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Hello and I hope you are all well and looking forward to some time off over Christmas. It is a while since there has been a K.Scout for a variety of reasons holidays, lack of content etc the success of Adam and K.Plus. This has prompted us to review the publication this will now be done once a term K. Plus being the prime route for sending out information about what’s happening K. Scout will I hope become a celebration of what Scouting has been doing in the County. Cut off dates for getting articles to Nick the news are April20th, July13th, and November 30th the dates will be put on the website etc. new-year. Everyone looks forward to hearing what has been happening in our county and then pinching your ideas so please encourage contributions from all areas. I also hope we can confirm a new county media manager early in the year. I know there are a couple of people who struggle with the ISSUU format but that is not going to change and is indeed where the association place the national magazine. It is well worth the time registering. Needless to say along with the rest of the county I am really pleased with all that has been happening in Derbyshire since I last wrote. Jamboree leader selection involving lots of young people in their selection, the 2014 Explorer belt expedition and the amazing take up, what an achievement. I already have people wanting to lead / be involved in the next one just how cool is that. Drum Hill had a brilliant year on all fronts development , number of campers and users enthusiastic staff. More recently Jamboree contingent members have been selected which I know has been very difficult for selectors in some areas given the quality of applicants. But does bode well for Catherine and her leadership team. We continue to look for district commissioners for Derwent and Dove and Ilkeston district my thanks to Stephen and the leader for continuing to make great Scouting happen in those districts. Elsewhere you will see an article re the membership fees this year and whilst there is a 5p increase I am again over the moon that Stephen together with Sally and latterly Sue have got training to a position where free training is available for all with the exception of the nights away week end. Something I have wanted to see prior to appointment. It is just another way of the county saying thank you and valuing all who give so much of their time and energy. The county continues to grow these being the new sections who have claimed their £100 grant this year according to HQ. If you have a new section and have not claimed please do so. Queries please get in touch with Stephen.
1st Duffield Scout Group 3rd Tibshelf (Open) Scout and Guide Group 1st Bradwell Scout Group 1st Chatsworth Scout Group 1st Sitwell Scout Group DC’s will have the County plan in the next two weeks and I hope that it is shared and gives all an idea of the counties priorities for the next couple of years. The activity directory launched earlier this year has been a great success their will be another publication this year to correct the odd error and add to it now everyone knows what it is about then I think it will become a bi annual publication. So if you have any thoughts additions or comments for the September 2014 issue please let me know. Peak is gaining momentum and I know the road show’s last week end were full of enthusiastic leaders I just know it will be a great event. As with all of you with your regular Scouting I am continually amazed at the amount of time already going into Peak this 21 months away. Please accept a sincere thanks to all. Whilst talking of gatherings it was good to see so many Training advisors getting together to learn, share and celebrate their work in Scouting all to often unsung hero’s again thanks. I have to mention Census I know Ann who does the most amazing job for the County has written to all DC’s so please do your bit in districts and groups to make this years census the easiest for Ann to sign off ever. If you need help please ask. We now have a few districts with people who wish to be involved with media and special needs but more would be welcome so if you would like to get involved in either of those two areas please get in touch with your DC. Finally a very sincere THANK YOU to all involved in Derbyshire Scouting you really are a remarkable bunch. Just take 5 mins over the Christmas period to reflect on all you personally have enabled young people to do in our wonderful county then sit back with a contented smile on your face and enjoy the feeling. Tom
About Cornel Scout Centre Cornel is a large camp site site on the banks of Lake Crafnant in Snowdonia, North Wales. In addition to 25 acres of camping grounds it comprises a fully equipped campers block, with toilets, showers and a drying room plus room for a total of 30 in five bunkrooms, making it the ideal base for groups wishing to spend time in a safe and beautiful environment yet within walking distance of the Carneddau peaks. Visit www.cornelscouts.org.uk In August 10 members of the 1st Bakewell Scout Troop went on a summer camp in North Wales to Cornel Scout Camp near Betws-y-Coed. They were there for a week and during that time they did lots of activities including route planning, navigating, hiking, cooking, pitching & striking the camp, swimming and some sightseeing. As a result of this week in the hills they have gained a number of badges including the Nights Away, Hikes Away, Camp Cook Badge and Fitness Challenge. On one of the hikes they went to the famous Swallow Falls (in the pictures) then followed by ice creams at Betws-yCoed.
The executive has agreed the budget for 2014 and the membership subscription that is needed to fund the budget. The County levy will go up by 5p this year to £3.60 per member. Added to the National Levy of £20.50 that makes a total (before any district levy) £24.10. This is less the 50p reduction that we get if all county payments to Headquarters are made before 23rd April 2014. Below is a breakdown of the budget but the important impact for next year is that there will be no charge for leaders attending Derbyshire training courses, the only exception is the Nights Away Residential Course. To make sure that these free courses are not abused there will be charge to the DISTRICT for un-notified cancellations or no shows. Charge will be £10 / module.
Heading
2014
2013
Levy
33431
32422
Investment/ other Income
5369
6234
TOTAL INCOME
38800
38656
Transfer from Reserves
6000
7200
TOTAL
44800
45856
Team Expenses
8500
10350
Admin & Professional
13450
14070
Awards
2700
2000
All Training
5450
5150
Communication & Support 2800
1100
Events & Activities
7350
10150
Regional Activities
1100
0
Transfers
2550
2336
Others
900
700
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
44800
45856
To get the most out of your membership payments remember to support and attend all the county events and activities. They are put on for EVERYONE in the County.
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K.Scout is the Newsletter of the Derbyshire County Scout Council. All contributions and photos gratefully received and should be sent to news@derbyshirescouts.org for inclusion.
3 1 0 2 e Rampag
Scouts from across Derbyshire took part in Rampage at the County Campsite at Drum Hill in September. We had a full complement of 24 teams entered from right across the County. Teams of 6 Scouts in each team competed in activities at the 8 bases. Abseiling & climbing Grass Skis Archery Fire Lighting and boiling water – most even managing to light without matches. Mountain Biking Cannons – like the military Edinburgh Tattoo. Camp site faults – identifying what was wrong. Bridge building pioneering We were honoured to have our County President Sir Richard Fitzherbert Bt. to present the trophy and certificates; he was particularly pleased to see so many volunteers, nearly 50 on the day, helping run the activities which were so well appreciated. Team Placings WINNERS Biggin & Hartington 648 points RUNNERS UP 3rd Buxton 647 points THIRD PLACE 1st Chapel-en-le-Frith 606 points
Our group has had links with a group in Germany for many years, indeed many of you may have met Benedikt, one of their leaders working on the international team at Peak. We had not been able to visit them for a few years as we all had young children but last year we decided the time was right and we accepted their invitation to join them for a camp. We set off by coach, late on 29th July to catch the early ferry to Calais, followed by a very long journey to our camp site near Koblenz. Our German friends had invited scouts from Belgium, Nicaragua and Slovakia so along with us there was a very international flavor to the camp, which many of our scouts had never experienced before. Day one saw us straight into an activity day. These were ticketed (like Peak camps) and therefore groups were a nice mix of all nationalities. Activities on offer were, Butterfly park, swimming in open air pool, archery (run by one of our leaders), climbing world, adventure hike, canoeing, pioneering, crafts, international cooking, circus skills, and an assault course. On day two we traveled by bus to Koblenz and, again in mixed groups, we did a quiz of the city visiting all the interesting places, including the Deutsches Eck, where the Rhine meets the Moselle. After lunch we traveled by cable car up to the Ehrenbreitstein fortress, a huge castle where the tunnels were very welcome in the sweltering heat. On day three we again had an activity day. The following day was a visitors day for the German families and friends of the German group. Everyone took part in team building games, with forfits for anyone who couldn't complete their challenge. Each evening there was a lovely campfire with
lots of different international ideas and songs. Two duck races were held, followed by a spur of the moment, person/ duck race where costumes were quickly made from rubber gloves and towels. On the Sunday we did an incident hike, again in mixed groups and despite never being far from the camp site due to the steep valley we only saw other groups when we met to do activities. Unfortunately we had a real incident on this day when one of our scouts was unwell, but the German leaders were a fantastic help and although he was admitted to hospital he made a quick recovery. He was in good company as one of the Belgian scouts had been admitted the day before as he had accidentally drunk the river water! The evening saw an international church service at the camp chapel. The penultimate day saw more activities and a very emotional torch lit closing ceremony. After striking camp, we traveled by coach to the German's home town of Wuppertal for four days of home hosting. The scouts had been matched with scouts they had made friends with and the leaders stayed in nearby church hall with all the Belgians and one Nicaraguan. The home hosting days were jam packed too and we had a visit to the suspension railway museum, a trip to a beautiful castle, a hike to the Mungsten bridge, an official (soft) drinks reception at the Town Hall, a visit to the zoo and dragon boat racing. A special stamp had been designed to celebrate the camp which was on sale to the General public.
Special Needs And Derbyshire Scouting How many of us, last year, watched the Olympic Games with bated breath, willing our favourites to put in that winning performance? How many of us visited the Games and watched some of those performances? Indeed; how many of us were Games Makers?? The same questions can be applied to the Paralympic Games also held last year. According to the Official Website of the Paralympic Movement, The Games had a significant impact on British society. Research ahead of the Closing Ceremony found: • 1 in 3 UK adults changed their attitude towards people with an impairment; • 65% agree the Paralympics delivered a breakthrough in the way people with an impairment are viewed in the country – up from a 40% expectation in June 2010; • Eight out of ten (81%) British adults thought the Paralympics had a positive impact on the way people with an impairment are viewed by the public; • The Paralympic Games is about ability, not disability – and are about what people can do, not what they can’t do. Reading this made me think about my role in Derbyshire Scouting as ACC for Special Needs. I am constantly surprised by how many Young People, and Leaders, we have in Derbyshire with Additional/Special Needs. My role has been very varied and has included delivering an information session about Autistic Spectrum Disorders to all Leaders in a District; I have run evenings for various sections that
highlight some of the Special/Additional Needs and Disabilities that we may come across inside or outside of Scouting; I have helped Leaders to develop strategies to better engage Young People with difficulties into their section; I communicate with Gilwell regarding updating fact sheets etc. and I have also been able to assist some Leaders that have Additional Needs themselves. My continuing aim is to develop understanding and knowledge of Special/Additional Needs and Disabilities in Derbyshire . I need to “recruit” at least one person from each District within Derbyshire to assist me. The role would be Ambassador for Special/Additional Needs and would involve helping me in as few or as many of the areas I have already mentioned. You may be a Leader, a Parent/Grandparent/ Guardian, a Young Leader, a member who has a Disability or Special/Additional Needs, and have an interest in Shouting Out for Special Needs. As long as you are prepared to be CRB Checked (if you are over 18) you will be welcomed on-board. I would not expect a huge commitment; meetings would be as and when required for updates, resource/information and best practise sharing and would be kept to a minimum. I would like Scouting in Derbyshire to be like The Paralympic Games and to be even more about ability, not disability and what Leaders and Young People CAN do, not what they can't do, than we already are! PLEASE Help Me To Achieve This! To register your interest please email me at specialneeds@derbyshirescouts.org.uk or call me on 07711110456 Helen Gregory ACC Special Needs
Up and over hills, above and beyond duty, to overcome adversity presented by adventure The Scout Border Hike based at Gradbach Scout Camp, on the borders of Derbyshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire provides an outdoor challenge to all the young people participating. Paul Read, a member of the Gradbach Scout Camp Service Crew, talks about a real challenge faced by one team this year, which confirmed the value of the promise that we all make ‘to help other people’. The Course The Border Hike is a challenging, competitive navigational incident hike for Scouts, Explorers and Guides which is held every September in the picturesque Peak District surrounding Gradbach Scout Camp. The main Border Hike event comprises of an 8 to 10 mile incident based walk through some of the most beautiful, but unforgiving terrain in the country. Every year the event provides challenges for the young people to overcome, whether it is the navigation, negotiating the varied topography and en route incidents, or simply working well as a team. It is these challenging elements and the accompanying sense of achievement for all those who participate which makes the Border Hike such a special event. The Challenge For the majority of the 46 teams, this year’s Border Hike competition was no exception. However, for one Scout the route presented an even tougher challenge. James Jago, a Scout from 25th Warrington East Scout Group in Cheshire, has Cerebral Palsy which limits his mobility and as a result he often relies on walking sticks and a wheelchair. Team Potato which consisted of James and fellow scouts, Amy, Blair and Ross,
The Commitment The team set off via the hamlet of Dane Bridge with a support crew comprising of Caroline (his mother), Rob Oliver (Occasional Helper), Matthew Hennessey (Young Leader) and myself. The first stretch from the checkpoint was too steep for the wheelchair and required James to walk, a challenge which he completed with great enthusiasm. The team proceeded along the route with the support crew taking turns to help James by pushing and pulling the wheelchair across the rough terrain (mud, rocks and hills) whilst the team members did the navigation. There were many times when the route became just too tough for the wheelchair and James had to negotiate these sections on foot. In addition, there were more than 30 stiles and a number of narrow foot bridges which James tackled with an amazing amount of determination and, at every checkpoint, the team astounded checkpoint staff by deciding to continue. After a long exhausting day, the team reached the final hurdle which was a steep stretch down to the River Dane and then back up a steep field to the finish line back at Gradbach Scout Camp. Spurred on by shouts of encouragement coming across the valley from a crowd of supporters which had gathered by the finish line, the support crew with additions, helped support James along the steep and rocky path down the hillside to the river. After stopping for a quick photo on the footbridge, the exhausted, but still smiling James took hold of his walking sticks to walk the final stretch back to the campsite to cross the finish line. By this point, and after almost 10 hours, exhaustion was starting to show, but only 200 meters from the end and invigorated by the strength of support from others James persevered and each time he fell down, he got up again with a wider smile on his face. Cheered on by friends and supporters, James and his team mates made it to the finish with the team coming in 9th place out of 24 Scout teams! The Compassion Not only was this a massive personal achievement for James but also an outstanding demonstration of his enthusiasm, determination and love for scouting. It was inspiring to all those people who witnessed him and the whole of Team Potato in action. In addition, exceptional appreciation should be given to his mum, Rob and Matthew as without their effort, energy and willpower James would not have had the opportunity to realise this outstanding achievement. Rob and Matthew are truly inspirational and a credit to scouting in their community, showing great humility and humbleness throughout.
had this to add to the challenge of the hike. It is fair to say, the event organisers were apprehensive about how well Team Potato would cope with the difficult wheelchair unfriendly terrain, but after some careful consideration and with the appropriate provisions put in place, the team were prepared to take on the tremendous challenge of completing the hike.
For me, James’ achievement has made me realise a number of things; firstly, that we should not underestimate any young people in scouting, secondly, the power of enthusiasm and determination and finally that with the right support, anything is achievable! The next Border Hike is being held across the weekend of Friday 19th to Sunday 21st September 2014. For further details go to www.gradbachscoutcamp.org.uk
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Derbyshire Scouts Communications Team The Derbyshire Scout Communications Team is a Derbyshire Active Support Unit which provides PA/audio and two way radio communications support for mostly Scouting events throughout the County. For more information on what equipment we have available for use, to see what we have done and to find out how we could help your event please contact us via email admin@derbyshirescouts.org or find us on Facebook at Derbyshire Scouts Communications Team.
It has been a very good year for the Scout section with a very chilly start to the year with “Chilly Challenge” camps in the snow, our first Ready Steady Cook with 10 Districts taking part, full entry for Rampage and numerous other activities attracting entries from across the County – well done. We will start of 2014 with the now infamous Chilly Challenge – I understand already many Districts are planning District run events for this. A very Happy Christmas to you all. Dave David MacAlister ACC (Scouts)
We had an increased entry again this year with a total of 68 teams entered in the event – 33 in the Extreme and 35 in the Challenge. Fastest time for the Extreme was 3 hours 15 minutes and fastest for the Challenge was 2 hours 13 minutes – knocking 7 minutes off the record. We seem to get faster times year on year! Will we even beat the 2 hour time at some point? My thanks are extended to all the many helpers on the event – The Kinder Committee, Derby Mountain Rescue Team, County Team and fellow Scouters without whom we could not run the event. We do of course hope them all back for the 2014 event! Dave MacAlister
lobal G s ’ d e r F Furry llenge a h C y t n u Co In preparation for Beaver Bonanza in 2014, our County mascot, Furry Fred, has released a County-wide Challenge open to every Beaver Scout Colony in Derbyshire. This Challenge is made up of three parts – a Mini, Midi and Mega Challenge – each consisting of a number of missions relating to countries around the world.
Christmas! He is looking forward to hearing from more Colonies as they complete the Mini and Midi Challenges and if they still have some energy left, the Mega Challenge!.
To help take part in the Challenge, every Beaver Scout Colony should have received a Challenge Pack which includes resources to help them to explore and record their journey. The Leader’s booklet offers a range of fantastic craft, game and activity ideas for the 20 featured countries, as well as additional missions set by Furry Fred. One of Furry Fred’s missions ( in fact the first one) is to order and wear the “Furry Fred Goes Global” Badge. We are delighted to hear that 66 Colonies have ordered badges, however, stocks are now running low. We hope to place a new badge order in early January so please let me (contact details below) know if you still need them for your Colony. We want to make sure we order enough for everyone. The badges can be worn on uniforms by both adults and Beaver Scouts to show they are taking part in Furry Fred’s County Challenge. Forms to order the badges are in the Challenge Pack or can be downloaded from the Derbyshire website: www.derbyshirescouts.org. There are at least another 60 Colonies in Derbyshire to hear from – so please get in touch so you don’t miss out. Furry Fred is thrilled that three Colonies have already contacted him with details of their Mini Challenge. Two Colonies have already completed the Midi Challenge and are due a visit before
If you have not received YOUR Colony’s Challenge pack – together with passport, stickers, map etc – then please get in touch with your ADC Beaver Scouts and don’t forget to let Joy know if you are hoping to order Furry Fred Badges in the new year! In the meantime – do have a great Christmas break – charge up those batteries and get ready visit more countries and enjoy lots of great activities in 2014! Joy (Templer) Tel: 01332 515293 acc-beavers@derbyshirescouts.org
Can you help 1200 Beaver Scouts go around the world in just one day?! The Bonanza planning team are looking for adults (both section leaders, helpers and SASU members) as well as Scouts and Explorer Scouts to help at our
BEAVER BONANZA on 6th July 2014
What is a Beaver Bonanza? Beaver Bonanza is a County event open to all Beaver Scout Colonies in Derbyshire. The day is filled with a wide range of games, crafts and activities specifically created for the Beaver Scout age group (6-8 years old). The theme for Bonanza 6 is “Furry Fred Goes Global” – so all areas and activities are related to countries around the world. Where is it? The event is hosted at Drum Hill County Scout Campsite, which for this event is divided into 5 continents – Africa, America, Asia , Australia and Europe. How can you help? Most Beaver Scout Leaders will be bringing their Colonies to participate, so each Continent needs lots of other helpers to supervise and run the bases they have created. We also need help with some of the central services such as booking in, stewarding and refreshments. You could even volunteer to be Furry Fred (our County mascot)! For further information – please contact: Anne Veale (Continent Co-ordinator) Tel: 01773 603524 anneveale@hotmail.com or Joy Templer (Event Organiser) Tel: 01332 515293 acc-beavers@derbyshirescouts.org
As I sit here writing this the last few Districts have selected their Young People to represent them at the23rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan in 2015. I have been privileged to be a part of the selection process in some of the Districts and what a superb bunch of Scouts and Explorer Scouts that we have in our County. It is a great pity that the Derbyshire Unit has only 36 places as we could easily have taken twice as many; so my congratulations to those who were selected and my commiserations to those who weren’t. Selection for adult members to work as part of the International Service Team takes place in February and we wish all our Derbyshire applicants good luck with this. I have recently attended the Scout Association’s International Forum and was surprised to hear that only 125 Explorer Belts were awarded last year. It is great to know that Ben Lee and the Derbyshire Explorer Belt team are taking over 30 young people to Denmark for Derbyshire’s first ever Explorer Belt Expedition. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to say next year that a quarter of the UK’s Explorer Belts had been awarded in Derbyshire! A huge congratulations and thanks to Ben and his team for getting this off the ground. Also well done to all those who put themselves forward for this challenge. This picture was sent in by Sandra Stew – DC of Ripley & Heanor – showing the International Service Team at the World Scout Moot in Canada this year. Two other members of the County – Sian Bagshaw and Joshua Mosley were also present as participants (but not in this photo!).
As the year draws to an end we can reflect on the fact that Derbyshire Scouting has made it to Canada, Australia, the USA, Switzerland, Romania, Germany, France and
Norway. As well as contacting many more countries through the JOTI/JOTA weekend and not forgetting all the exciting global activities that have been part of our weekly programmes. Furry Fred’s Challenge for the Beavers is certainly taking them around the world this year and next! Where on the map will Derbyshire Scouting be found next year? As the winter draws in it is always nice to think of the summer ahead – if you fancy taking the plunge and going overseas next year but are not sure please get in touch (acc-international@derbyshire.scouts.org) and we can help you. Please make sure that you request your paperwork from me in plenty of time as forms for trips to Europe need 3 months notice and those further afield need 6 months. There is still an opportunity to apply for funding to help you run an International event. Recently supported ideas have included a trip to a Hindu Temple, an International Sleepover, New Zealand programme activities as well as trips abroad. What ideas can you come up with? Here is just a flavour of some International days for you: Don’t forget 31st January 2014 sees the start of the Chinese Year of the Horse. UNICEF’s Day for Change is Friday 7 February 2014 If you want some more programme ideas have a look at one of Scouting’s official partners: http:// www.youngshelterbox.org/partnership.php
And finally some hot news! Following the success of our joint trip to Denmark with Derbyshire Girlguiding in 2013, the Scout & Guide County Commissioners are pleased to announce that we will be having a Joint International Trip in 2016 (destination probably to a European Scout & Guide Camp but details still to be fully decided). There will be opportunities for 3 leaders and 15 young people (aged from 14 – 18) from each association. Watch this space for more details. However make a note for your diaries that Leader selection will be in May 2014 and County selection for young people will be in October 2014. Simon Growcott - ACC International