Latest news with #Scout
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
I had high hopes for adult summer camp
Standing in the middle of the Kent countryside, I hung back as grown adults wearing Scout uniforms, animal ears and fluffy tails congregated around the fire pit. Amidst the sea of blue, green, yellow, and red, camp leaders psyched up the crowd with chants for their various teams, ready for the grown up version of school house games. A long line formed as we paraded through the forest, following a brass band. Then we entered the arena, each corner flanked by a giant flag of a woodland mascot. Everyone scrambled for a place to perch, eagerly waiting for the games to begin – a random assortment of competitions, including one that involved dangling a carrot into a blindfolded stranger's mouth using a fishing rod. The atmosphere was buzzing. Electric, even. It then dawned on me that I was witnessing the realisation of a childhood fantasy come true – to attend a summer camp. It took three nights spent in the forest for me to realise that maybe I'd expected a bit too much. I personally blame this desire to go to a summer camp on being raised on films like The Parent Trap and Addams Family Values. I wanted to make up handshakes, make friends for life, and do each other's hair, just like the films (sans the whole secret twin thing and getting my ears pierced with an apple.) As a child who needed constant stimulation, I was desperate to be shipped off for weeks on end so I could dabble in an assortment of adventure sports, crafts, and survival skills. This fascination with summer camps didn't subside as I left childhood behind. Attending one was on every wishlist I made. But when adolescence hit, I suffered from depression and became introverted. My survival strategy was to hide. It was only through a random Google search one day that I accidentally stumbled across a summer camp for adults. Over the course of a weekend in the forest, campers could try out new activities and adventures by day then party into the night. Starting at just under £300 for an elementary weekend ticket, over 100 activities were on offer, including free drop-in events like hot-air balloon rides. There would be live bands, talks and comedians. I booked almost instantaneously. Initially, I planned to go with my best friend, but she had to cancel at the last minute. I decided I still wanted to go alone, and when I set off for the bank holiday weekend, I was full of high hopes for s'mores, silly games, and songs around the campfire. But it didn't all go to plan. Although the camp had made some accommodations by providing a designated camping area for solos, by late afternoon on the first day, large groups of existing friends had also started pitching their tents in the same spot. I had hoped by pitching my tent in this section of the camp that it would have been easier to bond with solo attendees like myself, as well as being a bit quieter. Then, during the aforementioned games that first evening, I felt quite shy to get involved so I just watched from the side. I made my way to the board games tent, but it was already heaving. I felt a bit pathetic that I was intimidated and couldn't just ask if I could join in. Defeated, I sat by the firepit alone for a while. I soon returned to my tent, putting my social awkwardness down to first-night nerves. By the end of the weekend, however, it had become clear that the reason summer camps are perfect for children is because they are generally less inhibited than adults. As a child, I would have thrown myself in head first, introducing myself to others and been content to make the most of my time at the camp. Unfortunately, that is not who I am now, though. It's hard to embody the confidence of a child when you've grown and been taught not to be so self-assured. Still, I tried again to get stuck in. I awoke early the next morning to grab some breakfast – and much-needed coffee – from the food vendors, before making my way to my first scheduled activity of the day. It was raining heavily but everyone seemed to be in good spirits. Despite the weather, I managed to squeeze in an array of different activities. Some of the crafty ones I really enjoyed – nipple-tassel making, printmaking, and hammering dead flowers into fabric. I particularly loved getting to down shots of tequila at a 9am cocktail-making class. This is where I really thrived because the activities were in small groups and we all had a shared purpose of being there, so it was much easier to talk with one another. Other activities, however, quickly confirmed my incompetence: I struggled to light a fire, make a flower headdress, and the terrazzo coaster I made cracked in half. I couldn't say I shared the same enthusiasm for the evening events. With the exception of a talk about dopamine dressing (using fashion to boost your mood) and the talent show, I found myself retreating to my tent early each evening, grappling with social anxiety, while others around me partied hard. I hated that I couldn't get myself to do things that seemed to come to others so effortlessly. By Monday morning, I was relieved to be going home. I felt deflated and fell into a depressive slump for weeks. Everyone else seemed to be posting pictures and comments about what an amazing time they had, but I felt anything but. More Trending My self-esteem took a further battering when I posted a couple of suggestions in the camp's Facebook group about how they could make things a bit more welcoming for solo attendees – particularly those of us on the shyer side. While some campers were sympathetic and even expressed that they had felt lonely too, others were hurtful; comments ranged from criticising my ability to put myself out there to suggesting that I should get therapy. My adult summer camp didn't quite live up to my expectations, though that was no fault of the camp. There were clearly a lot of people who were able to let their inner child run amok without reticence. But for me it was a stark reminder of how different I am to the child I once was. I just don't have the same confidence or stamina that I once did. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: Hotel worker almost trampled by 'stampede' of guests rushing for sunbeds MORE: I escaped my ex – now our 8-year-old son is the one being abused MORE: Is it safe to travel to Greece? 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Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
General Hospital spoilers: Will Trina expose Kai's betrayal or give him a second chance? Tense confrontation ahead
Thursday's episode of General Hospital promises emotional conversations, major confrontations, and new revelations. Trina is unwilling to stay silent, Elizabeth reconnects with someone from her past, and Scout finally gets time with a loved one she barely sees. There's a lot unfolding in Port Charles, and everyone seems to be at a crossroads. Trina takes a firm stand Trina isn't ready to let things slide when it comes to Kai. According to Thursday's teasers, she's still upset that he told Drew what her parents were doing about Jacinda. Trina views that move as a betrayal—especially since Kai didn't have the full picture. To make it worse, he barely knows the real Drew Cain. So, what comes next? Another confrontation between Trina and Kai could be brewing, and it may not end well. Will Kai explain his side, or has Trina already made up her mind? Marco's life hangs in the balance as Sonny and Sidwell's truce is put to the test. Click to watch today's thrilling, new #GH - RIGHT NOW! ⤵️ #GeneralHospital Willow and Scout share a rare moment Though Willow and Scout live under the same roof, they've barely spent time on screen together. That's changing, as the two sit down for a meaningful conversation. The question is—will this talk lead to a deeper bond between them? While that unfolds, Drew comes face-to-face with Alexis. She doesn't mince words, especially when it comes to family. Alexis might want answers—about Drew's move to D.C., whether Scout is getting enough attention, and if Danny and Rocco are still part of her life. WATCH: Liesl spends an active afternoon with James that proves unsettling for Spinelli... to say the least. 🪓 #GH Nina plots her next move & an unexpected reunion Elsewhere, Nina seems determined to take drastic action. Whether she wants to stop Drew or ruin the upcoming wedding, she's got limited time. She could've acted earlier, but now, every moment counts. How far is Nina willing to go? Meanwhile, Elizabeth meets Obrecht again. The last time they were on good terms, things took a turn when Liesl broke things off with Scotty over his support for Elizabeth during the Hook saga. Does this reunion mean a clean slate—or just politeness?Port Charles is brimming with emotional tension, and everyone's next step could change everything.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Alabama State University Partners with Scout to Empower Student-Athletes with Financial Tools and Support
First SWAC institution to adopt Scout's full platform — bringing innovation, impact, and long-term empowerment to a proud HBCU community. MONTGOMERY, Ala., July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Alabama State University is continuing its tradition of leadership in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), becoming the first program in the conference to partner with Scout, a financial technology company committed to athlete empowerment and education. Through this collaboration, Alabama State will offer its student-athletes Scout's full suite of services, including revenue-share distribution, cap management tools, personalized financial literacy training, and a secure mobile wallet app to help players manage taxes, savings, LLC formation, and more. But the partnership goes beyond product delivery — it represents a shared commitment to equity, access, and long-term opportunity. "We are excited to partner with Scout, a thought leader in the NIL space." Said Dr. Jason Cable VP & Director of Athletics. "As we enter the new landscape of Division 1 Athletics, it is important that we align with innovative partners that provide seamless solutions to student-athlete benefits. Scout is one of the best in the business in doing just that." Head Football Coach Eddie Robinson Jr. added, "We want our guys to win on the field and in life. That means building a foundation they can carry with them for decades — and that's exactly what Scout brings to the table." "As an HBCU, Alabama State stands for excellence, legacy, and empowerment — and at Scout, we see ourselves as partners in that mission," said Michael Haddix, CEO and Founder of Scout. "We're proud to be working with ASU to bring innovation to a storied conference, while supporting the athletes and departments that make it all possible." "We look at NIL differently at Scout — for us, it means Name, Image… Lifetime." About ScoutScout is an innovative financial technology company built specifically for athletes. Combining education, one-on-one support, and a mobile app, Scout helps student-athletes navigate taxes, savings, LLC formation, and investment planning. Its customizable revenue distribution platform serves athletic departments, coaches, and athletes in today's evolving college sports environment. Learn more at Media Inquiries: media@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Scout
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Alabama State University Partners with Scout to Empower Student-Athletes with Financial Tools and Support
First SWAC institution to adopt Scout's full platform — bringing innovation, impact, and long-term empowerment to a proud HBCU community. MONTGOMERY, Ala., July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Alabama State University is continuing its tradition of leadership in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), becoming the first program in the conference to partner with Scout, a financial technology company committed to athlete empowerment and education. Through this collaboration, Alabama State will offer its student-athletes Scout's full suite of services, including revenue-share distribution, cap management tools, personalized financial literacy training, and a secure mobile wallet app to help players manage taxes, savings, LLC formation, and more. But the partnership goes beyond product delivery — it represents a shared commitment to equity, access, and long-term opportunity. 'We are excited to partner with Scout, a thought leader in the NIL space.' Said Dr. Jason Cable VP & Director of Athletics. 'As we enter the new landscape of Division 1 Athletics, it is important that we align with innovative partners that provide seamless solutions to student-athlete benefits. Scout is one of the best in the business in doing just that.' Head Football Coach Eddie Robinson Jr. added, 'We want our guys to win on the field and in life. That means building a foundation they can carry with them for decades — and that's exactly what Scout brings to the table.' 'As an HBCU, Alabama State stands for excellence, legacy, and empowerment — and at Scout, we see ourselves as partners in that mission,' said Michael Haddix, CEO and Founder of Scout. 'We're proud to be working with ASU to bring innovation to a storied conference, while supporting the athletes and departments that make it all possible.' 'We look at NIL differently at Scout — for us, it means Name, Image… Lifetime.' About Scout Scout is an innovative financial technology company built specifically for athletes. Combining education, one-on-one support, and a mobile app, Scout helps student-athletes navigate taxes, savings, LLC formation, and investment planning. Its customizable revenue distribution platform serves athletic departments, coaches, and athletes in today's evolving college sports environment. Learn more at Media Inquiries: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Scout
Miami Herald
20-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Scout Motors urges DOJ to fight state dealer franchise laws
The Republican Party may be the party of "states' rights," but Scout Motors hopes the current Republican presidential administration will eliminate the state franchise laws that impede its direct-sales strategy, according to an Automotive News report. Scout called on the federal government to do this in an 11-page letter submitted to the Justice Department's Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force by Blair Anderson, the automaker's vice president of government and regulatory affairs. The task force was created in March after president Donald Trump signed executive orders in January and February calling for removing "regulatory burdens placed on the American people." The letter used similar language, calling franchise laws "burdensome restrictions on competition." Car sales in the United States are currently regulated by a patchwork of state laws, some of which allow automakers to sell cars directly to customers. But many states still require franchised dealerships. There's been friction between those dealerships and automakers since Tesla unveiled its direct-sales model over a decade ago. Tesla fought a series of legal battles with franchised dealerships in individual states. Now Scout, which plans to build its Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck in a new South Carolina factory starting in 2027, is facing similar struggles. A group of Volkswagen and Audi dealerships in Florida filed a lawsuit in February to block Scout's direct-sales plans, and the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) filed a similar lawsuit in April, Automotive News noted. In March, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) also sent a letter to Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume and other executives urging the company to let its members sell Scout vehicles. Scout revives the International Harvester Scout, one of the original SUVs, which the VW Group gained the rights to after its purchase of International's successor Navistar. The new Scout vehicles are rugged off-roaders, with body-on-frame construction, with all-electric or extended-range powertrains. They're also unlike anything in the current VW Group portfolio, and exactly the kinds of vehicles dealerships in truck-loving America are eager to sell. That's likely adding fuel to the fire over the VW Group's attempt to set up a new brand with direct sales, while keeping franchised dealerships for its other brands. In the letter, Anderson said that, as a new manufacturer, Scout shouldn't be forced to adopt the franchised dealership model "especially when the new manufacturer has not asked any dealerships to place any investment in distributing its vehicles, developed a more efficient alternative, and will not sell any vehicles also offered for sale by a franchised dealer." Dealerships don't seem to buy the logic that Scout's clean slate entitles it to a different sales model than its fellow VW Group brands. The question is whether the federal government will and whether, if it does, it actually has the authority to strike down state franchise laws. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
