Scouts are ‘Better Prepared’ for the Future

Scouts are ‘Better Prepared’ for the Future

SCOUTS New Zealand launched their new 10 year strategy named ‘Better Prepared’ on Saturday 23 May in Wellington, with the leadership team brought together from all over New Zealand. The strategy will see the Movement preparing to achieve their vision ”that in 2025 more than 25,000 youth will enjoy scouting adventures. They will come from every background, with a place for all, shape their own experiences, and make a positive difference for New Zealand”.

To achieve this, they will focus on five key priorities identified in the Better Prepared plan – youth at the centre, inclusive growth, quality relevant programmes, prepared volunteers and organisational strength.

SCOUTS New Zealand’s Adventure Plus Ambassador, Mark Inglis was one of the key facilitators at the ‘Better Prepared’ launch.

“Being prepared for the future helps, but to be better prepared is the key” says Mark Inglis - mountaineer, Paralympian, acclaimed winemaker, innovator, husband and father-of-three. “Better Prepared acknowledges that we must always strive to improve and adapt, essential in this rapidly changing world. Better Prepared is the framework that will allow SCOUTS New Zealand to engage the youth and to provide that essential element in life, in growth – challenge.”

So what does the strategy mean?

“Youth are the reason we exist” confirmed Niamh Lawless, Chief Executive of SCOUTS New Zealand, “so it’s important they have a say in all our decisions”.

“Our regional teams and volunteers all around the country will be more actively involving our youth members in planning Scouting and sharing their ideas – especially around developing relevant and fun programmes for the youth of today. They will also be given opportunities to further develop their leadership skills and work in partnership with adult members at governance level.”

Another key priority is inclusive growth, making Scouting available to all New Zealanders, whatever their ethnicity, financial situation, or location.

“Scouting is for everyone”, says National Commissioner Kelly Bleakley. “We want to make quality Scouting opportunities available for all New Zealanders which means

identifying new ways to reach the growing diverse youth population. Over the last 10 years we have done many things to help Scouting grow and improve, but we live in a changing world so to remain relevant and continue to strengthen, we always need to adapt”.

The strategy is a great step forward for an already successful movement that has seen 21% growth since 2006 and is New Zealand’s largest mixed youth movement.

For more information about the Better Prepared strategy, go to www.scouts.org.nz/betterprepared and to join the adventure call 0800 SCOUTS.

ENDS

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