I’d like to update everyone on some new County appointments:
ACC Explorers – Sion Hughes. Sion works with Explorers in Newcastle and has run young leaders and been a part of their youth team. Sion is a Queen Scout Award holder and has lots of enthusiasm for Scouting generally. Sion is going to prioritise supporting awards with in the section across the County, including Chief Scout Diamond & Platinum, Explorer Belt, Duke of Edinburgh awards as well as the Queen Scout Award. Sion will also support with general programme too.
ACC Explorers – Matt Ryder. Matt works with Explorers in Cannock and has helped support previous County Young leaders training. Matt is also a County Assessor for Kayaking/Canoeing and Rafting and a very keen paddler! Matt is also a Queen Scout and has a passion for helping young people grow and develop as well as getting them outside. Matt will take the lead with Young Leader training across the County, helping support ESL (YL)s or other leaders offering Young Leader training in districts. Matt will also be first point of contact for helping with adventurous activities for Explorers as well as supporting general programme too.
SAS Unit (DofE Assessors) Manager – Karen Emmens. We are creating a new SAS unit for anyone who is an expedition assessor for DofE – this will include people external to Scouting. Karen is a Beaver leader but also works with Explorers and has been a part of a very successful DofE Expedition setup in Newcastle over the last few years. Karen will work with Phil Hassall and Sion Hughes to continue to run the great Expedition training and assessment weekends we have offered as a County.
I’m very pleased Sion, Matt and Karen are taking on these roles and believe they will help to support the great work leaders do across the County with Explorers and the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.
Can I take this opportunity to wish everyone in the County a Happy New Year and look forward to seeing more great Scouting in 2016.
Yours in Scouting
Paul Creaser
Deputy County Commissioner
