Scouts from Hampshire join 500 others from across the UK to shape the future of the Scout movement.
Young people from Hampshire 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.
Joe, 16, from Hampshire, says: “It’s fantastic to be in Oxford today at the UK Scouts Youth Forum to represent Hampshire. Scouting is made for young people, so it’s important the future is driven by the young people. So if you don't listen to what they want to do, they're not going to engage with the programme. Events like today help Scouts ensure that their programme relates to their interests to ensure everyone has fun an learns new skills.”
Eleanor Jones, 16, Basingstoke, says as a Young Leader in Scouts mental well-being was an issue she thinks important to discuss “ it's important to have resources, materials and information to help us and the Young Person on how to cope with different things”
Joe and Eleanor being interviewed by BBC Radio
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 Hampshire 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.
Adult volunteer, Dee Wright, who supported young people at the event, said: "Seeing young people confidently share their voices and shape their own adventures is truly inspiring — it’s a powerful reminder of why we volunteer. When young people lead, they thrive, and we get to be part of something that really matters. If you’ve ever thought about giving back, there’s no better time to join us."
