Basingstoke Network Update

28 September 2024

We’ve had a busy few of months. We had a relaxed July social at the pub, our second annual summer camp, a few of our members met up at Gilwell Reunion and this month we had a night of board games at The Dice Tower.  

Summer Camp 2024 

We had a great bank holiday weekend down at Cricket Campsite in Hedge End. Unfortunately due to the weather on Saturday, we weren’t able to do canoeing as planned so instead we took a trip to explore Southampton, with a quick trip to IKEA to shelter from the rain. On Sunday, with some sun, we did some archery and then headed to Lee-on-The-Solent to have a fun yet windy afternoon at the beach. 

Gilwell Reunion 

A few of our members got together and attended Gilwell Reunion, a camp run by UK Scouts for adult volunteers and Network members. They took part in some of the activities including bushcraft and a STEM robotics workshop. 

They made a great show at the silent disco, singing their hearts out, showing off their dance moves and making some new friends. 

Dice Tower Games Night 

This month we were at The Dice Tower, a board game cafe in town centre. We had great fun playing various games, welcoming some new faces to the group and eating pizza and fries. The highlight of the night was a game that had us up on our feet pretending to be t-rexs, cheerleaders and babies. 

Meet Our New Network Lead 

After a little turbulence over the past few months we finally have a new Network Lead, Ben Young. Ben has been part of the network leadership team for the last year and, since turning 25, has taken up the Network Lead Volunteer role. Here are a few words from Ben: 

“Hi All, I’m excited to be taking on the lead role for Basingstoke Network! It has been great to see a Network section thriving in Basingstoke over the past year, especially after seeing it struggle in the past, when was first a member. I’ve got a great and passionate team working with me and we’re all determined to solidify what we’ve achieved so far and continue to grow. 

A bit about me, I started Scouting at the age of 10 with Hatch Warren in Basingstoke West and haven’t left since. After a stint as a young leader, when I turned 18 I became an Assistant Scout Leader with Hatch Warren where I’ve lead meetings and events including expedition challenges and an international trip to the Haarlem Jamborette in The Netherlands. Also throughout my Scouting, I’ve taken an active part in Basingstoke West, taking the lead in social media and communications. 

I’m looking forward to this new challenge and working with both districts to provide a great programme and opportunities to 18-24 year olds across Basingstoke!” 

Our Next Meeting 

This month we have a really exciting event. At least once a year we invite the older Explorers, from both Basingstoke East and West districts, to join us and find out more about Network. This year, on the 20th Oct, we are running a BBQ at the Chineham Scout Hut where we’ll have BBQ food, a fire, riffle shooting and some games. 

How to join the fun 

If you’re aged 18-24 and looking to join Basingstoke Network get in touch with us at network@basingstokescouts.org.uk and/or share your existing OSM record with the OSM group “Basingstoke: Network”.  

Basingstoke Network Team 

Follow us on social media for a glimpse into the exciting world of Basingstoke Network Scouting! 

Facebook: Basingstoke Scout Network (https://www.facebook.com/basingstokescoutnetwork)  

TikTok: @basingstokenetwork (https://www.tiktok.com/@basingstokenetwork) 

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