Celebrate VE Day with your Scouts from home

People up and down the country will be celebrating VE Day on Friday May 8, with this year being extra special! Victory in Europe Day 2020 is the 75th anniversary of the momentous day that marked the end of World War Two.

Early May Bank Holiday was supposed to take place on Monday earlier this week but was adjusted to offer the British public the chance to celebrate with a three day weekend full of celebrations. The end of World War Two is a particularly poignant time for former and serving members of the military, their families and for Scouts.

Although the three days of celebrations which the country had planned are no longer to take place due to lockdown, there are many ways you can celebrate with your Scouts virtually, and encourage them to mark the occasion with their families or carers.

Learn about Scouting in the War

Although World War Two meant that many families across the UK and the rest of the world were separated, Scouting at home and abroad continued. Young Scouts offered their communities support by using their skills, contributing to the efforts and offering relief, with those who were old enough sent to fight on the front lines.

Many Scout Leaders who weren’t drafted took in children or families who had been displaced or evacuated due to the war.

There are many online resources which allow your Scouts to learn what it was like for their peers who came before them during that time.

Be creative

Another great online resource provided by The Scouts is a list of activities your Scouts can participate in to learn about VE Day whilst also working towards some great badges.

From making Union Jack flags to putting on a spread of VE Day themed food, there are lots of things for your Scouts to get involved in at home. They can then use the items they’ve created for a garden party throughout the day.

You could also use these activities for your virtual meetings over the next week.

There are all kinds of VE Day themed crafts your Scouts can get involved in. What about making some flags or bunting for your socially-distanced street party in the afternoon?

Get dressed up

People across the country are being encouraged to head to their doorsteps and gardens at 3pm on Friday afternoon to take part and mark the occasion by clapping, cheering and making some noise.

Encourage your Scouts to get their full uniform on and commemorate the Scouts from that era who did so much to help the country during and after the war.

How will you be celebrating? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!