Gscouts March 2015

gscouts News and Views for Scouting in Gloucestershire March 2015

Useful Contacts:

Badge Courses: Paddy Langham

paddydj.langham@btopenworld.com

County Administrator: Louise Little

admin@gloucestershire-scouts.org.uk 0930 am-1.30 pm

01452 814256

County Public Relations Adviser: Cindy Fowler

media@gloucestershire-scouts.org.uk

Cranham Scout Centre: Mary Large

info@scoutcentre.org.uk 1.00 pm-4.00 pm

H.Q. Information Centre

01452 812309

info.centre@scouts.org.uk Monday to Friday 8.00 am-7.00 pm Saturday 020 8435 7100

01209 31 07 68 www.dash4it.co.uk Offer big discounts on OS maps, etc.

0845 300 1818

gscouts March 2015 Contents Editorial …………………………………………………...……………………..…………………….……..2 Did B-P see Compass coming? …………………………………………………………………...……....2 From the County Commissioner …………………………………………………………………………..3 St. George’s Day Awards …………………………………………………………………………………..4 County Executive ……………………………………………………………………………………………5 Our County Badge ………………………………………….…………………………………………..…..6 The Silver Dozen Expedition 2014 ……………………………………………………………..………....7 Cotswold Marathon ……………………………………...…………………………………….…….……..9 More from Bob’s Dinosaurs ESU ………………………………………………………………………….9 Pancake Olympics …………………………………………………………………………………………10 Network January Reports ……………….……………….…………………………………………….…11 Upcoming events………………………………………….………………………………………….…….13 Badge Courses ………………………………………………………………………………………..…...14 An adaptation of the sixth Scout Law on an industrial scale ………………………………………….14 Scout Section News 2015 ………………………………………………………………………………...15 National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra 2015 ………………………………………………..17 International ………………………………………………………………………………………………..18 Events in 2016 ……………………………………………………………………………………………..19 A stunning photograph ……………………………………………………………………………...…….21

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To measure the volume of a pizza, let Z represent its radius and A its thickness.

Then the formula is: PI x Z x Z x A

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Editorial

With a view to improving communications within the County, I have been given the privilege of heading up a team to produce this magazine, which has not been published for some fifteen months. I have only lived in the County for a year and a half, so please forgive me if I am not well versed in the geography or the people. I will no doubt need some help and direction. However, I do have quite a few years’ experience of Scouting behind me.

I am part of a talented team. overseen by Dave Hall, DCC Projects. The computer whizz-kid is Colin Steward , the County Website Manager, who is joined by Cindy Fowler, a PR graduate, and Lauren Greening, County Scout Network Chairman. Between us I hope we will be able to produce an informative and also entertaining magazine. I look forward to receiving reports and news items from all over the County (see the back cover for addresses). Unfortunately, due to issues about publishing young people’s names without a positive agreement to do so, I have been obliged to omit them from this issue.

At this stage I plan to publish the magazine quarterly. A provisional copy date for the next edition is June 6. Of course I would be delighted if I were to receive enough copy to produce gscouts more frequently.

John Morton Did B-P see Compass coming?

From The Scouter (July 1921): “A Scout officer came to me the other day with a scheme for organising the Movement on a better footing than hereto. It involved a certain amount of expense in offices, whole-time secretaries, etc. […] in this more centralised and ordered system a far more accurate record could be kept of the development, a more regular standard of efficiency among Troops could be set up, and a better general supervision maintained.”

“My dear chap! But you have not got the hang of Scouting. We are a movement, not an organisation.” ************************* New badge for Adults (Stage 1) To qualify for this badge, you must: Succeed in logging on to Compass ************************* Some people believe that calendars and diaries are passé.

They say their days are numbered. And EXIT signs are on the way out too.

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From the County Commissioner: Communication is the Key I am really pleased that this month we are able to re-launch gscouts news. It takes a lot of work to put together a publication like this, so I am really grateful to John Morton for agreeing to take on the role of Editor. But it also depends on a range of people to submit interesting and topical news stories to John for him to edit and I am also grateful to all those who have submitted information for this edition.

Having a County magazine is a key element in communicating important information throughout Gloucestershire Scouting – something we have been sadly lacking for some time – because a magazine, even in electronic format, is a means of sharing information that may not be urgent or immediate but is just as interesting, informative and inspiring. Something you can pick up and put down, leave on a table somewhere, or flick through when you have a spare moment.

Any organisation depends on lots of quality communication and Scouting is no different, especially in times of change. People have always complained about a lack of communication and despite the incredible advances in technology over the last ten years, it seems we still never have the right information at the right time, not least because we now seem to be swamped with information that we don’t really need or want.

Years ago, if we wanted to communicate within Scouting we would either call a meeting, write a letter or pick up the phone. If we wanted to publicise something on a wider scale we might use a newsletter, hand out a leaflet or put up a poster. For special information, we might have been able to use local radio but national radio, television and cinema were out of our reach.

Today however we have much more choice. In addition to all those I have mentioned, we now have the internet and mobile communications at our disposal and most of us are swamped daily with emails, both at home and at work, not to mention Tweets and status updates. We also have the opportunity to use pictures in ways that weren’t possible in the past. Whether it is photographs, diagrams, videos or cartoons, they can also be used to convey information with real impact. But of course, not everything works for everyone. Some people still do not use computers. Many more do not use Facebook or other social media, while others use nothing else.

Frome time to time, I have to get involved in problems where there has been a “breakdown in communications”, and often that is not because the information was not shared, but it was not shared effectively, for example because some of the intended recipients didn’t use Facebook, or an e-mail address was out of date. More common are problems where someone has meant to say one thing but what they have written is slightly but significantly different. This can lead to misunderstanding, confusion and frustration on both sides and a temptation to “read between the lines”, when such assumptions are quite unwarranted.

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There are books full of advice about effective communication, which I could not hope to reproduce here. The following are a few obvious tips that we would all do well to remember: Think of your audience. Is your chosen channel sufficient to reach your intended audience?

Do you need to use more than one medium?

Think carefully about what you have written before you send it. This is especially important with e-mails where you may be tempted to respond quickly to an incoming message. Use short paragraphs, ordinary words and avoid anything the meaning of which could change depending on your tone of voice. Remove unnecessary adjectives that might imply some judgement about someone that you did not intend. Remember how easily e-mails can be copied and forwarded to people you didn’t expect to see them. Read them out loud before you hit “send” and see if your meaning is clear.

Always acknowledge any communication. Its good manners, even if you can’t help or don’t know the answer. There’s nothing more frustrating than sending repeated communications to people who just don’t reply.

It is said that “good communication is the key that unlocks all doors” and to deliver good Scouting we need to unlock a lot of doors. The benefits of effective communication are real understanding, increased participation in events and activities, a unity of purpose and ultimately success and we know “nothing succeeds like success”. Think about the Scout Groups, the businesses, the families that you know and the ways they communicate. The chances are that those that communicate effectively are more likely to be more successful, more profitable and more fun to be part of. Good communication requires time and effort, things that are frequently in short supply, but just like Paddington and his marmalade sandwiches, the more we put in, the more we will get out.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Paul D. Trott County Commissioner

St George’s Day Awards 2015 This year the Chief Scout has been pleased to award the Silver Acorn to the following people in Gloucestershire for their specially distinguished service:

Chris Brewster Albert “Jack” Dowen Pat Hopes

Explorer Scout Leader and Deputy District Commissioner Group Chairman and District Vice-President District Commissioner

Congratulations and thanks to all three recipients.

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Cheltenham Cheltenham Cheltenham

County Executive A meeting of the County Executive Committee took place at Cranham Scout Centre on Thursday 5 March 2015. The following issues were discussed: A new software package has been purchased and is being introduced at Cranham to improve bookings and invoicing.

Adrian Austin is to stand down from his roles as DCC Adult Support and County Training Manager on joining the Scouts Wales national team. He will remain as County Compass Champion and a member of the County Executive Committee. Adrian was thanked for his service to the County and congratulated on his new role.

Mike Cooke has been appointed as the new County Safeguarding Awareness Co-ordinator (subject to approval by the County Appointments Advisory Committee), replacing Joan Goldsmith who has stood down from the role.

Cindy Fowler has been appointed as County Media Development Manager.

John Morton has taken on the role of Editor of the County magazine.

UK Youth Commissioner, Hannah Kentish, visited Gloucestershire in February, when she met with a number of Explorer Scouts and Network members to discuss youth involvement in the County. It is proposed to establish a County Youth Forum, further details of which will be issued shortly.

The County Executive has agreed to follow Headquarters’ lead and will not be charging a County Levy on adult members in 2016. The levy on youth members will be adjusted accordingly. District Executives will need to make their own decision.

Provision will be made in next year’s budget to pay for training courses attended by activity assessors. Costs will be covered on the understanding that course fees will be repayable, if assessors do not remain active in the role for up to three years.

There have been a number of changes to the Adult Training Programme. The new scheme will be launched at the Training Team meeting on 25 March.

A County Team meeting will be held on 22 March to discuss the implementation of the County Plan agreed last year.

It was agreed to purchase two storage containers to be installed at Cranham and used to store equipment for Strategy & Evolution.

A Regional conference for District Commissioners will be held on 18 October 2015.

A County Cub Scout Centenary Camp has been booked for 1 – 3 July 2016 at Rhydd Covert Scout Camp Site near Kidderminster, adjacent to West Midlands Safari Park.

The County Cub Football Tournament will be held at Cirencester Arena on Sunday 17 May 2015.

The 2015 County AGM will be combined with a County Skills Day, to be held at Pate’s School, Cheltenham on Sunday 20 September.

Cranham will be celebrating its 70th Anniversary in 2017 and volunteers to join a planning group are being sought.

The next meeting of the County Executive will take place on Tuesday 23 June 2015.

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Our County Badge B-P encouraged the use of badges, not only to show the progress and achievement of younger scouts but also for all of us to be proud of where we come from and to see how Scouting has spread throughout the country and indeed across the World.

There are 63 current Scout County badges in England, slightly more than the number of administrative . counties, plus (for collectors) 39 extinct ones. There are presently 608 active Districts, all but one of which have their own badge. Scotland had, until a few years ago, 174 Counties and Districts, now reduced to 57 Regions. Wales had 124, now just 47 and Northern Ireland 34 of which 4 are extinct. That shows how much reorganisation of Districts has been carried out in recent years.

Gloucestershire is a county which has gone through a number of different county badge designs. The first badge was simply the name "Gloucestershire" on a blue or black tape.

Then, it was felt that an emblem of some kind should be introduced. At that time the county had no coat of arms and there was an objection to the use of the seal. Then, a local Group Scout Master, Mr. Reg Chapman, noticed a design on a school exercise book. This depicted a fleece, representing the sheep-farming of the Cotswolds, crossed picks for the coal mining in the Forest of Dean, two wheat sheaves representing agriculture, two teasel plants, used in the woollen industry to raise the nap on cloth, and a hunting horn. It was decided that this would make a very good Scout County badge and permission to use it was sought and obtained.

The subsequent history of the badge is of loss of elements of the design. The hunting horn went very early on, but there were no other design changes until 1967. That year the Advance Party Report came out and Boy Scouts became Scouts. The words "Boy Scouts” were dropped and the opportunity taken to revise the badge. The coal field was no longer mined, so the picks were removed and so were the sheaves, giving the design used today.

John Morton *************************

If any of you is interested in collecting Scout badges, you should have a look at www.intbc.org. The International Badgers Club has around 450 members world wide, the vast majority in the U.K. Meetings are held regularly all over the country — within reasonable range for this area are ones at Bristol, Stourport, Taunton, Birmingham and Walsall.

There is a weekend meeting from 3 to 5 April at

Woodhouse Park (near Almondsbury). Why not drop in? You will be made most welcome. Literally thousands of badges are available for swop or sale. Members have contacts at home and abroad and the object of the Club is for members to help each other build their collections. There are regular auctions in the U.K., Canada and Australia. Incidentally the word for badge collecting is “philosematy” — presumably from the same etymology as “semaphore”. Your Editor will be only too happy to advise on the subject.

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The Silver Dozen Expedition May Bank Holiday 2014, Stratford-upon-Avon

Saturday May 3rd 2014—Luddington on the Avon, commencing Silver Tour DofE

Helping an Oxford Canal worker, David Nichols, just below Evesham weir, waiting for permission to go through “Regatta” and a team in the distance.

"Silver Dozen" Many of us, including Sandy & I, are well proud of the Silver Dozen. It makes our very first 18 Expeditions completed in six weeks and 24 in 13 months. Great teamwork with Black Sheep.

Geoff Hall gave a weekend, Andrew Butcher two training days, and Ant Evans a training day for canoeist as well as kit.. Touring kayaks purchased with much help from Cheltenham District/ Trinity House and various charities.

Bob’s Dinosaurs Explorer Scout Unit Project – The Silver Dozen Our project was to be able to purchase five touring kayaks with all the equipment needed to paddle, along with the camping and cooking equipment for a Silver DofE Expedition. An Expedition can have seven participants, but ours, as you can see in the pictures, had eight! We were sponsored by Cheltenham Round Table for a sixth kayak and the seventh was funded just recently by The Charles Irving Trust.

A variance was given to allow the two explorers from Stroud & Tetbury to join us in a canoe and our training in standard kayaks (for stamina building) took place over the winter/spring of 2013/14.

At the same time Leaders from Gloucestershire joined us, training as future coaches.

Our funds came through at the beginning of March, and the tourers were launched on the Sharpness Canal for a weekend’s training four days later. Five weeks on, the practice Silver Expedition took place on the Banbury to Oxford Canal, along with a team of four BD’s doing their Silver DofE hike expedition in the same area.

The actual Silver Dozen Expedition’s took place on the May Bank Holiday weekend 2014, on the Stratford Avon and surrounding area. It started in Luddington and finished at Great Comberton.

The whole experience was amazing, especially when the Evesham Rowing Regatta was stopped to allow them to paddle through — to great cheers from the crowd.

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1st Touring Kayak Team with Tandem Canoe Members of Black Sheep Cheltenham, Bob's Dinosaurs Cheltenham, Unity Cheltenham and "Farriers" Stroud & Tetbury = Canoe

The team form Nutty Badgers Explorers

Bob's Dinosaurs Hikers

Group picture with (left to right) Stewart Tedaldi, Nutty Badgers Gloucester ESU "Assessor", now trained to instruct his own Explorers in kayak/ canoe; Chris Langham, ACC "Assessing Assessor"; Sandy Campbell and Shelley Wright Bob's Dinosaurs Leaders

This was the first touring kayak or canoe expedition on the Avon with all Cheltenham/ Gloucestershire Explorers, eight Bob’s Dinosaurs, one Black Sheep, one Unity and two Farriers.

The next two Silver Touring Kayak Expedition teams are training to complete this in summer 2015, and plans are being worked on for a Gold Expedition Touring Kayak in Scotland 2016. Canoe Gold would be a bonus, as the funds are still to be found. ************************* Pas d’elle yeux Rhône que nous (French for “do it by yourself”)

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Cotswold Marathon

Well done to Bob’s Dinosaurs who entered three teams for this event!

Our best team completed the 18-mile Silver Class.

Others completed the 12-mile Bronze Class.

Three more completed 8 miles.

We also had three members helping Paddy on Checkpoint 6.

Well done to everyone who took part!

More about Bob’s Dinosaurs ESU Bob's Dinosaurs ESU Leaders checked out camping places for the next Silver Touring Kayak DofE on the Brecon & Monmouthshire Canal taking place this summer. This area allowed for both hiking and kayak touring expeditions to take place.

Research is well on its way for a Gold DofE in both touring kayak and canoe in Scotland in summer 2016.

One 16-year old from Bob's Dinosaurs ESU hopes to undertake her Gold DofE expedition with Explorers from Plymouth this summer on the Wye. She completed her Silver Expedition last May, has received both Silver DofE & Platinum awards, as well as being well on her way towards her Gold.

On the fun side! We are hoping to persuade our DESC, Paddy Langham, to have a District Jousting Competition this summer. You have a joust area, a space hopper, and jousting pole with a large padded ? on the end, a referee and two jousters with a time limit, then let the fun begin!

Shelley Wright ************************* An Englishman, a Scotsman and an Irishman all had sons.

The Englishman’s son was born on April 23rd, so he called him George.

The Scotsman’s son was born on November 30th, so he called him Andrew.

The Irishman’s son was born on February 17th, so he called him Pancake.

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Pancake Olympics

A great time was had on Tuesday at 1st Prestbury Scout HQ. Teams of four cooked their pancakes and then took part in the various competitions: High Jump, Long Jump, Quiddich Sprint, Tossing, the Best Pancake and finally the Egg-Throwing.

The best team turned out to be the Scouts and they were awarded the Swimming GalaTrophy.

At the end of the evening there were several presentations: Firstly four young people were invested.

The Bob Lyle Trophy was presented to the team from Bob’s Dinosaurs, who did best in the Cotswold Marathon. British Legion Poppy badges and Time-on-the-Water badges were presented to various Explorers.

Members of Bob’s Dinosaurs were all presented with the new Fundraising badge. They have raised many thousands of pounds for various charities and to buy District canoes and kayaks for us all to use.

Pat Hopes, our DC, then presented a Young Leader’s Belt Buckle, a.DofE Silver and CS Diamond Awards. and John Powell BS received his 15 years’ Service badge.

Finally our County Commissioner, Paul Trott, made several presentations: Henry Hick UN received his DofE Gold Award.

Shelley Wright BD, John Powell BS, Andrew Butcher BS and Derek Newman YL & Octopus were presented with the Award for Merit for all they have given to Scouting over many years.

It was great to have so many Explorers present for such an important occasion.

Paddy

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January Networking Fun

Gloucester On the 4th, we spent the night learning different ways of communicating. These included sign language, semaphore, the phonetic alphabet and Morse Code. It was a fun-filled night, with everyone going away having learned something new.

On the 25th, we played Family Fortunes Network Style, with Emily and Nikki hosting the show!

With questions ranging from what would you take on a hike to films on the sea and words associated with treasure, it was exciting, quizzical and beany, with forfeits involving custard and baked beans.

Cheltenham On the 11th, for the first Cheltenham meeting of 2015, we kicked it off with a bang, due to a great turn out, at Paint It Yourself Pottery! Everyone had an enjoyable evening in the artistic, fun and humorous atmosphere. There was a wide variety of choice and our fellow networkers were painting objects such as plates, mugs, bowls and coasters! Everyone had a massive grin on their face while they were avidly designing their creations. These were happily received a couple weeks later and I for one can say everyone was more than pleased with their masterpieces. A massive thank you to Hayley for not only setting everything up but for being a super amazing host and taking to time to glaze all of the creations!! Definitely one to congratulate for such a smooth running and enjoyable evening!

Forest On January 18th, we scrambled up to the top of May Hill. The night was dark and cold, but that did not stop us. The night began with waiting for the late comers, as usual. Then we set off up the hill. Once up the top, we played some wide games in the woods. Phil introduced us to Monkeys and Leopards, which involved some members being “leopards” who chased the “monkeys”, who climbed trees to escape. Phil fell over, trying to be a “monkey”, or was it a “leopard”? We also had a game of Sardines, with Joel hiding in a ditch. Next time remember to bring appropriate footwear (sam sam the hat man). Great meet!

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Mondays!

Forest of Dean On the 26th January, we went to Alma Inn in Linton and got quizzical to raise funds for Aston Ingham Scout Group. We entered four teams; none won, but it’s all about the taking part. The rounds were challenging and Phil won a lovely snood on the raffle. I think it might be in his luggage to Australia! Overall, it was a superb evening out.

Other Events SAS Burns Night The 31st of January saw Gloucester SAS host their second Burns’ Night supper at Murray Hall.

After being greeted by a bagpiper, we sat down to a three-course dinner of scotch broth, haggis, neeps and tatties, Cranachan and, of course, a little something to toast the haggis! The food was excellent and even a hall full of Scouters couldn’t demolish it all. The evening was rounded off with some country dancing and a disco. Thoroughly recommended for next year, if they run it again!

************************* Run to the Fun - Devon Jamboree - are you coming?

From Katy Sara — County Commissioner, Devon Scouts An invitation to all in Gloucester County to come and join Devon at Run to the Fun running from 25th July to 1st August at Mount Edgcumbe.

Lots of exciting activities ranging from geocaching, trapeze skills, green projects, glass engraving and the Plymouth monopoly to keep everyone occupied! We're also proud to be working with HMS Raleigh to deliver some brilliant activities. Please do pass this information onto anyone else you've got Scouting links to outside of the South West too, including your international friends.

More information can be found here: http://www.runtothefun.org.uk/ so please have a look and

************************* With this cold weather, I’m thinking of getting one of those new microwave fireplaces.

Apparently you can have a whole cosy evening in front of one in just eight minutes.

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Upcoming Events (for details see http://gloucestershire-scouts.org.uk/events) (for Cranham Events see badges@gloucestersire-scouts.org.uk) April 11-12 Adult Rifle Instructor Course — Cranham April 17-19 Expedition Challenge (Scouts) Weekend 2 — Eastcombe April 17-19 Platinum and Bronze D of E Expedition (Explorers) Weekend 2 — Eastcombe April 17-19 Mountain Activities T1 Training — Dartmoor – Remote camping April 25-26 Service Weekend, Cranham May 2-4

Cub Outdoor Challenge — Cranham

May 8-10

Mountain Activities T2 Training—Lake District –Remote camping

May 16

Beaver Outdoor Challenge—Cranham

May 30

Scout Fun Day — Cranham

June 7

Mountain Activities -T1/T2 Assessment-North Wales –Remote camping./Bunk House

June 12-14 Strategy — Cirencester June 19-21 Evolution — Cirencester July 10-12

Nautical Skills Badge Weekend—Richmond, Surrey

July 25-August 5 Haarlem Jamborette—The Netherlands July 26 -August 2 Challenger Yacht Trip July 27- August 6 23rd World Scout Jamboree — Japan

What is Strategy?

The new weekend event for Scouts and Guides from 10-14 years old aimed to fill the gap left by the Malvern Challenge.

The Main Event – Do you have a winning Strategy?

Spread across the 3,000-acre site will be 20+ challenges that will test your physical stamina, mental prowess and Scouting skills.

Each challenge will earn a different amount of points. As a team you will have to plan which challenges to visit in the allotted time to score the most points, and decide who is going to undertake the challenge – each may require 1, 2 or more people. If you are not back by the cut-off point you will start to lose some of those hardearned points you have gained!

The Rest of the Weekend With Friday and Saturday evening entertainment – from talent shows to a camp fire – and a traditional fayre, Scout skills and inflatables on Sunday morning – there is lots to keep you entertained. We will also have an onsite café, tuck shop and Leaders’ retreat.

******************** A masochist is a man who likes a cold shower in the morning — so he has a hot one.

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Badge Courses (for details see Paddy Langham’s Badge Course news at badges=gloucestershire-scouts.org.uk@mail222.atl121.mcsv.net The new badge requirements will be introduced over the next few months—the old badges can still be earned until August.

New Scouts now need six activity badges to complete their Chief Scout’s Gold Award.

Scout/Explorer Pioneer Badge April 12—Prestbury Cub Pioneer Badge April 12—Prestbury Climbing Course April 1- 2—Gloucester Mountain Activities May 1-4—Lake District Survival Skills May 23-25—Miserden Park Nautical Skills July 10-12—Richmond, Surrey Scuba Diving (Experience Dive) April 12 PADI Open Water Scuba Diver May 15-17 and 29-31—Swindon Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver September 11-13 Leaders may apply to attend any Scout or Explorer courses as a participant to learn the skills involved—please e-mail as above if you are interested in this option.

************************* An adaptation of the sixth Scout Law on an industrial scale Wuppertal is an industrial town in Germany a few miles east of Düsseldorf. The River Wupper flows through a narrow steep-sided valley and the town is an example of ribbon development. There was not much room to expand laterally, so the authorities made use of the space above the river to build an end-to-end transport system, which I believe is unique in the World. At the end of the 19th century they constructed the Schwebebahn, a hanging railway about ten miles long. Only a couple of miles at the western end is built over a street, the rest follows the river. Carriages have been updated over the years and the service presently runs every few minutes for a fixed fare of €1.50.

John Morton 14

Gloucestershire Scout Section News Spring 2015 OPERATION B ALD EAGLE After a year’s absence while the Eagle found a new home, Operation Bald Eagle took place again in October 2014. This joint weekend challenge camp, run by Hereford and Worcestershire and Gloucestershire Counties, saw 60 teams taking part,, of which 10 were from Gloucestershire.

Rhydd Covert Scout Campsite proved an excellent venue, with plenty of room for camping and bases and a really supportive and helpful site crew, ably led by wardens Chris and Paul. There was a really friendly atmosphere during the weekend, and we had lots of positive feedback from Leaders and Scouts.

To add the icing to the cake, a Gloucestershire team won the main trophy for the first time in 12 years! This is an extract from the article that the winners, Deer Park Kemble Scouts, had published in their local paper: On Friday evening, after pitching tents and cooking dinner, everyone enjoyed a casual game of People Bingo, to encourage teams from different areas to get to know each other by collecting 50 unusual facts about others.

On Saturday, teams had to complete as many of the 30 day challenges, ranging from assault courses and climbing walls to tightrope walking, as they could.

They then had an unaccompanied night exercise, navigating between 14 bases, each with more team challenges, including a laser maze, caving, and solving a giant Rubik’s cube made from 27 cardboard boxes.

The Leaders of the Cirencester team, Deer Park Kemble, were very impressed with the team spirit, can-do attitude and co-operation of their Scouts throughout the event. .

This year's date for Bald Eagle is 9 -11 Oct 2015. We will be returning to Rhydd Covert, keeping the best of the bases, but adding some new ones to keep you all on your toes!

I look forward to seeing lots of Gloucestershire Scouts there.

Chris Langham, ACC Scouts, Gloucestershire

SCOUTS

AND

E XPLORERS LINKING MONOPOLY R UN

Our first County event of the year took place in January. Despite the snow, forty Scouts and Explorers from around the County met up at 1st Cirencester HQ, before setting off to visit as many places as possible on their customised monopoly boards.

The young people were put into mixed teams of Scouts and Explorers from the same areas, giving them the chance to get to know each other during the challenge. Once they had their maps, teams had a short time to plan their strategy, before setting out into the snow.

Two hours later, after making slings at the hospital, posing as statues at the arts centre, counting the stones at the Abbey, racing out to the Cricket Ground, and avoiding the “Go to Jail” Leader, all teams returned to the Scout HQ for hot dogs and burgers.

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suggestions on programme and activities, which are being included in our future plans.

Thank you to all the Leaders who made this event possible, from co-ordinating entries to cooking burgers or braving the weather to run a base at the top of the amphitheatre. Especial thanks to our Cirencester hosts, Paul Brewer and Paul Gowen, who not only supported on the day, but put a lot of work into planning the event.

COUNTY S COUT COOKING COMPETITION At the end of February, eight teams from around the County took part in the annual cooking competition, held at Shurdington Scout HQ. Each team had two hours to produce a three-course meal, and serve it up in style.

To add to the challenge, each team had a tight budget, and minimal cooking equipment: just a two-burner camp stove and limited space for pots and pans. No fridges, no electric gadgets, and no adult help on the day!

The theme was “Jamboree!”, which gave us some colourful table decorations, and menus taking us on a tour of countries that have hosted a World Scout Jamboree. One Troop even managed to get hold of some WSJ participants’ scarves to add to their decorations. The standard of cooking was really good – don’t let anyone tell you that Scouts can’t cook for themselves! These 10- to 13-year-olds did an excellent job, and the judges would happily have joined any of the teams for the complete meal, not just the taster portion we were allowed.

This year’s winners were 15th Gloucester (St Peter’s), who cooked a beautiful Japanese menu, and runners up 1st Hatherley from Cheltenham District, who gave us a meal from Greece, America, and France. These two teams are going on to represent Gloucestershire in the Regional Competition in March.

Thanks to all the Leaders and parents who supported their teams, and especially to Jean Buxton for organising the competition, and Paul Callega-Gera and Alan Haywood for their help on the day.

Chris Langham, ACC Scouts, Gloucestershire

OBE 2014 Winners

Hatherley cooking

St. Peter’s meal

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We have had a fantastic response from Scouts and Guides across the country following the re-launch of the NSGSO for 2015. However we still have some vacancies in some instruments.

Applications are now based on a first-come, first-served basis and we will update the application page as instruments close. In particular we need double bass players!

Generally we are only open to young people aged 13-25 but we have a few places available to leaders of any age this year for: Double Bass, Violin, Oboe. (Young people can apply for these instruments too).

We are also still open to young people aged 13-25 for: Viola, Cello, Trombone, Bassoon.

The NSGSO Course The NSGSO meets every year for a fantastic week's course of music and activities. This year is our 40th year and the course will be held in Birmingham from Sunday 26th July to Sunday 2nd August 2015. The week will culminate in two evening concerts in Birmingham City centre on Friday 31st July and Saturday 1st August, together with a Saturday matinee specifically for local Scouts and Guides.

More detailed information can be found on the application form.

To apply for the 2015 course go to apply.nsgso.com ll applicants must be: A Member of The Scout Association or Girl Guiding, aged 13-25 by the start of the course (26th July 2015), but we are open to over 25's in some instruments, as stated above - Proficient player of a least one orchestral instrument (Grade 5 or above, including equivalents).

Further Information The cost of the course is ÂŁ445, payable in three instalments. The course cost includes full board, accommodation, rehearsals and workshops with a professional conductor and sectional tutors, uniform for new members, transportation during the week and social activities including a visit to an outdoor activity centre. For help with funding, applicants should first contact their Group, then District and then County. Applicants can of course do their own fundraising for this event.

For anyone wishing to use this course for their DofE, QSA or QGA residential, then this year must be the first time that they have attended.

For any general enquiries please email enquiries@nsgso.com Jill Bowman NSGSO Manager The National Scout & Guide Symphony Orchestra jill@nsgso.com *************************

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International Firstly, if you are thinking of taking a Scouting trip abroad, then please make sure you get in touch with me in the first instance and I will send you all the necessary guidance and forms to help you through the whole process.

The International aspect of the programme offers many exciting opportunities for all sections.

Check out the resources on www.scouts.org.uk At the time of writing, Commonwealth Day is only days away but it is not too late to celebrate the Commonwealth with Scouts Scotland’s Commonwealth Challenge, inspired by last year’s Games in Glasgow. Get involved with global issues, international co-operation and the work of Commonwealth organisations using the resources for all sections at www.scouts-scotland.org.uk Fancy a trip abroad? It’s getting late (but not too late!) for this year, but it might not be as daunting as you think. Several companies offer purpose-made opportunities for Scout parties. Have a look at the Summer camp abroad opportunities with JEKA at www.jeka.co.uk and Venture Abroad at www.ventureabroad.co.uk Feeling more adventurous? Then have a look at all the following forthcoming International camps and Jamborees contained in “International Opportunities” published periodically by HQ. Don’t forget that there are plenty of international camps and jamborees taking place every year around the UK as well, all affording that international experience without the extra travel. All these events need a lot of organisation and delivery, so there are many opportunities for adults as International Service Team to make these events happen as well.

Don’t forget that the 23rd World Scout Jamboree is taking place this summer in Japan. The Gloucestershire contingent consists of 3 Leaders and 27 Scouts who, along with 9 Scouts and a Leader from Cornwall, make up Unit 24, otherwise known as “The Woolly Pirates”. Check out their progress with preparations on www.glosjam.org.uk and watch out for Join in Jamboree resources. Blanket Badges are available to purchase, if you would like to support them – let me know if you would like any.

David L'Oste-Brown Assistant County Commissioner International, Gloucestershire Scouts Tel: 07967 272 089 e-mail: acc.international@gloucestershire-scouts.org.uk ----------------------------------------------------------

International Opportunities Baltic Olympic Jamboree Games Camp14 – 19 July 2015 In the summer of 2015, the traditional Baltic Jamboree is going to take place between woods and lakes of Estonia – in Tagametsa. At the third Baltic Jamboree we are expecting more than 700 participants from all three Baltic states and international guests from other European countries.

The camp is combined with the Olympic Jamboree taking place in Estonia every four years – this Jamboree is extra sporty with an ancient Baltic twist. https://www.facebook.com/BalticJamboree2015 ---------------------------------------------------------You’re up 2015, France 16 – 23 July 2015. Where?: France.

Dare a twinning with a French unit to live and understand the cultural richness of Europe, dialogue between young people and live life. 250 Euro for all (excluding transport). 10,000 French Scouts and 5,000 International Participants.

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Peak 2015 – Chatsworth Park, Derbyshire 25 July - 1 August 2015 The Scout & Guide camp held every five years in the grounds of the historic Chatsworth House. Once again the Duke & Duchess of Devonshire are allowing Scout & Guide Groups from all around the world to camp for a whole week within the private grounds of the Chatsworth Estate. The next camp is planned for 2015, where we expect over 4,000 young people will take part in one of the most exciting Scout & Guide camps in the world, where they will make new friends, have the opportunity to take part in new and exciting activities, and experience a truly unique atmosphere. Facebook - Peak CampTwitter - @thepeakcamp Email - peak.info@peakcamp.org.uk

Website - www.peakcamp.org.uk

———————————————————————CamJam 15 - 22 August 2015.

After a very successful CamJam in 2011, we are returning to Huntingdon Racecourse for 2015. Our International Camp is for Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Guides 10 – 18 years (at the time of the camp), and there are some wonderful opportunities for over 18’s to be part of the Staff Team. If you want to be part of our fun-filled friendly camp in historic Cambridgeshire, than contact admin@camjam.org.uk or visit http://www.camjam.org.uk ———————————————————————Haarlem Jamborette 25 July - 1 August 2015 Where? Recreational Area, Spaarnwoude (near cities of Amsterdam and Haarlem) 11-17 years old. Cost: €335, incl. food, hikes, sports, pioneering (Scout trail), day trips, water activities, sailing, handicrafts,.

Internet http://www.haarlemjamborette.nl info@haarlemjamborette.nl ———————————————————————Vendelbo Jamborette, Denmark 25 July – 1 August 2015 The Vendelbo Jamborette is held for the 9th time, and, as the last four times, it will happen on Mosbjerg Scout Centre in one of the most beautiful natural areas in Denmark. The Vendelbo Jamborette is an international camp with about 1,000 participants from many countries.

The camp opens 25 July and ends on 1 August 2015. The camp fee is €190 for the entire camp and €120, for half camp (5 days). Meals are included in the price. The camp will feature a host of activities and events, all of which revolve around the themes: NATURE - CREATIVITY SCOUTING. www.vj2015.dk facebook.com/VendelboJamborette ———————————————————————5th International Rover Week 8 July - 8 August 2015 Where? Kandersteg International Scout Centre, Switzerland. Who for? Scout Network and Adult Leaders between the ages of 18 and 30.

Come and join Rovers from around the world, as they engage in fun and interesting activities, working together as a team to cook and live in a unique multicultural atmosphere at the permanent mini-Jamboree in the heart of the beautiful Swiss Alps, at the same time as the WSJ in Japan.

Cost: CHF400 per person – plus travel to Kandersteg. Register an interest by email to pr@kisc.ch ———————————————————————Uganda Scouts Centenary Jamboree 18 - 28 August 2015 Where? Kaazi National Scouts Campsite – Kampala. Celebrating 100 years of Scouting in Uganda scouts@ugandascouts.org 8,000, 10-30 years old and leaders Cost: USD 250, incl. food. Adventure, culture and nature. http://www.ugandascouts.org

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Events in 2016 Drop into Poland 2016 26 July – 4 August €280 This time the camp is based on the number “5” and has the title “Give me Five”.

Scouts and Guides 13-17 years old are invited to take part in this camp All UK bookings to be made to Chris Noble at e-mail: polish_chris@btconnect.com ———————————————————————Roverway 2016, France 3 – 14 August 2016 www.roverway2016.org

uk.contingent@scouts.org.uk

——————————————————————— Australian Venture 2 – 13 January 2016 The 16th Australian Venture (AV2015 SA Heaps Good) will be held at Woodhouse Activity Centre, Adelaide, South Australia from 2nd to 13th January 2015.

An Australian Venture is the major National youth event for the Venturer section (14 - 18 years old) of Scouts Australia. You get to meet other Venturers and Guides from all over Australia and around the world.

For 10 days you will visit different areas of South Australia, try out activities and challenges you may have never dreamed of doing, and make friends for life.

For info click: www.av2015.scouts.com.au ——————————————————————— Michigan International Camporee, North America 24 July – 31 July 2016 Once every four years, Scouts from all over the world travel to Michigan for two weeks of international fellowship and fun, the first week in home-stays with Michigan Scout families and the second week camping together at MIC. Compared to some jamborees, an MIC is a relatively small event, with less than 1000 participants.

That allows participants to get to know each other.

However, over 1/3 of the youth participants at an MIC are from outside of North America.

Participating Scouts and Venturers not only meet U.S. and Canadian Scouts. They meet and get to know Scouts from all over the world. http://www.micamporee.org/ ——————————————————————— Charnwood 2016 30 July 2016 to 6 August 2016 In the middle of England – where we found a King in a Car Park.

INTBOOKINGS@Charnwood.org ——————————————————————— Finjamboree, Finland 20 July – 28 July 2016 The Guide / Scout camps, such as a Finnjamboree in Finland, are fun and well-organized camps, which actually take place in the forest! Presence of nature is an essential part of our Guiding/Scouting. The camp site will be a pop-up tent village in the woods, built by service team and participants. There are cold showers and hot saunas, places for swimming and for camp fires. Boys and girls, men and women work together to create a good experience for all.http://www.roihu2016.fi/in-english/ ………………… international@roihu2016.fi ———————————————————————World Scout Moot, Iceland 25 July– 2 August 2017 uk.contingent@scouts.org.uk Ulfljotsvatn Scout Centre - main camp, Iceland Inter-American Scout Camporee, Ecuador 2017 Interamerica@scout.org ———————————————————————31st Asia Pacific Regional Jamboree, Mongolia 27 July – 2 August 2017 12 – 17 year old participants in patrols of 9 with a leader. Cost $200 inc food.

Aprjam2017@scout.mn 20

10th Serbian Jamboree 27 July – 2 August 2018 10th Serbian National Jamboree, www.jamboree.rs ———————————————————————Wales by World Experience 2018 28 July – 4 August 2018 Approx £130 www.wwe2016.org.uk ———————————————————————24th World Scout Jamboree, 2019 America, Mexico and Canada, West Virginia uk.contingent@scouts.org.uk ———————————————————————-

This stunning satellite photograph of sunset over Europe and north-west Africa merits more than a quick glance. You can pick out the major cities in central Europe and Italy, identify the Canary Islands and Cape Verde Islands and even see where the continental shelves end and the deep ocean abyss begins.

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gscouts is edited by John Morton editor@gscouts.org.uk 01453 452159

Please send contributions, news and pictures to: magazine@gscouts.org.uk

For information visit gscouts.org.uk or phone the County Office 01452 812309