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There's a lot happening this spring. The new work plan has been signed off and agreed. Project plans are reaching critical milestones, there’s a new Cub Scout games book in production and The CUB SECTION has GROWN again.

Our work plan for the next two years has now been agreed. We'll continue those critical projects that are adding value to our growth and development initiative - moving on and retaining the older Cub Scout, challenging programme zones, wiping out waiting lists, and communication, especially through the Supplement. To these we will be adding - increasing youth involvement in the Cub section, focusing on the effective role of, and support to Young Leaders, consideration of national programme initiatives to support the programme, and reflect on our efforts to develop the section.

Watch out for more information in the coming months.

There's great news again this year - the Cub Scout section has grown for the third successive period! There are a few peaks and troughs, but hopefully these are being addressed through District and County/Area development plans. I hope by now that every ACC Cub Scouts and ADC Cub Scouts or equivalent is involved in designing and supporting these plans.

The support booklet for District Commissioners was issued at the end of February, with copies to many other support people. Further copies are available from www.scout.org.uk/cubdevelopment

Here are some highlights:

More than 35 districts achieved a growth greater than 20% this year on their 2008 census numbers. Whitby in North Yorkshire stands out at 190%. Other significant growing Districts are: North Northumberland (54.55%); North Manchester (76.85%) and Greater Manchester West (69.09%).

In raw numbers the high growers include: Stroud and Tetbury, Gloucestershire (78 extra cubs); North Manchester (83); Esher, Surrey (68).

This year, six of Scotland's eight regions saw growth and in Northern Ireland there was a quadrupling of the growing counties - from 1 to 4 of the seven. Wales also saw a remarkable turn around with 9 out of 12 areas reporting growth - up from six last year.

We're now on the right track. The task ahead for us all is to sustain that growth and ensure that every young Cub successfully transfers to a Scout Troop and stays there. We need to keep working at reducing the waiting lists, finding adults to help and take on appointments, and where appropriate to open up or re-open cub packs. Together, we continue to make a difference. Thank you for what you are doing and what we will continue to do to develop the section in this coming year.

The focus of the work so far has been on research to discover the barriers to effective moving on from the Cub Scout Pack to the Scout Troop. The next stage is to address these findings and look to develop and promote ideas, methods and activities to support more effective moving on between sections, making use of best practice from around the country, and the existing Moving On awards.

This package of work forms part of a cross sectional project looking at Retention of Youth Members between sections across the movement.

From the research carried out by the Cub Team last year, we have learned of the support that CSLs receive in their Districts and the support ADCs receive in their Counties/Areas/Regions. Some of this is very good but we have found areas of concern. Leaders have highlighted the resources and support that we now need to develop. It is also apparent that ADCs/ACCs/AACs would benefit from some clearer direction in the way they support leaders in their County or District.

The method of supporting leaders can vary according to need and we are now turning our attention to that.

The UK Programme Team is currently putting together a toolkit for all those who undertake a support role with in the 5 sections. The Toolkit will provide useful information on how to undertake their role as well as having useful tips on how to support the programme across the District, County/Area or Scottish Region. The toolkit will be available from later this year and all those in the target audience will hear from the Programme Team directly when it is released.

It's still not too late to plan your Big Adventure! Remember, you don't have to create a brand new event, just get people involved in whatever you currently have planned.

The Big Adventure is all about getting parents involved in the leadership team for a residential or other event that you are running. By getting them involved and giving them a defined role they will get the chance to experience the fun of being an adult in Scouting, and hopefully volunteer to help out in the future.

Each Group has been sent a number of free resources to help you make the most of your Big Adventure. If you would like any extra resources please contact the Information Centre.

See www.scouts.org.uk/thebigadventure for more information.

A new questionnaire open to all leaders will be launched in May. Please encourage all your Cub leaders to complete it. Our intention is to listen to your views, act upon them, and ensure we are in tune with the leaders across the country. We can only do this if people speak to us! Please ask them all to fill in the questionnaire and get their voices heard!

New AACs/ACCs will receive a letter as soon as their appointment is processed, and they will be added to the mailing list for eNews. Sometimes there are time delays. If you are a former holder of one of these roles, please pass it on to your successor and let the Cub Scout team know of the change.

The 2009/2010 cycle of workshops will include Programme, Adult Support and International and take place across the whole of the UK.

The workshops are aimed at developing those who are Supporters or those who support in Scouting.

Invites will go to supporters of the following:

The workshops will allow participants to engage with UKHQ, receive relevant information that will help support leaders and to support growth and development and to share in work that is relevant to the real needs of the Movement.

To find the latest information please visit:

www.scoutbase.org.uk/6to25/cub/news/rdaas.htm

If you have any queries, then please contact us on adviceandsupportdays@scout.org.uk

Graeme Hamilton (UK Adviser for Cub Scouts) recently met with the District Commissioners in the West Midlands, and while in conversation with a couple of them, realised that every week in every town, village and community, leaders put a Zing in to the lives of the young people they support. That set us thinking and we propose a couple of actions that will allow us here at UKHQ to put some added Zing your way.

It's time for a national Zing! Challenge- and its up to you to help us decide what we do ...anything from making a cup of tea in an unusual place, to holding a sleepover or camp in a strange location! Write in or email your suggestions and we'll set this challenge going later in the year. Ask leaders around your County, Area or District.

Tell us what you, or someone you know, do to add Zing to the Pack. Share the example and we'll publish as many ZINGtastic ideas in the Cub Scout supplement as we can.

If you have any ideas that you feel would make future issues even more helpful, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Andrew Wellbeloved

UK Commissioner for Programme

Graeme Hamilton

UK Adviser for Cub Scouts

Nicola Ashby

Programme and Development Adviser