April 2010
HOT POT SUPPER The hot pot supper and race night on 13 March at Chester Golf Club was enjoyed by all those who took part. Many thanks to the Club and to Bob and Chris Owens for all their work in laying on this Centenary event. Have a look at the diary for more Centenary events!
INTOUCH IN CHESTER InTouch is the system which replaces the home contact approach which we have all been used to for a long time. The process is described formally in the 2010 edition of POR and is aimed at making sure that we can contact parents and others whenever needed. Some of the questions that have been asked are given below (with answers!): 1. Is this a brand new system that means I need to do more paper work before running an event? No. Following a review of existing procedures this system has been brought in to replace the Home Contact scheme. It has been designed to be as user friendly and un-bureaucratic as possible, so should actually ease the process of running events. 2. Does this mean I do not need to find someone at home to act as a point of contact every time we go away? There is no requirement to involve a third party in this role. However for some events having a third party involved could be the best way to manage the system, especially for larger, longer or overseas trips or events. 3. Why is there now a need to go through through this process for the normal weekly meeting? The reasons behind having a properly thought out InTouch system in place remain just as valid whether you are in your normal meeting place or overseas. You probably do most, or all, of what is required anyway, it’s just a check to see
that you have covered everything. 4. Do I need to find a third party to act as a point of contact for my weekly meetings? No. There’s no requirement to have a third party available for any event unless it is decided that is the best way of managing the system. It seems unlikely that this would ever be the best way of managing the system for a weekly meeting. 5. What’s to stop me not bothering with this system? All activities still require approval from your Commissioner, who will expect a suitable system to be in place. Additionally this system is there to support and help you when organising activities and events, so ignoring it is likely to cause more problems for yourself than anyone else. 6. Aren’t we giving the District Commissioner extra work by expecting them to be involved in this system? No. Their involvement is the same as it was under the Home Contact scheme when they were involved in any emergency procedures anyway. The only difference is that in the event of an emergency they may now be contacted directly by those on an event rather than through a third party. The way to contact the Chester District Commissioner in an emergency is to telephone 07711 580862. 7. Are we now asking the District Commissioner to be constantly available every time any Group in their District is doing anything in case of an emergency? No. Again this has not changed from the Home Contact system. In the event of an emergency the home Scout authority will need to be contacted. In most cases this is likely to be the District Commissioner, who will want to be involved and aware what’s going on anyway. The number to call is 07711 580862.
JOIN THE ADVENTURE THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION CHESTER AND DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL District Centre: adjacent Westlea County Primary School Weston Grove Chester CH2 1QJ E: enquiries@chesterscouts.org.uk T: 01244 398635 Registered charity no. 511406
8. Does this mean we have to allow young people to bring mobile phones on events? No. This is a decision for the leadership team to make as part of looking at the Communication System for the event. And if they are brought along it may be useful to have some guidelines or agreement as to their use. 9. Why are we expecting adult events to use this system? The reasons behind having a properly thought out InTouch system in place remain just as valid whatever the age of the participants, so an InTouch system needs to be in place for all adult events, and also include details of any adults present at an event for young people. 10. If I do use a third party as a point of contact, why do they need to be CRB checked? It is a requirement of The Scout Association that anyone aged 18 or over undertaking any responsibilities in Scouting must undertake a Personal Enquiry.
11. If I do use a third party as a point of contact, can they be related to anyone involved in the activity? The third party can be related to a member of the event party, however if this is the case the leadership team will need to have thought about how the system will work if the third party’s relative is involved in an emergency and they are not in a position to be able to carry out their role. 12. Where can I find more information about InTouch? All information on the InTouch can be found at www.scouts.org.uk/intouch. If you have problems downloading the documents, let us know and we will provide hard copies. Copies of the emergency procedures card are available from the District Scout Centre. 13. When is InTouch In Chester InTouch is in force from 2 April 2010.
COUNTY
MEDIA
DEVELOPMENT
SWIMMING RULES There have been a large number of questions to the Scout Information Centre, office and through EScouts and other forums which show that there is confusion and a number concerns amongst leaders at the implications of the revised swimming rules contained in the recently updated edition of POR. The changes were introduced following concerns raised by both members of the Movement and Technical Advisers as to the suitability of the previous rules. During January 2009 an online survey was conducted to establish the current ways in which swimming activities were organised and delivered and the impact of any possible changes was also established. The proposed changes were trialled in a number of areas and issues now being raised were not identified at that stage. Many of the comments and questions being received in particular relate to the impact on swimming in inland waters (lakes etc.) and from boats as part of a boating activity, a suggestion being that these may benefit from a differentiation as we have with other water activities. There are also questions regarding the appropriateness of the NBLQ qualification. As a result, the UK Commissioner for Programme is undertaking, with the Activities Team, an urgent review into our swimming rules. Details of this and an opportunity for members to contribute will be circulated shortly. Please note that whilst this review will be undertaken as a matter of urgency, the rules as presently written in POR remain in place and must be followed.
NEWS FOR CHESTER SCOUTING To make our communications quicker and to reduce paper use, we only send our monthly News for Chester Scouting electronically. Please pass on the information to those who do not have Internet access. You can always download the latest (and some earlier) versions from the News and Events pages of www.chesterscouts.org.uk
starting?
MANAGER
Paul Cook has been appointed County Media Development Manager. Paul has a background in media, currently running his own PR Company. In addition he is an experienced Scout Leader having held a number of appointments in Widnes. Over the coming months Paul will work with me to develop a media strategy aimed at promoting the positive aspects of Scouting in Cheshire. Paul's contact details are: 22 Poolside Road Runcorn WA7 5QQ 07734 771924 paul.cook@cheshirescouts.org.uk
NEWS FOR CHESTER SCOUTING
NETWORK VIDEO Cheshire County Scout Network is developing a range of interactive media. Firstly introducing Cheshire Scout Networks new promotional video for potential new members, take a look (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PON0fUr4l2A). The hope is that the video will make its way around to every Explorer group in the County. Secondly Cheshire Scout Network have launched their new YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/cheshirescoutnetwork), subscribe now to be notified of new videos uploaded from expeditions, programme activities and events. If you have a YouTube (or Google) account subscribe now, if you don't have an account you can create one here http://www.youtube.com/create_account Adam Forshaw as Scout Network Commissioner is the guy behind the video – well done Adam.
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NARROW BOAT COURSES Courses leading to assessment for an activity permit for canal narrow boating are again being run this year: •
April 16/18 - 2 – may be spaces left
•
May 14/16
•
June 25/27
•
Sept 10/12
Contact Pam Jones for more details: Tel: 01244 405237 Mob: 07771 997970 Email: pamjones51@hotmail.co.uk
DISTRICT AWARDS PRESENTATIONS Chester Guildhall was overflowing for our annual presentation of awards. A great time was had by all. Our principal guests were the Lord and Lady Mayoress, Christine Russell MP and Graham Phillips our County Commissioner. Other guests Claire Lofts Assistant County Commissioner (Beaver Scouts) Cathy Bland Assistant County Commissioner (Cub Scouts). 115 Chief Scout’s Award certificates were awarded: Group 5th Blacon Cestrian 4 8th Chester 40th Chester 42nd Chester 48th Chester 1st Farndon 1st Malpas 1st Saltney 1st Upton 1st Waverton
Beavers 6
Cubs
Scouts
5 2 13 8
1 5 3 2
1
5 10 7 16 3 5 4 2 5
TOTAL
37
61
17
2
6
The Stan Hinson award was awarded to Emily Lambert (40th Chester) and the new Lord Mayors Trophy was awarded to Jonathan Ducker (DEWA Explorer Scout Unit). Congratulations to all the award winners and many thanks to Iain McIntyre and his team for arranging the day so well.
NEWS FOR CHESTER SCOUTING
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WWW.CHESTERSCOUTS.ORG.UK Our web site now has two new links:
CEOP Report Logo (Linked tohttp://www.ceop.police.uk/reportabuse/) This icon is appropriate when directing young people or their parents / carers to make a report to the police in the UK about inappropriate sexual contact online such as ‘grooming’.
what they will do for the 30,000 Scouts at the event. He is one of 500 successful candidates chosen for the trip of a lifetime after impressing at a special event in Cheshire. At the event Jack had to complete a variety of team activities and creativity tests to demonstrate why he should have a place at the 2011 World Scout Jamboree. Well done, Jack and have a great time!
NSPCC KEEPING CHILDREN LEARNING PROGRAMME
SAFE
DISTANCE
Thinkuknow logo (Linked to http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk)
You will be aware that The Scout Association has worked in partnership with the NSPCC to provide the Keeping Children Safe distance learning package, at reduced cost, to over 25,000 people involved in Scouting.
This logo and website are appropriate when directing young people, parents and educators towards practical advice on how to keep young people safe online and to signpost to resources that can help convey age-specific online safety messages.
We are keen to ensure that this training continues to be available at a reasonable cost. Therefore, from April 2010 the Association’s primary route for accessing Keeping Children Safe will be through a new online option.
COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE NOW LIVE Need help bringing Scouting to life? We are delighted to announce the launch of our new Communications Centre, a one stop shop for learning about the adventure of Scouting. With branding advice, information, templates and practical tools it will help you produce bolder, more inspiring communications. At the heart of the new centre is a web to print system that will allow you to create, personalise and print flyers, posters, stationery, signage, banners and lots more. This service is only available to adult Members who should log in and then click on the Print Centre icon in the My Tools menu. UK Chief Commissioner, Wayne Bulpitt welcomed the new site as a valuable service to members: ‘Just imagine how much more we can achieve if we all talk about the adventure of Scouting in the same positive and inspiring way, if we spoke with one voice locally and nationally. Together we can build recognition, understanding and support for Scouting. I know I’ll be using the Communications Centre for knowledge, inspiration and practical tools and I encourage you to do the same.’ Feel free to explore the site at your own pace and to have a go at creating your first communications. No specialist software, font or expertise is required to produce resources – just a willingness to share the fun, excitement and adventure of Scouting.
The cost of the programme will reduce to £4 plus VAT per head. This is a significant reduction in the cost to the Movement. The new system will allow local registration of participants, using the Keeping Children Safe registration form. It will still be possible to order a version of the course in hard copy from Gilwell Park for £12.50 plus VAT. Administrators on the system will be able to access up-todate information about participant’s progress. We have made arrangements for Safeguarding Awareness Coordinators to be administrators, to whom information will be sent out under separate cover. The registration of administrators can be changed easily and if you would prefer an alternative arrangement (such as a member of staff in a County Office or someone involved in wider training administration), please email the Safeguarding Team. We are sure you will agree that this change will make Keeping Children Safe more accessible and easier to manage. This change will ensure that adults are even better prepared and that young people are even safer.
FORTHCOMING ADULT TRAINING MODULES Module 7 Valuing Diversity
13 April (eve)
Module 9 Working with Adults
22 April (eve)
Module 24 Managing Adults/Module 26 Supporting Adults (combined Modules) 24 April (am)
JACK CAINE FROM TARPORLEY SELECTED FOR AN ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME
Module 22 Section Support
27 April (eve)
Jack Caine from Tarporley has been selected from Scouting’s 100,000 adult volunteers to represent the UK at the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Sweden in 2011. As well as being a fantastic opportunity for young people, the event is an amazing chance for adults to be part of The International Service Team (IST). The IST are the volunteers who make the Jamboree happen, and their theme is “Contribute, Develop, Inspire” which is exactly
Module 8 Skills of Leadership
22 May (am)
Module 14 Young People Today
22 May (pm)
Module 25 Assessment
23 May (full day)
NEWS FOR CHESTER SCOUTING
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DISTRICT EXPLORER SCOUT COMMISSIONER Following Alan Reay's decision to step down as our DESC, we need to make plans to help the Explorer Scout Section continue to develop and grow. Much has been done and we need to build on all that good work as we go forward. I am pleased to say that Simon Ashton has accepted my offer of becoming acting DESC. This arrangement will last for a relatively short while, after which Simon and I can I hope agree on more permanent arrangements. Simon will still be with Renegades ESU. Simon will be suggesting meetings for ESLs and Explorer Scouts, which I will support as much as I can. There is already a plan to discuss a possible trip to Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland.
16 May – Dragon Boats, Chester 28/31 May - District Centenary Camp, Eaton Estate 10 June – District Annual General Meeting, Chester Guildhall (speaker: Nigel Hailey, International Commissioner) 13 June - County Scout Sunday and District Picnic in the Park, Chester 15 June – County Annual General Meeting, Wilmslow 19 June – District Conference, Weston Grove 22/23 June – Cheshire Show, Tabley 1 July - Time Capsule and tree planting at District Scout Centre 9/11 July – Scout/Explorer Scout MIMO event 31 July/7 August – Chamboree 2010, Tabley
I hope that all our Explorer Scouts and Leaders will support Simon in this new role for him - many thanks and good luck to Simon. And many thanks to Alan for all his work so far.
15 September – Platinum and Diamond Chief Scout Awards and Queen’s Scout Awards presentations, Runcorn 18 September - Centenary Dinner Dance, Chester Golf Club 25 September – Practical Skills Day for Leaders, Tatton Park 26 September – Pioneering Skills Day for Scout and Explorer Scout Leaders, Tatton Park
District Commissioner
15/17 October – Jamboree on the Air/Jamboree on the Internet 23 October – Alton Towers trip for Scouts and Explorer Scouts 29/31 October – Scout Network/Explorer Scout Halloween Camp, Forest Camp
DISTRICT DIARY 2010 – CENTENARY OF SCOUTING IN CHESTER 7 January – District Meeting, Weston Grove 14 January - Chester Centenary Launch, Chester Guildhall 16 January – Training Advisers’ Meeting, Runcorn 17 January – Cheshire Jamboree Units launch 30 January – Cub Scout Craft Competition, Tarporley 16/20 February - Gang Show, King's School 6 March – RAF Cosford trip for Beavers and Cubs 7 March – Awards Presentation, Chester Guildhall 13 March – Hot pot supper/Race Night, Chester Golf Club 12/15 March – Explorer Scout Winter Weekend 20 March – County Beaver Scout Quiz 20 March – Scout Network Fun Run 28 March – Dragon Boats, Chester 10/11 April – Cheshire Hike 17 April – Camelot Trip for Beavers and Cubs 17 April – County Dinner, Daresbury Park Hotel 25 April - St George's Day Service at the Cathedral and celebration on Dean’s Field 15/16 May – Bellboat Training and Assessment, Winsford
NEWS FOR CHESTER SCOUTING
12/14 November – Leaders’ Weekend, Great Tower 20 November – County Patrol Leaders’ Forum 21 November – Gold Chief Scout’s Award presentations 27 November – County Swimming Gala for Cubs and Scouts 9 December - Centenary Carol Service, Chester Cathedral District Leaders’ Meetings: first Thursday in each month (except August) 8 pm (Section meetings alternate with general meetings) ADCs,, DESC and District Core Team (DC, District Chair, ADCs Chair of Scout Fellowship; also attended by the Local Training Manager): second Thursday in each month (except July and August) District Executive Committee: third Thursday in each month (except August) District Appointments Approval Meeting: last Thursday in each month (except August and December) District Scout Fellowship: first Tuesday of each month (for further details email fellowship@chesterscouts.org.uk) Adult Training Modules: check the separate listing and registration form
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