g n i t u o c S e r i h s Che
015
SUMMER 2
WIN!
Tickets for
the
il
Crocky Tra page 8
Go For It!
Meet TV’s Helen Skelton – and win her new book
Cheshire Adventure
Everything you need is at our County Campsites
Eastward Ho!
The Cheshire contingent are set for Japan CHESHIRE SCOUTING 1
John Adams. Year 5. Expert on Star Wars and the Sulawesi macaque. Extraordinary discoveries, every day www.chesterzoo.org/islandsgroups
2 CHESHIRE SCOUTING
YOUR EXPEDITION BEGINS 13 JULY
Registered charity number 306077.
Contents 3
Welcome
County Commissioner Graham Phillips
4-5 News
Updates from around the county
6-7 Interview
9
Cheshire Scouting catches up with TV’s Helen Skelton
ShelterBox
Teams join North West Scavenger Hunt
11-14 WSJ Special
15
Looking forward to Japan 2015
News
Queen’s Scouts Awards and new backing from the Freemasons
16-17 Cheshire Adventure
All that’s new at our county campsites
18-19 Permit Scheme
Get yourself signed up
20
Competition
Win Helen Skelton’s new book
22-23 Situations Vacant
Roles around the county
Welcome... Welcome to the first edition of our magazine for volunteers helping to provide Scouting in Cheshire. Our aim is simply to share with you some of the really good things taking place in Cheshire and to highlight the opportunities available to adults so that you can enjoy your Scouting journey. As I travel to various events and activities around Cheshire, I am always struck by the dedication of adults who give their time, knowledge and expertise to help young people. I am also delighted to see young people actively enjoying their Scouting and one of my great pleasures has been to see some of them develop over the years into positive role models. Sometimes I think we underestimate the impact we have on young people and as you read this magazine many of them will just about have finished their exams, hoping for the results to give them their university place, their apprenticeship or their first full-time job. For most of them Scouting will feature heavily in their application for their chosen route and as adults you need to remember that it is your hard work over many years that has presented these young people with the opportunities to feature Scouting on these applications. I will share one example from many that I have to illustrate this. In April this year a business colleague shared with me the news that his son was at university to study business and languages. On his personal statement he mentioned that he had won a prestigious trophy when he was a Scout for taking part in a hiking competition. At his interview this proved to be the focus of the conversation and his father is convinced that it was this that gave his son the opportunity to shine. I bet that his Scout Leader never imagined when he was teaching this young Scout to read a map, work with a compass and persuade him to take part in a hiking competition that one day this experience would open up opportunities that will shape that young Scout’s adult life. Together as leaders and supporters in Scouting we change young people’s lives.
Published by Cheshire Scouts Willow Tree Park, Booths Lane, Lymm, Warrington, WA13 0PQ
Graham Phillips County Commissioner Graham.phillips@cheshirescouts.org.uk CHESHIRE SCOUTING 3
NEW FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN IS A PIECE OF CAKE Scouts have always lived by the motto Be Prepared, but now it’s time for them to Tea Prepared. That’s the name of the new local fundraising campaign which invites people to help change lives by eating cake and drinking tea!
CHESHIRE BACKS YOUTH-LED AGENDA The appointment of Hannah Kentish as UK Youth Commissioner made a clear commitment that Scouting genuinely wanted to listen to what young people wanted from the organization and how they wanted it delivering. Together with her deputies, Jay Thompson – well known to us here in Cheshire – and Jagz Bharth, Hannah is tasked with ensuring the Scout Association’s planning and decisions are shaped by young people. And one of her first official engagements was to visit Cheshire and work alongside our own County Youth Forum. `It’s absolutely key that we understand exactly what young people want and what better way than by giving them the opportunity to shape their own Scouting,’ said Hannah. `The Cheshire County Youth Forum is a great way for these young people to have their voices heard. It has been an inspiring weekend with some really talented young people.’ Cheshire has some of the longest established youth forums where we have engaged with young people to influence what we do. Locally they have re-designed Explorer programme delivery, created revised versions of St George’s Day Parades and Christmas Carol services, and are now becoming involved in District Camp design and delivery
4 CHESHIRE SCOUTING
The branded Tea Prepared events can be held in meeting places, gardens, schools or workplaces. Tea Prepared posters, invitations, bunting, guess the weight of the cake posters and gift aid forms are available on the Scout Print Centre. They can all be personalised and ordered, or created as a PDF and printed at home.
At County level the biggest example of their impact was at Chamboree where they were heavily involved in the media team, delivering the entertainment programme and helping design the activity programme. `As a County, our next steps are to encourage all Districts to move their Youth Forum to the next level and nominate members to represent each District on the County Youth Forum,’ said Deputy County Commissioner Dave Hopley. `We want every Leader to consider how every young person can influence their journey through Scouting.’ This should involve each section holding its respective representative meeting, the Log Chew for Beavers, Sixers’ Forum for Cubs, Patrol Leaders’ Forum in Scouts and with Explorers taking control of their weekly programme.
CORNWELL SCOUT BADGE Ben Anderson
ST GEORGE'S DAY AWARDS 2015 Cheshire had plenty to celebrate when this year’s St George’S Day Award were announced. They included the Cornwell Scout Badge awarded to Ben Anderson from the Dane Valley Explorer Unit. The Cornwell Badge is reserved for Scouts under 20 years of age who have shown exceptional courage, and Ben’s fortitude in dealing with a brain tumour while continuing his Scouting has earned him this rare recognition. The St George's Day Awards celebrate exceptional service, dedication and commitment to shaping the lives of young people or by helping others to do that. They have all gone that extra mile. It is with great pleasure the following awards are celebrated (see column, right).
Explorer Scout, Dane Valley Explorer Scout Unit, Macclesfield & Congleton
SILVER WOLF Val Thomason
County Training Adviser, County TSA Council - Nominated Representative, County Nights Away Adviser, Deputy County Commissioner
BAR TO THE SILVER ACORN Shirley Baston
District Training Adviser, District Executive Committee Member, District Administrator, Knutsford & District, County Local Training Manager
Michael Drew District Executive Committee Member, Assistant District Commissioner Cub Scouts, Macclesfield & Congleton
Ann Eden HQ Volunteer, National Headquarters, Cub Scout Leader 24th Macclesfield, District Appointments Chairman, District Nights Away Adviser, District Training Adviser, Macclesfield & Congleton, County Local Training Manager, County Scout Active Support Member
Mark Eden District Training Adviser, District Nights Away Adviser, District Commissioner, Macclesfield & Congleton, County Supporter
Keith Jolley Group Chairman, 1st Lostock Gralam, Mid Cheshire
Tony Smith
WILL SHARES STORIES OF ISLAND LIFE There was a surprise visitor for 3rd Lymm Scouts with links to Chief Scout Bear Grylls recently. Former 3rd Lymm member Will Hutchinson is a freelance cameraman who took part in the last series of The Island with Bear Grylls series. And while spending six weeks surviving on the island off the coast of Panama, he realised all the skills he was putting into use were learnt in 3rd Lymm Scouts during the 90’s under the tutorage of the then Scout Leader Dave Millachip. Will said: `On my moments of reflection on the island I decided that I should get in touch with my old scout group and see if they would be interested in letting me come down and “give something back” and chat to the lads for half an hour or so about my experience.’ True to his word, Will entertained the Scouts for fully two hours, showing them how to construct beds, purify water from the Bridgewater Canal and how to make a fire with a bow and drill – all activities that viewers saw on the show. This was finished off by cooking and eating some crocodile - from the butchers!! - a slide show of pictures and stories that didn’t make it to broadcast, and the Scouts having a go with his professional camera. For the Scouts, this was one of the best nights they’d experienced, and sets them up for summer of outdoor adventure.
Group Scout Active Support Member, 1st Poynton (St Georges), Macclesfield & Congleton
SILVER ACORN Linda Buckley
District Scout Active Support Member, District Chaplain, Warrington West
Garry Davies District Appointments Advisory Committee Member, District Scout Active Support Member, Knutsford & District
Stephen Haward Group Skills Instructor, 15th Macclesfield (U.R.C.) Sea Scouts, Macclesfield & Congleton
Cyndy Lloyd Assistant Scout Leader, 1st Weaverham Sea Scouts, District Training Adviser, Mid Cheshire, County Supporter
Grahame Polley Assistant Group Scout Leader, Group Administrator Cestrian, District Training Adviser, District Scout Active Support Member, Chester & District
CHESHIRE SCOUTING 5
: N O T L E K HELEN S E F I L G N I L TACK HEAD ON
Broadcaster, adventurer and now writer, Helen Skelton is a woman of many talents. A former Blue Peter presenter, roving Olympic reporter at London 2012 and Polar explorer, she has been a familiar face on our TV screens for the best part of a decade. Married to Warrington Wolves rugby league star Richie Myler, the couple are just celebrating the birth of their first child and Helen has also written a new book for children called Amy Wild: Amazon Summer which was published in May. We were delighted when Helen agreed to be interviewed for our first edition. Q: Hi Helen, this must be a very busy time in your household – but also very exciting? A: It's busy but that's how I like it! I have notes everywhere reminding me to do things and cases waiting to be unpacked but I like being busy! Our friends think we are
6 CHESHIRE SCOUTING
being naive because our life is about to change, what with the baby coming but we're excited. We're a pair of big kids ourselves so we are looking forward to a new play mate!! We're just hoping the dog is ok with it. He's the centre of attention at the minute!
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your new book? A: It's an adventure book for young people. The whole book revolves around a girl and boy going off on an adventure into the Amazon rainforest and experiencing a different world. It's based on places I have been but plays up some of the myths and legends of the rainforest. I wanted to try and excite kids about the world and spark their imagination. Q: What made you decide to write a book at this time? A: I have been lucky enough to go on some great trips and I wanted to write about them so I don't have to bore my grandkids by banging on about where I have been! Q: Is it going to be a series of stories? A: Hopefully, it all depends how well the first one goes down. If you want more, please buy the book!!
confidence. As long as you can find a way to laugh you can handle a lot more than you might think! Q: What would you consider to be the most adventurous thing you’ve done? A: I went to Cuba in 2014 with two friends and cycled over a thousand kilometres. We hired bikes but we had no plan; all we had was a map and a list of places we wanted to visit! Q: You always seem pretty fearless, but is there anything that gives you the shivers?
Q: Were you always looking for new challenges as a young girl? A: I was always in a dreamland or trying to keep up with my brother and his mates. I was always imagining what it would be like to be out at sea, in the jungle or somewhere remote and random! I used to sit on our kitchen table and dangle a dog lead off the end, pretending I was fishing out at sea.
A: Rats. I hate their tales. Once Blue Peter made me lie in a coffin of rats while they crawled all over me. It makes me feel sick even now!!!
A: All of it! It's good to be scared, when you take on something you think might be a nightmare and it's ok you get a real swell of
Q: For almost 110 years the Chief Scout has been male, do you think it’s time for a female holder of the post? A: I think the next person who holds the post should be the best person for the job! No one should get a job because they are a man or a woman. Q: Would you fancy the job when Bear Grylls eventually steps down? A: I'd be flattered to be asked, but no one has asked me!
Q: You’ve done a lot of varied TV work, but which has given you the most satisfaction?
If you want to go somewhere, do something, be a certain type of person or chase a certain dream GO FOR IT!
Q: You’ve done some really intense activities like kayaking along the Amazon. Was there anything you were really wary of doing/ taking part in but it turned out to be an enjoyable experience in the end?
a certain type of person or chase a certain dream GO FOR IT! You're the master of your own destiny and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
A: Blue Peter. I lived and breathed that show. I never took time off because I couldn't bear to. I love the way people think about BP and the ambition it had. It was varied, I travelled the world, filmed in slums, in desserts, in zoos - the list of things I did in my six years there is insane.
Q: Since your book is targeted at young people what's one piece of advice that you think is important to share with them? A: Don't let anyone question you! If you want to go somewhere, do something, be CHESHIRE SCOUTING 7
8 CHESHIRE SCOUTING
ShelterBox was founded in 2000 in the small town of Helston in Cornwall. That same year the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard adopted it as its millennium project. Eventually it became become a Rotary project partner, with an ever-growing number of international affiliates.
CHESHIRE JOINS THE SHELTERBOX CHALLENGE Four Scouting teams from Cheshire joined dozens more from across the North West for a day of challenge, fun and fundraising in Liverpool. The Cubs, Scouts and Explorers were all participating in the annual ShelterBox Challenge – a city-wide Scavenger Hunt which has teams combing the streets for answers. The ShelterBox Challenge is an annual event to raise awareness and funds for ShelterBox, an international disaster relief charity that provides essential shelter and emergency supplies to families affected by disasters worldwide. Representing Cheshire were two teams from 26th South West Cheshire in Willaston, Cubs from Holmes Chapel and the Titan Explorer Unit from Macclesfield and Congleton District.
Issued with a map and a book of questions to be answered along the way, the teams took to the city. At three challenge bases, the teams' skills, initiative and teamwork were tested, and points from the challenges were added to their scavenger hunt total. Thousands of pounds were raised on the day by more than 300 participating young people which will help buy more of the big green boxes each of which contains a disaster relief tent for an extended family, blankets, water storage and filtration equipment, cooking utensils, a stove, a basic toolkit and other vital items.
The first consignment of 143 boxes was sent to earthquake victims in the Indian state of Gujarat in January 2001. Since ShelterBox was founded, it has responded to more than 250 disasters and humanitarian crises in almost 90 countries. It has provided aid to well over one million people and, as well as looking after people directly affected, it also supports the wider community – often providing equipment so that schooling can continue for instance.
CHESHIRE SCOUTING 9
TRAINING SCHOOL
The Heath Conference Centre, Runcorn Complimentary tea/coffee throughout the day and lunch provided. Uniform not required
New Style Wood Badge Training Event
IT’S FREE
MODULES AVAILABLE AT THE TRAINING SCHOOL
SAT
14
NOVEMBER
TIMETABLE 09:00
Tea/Coffee available
09:30
Introductions and welcome
10:00
All modules will run concurrently
MODULE
DESCRIPTION
MANAGER/LEADER
7
Scouting For All
Both
8
Skills of Leadership
Both
11
Administration
Both
12a/12b
Delivering a Quality Programme/ Programme Planning
Both
13
Growing the Movement
Leaders
14
Young People Today
Leaders
15
Challenging Behaviour
Leaders
17
Running Safe Activities
Leaders
MODULE 6 (History of Scouting) will be running all day as a drop in session, you do not need to pre-book this session
12:00 Lunch 12:30
All modules will run concurrently
14:30 Coffee 14:45
All modules to run concurrently
16:45 Finish
PLEASE BOOK AT: www.cheshire-scouts-training-school-2015.eventbrite.co.uk Closing date for bookings: 24th October 2015 unless the event becomes FULL
HOW TO BOOK: The only way to book is via the Cheshire Scouts website where we use a service called eventbright at: http://cheshire-scouts-training-school-2015.eventbrite.co.uk First come, first served, When it’s FULL it’s FULL
10 CHESHIRE SCOUTING
NOTES: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
You select up to 4 training modules that you would like to complete on the day. Put them in order of preference On the day you will collect your personal programme that will have 3 of your choices If you only want to do just one or two of these sessions just select the sessions you want to attend and you will be contacted by email 7 days before the event to confirm your time slot Validation wherever possible will be completed on the day, where this is not possible you will be given a task to complete that will be validated in your District by your TA or LTM. Tea/coffee and sandwich lunch will be provided. There will be a vegetarian option but we are unable to cater for other dietary requirements. Training Advisors and Training Managers will be available throughout the day to advise on your training requirements. If you have material that needs validating please bring it with you.
DO YOU NEED HELP: If you need help or advice in selecting the modules please contact your LTM (Local Training Manager) Or contact the County Training Manager on; Debbie.phillips@cheshirescouts.org.uk
BETTER PREPARED For a brigther future
THE ADVENTURE AHEAD Japan beckons for Cheshire Jamboree contingent In just a few short weeks Cheshire will be well represented at the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan. From July 28th until August 8th, the Cheshire contingent will join 30,000 other Scouts and Guides from around the world at the event in Kiara-hama. It will be the experience of a lifetime, following months of fundraising, hard work and preparation. As well as the activities at the site, participants will also experience Home Hospitality with Japanese families and enjoy a short stay in Tokyo. Under its theme of ‘The Spirit of Unity’, the Jamboree will encourage those taking part to meet new people and come together, acknowledging our shared responsibilities to the world and each other.
g 4,000 Youn people and adults are in the UK Contingent
Cheshire participant Skye Thomson said: `I’m really looking forward to the camp itself and making friends with people from all over the world,’ Joining our young people in Japan will be the contingent leaders and those adults who have volunteered to be part of the International Service Team. Having worked with the contingent during their preparations Unit Leader, Dave Hopley, summed up the experience. `What a privilege it has been so far, to work with such an amazing group of young people - couldn't be prouder to be taking these ambassadors to Japan. I look forward to the adventure ahead! A true Scout is someone who owns every second that this world can give – someone who can swear; they lived!’
CHESHIRE SCOUTING 11
GETTING TO KNOW YOU... Preparations for the World Scout Jamboree have been going on for almost two years. First, the participants needed to be chosen through district selection events, and then brought together as a fullyfunctioning unit – forging new friendships and team spirit. Cheshire’s contingent members have spent many hours together in the run-up to the event, learning new skills, socialising, camping and absorbing elements of Japanese culture. It’s been an enjoyable journey so far – with the ultimate trip still to come. This will be based around Home Hospitality on the island of Kagawa, then the Jamboree and finally the Tokyo experience. Departure date is July 25th, flying in to Osaka via Frankfurt, a long way from those nervous early days.
12 CHESHIRE SCOUTING
`We first met at launch day back in December 2013; we were all from different parts of Cheshire, so didn’t really know anyone. As it was our first time meeting as a Unit we played some ice breaker games and so began our Jamboree adventure,’ said Skye Thomson. A month later the group were heading for Forest Camp for the first of their training days. `The aim was to start some socialising between the group – we took part in many team building activities such as climbing, high ropes and a river cross activity. Then following this we designed our unit badge and began to gain a sense of unity in the Cheshire Unit,’ explained Adam Farini. The first uniquely Japanese element came on a trip to Liverpool and included historical artefacts plus some traditional food preparation.
First unit to arrive in Japan is Unit 66 from Scotland
`We went to the Liverpool Museum and looked at several Japanese exhibits to experience Japanese culture for the first time. We then went to a Japanese restaurant to try sushi where we were lucky enough to be able to make sushi with the head chef – it was interesting to find out that sushi just means rice and is not solely based around raw fish, as some of us first thought,’ added Tom Jeffries. The first camp together was also based around Japanese culture and the group had its first introduction to the Japanese language, trying out a few phrases that might come in useful. They also had a go at Japanese martial arts under the watchful gaze of a trained instructor. In the evening there was time for another hugely popular Japanese pastime - Karaoke – a personal favourite of the unit. Then in the morning, a more peaceful activity, with a reflection from a Buddhist monk
The largest Jamboree number of on a an particip ts 0 on 16 e b l il w e plan 16 on EY t h Etihad flig July 25.
...AND GETTING TO KNOW JAPAN
A smaller scale warm-up for what awaits in Japan was experienced at the county’s international camp, Chamboree, last summer. `It was a great simulation of what we would experience in Japan – as it was an international camp where 5,000 Scouts and Guides from all over the World came to exchange their culture and take part in many different activities. `Personally my favourite activity was Tattonbury 24, a 24-hour long experience, with many different activities put on for the older Scouts and Guides. Aside from this, it was a great opportunity to get to know how we would get on at the Jamboree, as it was a week-long camp and true friendships were formed,’ said Adam.
trip to London, before the contingent had pride of place at the head of this year’s County Scout Sunday parade – making a presentation at the Cathedral in front of the whole County. Once the Jamboree kit had arrived, the whole event was suddenly much nearer and the participants could start to think about what they are about to experience. “I’m personally looking forward to Tokyo, as there is such a diverse range of culture there,” said Tom. “And I’m looking forward to meeting the Scouts of Kagawa, because the Home Hospitality program offers an insight into Japanese culture, that if it wasn’t for Scouting, we would not be able to see," added Adam.
In October the patrols, PLs and APLs were finalised and the final social event was a
CHESHIRE SCOUTING 13
HOW WSJ 2015 WILL UNFOLD Participants can expect a packed programme of activity during their stay in Japan. Home hospitality, a Tokyo experience and the Jamboree site itself will provide memories to last a lifetime. On-site, the Scouts will enjoy: Peace Programme
Cross Road of Culture (CRC)
Every Jamboree participant will visit Hiroshima and will provide opportunity for all the participants to learn from the events of 1945. Participants will visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
CRC will be an activity to promote the exchange of cultures, and learn respect for the cultures amongst participants. Also in the CRC programme, we will try to have a programme aimed at deepening the cultural understanding of Japan from traditional culture to pop culture among the.
Global Development Village(GDV) GDV will be an on-site module programme, which tries to raise awareness of global issues such as the environment, development, human rights and health among participants.
Exploring Nature A full day module programme that will foster better understanding of the surrounding nature will also bring appreciation to the environment. This programme will be held in Yamaguchi City where the Kirara-hama is.
Participants.City of Science (COS) COS, which will be one-day programme in Kirara-hama, will deepen the understanding of advances in science and technology and the benefits and problems associated with science. This programme provides a venue for learning about the development of fuel cells and other energy sources for the future, ecological problems and robotics.
Community Services There will be a day for community services. Participants can compare their
own community to another community. Participants will be able to experience the real Japan by working with local people.
Water Activities Water activities such as sailing, wind surfing, snorkeling, rafting and fishing will be carried out at lakes, rivers or the nearby coast. Chief Scout, Bear Grylls said: `Over the course of the Jamboree, Scouts will be able to meet people from around the world, take part in amazing adventures and experiences and be challenged to think about global issues in a new light. That is why Scouting is one of the greatest youth movement on earth and why I am so proud to be part of it. `At the Jamboree, Scouts will meet people from around the world, take part in amazing adventures and experience new things with thousands of other Scouts from around the world. That is a lot of folk who love adventure!’
s 6,000 Adult ery ev y rl ea from n e th country in ort p p su l il world w t the even
14 CHESHIRE SCOUTING
EXTRA BACKING FOR CHESHIRE FROM FREEMASONS
Freemasons in Cheshire are to provide additional / new links to Scouting in the county. The establishment of Wheatsheaf Lodge 9170 as Scouting Lodge in March 2015 further strengthens the link between the Freemasons and Scouting – a link that has seen considerable financial support provided by the Freemasons Grand Charity to Scouting nationally.
QUEEN’S SCOUT HONOUR FOR CHESHIRE FIFTEEN Cheshire enjoyed another successful year in terms of candidates receiving the highest youth honour available – the Queen’s Scout Award.
Three start-up grants of £500 and backing for the GSL Development day and supporting seminars to the tune of £3,000 have been made directly to the County and they are major contributors to the national Development Grants Board from which the County has agreed funding to support the employment of a full-time development officer.
This year there were no fewer than 15 recipients with almost half – seven – coming from Mersey Weaver district.
The meeting to transform the Wheatsheaf Lodge into a Scouting Lodge was held in Knutsford and attracted 50 people with an interest in supporting Scouting, of whom 20 were active in Scouting in Cheshire, Staffordshire & Derbyshire .
To receive the award candidates must complete a number of challenging activities including providing community service for 12 months, taking up a new skill and developing expertise, spend at least 12 nights away camping, and prepare for and carry out a fourday, three-night expedition in wild country.
There is now a Wheatsheaf Fund in the County which the Lodge and other Cheshire Lodges will raise money for in order to help young people in Scouting who require financial assistance. The Fund has already received £500 from Wheatsheaf Lodge. Lodge members will wear a Cheshire neckerchief with a Square & Compasses embroidered on.
Three of these were from the same family with brothers Sam and Ben Norcross being joined by their cousin James Brown. Several of the recipients were able to attend the annual parade event at Windsor Castle where the Queen’s Scouts are honoured and which Chief Scout Bear Grylls also attends.
Cheshire’s QSA recipients were: Alex Bain (Chester & District), Joe Kervin (Ellesmere Port & Neston), James Brown, Ian Evans, Sam Norcross, Ben Norcross, David Hammonds, Harriet Jones and Katherine Plumb (all Mersey Weaver), Christopher Graham and Richard Lloyd (Mid Cheshire), Thomas Meadows (Network), Jake Griffin and James Bracey (South West) and Jessica Partington (Warrington East).
MUSICAL MARVELS Cheshire has provided the National Scout & Guide Youth Orchestra with two members for its 40th anniversary concerts. Matthew de Sousa, from Spartans ESU in Macclesfield & Congleton District and Christopher Quinn from Amazon ESU in Warrington West, will join up with the NSGYO before its concerts on July 31 and August 1. Matthew, a cellist, and Christopher, who plays the trumpet, will be part of the ensemble performing at the Adrian Boult Hall of the Birmingham Conservatoire. Both performances start at 7.30pm and tickets are £10.
ADRIAN BOULT HALL OF THE BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE DATE
July 31 & August 1 START
7.30pm TICKETS
£10
CHESHIRE SCOUTING 15
ADVENTURE ON YOUR DOORSTEP The word of the moment at our county campsites would appear to be NEW New facilities, new attractions and new faces will all be helping deliver the 6-18 years programme which places a greater emphasis on outdoor activity and adventure. Cheshire is wonderfully geared up to provide a full range of challenging activity either on land or water, in two superb County Scout campsite locations. Always remembering that a number of Districts have local campsites offering a range of facilities. Whether sailing or climbing, caving or camping, there are now opportunities for all to test themselves while enjoying the beautiful surroundings at Tatton Park near Knutsford or Forest Camp in Sandiway. There’s nothing like the air of excitement generated as you make the approach to a campsite and, for young people, both Forest and Tatton represent a world away from the norm. Tatton with its open parklands, splendid mere and National Trust property and Forest’s woods, pools and hidden corners are differing but equally enticing destinations. Campsites Manager Dave Metcalfe took us through some of the improvements, enhancements and additions when we visited Forest Camp recently. 16 CHESHIRE SCOUTING
`We’re really excited about what we can offer. The County has had a plan to invest in and upgrade its facilities and visitors will really be able to see the benefit,’ Dave Metcalfe, Campsite Manager `We’ve now got two full-time staff members in Liam Watson and Steve Ross who will be available seven days a week to provide instruction for things like the high ropes, climbing, sailing and canoeing. They are also expert in rope work and things like backwoods cooking. `They will also be able to support the overall activity centre business which we can offer to companies and other organisations for
things like team building events or DoE training.’ The County has also listened to feedback and taken steps to improve the booking system, with an administrator to initially look after Forest, and the launch of a telephone booking system later this year. `Our new Cavebus has arrived and is available all year round including evenings. So perhaps one evening leaders could have the young people on the Cavebus while setting up a barbeque area for when they finish. `Participants are supplied with a helmet and head torch, and there’s a safety briefing beforehand for leaders. After that you’re ready to go.’ The cost will be just £35 an hour making it an excellent value activity. Groups may well take advantage of booking the Cavebus while staying in the new tented village which has recently sprung up on site and which promises to take much of the strain out of preparing for, setting up and clearing up after camp. `We’ve invested in a tented village at Forest which is also available seven days a week. The tents are equipped with mattresses and there is a marquee with a fully-equipped kitchen, tables and benches which can be used as a mess tent, but also for activities if the weather is bad. It has electric lighting and a gas supply.
`All the groups have to bring are sleeping bags and plates, bowls and cutlery. The rest is all here.
At Tatton there remain the Toppers, bell boats, dinghies and kayaks, plus a safety boat and rafting equipment.
`It will sleep around 40 people, and gives people the opportunity to camp without having to think about pitching tents, taking them down and drying them out afterwards, plus all the cooking equipment is here.
`Plus of course we have the challenge equipment, the pedal go-karts and the zip wire for which we will do free training for three group leaders so they can run that activity themselves when they come back.’
`I can see people getting in touch to see if the village is free at short notice and deciding to bring their group down. At the moment it’s just £5.50 per head per night which is excellent value.
Visitors can be assured that all activities are run to nationally-recognised standards, and the campsites have applied for the Adventure Mark award and the Learning Outside the Classroom badge to show activities have been inspected and meet all necessary safety and good practice requirements.
`We’re also in the process of setting one up at Tatton, which will be available mid June.’ While the Tatton site has always been and remains an important centre for water activities, a greater range are now on offer at Forest. We’ve now got a trailer of eight open canoes, two katakanus, four sets of rafting equipment and six kayaks, along with the buoyancy aids and helmets down at Forest for use on the Round Pool.’
While facilities are improving, there’s always room for people to do their bit to help out. Wardens are needed, particularly at Tatton, to receive campers coming on to the sites at weekend. `Ideally we need teams of four at both sites, at least one of whom should have a full UK driving licence so we can train them to drive a tractor for towing kit around.’
Up-to-date details of what’s on offer and the latest deals can be found at www.cheshirescouts.org.uk/campsites and you can also get immediate updates by following @Cheshcampsites on Twitter.
CHESHIRE SCOUTING 17
GET SET FOR THE OUTDOORS All the evidence gathered over many years tells us that one of the key attractions for young people joining and remaining members of Scouting is the provision of outdoor, adventurous activities. To enable Leaders to safely and confidently lead adventurous activities Scouting has a permit scheme, which allows those with prior experience to quickly gain the necessary permits. There are also opportunities for those without the necessary skills to gain the required skills and achieve the required permit standard.
ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITY PERMIT SCHEME The adventurous activity permit scheme is an internal assessment scheme designed to ensure that all those leading adventurous activities within Scouting have the skills, experience and personal suitability to do so. If you want to take young people on any of the following activities, you will need someone to hold a permit:
In Cheshire we are committed to make permit training and authorisation a simple process that is open to all adults who are prepared to put the effort into gaining their desired permits. It a simple equation, the more permit holders we have in Cheshire the more adventurous activities will be taking place, which means more young people enjoying the “OUT” in Scouting. This initial programme is just the start; over the coming years it will develop with more opportunities to gain different permits and it will provide an opportunity to reach assessor status and provide additional opportunities to make sure you are able to keep your log books updated with practical experience. A major development to support this initiative is the creation of a new Scout Active Support Unit dedicated to supporting permit holders and activity providers. It will provide a “vehicle” for communication to all permit holders keeping them updated
This is a one day course for people with previous experience or who hold RYA powerboat level 1 or 2 certificates, enabling you to gain a permit to use a powerboat as safety cover.
Dragon boat races are always loud and colourful events that bring together whole groups and families. If you want to lead a dragon boat activity, you'll need to gain a permit.
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Snorkelling and scuba diving
TRADITIONAL RAFTING
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Climbing & abseiling
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Hillwalking
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Caving, potholing and mine exploration
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Hovercrafting
Getting wet is part of the fun when you test your pioneering skills and take to the water. A permit can be obtained after a day's training. Experience is not needed, but a sense of humour most certainly is!
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Skiing and snowboarding
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Mountain biking
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Archery
To make obtaining a permit more straightforward, we have arranged a number of courses in 2015. Details of these courses are included on the facing page. 18 CHESHIRE SCOUTING
Those without a Scouting role will be required to be members of the Scout Active Support Unit so that they can have the necessary insurance cover and standard Scout clearances such as DBS. The cost varies each year but is in the region of £25. In addition to providing valuable insurance cover, membership of the Scout Association provides other training opportunities and personal development opportunities and you will receive the bi-monthly Scouting Magazine.
DRAGON BOAT
Water activities (except swimming)
Activity permits are issued by your District Commissioner, following assessment by an approved assessor.
If you already hold a Scout appointment you will be enrolled automatically into the group (there are no additional costs) so that you can receive the information detailed above.
POWER BOAT
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You do not have to hold a formal qualification to gain a permit, provided you can demonstrate your skills and provide evidence of your experience and interest in your chosen activity. Of course, if you already hold a recognised qualification gaining a permit could be even simpler.
with opportunities, channelling safety information to those running activities and provide updated fact sheets and rule change information. It is designed to be a community of people interested in activities.
THE NO COST OPTION TO GAINING A PERMIT Another significant development is that Cheshire will now offer a NO COST option to gaining your permit, which comes with a travel bursary (if required). The deal is very simple; if you commit to provide a specified number of days (this changes with each permit course based on the cost of the training) to provide the activity for which you gain a permit on a Cheshire County Scouts designated event; you can attend the training course and gain your permit with no cost. You simply complete the application form, attend the course, receive your permit and then the Scout Active Support Unit will coordinate with you the events that need supporting.
USEFUL CONTACTS For more information on the range of activities available to Cheshire Scouts, please contact: Daragh O'Malley Assistant County Commissioner (Activities) daragh.omalley@cheshirescouts.org.uk For all other enquiries, please contact the county office Cheshire Scouts, Willow Tree Park, Booths Lane, Lymm, Warrington, WA13 0PQ www.cheshirescouts.org.uk Tel. 01925 750223 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (during office hours)
DINGHY SAILING
BELL BOATING
Dinghy sailing is an accessible and fun activity and there are facilities across Cheshire, including our own Tatton Park Activity Centre.
Bell boating is a fun activity for all ages and an ideal introduction to water activities.
Come along for an assessment if you have sailing experience or fill in the form to get in touch with an adviser for more information.
A permit for bell boating can be obtained by attending a two-day course. Some prior paddling experience is advantageous but not essential.
NARROW BOATING With over 2000 miles of canals and rivers in England alone, narrow boating is an ideal way to introduce scouts to our countryside, cities and industrial heritage. Narrow boat courses will be offered in 2015, but dates are still to be finalised. Get in touch if you'd like more information.
CANOEING AND KAYAKING Whether it's open “Canadian” canoes or the more familiar kayaks, this is a very popular activity for scouts of all ages. To gain a permit, you need to paddle regularly and demonstrate skills equivalent to BCU 3-star.
ACTIVITY
VENUE
DATES
PRICE
VOLUNTEER DAYS – THE NO
COST OPTION Archery
Forest Camp
Tick if interested
£TBC
3 day
Bell Boating
Winsford
26-27th September
£45
3 days
Mountain Biking
Tatton Park
18th July
£15
1 day
Rafting
Tatton Park
19th September
£15
1 day
Canoe (assessment)
TBC
Tick if interested
£25
2 days
Kayak (assessment)
TBC
Tick if interested
£25
2 days
Dinghy sailing (assessment)
TBC
Tick if interested
£25
2 days
TICK BOX
CLIMBING, ABSEILING AND HILLWALKING With climbing walls on many camp sites, including our fantastic facility at Forest Camp, climbing and abseiling have always been popular activities. If you're interested and willing to practice regularly, you can join one of our upcoming courses to start you on the path to gaining a climbing permit. Hillwalking courses have been very popular. Sign up early as they often sell out.
ZIP WIRE AND HIGH ROPES ACTIVITIES Tatton Park Activity Centre has a 60 metre zip wire. In order to lead this activity, you will need to take a short training course, led by the campsite team. Forest Camp has installed some exciting new high ropes activities. If you want to take advantage, you’ll need to “learn the ropes” from the campsite team.
To apply for a place on a permit or assessment course, please fill in this form and return it to county office with full payment or marked as a “NO COST option”. To apply online visit www.cheshirescouts.org.uk/permits Name Address
Postcode Telephone
Climbing / Abseiling
4/5th Sept
£50
3 days
Mobile E-mail
Climbing Indoor/Tower
TBC
11th October
£25
2 days
Summer Hillwalking
Snowdonia
16-18 October
£50
Not available
Zip Wire
Tatton Park
Tick if interested
£25
2 days
High Ropes
Forest Camp
Tick if interested
£25
2 days
Power Boat Level 2 RYA/ (assessment)
TBC
Tick if interested
£50
3 days
The list of courses is correct at the time of publication. We will add more courses as they become available, so please check www.cheshirescouts.org.uk/permits and sign up online. Twitter users can follow @ScoutActivities for all the latest updates as they happen.
If you are already a member of The Scout Association... Group County District Membership No. Role RETURN TO: Cheshire Scouts, Willow Tree Park, Booths Lane, Lymm, Warrington, WA13 0PQ
CHESHIRE SCOUTING 19
WIN
LOGBOOK LAUNCHED FOR ZOO ACTIVITY A new expedition activity logbook is being launched for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts at Islands at Chester Zoo. Islands at Chester Zoo lets ordinary people make extraordinary discoveries. It recreates the amazing tropical environments of six South East Asian islands, and makes them yours to explore. Along the way you’ll discover some of the world’s most amazing animals, all in natural habitats. You’ll feel more like a group of intrepid explorers than a group visiting the zoo; and afterwards you can tell us all about what you discovered, just like real conservationists.
WIN AND GO WILD Amy Wild: Amazon Summer, the new book by our feature interviewee, Helen Skelton, is out now, and we have a signed copy to give away. The competition is open to Beavers and Cubs and to match the spirit of the book, we’re looking for a picture of the most adventurous thing they’ve done. They can draw themselves climbing, in a canoe, on their first sleepover – whatever their big adventure has been. You could do it as a group activity at a meeting and then send the entries all in together to: Cheshire Scouting Magazine, c/o Fabrik, Church House, 1 Hanover Street, Liverpool. The closing date for entries in July 24th, and then the lucky winner will be notified through their leader. Good luck
20 CHESHIRE SCOUTING
Highlights of your expedition will include looking for the Sumatran tiger tracks, a visit to the stunning Bali starling in Nusa Penida and a tree top encounter with an orangutan. Record the data at our weather station at Monsoon Forest and spot the difference with our Sunda gharial crocodile. You can also take the Lazy River Boat Trip around all six Islands to discover more of the precious wildlife found there. The logbook is designed for explorers between 7-12 years and they’re given out free of charge as part of the informal fun experience of Islands. Visit the permit office at the end of the expedition, get your logbook stamped, make a promise and extend the learning after your visit by collecting a password to login online and print your expedition certificate. Your expedition begins 13 July 2015. www.chesterzoo.org/islands
gether we “Working to ee to make lif can continu s ie it n u rt o pp enhancing o ung yo re o m en ev available to enjoy heshire and C in le p eo p ience er p ex outing our own Sc rs”. ce en u fl in d as leaders an ty illips. Coun Graham Ph er n o Commissi
IN CHESHIRE BY 2018 •
Support organic growth of existing Scout Groups Open new sections where possible Open new Groups to cope with increased demand Year on year increases for Chief Scout Awards (all sections) plus DofE and QSA Increase the opportunities (County & District) for young people to experience outdoor activities Overall growth of 8% per year
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SCOUTING’S VISION FOR 2018 Scouting across the UK in 2018 will: • Make a positive impact in our communities • Prepare young people to be active citizens • Embrace and contribute to social change
Scouting across the UK in 2018 will be:
Growing
Youth Shaped
Establish a Youth Forum in every District with representation on the county Youth Forum Develop a culture where every young person in Cheshire influences their Scouting experience All decisions taken at County & District are influenced by young people County & every District to have a Youth Commissioner by end of 2016
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Inclusivity
Develop Scouting in areas of Cheshire that currently do not have access to Scouting Develop our provision for excluded individuals who want to be part of Scouting.
• Shaped by young people in partnership with adults • Enjoyed by more young people and more adult volunteers • As diverse as the communities in which we live
Members of Scouting in 2018 will feel: • Empowered • Valued • Proud
By 2018 Scouting across the UK • We will have 500,000 young people in Scouting. • We will have 150,000 volunteers. • We will be working with young people in 200 of the most deprived parts of the UK. • We will empower all young people to drive our decision-making with 80% saying they are shaping Scouting. • 70% of the public will see us as relevant to modern society. • Scouts will be delivering 8,000 quality community projects each year
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Community Impact
Embrace and participate in Scout Community week Every Group (involving all sections) to take part in at least one community impact project each year Every District to have an MDM (media development manager) to promote positive Scouting. “Working together we can continue to make life-enhancing opportunities available to even more young people in Cheshire and enjoy our own Scouting experience as leaders and influencers”. Graham Phillips, County Commissioner.
CHESHIRE SCOUTING 21
T N A C A V S N O I T A U SIT MARKETING PROFESSIONALS Cheshire Scouts wants to add to its marketing team to support our activity teams and campsite teams. Can you help? Marketing Strategy If you are experienced in creating marketing strategies, particularly in the “not for profit” sector where budgets are very limited you could make a vital contribution to the development of Scouting in Cheshire. Creative If you have experience at creating leaflets, posters and marketing support material you could help us project a more professional image and help us to increase the reach of Scouting.
MEDIA TEAM Cheshire Scouts wants to add to its current media team to help us provide better information to members and to spread the positive message about Scouting in Cheshire to a wider audience. Can you help? Writers We are looking for people who are good listeners and good with words to create stories and articles for use in the press, on our website and in other Scout publications. Social Media Enthusiasts We are looking for people who just love social media and are willing to support our events by “flooding” social media channels with our achievements. Website Content Creators We are looking for someone with experience to help us create inspiring content for our website.
22 CHESHIRE SCOUTING
FUNDRAISING Cheshire Scouts would like to create a fundraising team to support the development of Scouting around Cheshire. Can you help? Bid writers If you have some experience of writing bids to obtain funds or believe it is something you could do then this is the role for you. Fundraising Operations If you have worked for other charities in a fundraising capacity then your knowledge and experience could be really helpful in establishing a fundraising operation for Scouting in Cheshire. We need ideas, experience and inspiration. Can you help?
MORE DETAILS All of these roles are based on flexible commitment so you fit this role with other roles in Scouting that you might have. If you are new to Scouting you could fit any of these roles around your other commitments. For more details or to offer your help email; admin@cheshirescouts.org.uk
ARCHIVES & HISTORY Cheshire Scouts would like to create a lasting legacy for future generations that explains the history of Scouting in Cheshire. Can you help? Researchers There are lots of people with knowledge and stories about Scouting in Cheshire and we need to capture this history to create a resource for future generations. Archivists Around the County there are lots of items that could help tell the story of Scouting in Cheshire so if you have experience of bringing this history to life, maybe from working in tourist attractions or museums you could help us achieve this ambitious objective.
CAMPSITE WARDENS Forest Activity Centre near Northwich and our Activity Centre in the grounds of Tatton Park are the two Cheshire Scouts County Campsites. There are other campsites around the County under the control of local Scouting. They all rely on volunteers to act as camp wardens to support those using the facilities. So can you spare a couple of weekends each year to help provide more outdoor experiences for young people?
AMBASSADORS Cheshire Scouts is looking for people working in either large companies or on business parks who could be an Ambassador for Cheshire Scouts to help promote volunteer opportunities, identify fundraising opportunities, link Scouting to outreach projects from within the business and generally help us to create better links with the business community. For example the Police use our facilities for training, Roberts Bakery are running an extensive staff development programme using Forest Activity Centre, Barclays Bank and Virgin Media have provided volunteers to help with maintenance at both the County campsites.
CHESHIRE SCOUTING 23
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