V.E Day

Today is V.E Day or in full Victory in Europe Day  which we'd of been marking with parades, street parties and other events all in Scouting would of taken part in to pay our respects to all who were involved, to give thanks for the freedom they fought for and for the sacrifice they made that enabled it.

Unfortunately the Covid-19 situation means much of what we'd planned, that government, service organizations and veterans also had has been stopped in its tracks and more limited measures devised to all this most important event to take place at all.

Although World War Two meant that many families across the UK and the rest of the world were separated, Scouting at home and abroad continued. Young Scouts offered their communities support by using their skills, contributing to the efforts and offering relief, with those who were old enough sent to fight on the front lines.


Many Scout Leaders who weren’t drafted took in children or families who had been displaced or evacuated due to the war.

All members of the Scouts Association have been able to get a Commemorative badge which it must be stressed isn't an Award Badge, to mark this occasion. 

Activities that have been set up for scouts to try include "Guess The Badge" where a set of pictures of 1940's Scouting badges are show and scouts talking to family members try to work what the name of badge is and what the nearest modern equivalent are and once they've been checked, everyone should look at the badges again. 

1940's Badges
Air Spotter
Civil defence
Firefighter
First Aid
Guide or Pathfinder
Handyman
Interpreter
Rabbit Farmer
Wirelessman 

The person leading the activity should explain some of the things people had to do to earn the badge.
Each team should chat about the skills the 1940s Scouts used and how the badge activities may have helped the war effort.
They are then encouraged to look at how they use their skills to help the community.
This counts toward Beaver and Cub Membership Awards, Scouts Local Knowledge Activity Badge and Explorers Membership award.

Scouts are being encouraged to run V.E Day events that may include cooking a V.E day banquet or have a "Fire-free campfire" put out Window displays and also to join the public  marking of this day across the country, being encouraged to head to their doorsteps and gardens at 3pm on Friday afternoon to take part and mark the occasion by clapping, cheering and making some noise.

Scout leaders are being encouraged to get their Scouts to get their full uniform on and commemorate the Scouts from that era who did so much to help the country during and after the war.