Issue 125 Issue 1252018 April April 2018
From the Courtyard
From the Courtyard SAC SCOUTS NEWSLETTER
In this issue Cubs.. - Cubs Feature in... - Leadership Training
Scouts.. - A.N.Z.A.C. Day
Rovers.. - Jambowlree
Our GSL tells us what’s on!
Anzac Day On 25th April a number of our scouts attended the Anzac Day Commemoration Ceremony at the Pieta Military cemetery. Our Group is invited every year by the Australian High Commissioner to assist with the wreath laying function and to give respect to the soldiers that are buried there. Our scouts assisted the numerous dignitaries, Her Excellency the High Commissioner Ms Julienne Hince, and H.E Dr Marie Loiuse Colerio Preca, President of Malta to lay the wreaths at the monument at the cemetery. In order to enable the younger members to understand the significance of the occasion I am hereunder reproducing part of the booklet prepared by the Australian High Commission for this occasion.
Featured... - Central District Annual Report
Coming up MedJam 1—8 August
“Anzac Day - history and significance When war broke out in 1914 Australia had been a federated nation for only 13 years. When Britain declared war in August 1914 Australia was automatically placed on the side of the Commonwealth. In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the Allied navies. The objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany. Anzac forces landed at Gallipoli at dawn on 25 April, 1915. After meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders, what had been planned as a bold stroke to eliminate Turkey from the war, quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915 the Allied force (comprising Anzac, British, French, Irish and Indian units), was evacuated after both sides had suffered appalling casualties. Over 56,000 Allied soldiers were killed in the campaign, including more than 11,000 Australian and New Zealand troops. Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, for Australia and New Zealand it left an inspiring legacy, and became central to the national identities of each. Today, Anzac Day goes beyond the anniversary of Gallipoli and the First World War; it is the day we remember all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in war and on operational service. Malta and the Anzac legend In 1915 Malta had been a British colony for 100 years. Many Maltese served with the British armed forces in the First World War, including 800 volunteers who supported the Gallipoli campaign. About
From the Courtyard
GSL’S NOTE
Issue 125 April 2018
60,000 wounded and sick Allied troops were evacuated to Malta from the Dardanelles, with many dying of their wounds or illness. In WWI Malta became the last resting place of 204 Australian soldiers and 72 New Zealand troops. World War II In the Second World War, Malta played a vital role as an Allied naval and air base. As part of the Allied effort from Malta and in defence of the island, ships of the Royal Australian Navy escorted supply convoys and intercepted enemy shipping. In the air, pilots from the Royal Australian Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force formed part of the island’s RAF fighter defence. Twenty-five Australian service personnel and seven New Zealanders killed in WWII are buried in Malta. In addition, 206 Australians and 85 New Zealanders killed in the Mediterranean area with no known grave (most of whom served with the RAF), are commemorated on the Malta Memorial in Floriana. Anzac Day has been observed in Malta since 1916 and was originally two services. A service for nonCatholics was held at Pietà Military Cemetery and the second at Addolorata Catholic Cemetery. With the unveiling of the Malta Memorial in 1954, the services were combined and held at this location until the late 1970s. Since 1979 the Anzac Day commemorative service has been held at Pietà Military Cemetery as it contains the most Anzac war graves (231) on the island”
GSL’s Note
Annual Parade The annual parade was held on April 22nd. Ninety of our members were present to participate in the successful event and it was the first time for the Group in the new uniform. Leaders and Rovers wore the new BP hats for the first time and the younger members wore the more youthful looking baseball caps. Not all agree about the degree of smartness such baseball caps bring to the new uniform but the trend nowadays is to try and have a more youth friendly event and association. Thanks to all members that participated and to parents for their support.
Med-Jam Those scouts attending Med-Jam are being requested to fill in and submit attendance and personal details forms as soon as possible because the organisers are preparing for the final details of the event being held in August. Please cooperate and submit in time by Wednesday 9th May.
SACFEST – 18th-20th May Our Group shall be helping out again at SACFEST this year as first aiders. Rovers, ventures and older troop leaders will be asked to assist on a roster basis.
Rover Camp – Centenary Celebrations 18th-20th May A camp is being held at Ghajn Tuffieha Campsite for rover crews. This is to celebrate the 100 years of Rovering in Malta. Our Crew plans to attend parts of the camp due to various commitments such as work and exams. The main part of the programme is on Saturday 19 th and that is when our Rovers plan to participate and be involved most. We are lucky to have one of the largest Rover Crews in Malta which a Crew of thirty members right now.
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From the Courtyard
GSL’S NOTE
Issue 125 April 2018
June June will be a quiet period for all sections as members will be studying. Meetings will still be held on a weekly basis so we encourage members to organise their time well and try and attend as much as possible.
New Chief Commissioner
GSL’s Note
The Scout Association of Malta now has a new Chief Commissioner –Mr Anton Pisani –he previously served as Deputy Chief Commissioner. We wish him well for the future and look forward to working with him in the new challenges ahead.
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From the Courtyard
CUBS FEATURE IN...
Issue 125 April 2018
This April, two of our cubs were presented with the opportunity to participate in two prominent events in the SAC calendar. A.N.Z.A.C. Day
From the Pack
I was chosen by the Scout leaders to represent the cubs on A.N.Z.A.C. day on Wednesday the 25 th of April. This was a Commemorative Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony held at the Pieta Military cemetery. This memorial was organised by the Australian High Commission in Malta. The wreath that I was going to place was made by us, cubs, during one of our Wednesday meetings. I felt very proud and nervous before Timmy (one of the Scout leaders) and I marched to place the wreath at the foot of the monument at the cemetery. The memorial ended with the national anthems of Australia, New Zealand and Malta. At the end I was given a pin with the Maltese and Australian flag that represents A.N.Z.A.C. day I felt very honoured to be part of this solemn occasion and I will remember this day forever. Dimitri Joe Muscat Cub
Left: Dimitri Joe Muscat accompanied by ARCC Timmy Zammit (saluting) after presenting wreaths on A.N.Z.A.C. day. Right: Nico Micallef marches holding the Cubs flag during the Annual Parade, 2018. Both Cubs are now doing their link badge and preparing to become Scouts. The Annual Parade The big day had finally come. It was time for the parade. We had practiced a lot to make sure we march well. During practice, what I thought was going to be a ususal parade turned out to be a very special one for me. It all started when Akela gave me this strap and told me to put it on. He explained that I would be holding the flag! I felt happy and excited at the same time. I met the other scouts who were holding the flags .It took us six weeks to prepare but six weeks go by and the parade was happening. We were about to start. Yes, I did feel butterflies in my stomach but it all went well and I felt proud, proud to represent St Aloysius Scouts. Nico Micallef Cub
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From the Courtyard
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Issue 125 April 2018
Leadership training has become one of those things never far from the mind of leaders working towards their Woodbadge Qualification. This training comes in stages and Bagheera has recently completed the third level of this training.
From the Pack
One of the stipulations for the successful completion of the Basic Training Course is that all participants organize a joint activity for their respective sections. Following the end of the lecture component of the course back in mid-March, I teamed up with Rebecca Cremona from Attard Scout Group. Following much discussion and a few coffees, we settled on a full day’s activity based on an around the Xemxija Heritage trail. The morning of the 30 April dawned somewhat drearier than we’d hoped however, in true scouting style, everyone turned up...and on time too! Rebecca and I had planned a jam-packed a day for the cubs and we immediately got stuck in to the ice-breakers, historical trail, mini pioneering projects and a scavenger hunt. Between 09:00 and 12:30, the cubs from both packs were pretty Before and After: Hathi and Andre demonstrate tripod building. Rewell integrated at which point we began the second part of the program which consisted, mainly, of a hike and fire and cooking
Cubs sit an listen during a spirituality session.
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From the Pack
From the Courtyard
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
session. Prior to this, Rebecca lead a spirituality session where all the cubs were encouraged to take a few minutes to appreciate the sights and sounds of the Xemxija woodland, which may otherwise have gone unnoticed amid the fun and games. Following this, we embarked on the start of our trail, with a Tracking Signs session m idway t hr ough. Bot h Rebecca and I had planned the Hike out well in advance of the actual activity and knew that the second half of the hike would be a little uneven. This being said, all of the cubs loved it and before you knew it, we were walking along Kalkara Valley and into Mistra Bay. Once there, I delivered a fire and safety session prior to handing out This was a human pyramid...until someone laughed! the necessary equipment. All leaders present had helped so far, but it was all hands on deck from this point onward! We had six sixes, a fire for each six, and a leader with each six. In addition, Rebecca and I distributed firewood, food and ensured that the session went off without a hitch. Lunch was served by about 14:30 and burgers and sausages were enjoyed by all! Midway throughout the activity we were visited by our activity assessor who ensured that all our equipment and paperwork was in place. The activity was brought to a close after letting the fires die out and all the cubs played the last few games together before the Grand Howl lead by each Pack’s Akela. The aim of these activities is not only to ensure that upcoming leaders are able to organize a well structured, logistically sound activity with someone they’ve never worked with before, but also that the activity is both fun and educational. The activity appeared to be a resounding success, although I still need to submit my activity report and have this reviewed in order to have this confirmed, and to progress to the next level. While this was my joint activity, I know that the logistics on the day would not have been possible to co-ordinate
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Issue 125 April 2018
Bagheera and the Cubs!
From the Courtyard
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Issue 125 April 2018
without the remainder of the SAC pack leaders who showed up en masse on the day and where absolutely invaluable!
From the Pack
Emma Gauci Bagheera
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Above: Cubs solve a human knot. Right: Cubs in a cave! Below: Hurrah!
From the Courtyard
A.N.Z.A.C. DAY
Issue 125 April 2018
From the Troop
The Australian High Commission annually invites SAC to participate in the A.N.Z.A.C. Day wreath laying ceremony.
On April 25th a number of our members took part in the Anzac Day Commemorative Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Pieta Military Cemetery. We take pride in being invited for this yearly event by the Australian High Commission for over twenty years now. Scout Leader Bernard Maniscalco and Rover Crew coordinator Timmy Zammit were responsible for this activity. The scouts that attended were: Thomas Sciberras Herrera, Robert Sciberras Herrera, Ryan Chetcuti, Nicky Debono Drury, Patrice Pace, Matthew Muscat, Karl Dazzi, David Camilleri, Antonio Grech, Andrew Abela, Luigi Farrugia, Julian Galea, Nikolas Camilleri, Karl Camilleri and Andrea Fenech.
Andea Fenech (Left) and Andrew Abela (Right) take up flowers and wreaths during the A.N.Z.A.C. day ceremony
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From the Courtyard
A.N.Z.A.C. DAY
Issue 125 April 2018
The Pack created their own wreath during a scout meeting, which included hand cut-outs of several cubs. This was presented by Dimitri Muscat. SAC Scout Group also presented a Wreath, and was laid by Timmy Zammit.
From the Troop
Anzac Day in Malta Anzac day has been commemorated in Malta since 1916. Malta played a significant role in WWI with around 800 Maltese directly supporting the Gallipoli campaign. The thousands of sick and wounded allied servicemen who were evacuated to and treated in Malta resulted in the country becoming known as ‘The Nurse of the Mediterranean’. There are 202 members of the Australian Imperial Force and 72 members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force buried on the island. Since 1979, Anzac day has been commemorated at Pieta Military Cemetery as it contains the highest number of WWI Anzac graves on the island.
Bernard Maniscalco Scout Leader
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From the Courtyard
Issue 125 April 2018
JAMBOWLREE
This year, our Rovers were invited to participate in an international bowling tournament Throughout April, the SAC Rover Crew participated in "Jambowlree" - an international bowling competition that brings together scouts from all over the world. The rules are very simple: organise a bowling event locally and send the official results to the competition organisers. Truth be told, although our Rovers do enjoy a competition, we did not have any high expectations from the competitive aspect of this competition. The main reason behind participating was to enjoy doing something together outside of HQ.
From the Crew
The Rover Jambowlree event took place on the 11th April 2018. After the weekly Wednesday meeting, which included a preparade uniform inspection, Rovers went to the bowling alley in Paceville and participated in two rounds of bowling. The event turned out to be an enjoyable night which demonstrated that we are not as good Jonathan Pace shows us his best move while Andrew Zammit Montebello prays for success. as we think in everything!
RCC Pierre Sant and ARCC Timmy Zammit surrounded by the SAC Rover Crew get ready to bowl.
Timmy Zammit ARRC
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From the Courtyard
CENTRAL DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT
Issue 125 April 2018
CENTRAL DISTRICT ANNUAL DEPARTMENT REPORT 2017 (This report was presented to the Annual General Assembly on 28 th April, 2018)
From the Crew
The Central District of the Scout Association of Malta (SAM) has had an incredible year, once again. It continues to celebrate consecutive years of growth, with significant numbers registered in the adult volunteer portion of the respective District’s scout groups’ membership. The majority of the District’s scout groups continue the fulfillment of core sectional training as issued by Island Headquarters (IHQ), and those sectional meetings to meet those plans. All this continues to demonstrate the positive impact Scouting makes in local communities throughout the localities where the District’s groups are active. This is further empowering young people to decide, design and determine the shape and future of the Movement at District level as well.
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Throughout year 2017, we have so recognised more of our adult volunteers who pursue the established Adult Leadership Programmes which are run by IHQ’s training department. Significant to point out about this effort is the inclusiveness aspect of our Movement, where female leaders are noteworthy leading with their contributions in ensuring that Scouting remains accessible to all young people, regardless of their background. Through observations made during my tours of inspection of District’s scout groups throughout the year in review, the keynote effort (as conducted in general by all other leaders as well) continues in sustainably changing lives, where also in some localities and in some schools, our leaders are working in partnership with other organisations (such as ERASMUS) to ensure full accessibility by all to Scouting. Since Scouting is shaped by young people, more and more, we have registered in our District’s scout groups a steady flow of new appointments in various roles. These new leaders are considered a very important component in perpetuating the ideals of the Movement, for they bring fresh ideas to the table when they organise training and various activities. We have witnessed that their sights are set with energetic eyes, inspired to work together to determine our priorities and plan Scouting’s future. For the District itself as a whole, the year has been exceptional not because it has gained a new District Commissioner after the absence of one in office for a number of years, but
From the Courtyard
CENTRAL DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT
Issue 125 April 2018
because the District’s own Group Scout Leaders have continued to come together in working hard to make each Scouting day in their respective group’s calendar a positive and memorable one for their members. Collectively, they must be praised for teaching their members through doing, sharing in spiritual reflection, taking responsibility and making choices, undertaking new and challenging activities, and above all, how to live their Scout Promise.
From the Crew
My mission has so continued to morph and adapt itself to supporting and encouraging all leaders in their development of young people in achieving their fullest potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens, and as members of their local, national and international communities. In understanding the ever-demanding training requirement criteria as IHQ is obliged to follow by WOSM and local education authorities, our focus remained on the advancement of core Scouting values, of citizenship and community development. In complying with public benefit principles, Scouting’s purpose remains observed to the fullest by embracing and contributing to social change as witnessed around our Groups. The shaping of young people into responsible adults ensures they are empowered, valued and proud to be members of the Movement, and thus make a positive contribution to society.
As Scouts, we are guided by the core values of integrity, respect, care, belief and cooperation. Always keeping these as hindsight since my assuming of the role and responsibilities of District Commissioner, we have conducted interaction within the our Groups with the following strategic objectives: GROWTH - to increase the number of youth members and adult volunteers; INCLUSIVITY – to be diverse as our communities; YOUTH SHAPED – to ensure Scouting is shaped by young people in partnership with adults; COMMUNITY IMPACT – to make a positive impact in our communities. The challenges faced throughout the past year were several, nonetheless. Our Scouting programmes continue to compete with burdensome academic studies at school, university or vocational colleges, which impact on the progress of adult volunteers’ and leaders’ training at IHQ. This in turn, it has been observed, affects the recruitment and retention of said adult leaders. The perpetuation of a safety strategy and members’ safeguarding remains paramount, with strong insistence on District level chain-ofleadership and management. Whilst at IHQ level, the embracing of digital technologies has over the past years made many inroads, some of our Groups remain wary and slow in keeping up the pace.
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From the Courtyard
CENTRAL DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT
Issue 125 April 2018
Localised efforts in the communications and marketing areas also remain limited and constrained to some degree by higher authority’s oversight. However, all Groups continue to be compliant to asset management, commercial, finance, governmental and legal obligations they are obliged to meet.
From the Crew
The many successes of the District over the past year have made good progress towards meeting the goals which were set out to us by the outgoing Chief Commissioner. The quality of delivery of the training programme was improved, especially through promoting flexible volunteering so as to increase the number of adult volunteers supporting Scouting. All our Group Scout Leaders have conducted actions to implement an inherent perpetuated growth strategy, as reflected by their annual census statistics. As District Commissioner, we have provided specialist support to individual groups where deemed required or requested, such as conflict resolution, report-writing, public relations and desk-top publishing. One major challenge ahead at District level will be the activation of a District Headquarters in Valletta. The property identified is in the process of being taken over, with a view to provide the District’s leadership with a venue where off-site meetings or activities can be conducted, which would not necessarily impinge on group level or national level calendars. External funded activities will once again be sought, since they remain relevant, rewarding and challenging to Scouts in all sections of our Groups. The quality support received from the IHQ’s External Funding desk-officer remains a crucial priceless component in the key assistance required to overcome the bureaucratic hurdles of such external funding initiatives. Overcoming those barriers faced from group leaders of unfamiliarity with IHQ commissioners in general, was an exploratory experience of positive interaction with several leaders within our District’s groups. The regular conduct of District Meetings for GSLs and visits to their respective HQs and activities have helped mitigate these concerns, through mixing in with them and building friendships. The insight achieved gave a better understanding of how we could grow and develop more, whilst remaining rooted in the realities of local Scouting. Such an approach has been deemed as ambitious and progressive, however its proactive approach yielded its fruits in diminishing misunderstandings through conflict resolution practices, and by providing proper channels of communications so as to influence positively decisions in Scouting at a national level. Such consultations saw countless hours of engagement in face-to-face sessions, aimed at increasing support, resources and dialogue through peer leadership. As a result, simple exchanges of views and opinions have been rekindled, which celebrate the role of peer leaders in Scouting. Our Groups have thus remained key advocates for delivering high quality community impact activities within their local communities. External personas, like Her Excellency the President, have acknowledged this as well. Even state entities like Wasteserv Malta or Local Councils or church parishes see the increased perception of Scouting among 13
From the Courtyard
CENTRAL DISTRICT ANNUAL REPORT
Issue 125 April 2018
decision makers or at national charity events, which help make a real and lasting positive change in our communities. The way ahead at Central District will underpin the sound management of finances, assets, communications, information technology systems, and overall good governance throughout each of our Groups. The streamline administration of Scouting and the collection of youth data will help us understand all our members and how they participate in the programme. This will in turn launch different approaches to enable our growth.
Maj. Ivan M. Consiglio, AFM Rtd.
From the Crew
District Commissioner - Central The Scout Association of Malta
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