth Leads from within Essex. Whilst there, they met other Youth Leads from around the country, sharing ideas on how to push the role of a Youth Lead forwards. They took part in lots of sessions, ranging from YouShape award delivery to generational analysis, as well as some fun and adventurous activities!

The following Saturday, Jess and Alfie were at the Team Essex Day, where they did a presentation for the District Lead Volunteers about Youth Leads and their role in the district. Some healthy competition was had in the form of a Kahoot quiz! Some of the lead volunteers kindly gave us some dates of when their district events are happening, so you might see us around! If you do, make sure to come and say hi!

Thanks for reading, and hopefully we will see you around. If not, our next blog will be towards the end of the summer!