Scouting Nederland Wins People's Choice Award with #ScoutOn Hybrid Event

Every two years Scouting Nederland organizes Scout-In, an event aimed to thank and inspire the thousands of volunteers active in the country. This past summer, as many other groups and organisations, they faced the challenge of organising live events and decided to create a hybrid party that could be joined remotely.  

"To unite and celebrate the Dutch Scouting Association and all its volunteers, an energetic, hybrid event has been set up in the most Scouting way - campfire included. To engage the public, we created #ScoutOn: the ultimate online Scouting experience by using typical Scouting activities and practices” said Kim Fokkelman, communications advisor of Scouting Nederland.  

Different Scout groups were asked to come together in small groups at home to experience this unique one night-only experience together. On the spot 3 nominated teams of volunteers attended the live event. The open-air show was broadcasted live from the Scouting Estate Zeewolde, a Scout Center located in the heart of a natural reserve.  

On a big campfire a well-known Dutch chef cooked snacks in an interactive way, so that people at home could follow the instructions and prepare the food on their own campfires. Furthermore, interactive music intermezzos were played by an amazing live band, live videos were streamed, along with a Scouting-themed quiz and photo challenges, followed by a special Scouting DJ that kept the party going all night. A live feed chat was made available for interactions with participants who also enjoyed dedicated messages from the Queen of the Netherlands and WOSM Chief Ambassador Bear Grylls. 

During the Best Event Awards (BEA) World Festival, an International Festival of Events and Live Communication, the event #ScoutOn was awarded the first prize in the People's Choice. With #ScoutOn many participants were able to enjoy a live event and Scouting Nederland have now gained a well-deserved recognition of the efforts made. 

You can watch an overview video of #ScoutOn on YouTube