Just had news to say that the cleveland network is being relaunched so it should be fun.

Ours in West Sussex was relaunched in January. But I only found out about the launch party the day after. I still havent got round to getting the details of it yet.

Yes, as has ours and I jus joined it!

I'm not so keen on belonging to the network. I like this new opt-in scheme!!

Why not, it might be fun and you won't know unless you give it a try.

It's just not something that has really appealed to me.

Leave millsy alone!

i don't really see a difference with the opt-in scheme and what there was before... i mean, were they going to take your warrant off you if you didn't go to Network?

but, at the risk of not leaving Millsy alone, I say "try it, you might just like it"...

I wasn't interested when it was first set up and they didn't take my warrant of me so I don't really think its changed much.

Theres no harm in going along to see what its like, you just don't know until you have tried it. Believe it or not, I didn't want to go to sixers camp when I was a cub - I like camps now though.

The biggest difference between the opt in scheme and what we had before is that because all 18 - 25 year olds in Scouting were automatically members of Network, Counties never really new how many active Networkers they actually had.

The new opt in scheme is a lot better!

At the risk of being slightly insensitive and rude... you don't expect to post a comment like millsy's on a Network Forum and not gain a reaction from the active networkers...

Knowing why Network doesn't appeal is a huge part of network growth?

...Anyhooo - those were my thoughts on that.

Opt in - as Stuart stated, Counties now know where actual Networkers are, people that will get involved and benefit rather than spamming everyone. I believe 'controlled efforts' was the term I heard used.

Glad to hear the relaunch's are going well - Similer, remember to get the details - I expect to see you at MAD UK 08!

MAD UK 07 Booking has opened - so get your networks signed up!

M x

Did not have any threats about taking away my warrant, even though I am not an active Networker.
I prefer to concentrate on the Leadership side of my role. Between work, running my Cubs, helping with the Scouts and Beavers I have very little time for other things.
I may have caused some discontent amongst those active in the Network, but surely everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

What made you decide to be involved with all three sections in your group? If I did that id end up opening the fire door and running towards tescos - all of our sections meet on the same night.

Well the Beavers is more of just having to have the extra warranted Leader in the hall as we are desperately short on Leaders at the moment.
I was originally ASL as still like to keep on helping with the Scouts, although i take no major part in the programming

Thats great that you are involved with all of the sections. Gives those moving sections a leader they know.

Yes i think it's important especially between Cub and Scout level, i think that in general it can be the point in which people tend to drop off.
Having a friendly face is good for them.

Id have to agree with you Millsy. We use to find that wed lose most of our cubs going on to scouts, until I started to help out at scouts as well as do cubs. A friendly face that the cubs know and parents know helps a lot.