3 things to remember for your first meeting back after Summer

The start of a new term can be hugely stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! With a host of new faces joining and some returning, it’s an exciting time for everyone.

Take a look at some of the things you should consider when it comes to getting ready for the start of a new term.

Prepare for new faces

Now is the perfect time for new beginnings, trying out new activities and working towards new badges.

But for some, it can be a nerve-wracking period, and getting to know each other can take a while. Encourage your young (and old) members to find out more about their peers through a series of bonding activities like team games and quieter individual activities to cater for all personalities.

Beyond team building and encouraging the youngsters to return the following week, it’s also important to keep on top of any parent and member admin straightaway so you don’t get bogged down further down the line.

Why not have a mix of parent/child activities to ease some of the younger ones into the Group and then have separate activities later on to organise some of the more admin type stuff whilst the younger ones have fun?

Organise some fun activities to encourage everyone to get to know each other.

Plan your meetings

Figuring out where to start when it comes to planning your meetings ahead of the coming weeks is often the hardest part.

Get together with the rest of your team to brainstorm ideas for your meetings, use resources to be inspired by and inspire other leaders across the country such as 1st Facebook Scout Group.

Take a look at our recent blog on 5 Useful Planning Tools For Your Weekly Meetings for more tips.

Go digital

New term, a fresh start. Now is the best time to take your Section, Group, District or County digital.

Using online tools such as downloadable resources, bespoke forms and integrated functionality can prove to be hugely beneficial for your Scout Group.

Improving communication and boosting recruitment is one of the main goals when it comes to taking your Scouts online and using our websites helps with all of that! It will also help with the organisation side of things as well as keeping everything secure.

You could also involve your youngsters with building your website and turn it into a fun project for them to earn some badges whilst benefitting your Group, District or County!

Find out more about what you can do with a Scout Websites website here.