EVERY year, on the closest Sunday to St George's Day, members of the Scout Movement across the UK come together to celebrate the movement and to renew our promises. These events normally take the form of services, parades, marches and activities.

For 2020, Thurrock Scout District had planned for an Activity Day utilising many of the new activities that have become available at the Lakeside Shopping Centre adjacent to the Quay. However, with the onset of COVID-19, all face to face Scouting Meetings were suspended towards the end of March. This required a rapid rethink.

Working together with S6 Connect (Steve Westrop, a Scout Parent) and utilising the professional level Zoom Account provided free of charge by 4Networking, they were able to design an online Renewal of Promise for all of the members. During Sunday, 26 April, seven virtual Renewal of Promise Videoconferences were held where all members (Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Scout Network and Adults) could come together to renew their promise and enjoy a review of the previous year and looking forward.

District Commissioner, Graham Monk, said that he was really pleased with the outcome and it exceeded all of his expectations with 625 connections to the events, equating to over 800 people over the day.

"I would like to put on record my sincere thanks to both S6 Connect and 4Networking for their invaluable support. We don't let the little issue of COVID-19 prevent us from retaining a semblance of normality."

"I pay credit to all of our Leaders who have been providing exciting programme opportunities for the youth members including camping at home, scout radio, hike to the moon initiative and regular group sessions provided through various social media and video channels."

The video shows the Explorer Scouts renewal meeting, but also includes a video montage of activities throughout the year featuring many local troops and packs.

Thurrock Scouts have also released a video produced to celebrate the work of the NHS. Scouts from across the Borough joined in last Thursday with the clap for key workers to say thank you. They have produced a musical montage video set to an original song composed by Richard, the Group Scout Leader of East Tilbury Scouts."

You can view the video HERE..