Spark 2025: Inspiration for the Future of Scouts in South Ribble
The other weekend, we made history with Spark 2025, South Ribble Scouts’ first-ever programme conference! It was a room full of passionate volunteers, brilliant ideas, and the shared mission of empowering young people with Skills for Life—it was a day to remember.
Why Spark 2025?
We created Spark 2025 as a space to connect, collaborate, and look ahead to the future of Scouting in South Ribble. Our goal? To ensure our programmes are fun, inclusive, safe, and inspiring while keeping up with the latest updates from UK Scouts HQ. The event was packed with engaging sessions, fresh ideas, and practical tools to help leaders deliver top-quality programmes for young people.
Key Highlights
Updates from UK Scouts HQ – We started with the national team’s latest insights, covering new programme resources, upcoming initiatives, and how we can align with the broader Scouts strategy.
Programme Updates & Best Practices – Leaders shared what’s working well in their sections, from badge work to adventurous activities. They explored ways to make sessions even more engaging and inclusive.
Practical Workshops – Sessions included hands-on activities, using digital tools to enhance planning and creative ways to deliver badge requirements. We also explored new ways to manage risk effectively while keeping the adventure alive.
Sharing Ideas & Inspiration – The best part? The incredible conversations between leaders, swapping tried-and-tested activities, tackling common challenges, and leaving with new connections and fresh enthusiasm for the year ahead.
Youth-Shaped Scouting – Empowering young people to take the lead is at the heart of Scouts. Youth-Shaped Scouting gives them ownership of their journey, from choosing activities to shaping decisions. Emma, Youth Lead – West Lancs Scouts, shared inspiring ways to involve young people at every level, ensuring their voices drive the future of Scouting.
Slides & Links from the weekend:
If you want to explore some all our Scouts activities, our Activities finder has lots of different activities! Use the filters to narrow down your search by location, cost, time, section, skill needed and more.
You can also find some great advice on adapting your activities and making reasonable adjustments, so everyone can join in, including adjustments to our Badges and Awards.
- Programme planning ideas calendars – Looking for some inspiration to plan your programme? Find activity ideas for occasions and events throughout the year.
- Planning your programme – Programme tool is here to help you get organised and plan fantastic sessions.
- Nights Away and Camping – Nights Away or residential events, such as camping or sleepovers, are a key part of Scouts. They’re something that every young person should have the opportunity to take part in.
Read more here: Bringing your programme to life ideas, inspiration & resources
Looking Ahead
Spark 2025 was just the beginning. As we move forward, let’s keep the energy alive by:
✅ Using the new resources and tools shared during the event.
✅ Supporting each other—Scouting is a team effort!
✅ Staying up to date with the latest programme developments.
Growing Scouts Locally—We are looking at recruiting more volunteers, welcoming new members, and ensuring every young person in South Ribble has the chance to join Scouts.
Youth-Shaped Scouting: Empowering Young People to Lead the Way – A big takeaway from Spark 2025 was the importance of Youth-Shaped Scouting, which ensures young people have a voice, make decisions, and shape their own experiences in Scouts.
When young people take the lead— choosing activities, planning camps, or representing their peers—they build confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of ownership. It’s not just about listening to their ideas but acting on them and letting them drive the adventure.
Across all sections, we’re seeing amazing examples of youth leadership:
✅ Beavers & Cubs picking themes, giving feedback, and making their voices heard.
✅ Scouts & Explorers are leading programmes, running forums, and shaping their experiences.
✅ Young Leaders & Network taking on responsibilities, mentoring others, and influencing decisions at local and national levels.
Help Make South Ribble Scouts More Youth-Shaped!
We’re looking for a Youth Lead in South Ribble Scouts to empower people at the heart of decision-making. This role champions youth involvement, empowers young people to lead, and ensures their voices shape the future of Scouting in our district.
We’d love to hear from you if you’re passionate about youth leadership and making a difference!
Find out more & apply here: Youth Lead Vacancy
Let’s work together to inspire the next generation of young leaders!
A huge thank you to everyone who participated contributed, and made Spark 2025 a success. Together, we’re shaping our future for Scouting in South Ribble. Here’s to an exciting year ahead!