Scouts Cymru

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Building Skills, Shaping Futures

Impact Report 2024–25

“This report reflects what ScoutsCymru has achieved between April 2024 and March 2025, a year shaped by the energy, commitment and collaboration of our volunteers, young people and staff team.

As Wales Youth Lead, I’ve seen first-hand how this balance works in practice. Young people and volunteers working together to lead change, and the ScoutsCymru staff team providing the support to turn ideas into impact. From influencing national policy to shaping programme and governance, we’ve worked together every step of the way.

This report shares just some of those stories and shows what’s possible when we trust each other and work as one team. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and even more excited about what’s next.”

“Scouting in Wales works best when young people, volunteers and the staff team work togetherthat’s how we create real change.”

Kirsty Palmer, Chair of Trustees, ScoutsCymru

Snapshot of the year’s standout numbers or milestones

We support young people aged 4–25 through six age-appropriate sections:

(4–6yrs)

Dreys

Squirrel Scouting grew by 22% last year alone. Right now, over 4,487 young people are on waiting lists to join Scouts in Wales.

94% of Scouts aged 5–18 say they’ve developed skills useful in later life.

88% have tried activities they’ve never done before. Scouts feel more confident, more connected, and better prepared to lead.

9 out of 10 parents believe their child would benefit from learning skills for life.

8 out of 10 believe Scouts helps develop those skills.

9 out of 10 UK adults say Scouts develops empathy

Who we are in Wales

ScoutsCymru is the national Scouting organisation for Wales, supporting nearly 14,500 young people and over 4,600 adult volunteers to take part in fun, challenging and life-changing adventures. As a registered charity affiliated to The Scout Association (UK), we deliver Scouting in Wales in a way that reflects our unique culture, language and devolved nation status. We’re responsible for programme, training and national operations across Wales, and support a federated structure of local charities from Groups to Districts and Areas.

Our work is guided by a volunteer Board of Trustees, including young people aged 18–24, and delivered day-to-day by a dedicated staff team and a national team of volunteers. Together, we’re building a movement shaped by the people of Wales, for the future of Wales.

Our impact at a glance

We’re proud to be a welcoming, inclusive movement. In Wales, young people of all genders, backgrounds and beliefs come together to learn, lead and thrive.

Nearly 14,500 young people are part of ScoutsCymru, and more than a third of our members are girls. Welsh is an important part of our movement too –

27% of our members are Welsh speakers.

“These numbers tell an incredible story but behind every statistic is a young person who’s grown in confidence, a volunteer who’s made a difference, or a community that’s stronger because of Scouting in Wales. Our impact this year is down to the dedication of thousands of volunteers across Wales who give their time, skills and energy to help young people thrive.”

Scouting in Wales is delivered by more than 4,600 adult volunteers – from campsite cooks to section leaders – all united by a desire to help others and create opportunities for the next generation. Nearly half of them also volunteer outside of Scouts.

The top three reasons people tell us they volunteer:

‘I wanted to improve things and help people.’

‘It would give me a chance to use my existing skills.’

‘Someone asked me to help.’

Volunteering makes a difference:

70% of volunteers report improved life satisfaction,

66% say their self-esteem has grown, one in three say it has reduced their stress, and

42% say it’s helped reduce feelings of loneliness.

We also offered unforgettable experiences through our two national sites in Eryri National Park with Cornel recording 2,400 bed nights and 1,884 camping nights, and Yr Hafod recording 2,220 bed nights and hosting 175 training courses last year.

Over 2,000 young people earned Chief Scout’s Awards - our highest number ever.

Young people of all ages delivered 150 winter warm packs, supported food banks, cleaned beaches, and took part in remembrance and fundraising activities.

One Explorer Scout, Callum Smith, received a 2024 St David Award after saving a young man who was about to take his own life - an extraordinary act recognised at the highest level in Wales.

The difference we made in 2024-2025

1. Youth voice and participation

Focus: Model Senedd

Our ambition

To empower young people in Wales with the skills, confidence and platform to engage with democracy and shape decisions that affect their lives.

Making change happen

ScoutsCymru ran its first-ever Model Senedd in partnership with the Welsh Government and WCIA on 19 February 2025. Explorer Scouts took on the roles of MSs to debate real issues, prepare speeches and vote in the Senedd chamber.

Additionally, we introduced funding support for the Democracy Engagement badge, enabling 14–18-year-olds to plan civic activities, including visits to the Senedd, and deepen their understanding of democratic processes.

Voices that shaped us “Standing up in the Senedd made me realise that young people do have a voice and we need to use it.”

Model Senedd Participant

The difference we made

35 Explorer Scouts participated in the Model Senedd

94% reported increased confidence in public speaking

Groups accessed badge funding to run their own civic activities

Inspired by this success, plans are underway for a second Model Senedd in 2026

Spotlight: Youth-led research

What?

The most extensive youth-led research project ever undertaken by a UK Scout nation, shaped and delivered in partnership with young people across Wales.

Who?

Over 500 Scouts and Explorers took part through online workshops, postcard consultations, one-to-one interviews and in-person summits. Young people were trained to lead engagement in their own communities.

Impact

As one Youth Lead put it:

“It’s the first time I’ve really seen how young people’s voices can actually shape decisions.” The findings will directly influence ScoutsCymru’s strategy and the redevelopment of the Welsh Awards.

What next?

We’re working with trustees, volunteers, youth leads and staff to align behind shared, youth-led priorities for 2026 and beyond - ensuring our strategy, programme and structure remain co-created and relevant.

2. Adventure and programme

Focus: ScoutsCymru Water Activity Team (SWAT) safety boats“Sir Don” and “Lady Shauna”

Our ambition

To expand access to water-based adventures in Wales by providing safe, supervised experiences and equipping young people with valuable skills and confidence.

Making change happen

Thanks to funding from the Gosling Foundation, we added two safety boats - Sir Don and Lady Shauna - to the SWAT fleet. These boats have enabled more young people than ever to get out on the water safely, some for the very first time. SWAT volunteers delivered a packed programme of sailing, canoeing, paddleboarding and safety sessions across North Wales, building confidence, having fun, and developing skills for life. Volunteers were also trained to deliver water sessions locally, ensuring even more young people can access these opportunities in future.

The difference we made

Over 1000 young people participated in SWAT-led water activity events

40+ took part in the launch weekend at Llyn Brenig

Many earned RYA sailing qualifications, Badges like Time on Water, and leadership experience

Volunteers are now training others locally, embedding water skills across communities

Voices that shaped us

“Thanks to the new safety boats, we’ve been able to get more young people out on the water - including many who had never even been in a canoe or sailed before. Watching them go from nervous to confident in a single weekend is what it’s all about. These experiences stay with them for life.”

Eryl Williams, ScoutsCymru Water Activity Team Lead

Spotlight: Women in the Hills

What?

A weekend introduction to hillwalking for female Scout volunteers at Yr Hafod, Eryri

Who?

18 women took part, developing navigation, route planning and safety skills

Impact

As Bea McCarty said: “It truly was an amazing weekend… I came away feeling more confident in my own abilities and with a renewed passion for getting the young people out and about.”

What next?

Building on this success, ScoutsCymru has applied for funding to expand the programme in 2026 to reach more women across Wales and strengthening outdoor leadership at every level.

3. Volunteers and leadership

Focus: International leadership at Kandersteg

Our ambition

To empower ScoutsCymru volunteers to step into global leadership roles, bring international best practice back to Wales, and inspire confidence across our movement.

Making change happen

Chief Volunteer Rhian Moore visited Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC) in Switzerland, exploring what a Scout group can expect, from programme planning and accommodation to eco challenges and international friendship. She participated in staff-led activities, connected with the “Pinkie” volunteer team, and captured invaluable top tips for Wales-based leaders.

Voices that shaped us

“Visiting Kandersteg showed me that you don’t have to plan international trips alone. The support systems and the shared programme structure for example, are things we can adopt back in Wales to give our volunteers and young people greater confidence and capability.”

Rhian Moore, Chief Volunteer, ScoutsCymru

The difference we made

Rhian’s insights are being integrated into International Adventure Guidance for Scout groups

Enhanced volunteer support is expected to increase ScoutsCymru international participation by 20% in 2025

Feedback from local leaders has improved planning confidence and group uptake

ScoutsCymru now has a formal International Ambassador role to promote global experiences and best practice

stays strong, relevant and accountable, not just for today, but for the future. We’re proud to be building a governance model that’s inclusive, transparent and truly intergenerational. Like every volunteer, we do it because we believe in the difference Scouting in Wales makes.”

Spotlight: Board of Trustees

What?

Our Board of Trustees, made up entirely of volunteers, plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in Welsh Scouting, from governance and finance to strategy and accountability.

Who?

Half of all elected trustee roles are reserved for 18–24year-olds, and youth members sit on key committees. Our Wales Youth Lead works directly with the Chair, Chief Volunteer and CEO, modelling collaborative, intergenerational leadership.

Impact

• Decisions shaped by both lived experience and professional expertise

• Governance review streamlined structures and introduced bilingual processes

• New Governance Hub supports trustees with consistent, accessible guidance

• Trustees froze the Wales membership fee to reduce pressure on local groups

What next?

We’re strengthening trustee recruitment, boosting peer learning, and increasing visibility, ensuring governance stays resilient, inclusive and fit for the future.

4. Equity and inclusion

Focus: Sponsoring the Education Zone at Mastering Diversity Conference

Our ambition

To champion diversity and inclusion in outdoor education by actively participating in national conversations and ensuring ScoutsCymru leads by example.

Making change happen

ScoutsCymru sponsored the Education Zone at the 2024 Mastering Diversity Conference and Exhibition. We hosted a diverse expert panel that explored how to create more inclusive spaces and practice in outdoor learning environments, bringing Scouting principles into a broader national drive for equity.

Voices that shaped us

“Our panel gave us a platform to explore how outdoor learning can be accessible and welcoming to all. It was a powerful reminder that inclusion must be actively designed in every programme.”

ScoutsCymru panel member

The difference we made

Shared inclusive outdoor education best practice with 300 conference delegates

Positioned ScoutsCymru at the forefront of national diversity conversations

Sparked new relationships with education bodies, youth networks and sector partners

Building on this momentum, ScoutsCymru is now embedding inclusive facilitation into volunteer training and reviewing all outdoor programme policies.

Spotlight: Inclusion in Action

We embedded equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) across our structure and deliveryensuring it’s a core part of how we operate, not an

ScoutsCymru has a dedicated Inclusion Lead Volunteer, 12 Area Inclusion Reps, and a national Advisory Group chaired by a trustee. We also work with specialist partners to ensure tailored, community-led provision.

Through our partnerships with YOI Parc Prison and the Enrichment Programme, the Pupil Referral Unit in a Carmarthenshire secondary school, our long-standing Ty Hafan Scout Group, and our work with More than Flags and Rainbows to develop a bespoke training package for leaders, we are helping to remove barriers to participation wherever they exist.

What next?

We’re building on this foundation by embedding inclusive facilitation into volunteer training and reviewing our outdoor programme policies to ensure every young person feels welcome, represented and supported.

5. Policy, partnerships and profile

Focus: Campaign to secure youth exemption from the Visitor Accommodation Levy

Our ambition

To protect affordable overnight experiences for ScoutsCymru groups by securing exemptions for young people and volunteers from the proposed Visitor Accommodation Levy in Wales.

Who?

ScoutsCymru led a focused and valuesdriven campaign to protect access to outdoor experiences for young people. Our central ask was clear: exempt under-18s from the proposed Visitor Accommodation Levy, so cost would never be a barrier to a first night under canvas.

We submitted evidence, mobilised volunteers, and published an open letter to the Welsh Government highlighting that most Scout overnights are low-cost, volunteer-led, and held in community spaces - yet risked being unfairly penalised. By focusing on the impact on inclusion, affordability and youth development, we shaped the scrutiny process and helped secure a signi policy change.

Voices that shaped us

“This was a really positive step forward. Ensuring that under-18s are not charged the visitor levy when staying overnight sends a strong signal about the value we place on youth development and access to the outdoors in Wales.”

Kerrie Gemmill, CEO, ScoutsCymru

The difference we made

The Senedd agreed to exempt under 18s from the lower‑rate Levy after our campaign

Scout groups across Wales have advocated locally, sharing stories and building support behind the scenes

Raising our voice for young people in Wales

Over the past year, we’ve started to reposition ScoutsCymru as a leading voice for youth representation and participation in Wales. From policy wins like the Visitor Levy exemption to our presence at national conferences and events, we’re increasingly recognised not just for what we deliver, but for what we stand for.

As we look ahead to the 2026 Welsh Parliament elections, we’re committed to ensuring that the voices of young people and those who support them, are heard loud and clear in every national conversation.

Spotlight: Gear up with BCB International

What?

In 2024, ScoutsCymru formed a new partnership with BCB International Ltd, a renowned supplier of outdoor equipment, to enhance access to high-quality kit for our volunteers and young people.

Who?

The partnership delivers exclusive equipment discounts to all ScoutsCymru members and includes kit donations targeted at young people who would otherwise struggle to afford essential outdoor gear.

Impact

• More volunteers and young people now have access to suitable outdoor gear, reducing one of the main barriers to participation.

• Disadvantaged groups are both equipped and empowered to explore the outdoors safely.

• Volunteer morale and retention have improved, thanks to better access to quality kit.

What next?

We will take the learning from our first corporate partnership with BCB International into our fundraising strategy, as we explore opportunities to diversify funding and broaden support in the future.

“At ScoutsCymru, our policy work is about using our expertise and relationships to influence decisions, build powerful partnerships, and create real opportunities for young people across Wales.”

Gemmill, CEO, ScoutsCymru

Looking aheadBuilding on strong foundations

The past year has been full of energy, innovation and action, but we’re not stopping here. We’re continuing to listen, learn and lead, shaped by the voices of young people and volunteers across Wales.

Our top five priorities for 2025–26:

1. Strengthen volunteer support and recruitment

2. Champion youth voice and achievement

3. Grow our profile and influence in Wales

4. Ensure strong governance and financial resilience

5. Expand adventurous, inclusive opportunities

As we look to the year ahead, our focus remains clear: to keep building a movement that is inclusive, empowering and youth-led. We’ll continue to invest in grassroots support, grow our volunteer base, and make it easier for young people to shape their own Scouting journeys. But we can’t do it alone.

Whether you're a volunteer, funder, partner or supporter, your time, skills and belief in young people help make this possible. Together, we can take what we’ve learned this year and go even further.

“The strength of ScoutsCymru lies in the people who bring it to life – volunteers, young people and staff working side by side. As the new Chief Volunteer from September 2025, I’m excited to build on that momentum, support even more leaders across Wales, and make sure that every young person can access the adventure, community and opportunity that Scouting in Wales offers.”

Financial overview

The year closed with a healthy financial balance and a reserve of just under twelve months. While investments fluctuated in line with a volatile external market, overall stability was maintained. During the year, nine grant funding applications were submitted, resulting in four successful awards - from the Gosling Foundation, the Strategic Voluntary Wales Youth Organisation (SVWYO) Grant, the Democratic Engagement Grant, and Taith Pathway 1 funding - totalling £290,000 across multiple financial years. We continue to seek and apply for further grant funding opportunities to support future activities. Income from Cornel, Yr Hafod, SWAT and Bushscout Cymru also increased, reflecting a successful expansion of activities and events across these areas.

We couldn’t do this without you. Thank you to every volunteer, supporter, funder and partner who helped make Scouting in Wales so impactful in 2024-2025.

Your support enables us to reach more young people, create more inclusive experiences, and amplify youth voice across the country.

With thanks to our partners and funders:

• AdventureSmart UK

• BCB International Ltd

• Children in Wales

• CWYVS

• Electoral Commission

• Gosling Foundation

• More than Flags and Rainbows

• Out of the Woods

• Taith

• WCVA

• WCIA

• Welsh Government

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