Volunteers gather for Scouts NI Conference
More than 150 volunteers from across Northern Ireland came together on Saturday 28 February for our Conference at the Dunadry Hotel and Gardens in Templepatrick.
The event brought volunteers together to share ideas, learn from one another and explore new ways to support young people across the movement. It also gave leaders the chance to step back from their weekly routines and refocus on what matters most – helping young people gain skills for life.
Throughout the day, volunteers took part in a range of practical workshops led by experienced facilitators. Sessions focused on some of the key topics facing young people today, including supporting additional needs with Colin Millar and understanding challenging behaviours with Walter Lambe MBE. These workshops gave leaders useful tools and ideas to help make Scouts as welcoming and inclusive as possible for every young person.
Wellbeing was also high on the agenda. Jonny Hampton from Reach Mentoring led a session exploring the mental health of both young people and volunteers, highlighting the importance of creating supportive environments where everyone can thrive.
A Youth-Shaped Scouting session led by the NI Youth Team encouraged leaders to give young people an even stronger voice in shaping their local programmes. Volunteers also took part in an energetic programme workshop led by the NI Programme Team, that was packed with ideas and activities to help keep meetings fresh, engaging and full of adventure.
Between sessions, the conference “Marketplace” created space for volunteers to connect with external partners. Leaders explored new activities and opportunities they can bring back to their groups and sections.
The day finished with a lively panel discussion featuring Stephen Bell, NI Chief Volunteer, Stephen Donaldson, Chair of the Board, incoming and outgoing Youth Leads Kayleigh Finlay and Emma Weir, and Keiron Moir from Scouts UK. Volunteers had the chance to ask questions, share ideas and explore some of the day’s topics in more depth.
Stephen Bell, Chief Volunteer for Scouts NI, said:
“It was a great day and it was fantastic to see so many volunteers there and engaging with us all. It is really worthwhile having the conference as the more spaces we have to come together, the better. It was an inspiring day and a great reminder of the passion and commitment of our volunteers.”
Events like the Conference help volunteers learn from one another, build new connections and return to their groups feeling inspired and ready to deliver even more great experiences for young people across Northern Ireland.
We can’t wait to bring our leaders together again for the next one!
