As a child, my school didn't provide residential trips but as a 6yo i found @ScoutsScotland (well, my parents did!) that began an adventure I've lived for the last 37 years. A big part of that was going to and then taking young people on residential trips #SaveYourOutdoorCentres
My best life was lived as a Scout staying away from home with my friends. On residentials, I learned skills that would set me up for life, i was part of a team, i was a leader, i was confident, i appreciated the environment and the world around me #SaveYourOutdoorCentres
Such was impact on me, i committed to offer same to young people who followed. I volunteered @RosythScouts@ScoutsScotland and I've done so for 25yrs. I've supported 1000s of residential nights. I look back at what those young people have become with pride #SaveYourOutdoorCentres
Now, due to #Covid19 residential centres are under threat like never before. They can't offer residential activities until next year and without support, many won't survive. The loss to tomorrow's young people is incalculable but @scotgov@ScotGovEdu can #SaveYourOutdoorCentres
@scotgov rejected calls for financial support for residential centres. Efforts to permit safe day visits are welcome but not enough as bulk of income comes from multi-day stays. If you believe our government must do more, sign change.org/p/scottish-gov… #SaveYourOutdoorCentres