OXFORD, 15th March 2025: Young people from Cardiff have joined other Scouts from across the UK at the world-famous University of Oxford, to help shape the future of the Movement.The landmark youth forum was one of the first events of its kind taking place in early Spring 2025, to help the largest youth organisation in the country to create its next decade of sustainable growth.
Jana Otri, 13, Cardiff says: “ Its a great opportunity to learn about what other people think and what we think should happen to Scouts in the future. Young People always have new ideas, thoughts, and its great to have their viewpoint of what they really want to do.”
From every area of the UK, two Scouts aged 10 to 14 and two Explorer Scouts aged 14-18, supported by two adult volunteers, have been invited to youth forums in Belfast, Edinburgh, Manchester and Oxford to give as many young people as possible the chance to examine the Movement’s future plans, and suggest changes based on their own experiences.
Dwayne Fields, the recently appointed Chief Scout, said: “It’s important that the future plans of the Scouts are informed by young people, so that’s why it’s essential that young people from Cardiff are able to contribute to the future of the Scout Movement in the next ten years by having their say on our future plans.”
The day forum event in Oxford included workshops about the role of youth voice in the Movement’s strategy. Some specifically explored topics like advocacy, equity, diversity and inclusion, safety and safeguarding, sustainability and digital. Young people also considered what the world – and Scouts – will look like in 2035.
Cathie Steele, Lead volunteer for Cardiff and Vale Scouts who also supported young people at the event, said:
“I’m incredibly proud of the young people we took to the youth forum. They shared fantastic ideas and suggestions, helping shape the future of scouting. Hearing directly from young people and having them actively contribute to shaping our movement is essential to keeping scouting relevant and ensuring its continued positive, life changing impact.
It’s an experience that helps develop key life skills like confidence, public speaking, and teamwork.
To support our young people, we do need more adult volunteers to get involved and help in many ways. Roles are open to anyone from the age of 14 to “80 plus” and anyone interested can get in touch at https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteer or call 0345 300 1818.”
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