Young people from Clwyd Area have joined other Scouts from across the UK at the world-famous Etihad Stadium in Manchester, 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.
Sam Brumby, 13, from Rhyl, said: “I feel important, I feel like I’m making a really big difference. I’ve been participating in loads of activities today, and I feel like this is going to help change Scouts for the better. I think it’s a good opportunity to meet new people, to make new friends, and to have fun with other people from all walks of life. I feel very proud of myself.”
From every Scout County or Area, 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 input into the Movement’s future plans. The adult volunteers taking part in the event were all also under 25 years old.
Clwyd Area Scouts, which is made up of over 2,000 young people from across North East Wales were lucky enough to send two delegations to the event. Young people from Rhyl, Wrexham, Broughton, Hawarden and Llangollen attended the event at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.
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 Clwyd 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 consisted of workshops and plenary sessions where those attending were able to examine draft plans for the future of the Movement and update and modify those plans in the light of their experiences. The sessions including activities look at the future of scouting, our connection to nature and the outdoors, safety and safeguarding and youth voice. As well as attending the forum, Scouts from across the country have been invited to take part in activities to share their ideas to help shape the future of Scouting.
Clwyd Area Youth Lead, Aimee Curtis, from Wrexham, who supported young people at the event, said: “Being part of the first ever Scouts UK Youth Forum was an incredible experience. Making sure Scouting is Youth Shaped at every level is crucial for our future, ensuring we offer activities that truly engage young people in the 21st century. Events like this are crucial for that. The young people we took were fantastic—they contributed brilliantly, fully engaged in every activity, and proved themselves to be real change makers. They’re helping Scouts move forward, continue delivering Skills for Life, and shape a future strategy that will leave a lasting impact on them, their peers, and generations to come.”
Jacob Jones, Vale of Clwyd District Lead Volunteer, from Rhyl, who also supported young people at the event, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the young people we took to the Youth Forum. They shared fantastic ideas and suggestions, helping shape the future of Scouting. They connected with Scouts from across the UK and British Scouting Overseas (BSO), fully immersing themselves in the experience and representing our area brilliantly. Hearing directly from young people and having them actively contribute to shaping our movement is essential to keeping Scouting relevant and ensuring its continued positive, life changing impact. As a younger leader myself, I’m proud that Scouting is so inclusive—valuing young voices and giving them real opportunities to be heard. It’s an experience that helps develop key life skills like confidence, public speaking, and teamwork.
