From 10 to 12 October 2025, the Jugendherberge Horner Rennbahn in Hamburg became a lively hub of exchange and inspiration as Bund der Pfadfinderinnen und Pfadfinder (BdP) and Verband Christlicher Pfadfinder*innen (VCP) jointly hosted the first inter-association growth conference in Germany.
The programme offered a wide range of perspectives and practical impulses. A strong focus throughout the conference was on volunteering as a key driver of growth. Insights from the European Scout Region volunteer, Mette Bybjerg Brock-Hansen, showed that more flexible engagement models, such as micro-volunteering and redefined leadership roles, can help attract and retain volunteers in changing social realities. These ideas were complemented by practical tools and examples from across Europe that participants could directly relate to their own contexts.
Another highlight was the global perspective on Scouting's purpose and impact by Chrissy Polithy, a World Scout Committee member. Drawing on experiences from around the world, it became clear how Scouting creates spaces for young people to grow while also contributing to peaceful coexistence in increasingly polarised societies. Discussions centred on how associations can remain open and relevant without losing their identity, and how clear values, cultural roots, and social integration can support sustainable, sometimes almost organic, growth.
Communication emerged as another crucial factor. Contributions from Czechia with Petr 'Permi' Vanÿk illustrated how intentional, transparent and authentic organisational communication can strengthen internal cohesion and support external visibility, both of which are essential for growth. At the same time, several sessions focused on cooperation, underscoring how shared goals and honest collaboration among associations can help overcome common obstacles and better utilise existing resources.
“Growth is a shared journey, and this conference showed how powerful collaboration can be. The joint growth conference in Germany was a great success and a strong example of partnership in action, demonstrating how shared learning, broad participation, and external inspiration can accelerate growth, and something I would warmly encourage other NSOs to explore.”
Thomas Hirt, WOSM Growth Consultant
Practical case studies also played an important role. Experiences from the Netherlands and Switzerland provided concrete examples of successful growth strategies, while other sessions explored how to better support local units by winning and empowering leaders. The topic of volunteering was further deepened through a look at onboarding and offboarding processes, highlighting how motivation and effectiveness often depend on the first welcome and the final farewell. Clear roles, personal appreciation and structured support were identified as small but powerful tools for long-term engagement.
Beyond the formal programme, the conference was shaped just as much by informal exchanges. Evenings were filled with conversations, laughter and new connections, reinforcing the sense of community that lies at the heart of Scouting.
Beyond the formal programme, the conference was defined by the quality of its encounters. The Jugendherberge Horner Rennbahn became a space where people from local groups, national structures and international organisations could meet on equal footing. Experiences from everyday scouting practice were discussed alongside strategic perspectives and global insights, creating a rich and inspiring exchange that many participants described as the weekend's true strength.
This shared space for dialogue, learning and connection was the central highlight of the first inter-association growth conference, with concrete next steps already in view. The conference closed with a strong sense of motivation and a clear message: sustainable growth in Scouting is built through exchange, cooperation and the willingness to learn from one another. Looking ahead to 2027, a second growth conference is being considered as a platform to share key learnings, reflect on progress and jointly define the next steps for growth within the regions.