With countries at different stages of deconfinement and an ongoing global pandemic, it can feel confusing for Scouts and Scout Leaders to know how Scouting will work over the next few months. As a Scout Leader, how can you be prepared to start face-to-face activities again safely? Use these 8 questions to help guide yourself in getting back to in-person Scouting in a new, safe and fun way.

1. What is my National Scout Organization (NSO) saying about face-to-face Scout activities?
Check your government rules and your NSO guidelines to know what’s OK and what isn’t for everyone’s safety.

2. How do I feel about resuming in-person Scout activities?
To be able to support others, you first need to support yourself. Check-in with yourself and take the time you need. It’s ok to have questions and need help, so don’t be afraid to connect with your Scout team and those you trust for support.

3. How do the young people in my Scout group feel? How do their parents and carers feel?
You can expect young people to have mixed emotions about returning to in-person Scouting. Make sure to check-in with young people by carving out time for sharing and answering questions. It’s ok if you don’t have all the answers - simply listening non-judgmentally is a great way to help.

Parents and carers of the young people in your group might also feel worried. Transparency is key in these uncertain times: be as open as possible and include them in your plan.

4. How will I adapt my activities so that everyone feels safe and included?
Follow the World Health Organisation’s general safety recommendations to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. How about creating a joint safety agreement with your Scouts so that everyone feels equally responsible for being safe? 

In post-lockdown Scouting, inclusion is more important than ever. Whether it’s health-related, financial or any other 
barrier, some young people might still not be able to participate in Scouting like before lockdown. Get Scouts involved in finding ways to overcome these barriers (like hybrid virtual/in-person meetings, financial support, etc.). 

5. Even with safety restrictions, how will I make my Scouting activities fun?
Individual challenges, campsites in patrols, hiking, canoeing, decorating face masks: check out the resources on the Scouting@Home member service on the WOSM service platform for many new ideas. 

6. How can my Scout group and I help others during our activity?
In a time where everything can feel out of our control, planning moments to help your community will help young people feel empowered in creating positive change.

7. Flexibility, flexibility, flexibility: am I ready to change? 
Keep these questions close and be ready to ask yourself them again and again to always make sure you’re adapting to new realities and prepared to offer quality Scouting.

The Scout method is meant to be adaptable to every new reality: it’s just waiting for a Scout Leader like you to make it possible.

8. If I’m feeling good with questions 1 to 7 ... am I excited?
Yes? Us too!

Safer Scouting is possible. Being prepared will allow us all to get there. Together.

For more support on adapting Scouting to post-lockdown, check out our other resources under the Staying Connected and Implementing the Youth Programme sub-area on the WOSM service platform.