G O V T A THE C R E I R COU ng 2012
4 Spri tter Issue 11 e sl w e N a re The A
Area Swimming Gala 2012
St George's Day Awards 2012
ROLL OF HONOUR
Each year we honour a few of the many Cardiff and the Vale of My thanks to all who took part and all the
Glamorgan leaders who give tirelessly of their time and energy to provide and support excellent Scouting adventures and activities for our young people. Recipients of these Awards have given exemplary service over many years:
The results were as follows:
Congratulations to the following adults in CATVOG who have received awards in the St George’s Day list:-
BEAVER Trophy Winners 1st Cowbridge Runners Up 1st Llandough
Silver Wolf - Edward Newman, East and South.
CUB Trophy Winners 2nd Rhiwbina Runners Up 1st Cowbridge
Bar to the Silver Acorn - Anthony Thomas Walter Green, East and South. Roger Kingdom, Penarth and District. Mo Lewis, Afon District
Leaders in their Groups and my team for making this years Gala another success.
Scout Trophy Winners 2nd Rhiwbina Runners Up 3rd Llanishen OVERALL GROUP Trophy Winners 2nd Rhiwbina Runners Up 1st Cowbridge Glenys Shelley Chairman Swimming Gala Committee E: activesupport@catvog.org
Silver Acorn – Gillian Ella St. Clair Clay, Vale District Peter Evans, Barry District. Peter Gladman, East and South Stephen Howarth, Afon District. Nicholas Phillips, Penarth and District. Christine Roberts, East and South. Lynn Thompson, Area Training Manager These awards can usually only be awarded for St George’s Day. Well done all!
Scout Community Week Taking place from 14–20 May
2012, Scout Community Week takes Scout Job Week to the next level, offering sections, Groups and Districts the opportunity to design a fundraising project which delivers real benefit to the local community.
All Groups taking part in the initiative are asked to commit to donating 25% of fundraising from Scout Community Week to this valuable fund for all UK Scouts.
Everyone who raises money as part of Scout Community Week will receive an exclusive B&Q Scout Community Week 2012 badge.
http://www.scouts.org.uk/community
r East and South Beave Birthday Bonanza 125 Beavers, 25 activities and
Cardiff Bay can only mean one thing, the 25th anniversary of Beaver Scouting of course. Recently East and South celebrated the occasion with a day of fun, challenge and everyday adventure, ranging from stomp rockets to circus skills to blind food identification.
The day was also beneficial for supporting, adult leaders, who were able to be inspired by the activities and now have the opportunity to incorporate some of these into their own programmes.
Throughout the day a fantastic range of groups attended, with all their leaders mucking in to make the day a huge success. The day consisted of 25 activities which the beavers all had a go at all of them and each base revolved around one of the challenge badges, giving the young people the opportunity to try and work towards it.
However the day couldn't have gone more smoothly without the huge impact of Young Leaders running activities. This youth empowerment that East and South provide, gives the next generation of Leaders the opportunity to learn the valuable skill set they need, so they can hit the ground running in Adult Leadership.
These included opportunities they may not have the chance at before such as bouldering, fire lighting and handbells.
Due to the range of activities the Beavers had on offer, it gave them opportunity to sample all the different parts of Scouting in one day and provide them with the chance of leading something they enjoy but haven't been able to before.
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To round off, I would like to give every reader a cake, just like the Beavers received to celebrate their birthday but unfortunately cake and computer do not mix.
All I can offer instead is a thank you to everyone who took part in this day and made it a success and also a congratulations to everyone else in CATVOG for another successful year of Beaver Scouting. Zach Cater, Young Leader, E: zach@eastandsouth.org.uk
Get your boots on! Big Welsh Coastal Walk: A series of walks
will take place over the weekend of the 5th May 2012 celebrating the launch of the Wales Coast Path. 870 miles of coastal path are being opened up around Wales with several walks taking place in Cardiff and the Vale. For more information visit the Ramblers website: http://www.ramblers.org.uk/wales
The Award of Merit At the Annual Review evening for the Les Pugh's Own ESU, Lucien Boudier was
awarded The Award of Merit by the District Commissioner, Julian Jordan, for his many years of service to Scouting in Penarth. Lucien has held a number of roles in Scouting and has also been involved in many District run events over the years. As Assistant Explorer Scout Leader, "Boo" has supported the Unit fully with International Camps, numerous camps in the UK, Climbing and much more. Lucien has done over 26 years with the Scout Movement. Well Done "Boo" , well deserved. The Award for Merit, formerly the Medal of Merit, worn with a green neck ribbon and emblems or brooches with a green knot, would normally be awarded after a period of not less than 12 years, but exceptionally after 10 years of outstanding service while holding adult appointments. Well done Lucien!!
Appointment to BYC delegation
Leader nominated for Leading Wales Award
Zach Cater has been appointed to the Scout
Leading Wales Award was established to identify and
Association delegation to the British Youth Council (BYC). BYC is a national youth led charity campaigning on issues important to young people and empowering young people to have a say and be heard - http://www.byc.org.uk/
award real leadership in an organisation that made a positive impact on moving their organisation forward. These leaders made a real difference, irrespective of their background and responsibilities within their organisation.
Alex Smith a 16 year old Young Leader with the 49th The TSA delegation is made up of 10 Scouts aged Cardiff Scout Group has just been nominated in the under between 14-25 from across the UK. The delegation 25 category for the Leading Wales Awards 2012. are involved in a variety of things but over the next 12 months mainly they will: He was nominated by Marc Cattle for supporting the group in a number of different ways from helping with the start represent TSA at BYC events/meetings – up of the group in September 2011, as well as supporting including setting policy at the BYC annual the adult volunteers in leading the night and helping the council meeting Scouts to become more independent. consult youth members on issues that are important to them and young people across the country
Marc said: “he has been a vital part of this Scout group and helped us achieve what we did.”
more broadly get involved with TSA and BYC campaigning activity
Alex who was nominated said: “I feel very pleased about being nominated for the award, and I am very happy with the work I have done for the group, and the work I will do in the future.”
We’re delighted to have Zach as part of the delegation and thought that you might like to know of the appointment.
I have included contact details should you wish to get in touch to find out more about their work zach@eastandsouth.org.uk
Alex waiting to depart for the World Scout Jamboree.
Submission deadline for the Summer Courier is: Sunday 8th July 2012
1 0 1 E H T nd 1 Second (1 Minute a
Interview)
Pete Jeffreys East & South District 1) Who are you and what do you do in Scouts? Pete Jeffreys, ADC Development in East and South. 2) How long have you been doing your current potion in Scouts? Just over four years. 3) Why did you join Scouts? I’ve enjoyed every moment from the day I joined as a Beaver and I’m still having a blast as an adult!
Badges Galore in Penarth Saturday 21 January saw
over 80 Cub Scouts converge on PADSAC to gain one of 6 Activity Badges. These included, Map Reading, Chef, DIY, Emergency Aid, Cyclist and IT. With over 80 Cubs, two halls were used to accommodate them! Over 20 leaders and helpers ran the six bases, to ensure safety was in place.
4) Which districts have you worked in before? I’ve been involved in Glamorgan West and Berkshire as well as East and South. 5) Whats the best thing about Scouts? Seeing people grow – I love to help young people and adults gain confidence in things that once scared them, overcome fears they once held, and achieve remarkable things they’d previously not considered. People have remarkable capacity and we’re only limited by our imaginations. 6) What was your best Scouting experience? I get a buzz from seeing big groups of Scouts together and sharing in the same experience. This came home to me at the Sunrise Celebration at the World Scout Jamboree in 2007, and then a similar feeling at the closing celebration of WINGS2009 in Windsor. 7) What is the worse thing that happened to you in Scouts? When I was a Scout on a camp in north Wales in 1997 it had been raining for a few days and I slipped on my back near the portaloos – I’m not sure that it was all mud… 8) Are you a naturally an outdoor or indoor person? I love being outdoors when I can but unfortunately a lot of my involvements seem to be indoors at the moment. However I’m writing this sat in glorious 22 degree sun at a campsite in Windsor – so maybe combining the two is possible?! 9) What are the benefits of helping out in Scouts? Overwhelming – I’m a primary school teacher so when I applied to the course and for my job a lot of the experiences I talked about were because of working with Scouts, and not just with young people! So many of our leadership, management and support roles in Scouts have fantastic transferable skills which genuinely help in other places – we’ve just got to help other people to realise that.
The cyclists learned about bike maintenance and road safety before going on a bike ride to complete their badge. The DIY Cubs learnt how to safely use saws, drills and screwdrivers before producing a Bird Box. The Map Readers learnt how to use a map and then navigate a short route around the area.
Emergency Aid learnt about the dangers around the house, what do at the scene of an accident, how to open an airway, treat minor cuts and bruises and much more. Smells of cooking emanated from the Kitchen, with scones and other delicious items being cooked. IT saw the cubs learn about the parts of a PC, produce a Poster and Picture, Internet Safety, and more. See our district website for photos of the Cubs in action, click on District, District Cub Scouts, District Cub photos. Thanks to all the adults who gave up their time, all Cubs went away with the badge they earned and with smiling faces, having achieved their Badge! But of course, with more adult help, we could accept more Cubs to these special events.
Penarth Scouts go for Gold! These Scouts, at the 1st Dinas Powys Scout Troop were
recently presented with the Chief Scout Gold Award Award by Julian Jordan, District Commissioner. The Scouts have now moved on the Explorer Scout section where they will be working towards the next two Chief Scout Awards and finally the ultimate Award, the Queen’s Scout Award.
10) In less then 10 seconds explain what Scouts mean to you? For me Scouts is all about fun, challenge and adventure. Simple!
Would you like to feature in this column?
If so contact Omm by emailing mdm@catvog.org or calling 07590 532 609
www.penarthanddistrictscouts.org.uk
Cardiff Explorers “Speak Up” in London Over the last few years, the Scout
Association has developed a programme of activities intended to support young people in getting their voices heard on issues that matter to them. These consist of events such as “Scouts Speak Up” workshops. Intended as “an opportunity for young people to challenge politicians and to express their hopes for the future” these are held during national political party conferences, with Scouts, Explorers and their MPs invited to attend. Following on from the success of these, a series of “Question Time” events is now taking place around the UK. Never having taken part in one of these activities before, I opened it up to the Explorers from Afon to see if there was any interest. So, on a chilly February morning six Explorers and I got the train from Cardiff to London to take part.
In the afternoon, a “Question Time” event was held, with a panel including a Conservative MP, the chair of Youth Labour, a and a Green Party London Assembly member. It was competently chaired by a member of Network, currently a Politics student. The breadth of questions – from reform of the Health Service, re-nationalisation of the railways, The day started with a morning of the inequity of free bus passes for training on debating skills, influ“wealthy” pensioners whilst 17 year encing and how to get your point olds in education have to pay full across. These were run by an fare certainly challenged the panel. enthusiastic team from the Scout In the main the politicians respondAssociation together with the suped well, answered with thought port of the parliamentary education team. Topics under discussion and conviction and certainly didn’t ranged from the frivolous (“Dumble- patronise the audience. dore vs Gandalf” or “should grumpy Whilst most participants were in people on public transport be the 15-20 age range, there was a fined”) to serious. small group of younger Scouts who had travelled up from Devon - they Political topics were determined participated fully, and it was good by the young people themselves, to see the support and encouragenot imposed by the organisers, ment they got from the older and opinions ranged widely. The mentors with each group were very Explorer and Network members. careful about ensuring they kept their own opinions to themselves, but encouraged all to speak, and encouraged the Explorers to justify and back up their beliefs and opinions, not just to shout louder and louder. The quality, knowledge and coherence of the discussions was often impressive.
Roughly half the attendees were from London; I think one of the spin-off benefits of this sort of event for Explorers, who often have limited experience of meeting people from other parts of the UK, is the increased awareness of the issues they have in common, but also the different challenges faced by others from different locations.
Examples of this included discussion on public transport provision – those from London were most concerned that they had to pay full fare at 17, whilst those from rural areas had to explain that their village only got 4 buses per day. My Explorers also recognised that they were in a different situation to others regarding University tuition fees. One of the strengths of Scouting is to offer a broad range of experiences to our Young People. An event such of this may appeal to a smaller proportion of our members than quadbiking or overseas adventures, but the feedback I got from the group I took was that it was enjoyable; they felt they had learnt a lot, and that they would be happy to promote similar events to other Explorers in the future. I think it has helped develop skills which will be as valuable to them in their working lives, or in serving their local communities, as they would be if they decide to use them in more overtly “political” causes. Rachel Haigh Afon Scouts E : desc@afonscouts.org.uk
CATVOG Scout Active Support Unit ee Water Activities committ Programme for 2012
Indoor Canoe taster sessions at Splott pool Details: Groups may book a pool session (45 mins) to introduce Scouts to basic kayak techniques – paddling, capsize etc. When: Saturday April/May Cost : £65 per session Numbers: Max 12 Scouts per session Equipment: Instructor, kayaks and equipment provided Contact: Steve Jones (20843725 ) steve.c.jones@bt.com Canoe/kayak training sessions at Cosmeston lakes Details: Training sessions which lead towards the Scout or Explorer canoeist badges When: Wednesday evenings 7 – 8pm April to July Cost: Launching fee £2.30 per boat Numbers: Max 12 Scouts per session Equipment: At present Groups need to provide own equipment. It is hoped that Area equipment will become available, which can then be booked. If groups do not have access to their own instructor, an instructor can be booked in advance with Steve Jones (20843725) steve.c.jones@bt.com ‘Scout out Sailing’ Event at Barry docks Details: Sailing taster session using topper & optimist dinghies When: Saturday /Sunday 9th/10th June Cost: £5 per half day session Numbers: Max 12 Scouts per session Equipment: Instructor, sailing dinghies and equipment provided Contact: Nigel Vick (01446 738780) 32 Canon St, Barry, CF62 7RH E-mail: barryywsports@gmail.com Sailing for Scouts Barry District is organising Open Sailing Sessions for Scouts on Monday evenings from April 23 - July 2nd. There will be two sessions 4.00 - 6.30pm and 6.30 - 9pm. Scout Leaders wishing to improve their skills are also welcome. The cost of the sessions are £3.00 each. Prior booking is essential as numbers are limited. Contact: Further details and booking forms from Nigel Vick – as above
Barry District Scout Boat Base Working in co-operation with the Barry Sea Cadets the Barry Scout Base provides access for Scout groups to Barry Docks. If you are interested in using the facility please contact the Base Manager. Nigel Vick. Prior booking is essential and there may be a charge which will depend on the facilities used. Sea Fishing competition at Cardiff Bay Barrage Details: The annual Scout sea fishing competition. A small prize will be awarded for winners in 2 sections : Scouts and explorers/adult. When: Saturday 8th November 12 noon – 3.00pm Cost: £1 per head on the day Numbers: Max 24 Scouts Equipment: Own equipment must be used, and an adult is needed to supervise younger Scouts Contact: Rex Hendricksen (20751143 rexh@btinternet.com) Traditional Scout rafting – permit assessment Details: A day will be run for leaders wishing to acquire a traditional Scout rafting permit, if there is sufficient interest. A permit is not required for rafting on class C waters, only B1. Scout rafts are not suitable for B2 waters. When: t.b.a Cost: t.b.a Numbers: 4 leaders max Equipment: Raft building materials will be supplied Contact: Rex Hendricksen (20751143 rexh@btinternet.com)
ings ook B e in Onl ow Open N
CAMP T U O C S S E ALL WAL 2012 15 - 17 JUNE Scouts £21
Leaders £12 Young Leaders £12 Staff £17 Explorer Service Team £17
Join Over 1,000 Scouts From Around Wales For An Action-Packed Weekend! All Wales Scout Camp 2012 @awsc2012 www.scoutswales.org.uk/awsc
Programme idea... Our troop recently took part in an excellent music activity at the jampod in Duffryn high School, Newport.
e 29th Cardiff Pack achiev Scout Award The Welsh Cub When they were all worn out (or
so we thought!) it was time to sit down and wait for the presentations to take place.
I cannot recommend highly enough the evening we had. It really engaged all of our Scouts in a really positive manner & they were really buzzing about it afterwards. The cost is £100 for 1 1/2 hours & they can take 20 people at a time. We filled all the places so £5 a head is a really reasonable cost for such an activity. The contact at the Gwent Music Support Service is David Powell & his email address is david.powell@gwentmusic.net If any leaders want more info about the activity they can always contact me first on the email address provided.
Congratulations to the 29th
Cardiff (Kestrel) Pack who have recently completed the ScoutsWales Welsh Cub Scout Award. I went along to their Pack meeting when it was celebrations all round! A number of Cubs were going up to the Troop and the programme for the evening was based on their choice of games.
Andy Ross - 1st St Mellons E : andrew@ross45.wanadoo.co.uk
First of all a number of new Cubs were invested by Akela (Marilyn Hendrickson) and this was followed by the presentation of a number of Activity Badges. It was then my turn to present the ScoutsWales Cub Scout Award. The Award is based on Wales and included craft (they made Love Spoons), Cooking (Welsh Rarebit), making Welsh emblems and lots more - a really good Award to raise the Cubs' awareness of all things Welsh! Sue Ryan E: cubs@catvog.org
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ned to provide comfortable The centre has been desig It is its to the Brecon Beacons. accommodation during vis , and owers available at all times centrally heated with hot sh modern facilities. excellently equipped with all ers having ing a makeover, with camp The campsite is also receiv howers. access to separate toilets/s d centre. en for both the campsite an Bookings are now being tak ed on request. Activities can also be provid w.dolygaer-scouts.co.uk
Contact: 07944657226 / ww
Find us on Facebook search “Dolygaer”
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1 0 2 l i r p A s ew Training N
Diary Dates...
Area AGM 2012 Tuesday 12th June 2012
We have just come back from yet
another fantastic training weekend at Miskin. We had 28 participants residential and 11 attending as drop ins over the weekend. The weather was also very good to us which meant the participants were able to go out to ‘play’. We started on Friday evening with a Scouting Quiz which incorporated rounds on other subjects. The music round being the most humorous, everybody now knows the tune to Fiddler on the Roof! Saturday was an extremely busy day with 4 Modules being presented by some wonderful presenters who did a great job in making some very dry subjects enjoyable. To break them up some fun activity bases were put on for the participants to go and have some fun. We also included time to sit and explain what the Personal Learning Plan was all about and validate some modules. This also gave us a chance to sit and talk and get to know those who attended. We ended the day with a barbecue, I particularly enjoyed watching all the leaders amusing themselves with a rugby ball and skipping rope. The evening ended with a brilliant campfire.
On the site was an Explorer Unit who we had invited to join us. It was awesome to see about 50 people sat round the campfire making fools of themselves. We were delighted to witness the investiture of 3 of the Explorers. It was very moving.
Further information will be issued shortly on the Area website. Also the following AGM’s are also taking place across the Area. E&S District - 9th May Penarth District - 10th May Afon District - 15th May Barry District - 16th May Vale District - 23rd May Miskin Mill - 23rd May
Sunday started off with our usual Scouts Own and then off to do some more training. We finished the day off with the presentation of attendance certificates. During the weekend I was delighted to be able to recommend Anthony Jones 1st Barry and Matt Jones 22nd Cardiff for their Wood Badge.
Barry Scout & Guide Fete Saturday 7th July 2012 Romilly Park, Barry. Featuring Gerard Naprous and The Devil’s Horse Men as welll as the usual Marching Band and Scout and Guide Arena events. For more information visit: http://www.barryscouts.org
I can’t thank everybody enough for all their hard work and support and am now looking forward to our weekend in October. Look out for information which will probably be available during the summer. Lynn Thompson Area Training Manager E: training@catvog.org Editor: Gareth Johns c/o The Hub CATVOG Scouts Maitland Street Gabalfa, CF14 3JU e-mail: comms@catvog.org
Urban Adventure Activity Day. Sunday 7th October 2012 St Fagan’s History Museum. Further information will be issued shortly on the Area website.