Pathfinder Spring 2011 by Scouts Scotland

PATHFINDER

WELCOME Welcome to the spring 2011 issue of Pathfinder, the magazine of The Scottish Council The Scout Association. As promised in autumn 2010, this issue of Pathfinder has a particular youth focus, as part of our on-going Youth Involvement work â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you can read the latest on how this work is progressing in an interview with Youth Involvement Co-ordinator Neil Mackenzie on p.4. We have put together a team of five youth editors for this issue, who have been busy coming up with ideas and writing articles and case studies. Topics covered in this issue range from role models and bullying to the Scottish Youth Parliament. We also interview record-breaking long-distance cyclist Mark Beaumont as well as looking at the opportunities available at our National Activity Centres over the next few months. Now to meet our youth editorsâ&#x20AC;Ś

Introducing our Youth Editors

Gavin, 18, Scottish Scout Network Council member

Euan, 16, South Morningside Explorer Scout Unit

Kerri, 15, 13th Fife Explorer Scout Unit

Poppy, 14, 13th Fife Explorer Scout Unit

John, 17, Young Leader for 1st Kirkliston Cub Pack

Thank you for taking the time to read this edition of Pathfinder. It has been a pleasure for all the youth editors to work on this edition for our adult members and we hope you enjoy the content that has been handpicked and written by us.

Youth Editors

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CONTENTS Scottish Headquarters News

A round-up of all the latest news, policy updates and developments from Scottish Scout Headquarters.

Youth Involvement – “Nothing About Us Without Us”

We find out the latest on the Youth Involvement agenda from Youth Involvement Co-ordinator Neil Mackenzie.

Checklist for Youth Involvement

FEATURE

Youth Involvement

Check how much you are involving young people in Scouting by asking yourself these five questions posed by Gavin.

Ask Scottish Headquarters

Kerri helps deal with some burning questions asked of Scottish Headquarters.

Bullying – Let’s make a difference

Euan and Poppy look at bullying both in and out of Scouting, and what can be done to combat it.

Trailblazer

Perth Explorer Scouts Rosemary and Drew quiz record-breaking round the world cyclist Mark Beaumont on his incredible adventures.

When I Grow Up

Our Youth Editors and Neil Mackenzie tell us about their role models and why they are inspired by them.

Activate!

A look at some of the great programme and training opportunities available at our three Scottish Scout National Activity Centres over the next few months.

A Helping Hand

Gavin considers special needs Scouting and how we can help to make our adventure accessible to all.

Discovering the Scottish Youth Parliament

John provides insight into his work as part of the Scottish Youth Parliament, how it can benefit Scouts and how to get involved.

As Ithers See Us

Adventure enthusiast and former Glasgow Cub Scout Faraz Shibli tells us about his upcoming expedition across the Gobi Desert and his formative Scouting experiences.

Events Diary Keep up to date with Scouting events for young people and adult volunteers across Scotland.

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SCOTTISH

HEADQUARTERS NEWS - - - - - ------------- -- - - - ---- - -- - - - - ----Financial Year-end: Headache or Opportunity?

- - --------- --- - - What the Rules Require

For many Groups, Districts and Regions 31st March marks the end of the financial year. As required by the Policy Organisation and Rules (POR) of The Scout Association, every such body must each year prepare an Annual Report and Statement of Accounts, which must be independently examined or audited (NB: a full audit is only required if turnover exceeds £500,000). For a Scout Group, the Statement of Accounts must account for all monies received or paid on behalf of the Group, including all Sections and the Group Active Support Unit (if applicable). District Accounts should similarly include monies received or paid for Explorer Scout Units / Young Leaders’ Scheme and Scout Network. An Annual General Meeting (AGM) must be held within six months of the Financial Year-end. Signed copies of the Annual Report and Accounts must be forwarded on to the District / Region / SHQ Treasurer within 14 days, following the holding of an AGM at which the annual report and accounts are considered and approved. If registered with OSCR as a Scottish Charity, an OSCR Annual Return must be submitted to OSCR within 9 months of the financial year-end. Keep it Simple To make life easier, SHQ has produced a number of documents that are available on www.scoutsscotland.org.uk. A search for ‘Accounts’ will produce, amongst other things, a simple guide to the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 and what these mean for Scouting. Also available is a worked example of an Annual Report and Statement of Accounts along with a blank pro-forma that can be readily adapted by most Scout bodies and will meet the requirements of OSCR. A good Treasurer is worth their weight in gold! It is worth the effort to find the right person. Having someone appointed to keep on top of financial

transactions will relieve Leaders of the burden of financial management and ensure that the production of end-year accounts becomes a relatively pain-free exercise. Annual Report The production of the Annual Report will benefit from team effort. This document provides an opportunity to promote and enthuse about your Scouting. It is not just about money. It can help with recruitment of new youth and adult members and tell a story of success to outsiders that might result in support for your Scouting in cash and kind. It will benefit from good images highlighting the fun, adventure and achievements of the year in question. Put yourself in the place of someone who knows little about Scouting in their locality. Does your Annual Report help to shed light on what Scouting does and its impact on young people and the community? The AGM One of the biggest challenges in holding a successful AGM is getting people to turn up! Why would parents and the wider community want come along to a business meeting? There needs to be something in it for them. Involving young people in a creative programme that illustrates what Scouting does, recognises achievement, and previews future Programme highlights might prove more interesting. The Scottish Scout Network Council held their 2010 AGM in the open air in the middle of a packed weekend camping and activity programme…and had their biggest ever AGM attendance. Could a Group AGM be held during a camp or family barbecue? If it included awarding of badges and certificates would more parents be attracted to attend? Showcase Success The Year-end is not just about accounts. It is an opportunity to reflect on and highlight all that your Group / District / Region has undertaken and achieved during the year. The Annual Report and the AGM can be celebrations rather than headaches and be turned to good effect to grow Scouting! If you have a recipe for AGM success contact SHQ and share it with others.

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Help for Trustees and Office Bearers

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Often unsung, operating in the background, Scouting could not function effectively without Trustees and Office Bearers. They need to be valued and supported. Many will have come from outside Scouting, such as parents offering their services on Executive Committees. It is important that they understand the requirements of the role and are kept up to date.

membership elsewhere (e.g. through work or another voluntary organisation), will not have to reapply for Scheme membership. Such individuals will be asked to complete an Existing PVG Scheme Member Application, which is an abbreviated form requesting a Scheme Record Update. This will confirm to The Scout Association that the individual is a Scheme Member and will state if any information has been added to the Record since last disclosed. The overwhelming majority of Update Records will require no further action. Since Existing Member application forms will not be needed for the launch date, Appointments Secretaries will be notified once these are subsequently available from Gilwell Park.

To this end, SHQ is delivering a programme of information and update seminars across the country for Trustees and Office Bearers in Groups, Districts and Regions. Check out the dates on the www.scoutsscotland.org.uk.

It should be remembered that criminal record checking forms only one element of our adult vetting arrangements. All elements, including References and Interview, are important in order to safeguard our members.

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PVG Scheme Launched Supporting Scottish Scouting

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At the time of going to print we are in preparation for the 28th February ‘Go-Live’ date for the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme and hoping for a seamless transition. Arrangements have been made for the overprinting of forms with appropriate Scout Association information and a supply of these forms, along with guidance notes, should by now have reached each Appointments Secretary. Those who are familiar with the old Disclosure checking process will find much that is familiar. From 28th February 2011, any adult being considered for a role that necessitates a criminal record check will require to become a PVG Scheme Member by completing the form Application to Join PVG Scheme. The form is quite similar to the old Disclosure form. To ensure that a lengthy processing backlog does not arise with the introduction of the PVG Scheme, Disclosure Scotland is putting in place a phased transition to the new Scheme for all those who have a Disclosure Certificate for their current role. This will mean that those with a Disclosure that will be five years old during the next 12 months will not be able to transfer immediately to the new Scheme. There will be a process of catch-up the following year, when they will be required to apply for PVG Scheme Membership. A key difference of PVG from the old Disclosure Scheme is that once an individual becomes a PVG Scheme Member, their membership remains valid ad infinitum (unless cancelled). Thus an adult coming in to Scouting, who has acquired PVG Scheme

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The Scottish Development Fund exists to support you - whether you are a Section, a Group, a District or a Region we have money available that will assist you with the on-going operation of Scouting. There is so much that you can apply for and yet so many Groups have not used the fund at all. Now is the time to think big, plan ahead and apply! If you are not sure if your project is eligible, contact Graeme Luke at Scottish Headquarters (01383 419073) who can offer advice and support to help you put together a winning application. As well as the Scottish Development Fund, support is also available through the CashBack for Communities Small Grants Scheme. The Scheme which recently had its funding doubled to £1m, provides funding of up to £2,000 to support the start-up and activity programmes of local volunteer-led youth groups that are affiliated to the six operating partners. It is particularly targeted at supporting the development of youth work activity for young people aged 10 to 19 in areas of deprivation. For guidance and application forms for both of these funds, visit www.scoutsscotland.org.uk.

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Youth Involvement

“Nothing about us without us” - - - - - ------------- -- - - - ---- - -- - - - -

The concept of youth involvement has emerged in recent years as a leading-edge, broad-based approach and best practice to meet the needs of young people. It is a process that offers meaningful participation for young people, providing opportunities for youth to take responsibility and leadership while working in partnership with caring adults who value, respect and share power with them. This can be summarised by a young person who said, “Nothing about us without us.” What is the overall aim of the Youth Involvement Implementation Group?

As mentioned in the welcome page, this is a largely youth-shaped edition of Pathfinder. To put this issue into context, Scott Walton, an 18 year old Assistant Scout Leader who helped present the Youth Manifesto at our AGM in November, caught up with Youth Involvement Implementation Co-ordinator Neil Mackenzie to find out more about Youth Involvement and what it means for us all. What does Youth Involvement actually mean? Youth Involvement is simply the engagement of young people in activities that enable them to shape and influence their futures, involving them in planning and organisation, while encouraging them to advocate for themselves.

As a youth movement it is very important that we are seen to involve our young people in the decisionmaking processes that affect their position within Scouting. It is vital that we involve and engage our young people so as to enable them to influence and shape the future of Scouting in Scotland. The aim of the Youth Involvement Implementation Group is to develop and implement a broad range of strategies that will allow both adults and young people to engage in consultation with each other on matters relevant to the young people’s Scouting experience. The ultimate aim is to embed a culture of Youth Involvement within Scottish Scouting, where all Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and 18 – 25 year olds within the Movement can voice their views and opinions on matters that affect them. As adults within Scouting, we have a responsibility towards our young people. We must listen to and value the views and opinions expressed by our young members. Scouting is a youth-shaped movement and we should be aiming to embrace a culture of youth involvement. What is the background to the group? During the first Youth Summit - which was held in November 2007 - the aspirations of the young people were identified and a small working party was developed to explore the issue of widening youth involvement in decision-making at all levels of Scottish Scouting. This group, led by Graham Haddock, presented 38 recommendations to the Scottish Board, and the Youth Involvement Implementation Group was set up to implement each of these.

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What are the plans for the future and timescales? We will continue working towards the work plans we have developed, and the initial timescale for our work to be completed is June 2012. We hope that by this time we will be in a position to introduce and implement our ideas. In some cases we hope that these will be piloted within Regions so we can monitor the success of what we implement. There are some very exciting things that we are working on that will truly change the way Scottish Scouting involves its young people.

The Youth Involvement Implementation Group has streamlined these recommendations into four key areas: Representation, Youth Programme, Adult Support and Communications. It is these strands that we are currently developing. What is your role? Eleanor Lyall, Chief Commissioner, appointed me to lead SHQ’s work on Youth Involvement, in the role of Youth Involvement Co-ordinator. My main responsibility is to oversee the work of the Youth Involvement Implementation Group. This group comprises of Graeme Luke, Programme and Development Executive at SHQ, Chris Brammer who leads Youth Programme, Ann Fotheringham who leads Adult Support and Graeme Robertson who leads Communications. As well as leading the work of the group, I work alongside Graeme Luke to develop and lead the Representation strand. What work is the group doing at the moment? The group is in the process of working to develop and implement the recommendations that were presented to them after the initial consultation. We are currently working on developing ideas across the four key strands.

Are you confident this group will achieve its aims in this timescale? The group is making good progress and significant work has already been undertaken. Last year, 100 young people from across the whole of Scotland met at Tulliallan for Youth Summit 2. This was a very successful event where the young people produced a video manifesto, highlighting the issues that they felt were important to them. The Youth Manifesto can be viewed on www.scouts-scotland.org.uk. The focus now is to further develop each of the strands, identifying the links between them. At this point in time I’m very confident that we will be able to have completed our work plans within this timescale. Further time will of course be required for full implementation, monitoring and evaluation. How can either leaders or young people get involved or help with Youth Involvement? It is particularly important that our adult leaders and commissioners help to embed a youth involvement culture within the work that they do with young people. Even within the youngest Sections, members should be consulted on matters that affect them. It is part of a leader’s responsibility to ensure that some form of consultation is carried out in an appropriate way in order to ascertain the views of their Section members.

This work will look closely at how we can implement youth involvement strategies throughout Scouting in Scotland, which will provide an opportunity for young people and adults to engage in youth involvement together.

This can be achieved now through the organisation of Beaver Log Chews, Cub Pack Leadership Forums and Scout Forums (Taking the Lead). Factsheets on each of these are available on www.scouts.org.uk. Explorer Scouts and Scout Network members should also be encouraged to take part in District Forums.

As well as implementing the youth involvement agenda within Sections, Districts, Regions and nationally, we are also looking at how this will impact the youth Programme, the training of young people and adults and the methods of communication used to get the message across.

For our work to be successful it is vital that leaders are enthusiastic about youth involvement. This shared enthusiasm with our young people will allow us to provide the opportunities young people need to shape the future of Scottish Scouting.

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Checklist

for Youth Involvement

- - - - - ------------- -- - - - ---- - -- - - - Here are 5 steps to checking how much you are engaging with your Young People.

Are youth members in Explorers and Network regularly involved with District Forums?

Young people should be given the opportunity to meet with young people from other Units and Networks to exchange ideas and to organise District events for their Sections.

4 1

Are you asking your young people what they want to do as part of their Programme?

One of the simplest ways of engaging with young people really is as easy as it sounds…ask them what they want to do! Don’t be afraid to let them pick activities that you think may not be as fun or exciting as they expect. Be sure to guide them and ensure they examine their choices, but do not explicitly put down any idea. Be sure to gather feedback from young people afterwards. See how they felt about the activities they were a part of.

Do you regularly hold a Beaver Log Chew, Pack or Troop Forum?

These forums are meant to help you ascertain from your young people how they feel about their Scouting and the Section they are in. These can be used to gather feedback about the programme you offer or a specific activity.

Young people themselves may voice an opinion on a different topic that the group can now consider.

Do you let young people know that their opinion is being taken on and acted upon?

It is all well and good asking our youth members what they would like to do and what their opinions are on certain topics, but if you are going to ask them then you need to be prepared to investigate, and carry through where possible, some of their requests. Nothing can be more demotivating than to work hard on an idea or opinion when asked and never receive any feedback on it.

Do you pass on the views of young people to those who are in a position to make a difference?

If you are not in a position to help young people realise their ideas, are you simply saying that you cannot help; or are you putting them in contact with or passing on the idea to the Section Leader, ADC, DESC, ARC or SHQ Commissioner as applicable? By helping to facilitate a young person engaging with adults that they would not normally be in contact with, you are helping them to get their point across in a more direct manner.

Not every one of these suggestions is applicable to every situation, but it is the responsibility of every adult in Scouting to actively engage our youth members to get their feedback, listen to their ideas and concerns and to do what they can to address these – we are a youth Movement after all!

Ask Scottish Headquarters ---------- -- ---- --- --- --- --- -- -- - - - - --- -

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Ask Scottish Headquarters - - - - - -------- ----- -- - - - ---- - -- - - - Scottish Headquarters exists to support all the members of Scouting across Scotland. Part for his support is through answering your everyday queries and providing advice on a range of issues, from fundraising and finance to policy and programme.

Below is a selection of the type of questions Scottish Headquarters often receive from our members. If you have any questions to ask, ideas to highlight or suggestions to make, please contact Scottish Headquarters by emailing admin@scouts-scotland.org.uk, calling 01383 419 073 or writing to us at Scottish Headquarters (the full address is on the back page).

My daughter is interested in joining Scouts and recently I tried to enlist her in my local Scout Troop. However I was informed by the leader that the Troop was ‘only open to boys’. I had believed that Scouts was now open to both girls and boys. What can I do? Paula, Glasgow Yes, Paula, you are right. Since 2007 Scouting is fully co-educational and Girls now have equal right to be a member of any Scout Troop as boys. If the Leader told you that your daughter could not join purely based on her gender then this information is inaccurate. We would suggest that you speak to the leader again but if he still refuses to let your daughter join and has vacancies within the Troop, then get in touch with us. Other Troops in the District may also have vacancies – your District Commissioner will be able to help you with more information.

This year we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Beavers. I am the leader of a Beaver Colony and would really like to mark the event. Do you have any ideas or suggestions of celebrations or events we could try to mark this anniversary? Carol, Edinburgh Since Beavers began in 1986, perhaps you could try an 80’s themed evening, filled with 80’s dress and music? You could also try an open night-style barbeque and invite parents, family and friends along. You can also purchase commemorative badges which can be worn on a Beavers uniform throughout 2011. These can be purchased in Scouting shops and online at www.scoutshops.com or www.glasgowscoutshop.com.

I have heard about the Zodiac Award which I know is an award open to all Scouts in Scotland. I am quite interested in helping members of my Scout Troop achieve this award. However, I don’t know very much about it at all or what the necessary requirements are. Could you give me more information regarding the Zodiac Award? Peter, Inverness Thanks Peter. The Zodiac Awards are a set of awards open to all Scouts and can be achieved at three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold. To achieve each award you must complete a set number of camping challenges. There are thirty various challenges, for example to camp on an island, to camp above 2000 feet, to camp at temperatures of 0 degrees or less or to camp in a forest. The SHQ Commissioner also sets four Annual Challenges. To achieve the Bronze Award a Scout must spend at least one night a month for eight months under canvas, bivouac, or bothy, two of which must be from the list of challenges and they must also complete at least one challenge from the SHQ Commissioner’s List. There is also the Zodiac Plus Award, which is open to Explorer Scouts and Scout Network. This challenges participants to camp in a different location for each month of the year. More information on the Zodiac Award can be found on www.scouts-scotland.org.uk.

So far I have found Pathfinder magazine a very enjoyable, useful and interesting read and I have loved the issues so far. However, the magazine is only distributed to adults. I would love if the young people from my Unit were able to benefit from it as well. Is there any way that young people and people not involved in Scouting can access the same great articles? Nick, Lerwick Thank you Nick and we’re glad that you enjoy Pathfinder magazine. Thankfully, as well as being published and distributed to our 6800 adult volunteers, an online version of Pathfinder is available on www.scouts-scotland.org.uk for anyone who wishes to read it. Don’t forget that Explorer and Network age Scouts can also keep up to date with the latest news for their Sections on the official Scottish Explorer Scouts and Scottish Scout Network Facebook pages.

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Bullying

Let’s make a difference - - - - - ------------- -- - - - ---- - -- - -----

School can be a particularly intimidating atmosphere for the youth of today as more and more people are labelled. In modern society, young people are under increasing pressure from their peers to conform to what is deemed to be currently fashionable. Youth culture is now much more diverse and whereas in the past people were bullied for their differences or physical appearance, they often face prejudice today for being a part of the many sub-cultures which exist amongst young people.

As young people, we define bullying as ‘when someone is deliberately discriminated against because the bully is unwilling to accept that person for who or what they are’. Bullying tends to occur when one person or group does not agree with another’s looks, clothes, race, religion or sexuality and comes in many different forms such as:

Physical Verbal Psychological Recently, cyber-bullying has been on the rise due to the increased use of the internet amongst young people and their almost daily access to chat rooms and social networking sites. Bullying is still a major problem for young people. It is the second most common reason for young people in Scotland contacting ChildLine, after family relationship problems.

Many schools claim to deal with bullying in a severe and hands on manner. However, in the some cases, only individual incidents are dealt with and the root of the problem is left unresolved. According to ChildLine, half of primary school children and more than 1 in 4 secondary school children said they had been bullied within the last year. Scouting, however, tends to be a significantly more accepting atmosphere as all members share the fact that they are a part of the Scout Movement. Scouts can provide a sense of security for those who are bullied outside of Scouting and can act as a safe place where young people can socialise and thrive without fear of being discriminated against. Scouts also acts as an extended family - rather than just socialising with a select few friends, the whole Section can come together and genuinely have fun. Although Scouting does tend to foster an accepting atmosphere, Leaders should be aware that many of their Scouts do experience the hardships of being bullied outwith the weekly meeting. More should be done to establish a trusting relationship between Scout and Leader, in the hope that the Scout begins to see the Leader as more of a trustworthy friend rather than an authoritative figure. This then gives the young person an outlet who they can confide in and receive help from in times of need.

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What can Leaders do? How Leaders can help create a better atmosphere amongst their Scouts and also establish a better relationship with them: •

Mix groups around to give young people the chance to socialise with others and expand their group of friends.

•

Aside from the Scouting formalities, such as flag break, ensure that there is a supportive and understanding relationship between the Leader and young people.

•

Try to relate with the Scouts, perhaps by taking an interest in their hobbies outwith Scouting and creating an environment where they can talk about concerns and permit them time to discuss their lives.

•

• •

Make it clear to Scouts that all leaders are approachable and should they have any problems, whether it is within the Section or not, they have someone to turn to. If a Scout shows a lack of self-confidence, or shyness, make a point to build on it. Do regular team-building activities in order to create a sense of unity within the group.

•

Set a good example to the Scouts and make it clear to them that bullying is never acceptable, no matter what the circumstances.

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Help ensure that their Group/Section has a published anti-bullying code.

In conclusion, Leaders should be aware of all the pressures faced by young people today and if nothing else, offer a sympathetic ear.

More information: www.nspcc.org.uk - 0808 800 5000 www.childline.org.uk - 0800 1111 www.respectme.org.uk - 0844 800 8600 (Scotland’s anti-bullying service) ParentLine Scotland - 0808 800 2222

The Scout Association has a clear anti bullying policy, which refers to the ethos of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child The Scout Association is committed to this ethos and seeks to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the prevention of all forms of bullying among Members. To this end all Scouting activities should have in place rigorous anti-bullying strategies. Scouting anti-bullying resources: The full anti-bullying policy can be found in Chapter 2 of The Scout Association’s Policy, Organisation and Rules. ‘Let’s Stamp out Bullying Together’ guide and poster Factsheet Emotional Health and Wellbeing (FS250064) Factsheet Social Networking Sites and Scouting (FS103011) All available from www.scouts.org.uk.

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Trailblazer

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Scouting is all about adventure and challenge, and one man who knows more than most about both of these is record-breaking Scottish cyclist Mark Beaumont.

In 2008, Mark completed a 194 day round-the-world cycle, and last year he cycled from Alaska to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in South America. These journeys were captured in the BBC documentaries ‘The Man Who Cycled the World’ and ‘The Man Who Cycled the Americas’. Local Explorer Scouts Drew and Rosemary were lucky enough to catch up with him in in Perth recently. Rosemary: When did you first get involved in cycling and realise you had passion for adventure? Mark Beaumont (MB): I spent a huge amount of time outdoors when I was young - camping, cycling, climbing, skiing. I was 11 years old when I first decided to go on a journey. I read in the paper about a guy who cycled from John O’Groats to Land’s End. I had no idea how far that was or what was involved but it gave me the idea to try and do that. My mum and dad said ‘it’s a good idea but maybe you want to try something slightly smaller first?’ So my parents helped me and we set about planning Dundee to Oban across Scotland. That took me three days, I cycled across Scotland with a friend and we raised a couple of thousand pounds for three charities. Off the back of that, I went back to my mum and dad and said ‘I still want to do John O’Groats to Land’s End’. I did that a few years later and it just got bigger out of that. They weren’t all cycling, but throughout my teenage years I was taking on bigger and bigger challenges.

Drew: Why did you decide to do the round the world cycle? MB: I went to university for four years and absolutely loved it but I always had this fire in my belly, a real drive to take on some bigger dreams in the expedition world. I needed to make a living so I had this conflict between doing what I was supposed to do after Uni or risking it all to get into big expeditions. I eventually thought ‘what have I got to lose? Let’s give it a go and see what happens’. I wanted to start big and I couldn’t think of any bigger than cycling round the world. It took over a year of planning, training and getting sponsors. It was a hard decision to make, but once I was committed to doing it, it was great fun trying to work out how to do it. Drew: How mentally tough was it? MB: The biggest part of any expedition is the mental part. I always say that if you can cycle 100 miles a day for a week, you can probably do it forever. That’s almost the easy bit. The hard bit is the psychology, it’s figuring out how to keep yourself focused over that period of time. The first leg of the round the world cycle took me to Istanbul. I got halfway through that – I was in Poland – and for a couple of days I couldn’t get motivated and figure out how to stay on target. Normally when you’re on a journey like that, you just think about the finish. At that point I realised that in half a year’s time I was

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going to be doing exactly the same thing – it’s not as if I could easily focus on the finish. So the mindset is the biggest bit – how you break it down into very little targets, how you keep going and keep enjoying it. Rosemary: What was the best moment? MB: When I took on the round the world trip, I had two focuses – I wanted to break the world record and I wanted to make a documentary about it. The sharing of the journey was quite important, and it’s the part which has allowed me to make a career out of this – making documentaries, writing books and doing events. The reality of cycling 100 miles every day, sitting on a bike for 8 – 10 hours a day, it gets pretty mundane. The bit that I remember and enjoyed the most was definitely the challenge of trying to capture the spirit of that journey and the different people I met along the way and trying to make the film. That was really the interesting thing day in, day out Drew: And the worst moment? MB: I had one very bad day in Louisiana in the US. A car came through a red light and I had no time to stop so I went straight over the bonnet, broke the windscreen, the front end of the bike was buckled. I didn’t break anything, but I needed to get the bike fixed as soon as possible. I went to the nearest city, Lafayette, and while I was waiting to get the bike fixed, I was mugged by a gang. So you can imagine – you get run over at lunchtime and then you get mugged in the afternoon – it was a pretty tough day to keep going through. Rosemary: What advice would you give to young people interested in cycling or adventurous activities? MB: I think the hardest part of taking on any adventure is not the personal ability to do it; it’s having the confidence to go through with it. I think a lot of good ideas never get to the starting line because people don’t have the personal confidence. It’s so easy for someone to say ‘that’s not a good idea’ and you believe them and you bury your dream. So if, when I was 11 years old, I went to my parents with a map and said ‘I’m going to cycle from John O’Groats to Land’s End’ and they’d said ‘no that’s a silly idea’, I probably would’ve never cycled round the world 12 years later. So it’s about having the confidence to keep going when people say you can’t do it. If anyone’s got ideas like that, just had the confidence to keep going and actually do it. Rosemary: What is your favourite place for adventure in Scotland? MB: I grew up in Perthshire and I still live there. I’ve had the opportunity to move abroad to Europe and North America to train and work but I’ve chosen not to because I still think that Scotland’s one of the best

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places in the world that I can base myself to do what I do. There’s not much which I can’t find in Perthshire in terms of getting out and adventure. Drew: We also talk about role models in this issue of the magazine. Did you have particular role models when growing up? MB: I always enjoyed watching documentaries, I grew up watching David Attenborough and wildlife documentaries. I also followed competitive cycling, people like Mario Cipollini and Lance Armstrong and others. Guys at the top of their sport, achieving at the top level. I always followed skiing passionately as well. So there were certainly people in both of those sports who I looked up to. I never really had the opportunity to become an elite racer but it certainly gave me the idea to keep going with the sports in my own way. Rosemary: How do you feel about being a role model? MB: I still feel quite young myself! It’s never the reason that you get into these things, but the fact that other people get the confidence to go and take on their own ideas because of it is absolutely fantastic. I don’t think people get specific information from me, I think they get just get confidence that you can do these things. It’s great. Drew: What are your plans for future adventures? MB: I’m off on another BBC 1 expedition this summer. It’s very different, it’s not on the bike and it’s in a team. The last two journeys have been very much solo, except on the Americas, when I was in a team on the mountains. It’s a very different challenge, but another world first. I’ll be away from July to September this year so it’ll be on screen before Christmas. Drew: Do you have a message for our young people and adult volunteers across Scotland? MB: I think Scouts are brilliant because quite a lot of growing up now is quite structured. Anything outwith that gives young people personal ownership, where they make their own decisions and have confidence in what they’re doing, and where they gain skills outwith those which you learn in a classroom is absolutely fantastic and so, so important. I know a lot of people get involved in volunteering, and I think that’s brilliant because none of this would be possible without the support. I think anything you can do to publicise what Scouts are about now is great because I think more people would be interested in getting involved.

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When I Grow Up

-- - - - --- ------- - - - --- ------- - -

In this issue we have talked to cyclist Mark Beaumont, a role model to many, so we thought we’d take the opportunity to look a bit more at the issue of role models.

As adult members, you act as role models to young people in Scouting. However the role models young people have outside Scouting are important to remember as well, as these help give us an insight into the values that inspire and motivate young people.

Role models are important as they give young people examples to look up to and emulate, and because they show that it’s possible to achieve your goals and ambitions.

Below, each of our Youth Editors and Youth Involvement Co-ordinator Neil Mackenzie tell us who their role model is, and why they are inspired by them.

Kerri

Poppy

John

My role model is magician, artist, psychologist and showman Derren Brown. He does many things that are considered ‘weird’ and was unpopular at school. Despite studying Law he told his parents he wanted to pursue a career in magic. Derren Brown is never afraid to be himself and follow his own dreams and doesn’t let himself be influenced by what other people think or want of him. I think these are really good values and have led to Derren Brown being the extraordinary man he is today, capable of breathtaking psychological and magical feats.

Masashi Kishimoto is my role model because he is the author of my favourite manga (a type of Japanese comic book/graphic novel), Naruto. His manga was serialised in 1999 when he was just 25, which is truly amazing! I also admire his incredible artwork and I aspire to become as talented and artistic as him someday. He and his work are such inspirations to me.

In the short time Nigel Owens has been a professional referee he has been awarded some of the biggest accolades a referee can achieve. In May 2007, Owens announced that he was gay. Owens says that it wasn’t easy coming out and had even contemplated suicide. He is a good example to any young person in Scouting, he shows us that even though he is different he can still succeed in his line of work. Owens is a good example of inclusivity because he is still able to do what he does best but be himself without being frowned upon by other people. I would urge more in the Scouting community to openly accept the differences between members.

Euan

Gavin

Neil

My role model in life is Billie Joe Armstrong, a singer/songwriter and the frontman of world famous punk band Green Day. I don’t just look up to him because he is rich and famous; I look up to him because he is a true rocker. He came from nothing, growing up in one of the roughest areas of California, having an abusive step-father and dropping out of school at a young age. Through all this, he managed to form a band that quickly became a household name around the world. I also admire him for the fact that although he is now a multi-millionaire, a Grammy winner and the owner of a record company, he still finds time to be a father and a husband at home!

One of my biggest role models would have to be Jack Dorsey, co-founder and developer of the Social Network Twitter. Jack believes in making things simple, well made and unique – something which I aim to match in everything I do, in Scouting and in the rest of the world!

My role model is not a famous person, but a man called Barnes Boffey, who is the Director of Camp Lanakila, a summer camp in Vermont. I met Barnes during my first year at camp and he has been a true inspiration ever since. He has allowed me to realise the importance of being true to myself. I am grateful to him for his support and friendship as so much of what I have achieved in my life and within Scouting has been down to the example Barnes sets. As a role model, he leads the way and sets the example and as a Leader I realise that this is something that we all must do.

Activate! ---------- -- ---- --- --- --- --- -- -- - - - - --- -

Activate! -- - - - --- ---- ---The Lochgoilhead Centre: Lochgoilhead offers fully-catered and fully-programmed water and land activities including sailing, kayaking, abseiling and high ropes course. Independence Week: Lochgoilhead is currently offering an activity week for individuals aged 11 – 16 during the Easter break (11th – 15th April). This is ideal for young people who want an activity experience but whose Group are not going away at Easter. It could also be the perfect answer for working parents during the holiday period.

Fordell Firs National Activity Centre: This centrally-located centre provides both indoor accommodation and camping, with activities ranging from the new 3G King Swing (pictured) to the Jacob’s Ladder and climbing tower as well as a selection of selfsupervised activities.

PATHFINDER 13

this year, why not make the most of these fantastic resources for Scottish Scouting? Below are the details of what is happening at the Centres over the next few months.

Two days will be spent doing Stage 1 of the RYA Young Sailor Scheme followed by two days doing the BCU PaddlePower Passport. Both of these schemes will give an excellent introduction to watersports. The final day will be a multi-activity day spent doing high ropes or climbing and abseiling. Evening activities will also be provided. Arrival can be from Sunday evening prior to the week, or on the Monday morning, and pick up is on the Friday evening. This is a Leaderless week and 24 hour supervision will be provided by Lochgoilhead staff. The cost of this week is £245.00 per person for members of The Scout Association.

Bell Boat course - 16th and 17th April. These are four half-day courses, with spaces available for 16 people per course. Campfire Leaders course - 30th April. This is a three hour course from 6pm - 9pm followed by a campfire. Beaver Sleepover - 12th - 13th November. Space available for up to 32 Beavers.

Meggernie offers self-catered indoor accommodation or camping. With a particular focus on environmental learning, activities on offer include orienteering, TyroLyon Crossing (pictured), archery and more.

There are a number of day and residential programme and training opportunities available at Scottish Scouting’s three National Activity Centres this year. If you need help with summer camps

Events:

Meggernie Outdoor Centre:

More information and bookings: Call The Lochgoilhead Centre on 01301 703217 or email info@lochgoilhead.org.uk. www.lochgoilhead.org.uk

GNAS Archery course - 19th - 20th November and 26th - 27th November. This is a two weekend course for 12 people. HSE First Aid course - 2nd - 4th December. This is a weekend course for 12 people. More information and bookings: Call Fordell Firs on 01383 412704 or email warden@fordellfirs.org.uk. www.fordellfirs.org.uk

Events: Parent and Cub Camp – 13th - 15th May Patrol Leaders Training course – 3rd - 5th June

Have A Leaders Only Weekend (HALOW) - 30th September - 2nd October Snowman Camp 2012 – 28th - 30th January 2012. Aimed at the Scout Section.

Beaver Day – 18th June Midsummer Madness – 24th - 26th July. Aimed at the Explorer Scout Section.

More information and bookings: Call Meggernie on 01887 866231 or email warden@meggernie.org.uk. www.meggernie.org.uk

PATHFINDER

A Helping Hand

-- - - - --- ------------- -- Scouting aims to enable the personal development of all young people in our Movement; personal development means promoting the physical, intellectual, social and spiritual well-being of the individual, helping them achieve their full potential.

You may not know that Clyde Region is home to the largest Scout Group in the UK for young people with multiple and profound physical disabilities. The young people who are members of the 77th Glasgow (Disabled) Scout Group take part in an adventurous and fun programme similar to any other Group but have the additional support they need in place such as volunteer helpers, medical training and personal care so that they can take part fully in all the activities on offer. The 77th Scout Group provides adventure and personal development for young people aged 8 to 25 with physical disabilities. They have a Cub Pack, Scout Troop, Explorer Unit and Scout Network, all of which meet on Monday evenings in Glasgow. The work of 77th Glasgow extends beyond running Sections for young people with disabilities; they also work to educate Scouts, Explorers, Networkers and Leaders about their work by running sessions for other Sections to allow them to empathise with those who have additional needs, how to integrate them into their Sections and how they can help the 77th in their work. Scouting should be open to all and we should not only create an environment where young people with additional needs are accommodated in Sections, but we should be building an inclusive movement that allows these young people to flourish – not just take part.

Special Needs Grants

But what if the individual has an additional need or a disability that makes the challenges of Scouting just that bit harder for them to cope with, and in some cases, for you the Scouter to provide? How do you include them in your Section? Do you take them in or do you have to turn them away from Scouting? Are you aware of the support available regarding special needs? In Scouting, we have structures and support available at all levels to support volunteers in providing a programme to young people with additional needs. Much of the support involves how to incorporate these young people into your existing programme and how to tweak it to allow them to be fully involved. Occasionally you may encounter young people with needs more challenging than you feel you can cope with in your Section. In these instances, you should speak to your Regional Special Needs Advisor in conjunction with the parent/guardian of the young person about support that can be offered to you or alternative Sections in the area that may be geared up to cope with their particular need. In some instances, it may be more appropriate for those with the most profound disabilities to join a Scout Group specifically to cope with those young people with special needs.

The Scottish Headquarters Special Needs Fund provides financial assistance to projects and activities that will support, extend and improve the quality of Scouting provided to young people with additional needs in Scotland. Priority is given to applications focusing on: •

Section programme events and Camps

•

Section international experiences

•

camping, activity and games equipment specifically required for members with special needs

•

costs of additional volunteer support (e.g. carers or nursing help) required for a special needs member to take part in Scouting activities, however excluding salaries or wage costs

•

training of leaders in special needs matters

•

adaptations to premises to provide a user friendly environment for special needs members

More information on the funding is available on www.scouts-scotland.org.uk. If you need more information on support for members with additional needs please contact either John Kitson, SHQ Adviser (Special Needs) at specialneeds@scouts-scotland.org.uk or your Regional Special Needs Adviser.

A Helping Hand ---------- -- ---- --- --- --- --- -- -- - - - - --- -

PATHFINDER 15

•

practice lifting someone from a wheelchair onto a chair or bench and back again.

•

fold a wheelchair or buggy to go into a car boot.

Learning difficulty: •

give instructions for a practical task in a number of ways - talking only, giving all instructions at once; talking, giving instructions in stages; talking and demonstrating together, giving all instructions at once; talking and demonstrating together, in stages.

Impairment of speech: •

Programme Idea Disability Awareness Night - - - ------------- -- - - - ---- -- - - Activities

Variety of disabilities: •

prepare a ‘confidence course’, participants go round the course in pairs, one with a specified disability, the other as helper.

•

prepare a set of cards, each with a disability written on it; have available various items to suit the tasks which will be set, e.g. blind (fill a cup with water); one handed (unscrew a bottle top).

•

Participants take turns to choose a card, which they return to the leader of the activity without looking at it. The activity leader gives the participant a task to perform (using all faculties). When the task has been completed, the player is told the disability and has to repeat the task, adopting the disabling condition.

Visual impairment: •

noise trail - a number of different noises along a route that the ‘visually impaired’ person has to follow.

ask participants to speak, whilst holding a spoon (or similar) between their teeth; ask them to read sentences printed in a foreign language.

•

feely trail - a string trail with bags suspended containing objects to identify by touch, or substances to identify by smelling.

•

a route round a building for a person with ‘visual impairment’ and a guide, including hazards such as steps, or narrow passages.

•

tasks such as packing a rucksack, making a sandwich, lighting a candle.

Games

•

tasks such as pioneering, pitching a tent, given to a mixed group of ‘visually impaired’ and sighted people.

Visual impairment:

Colour blindness: •

- - - ------------- -- - - - ---- -- - - •

Who do you know? For use in a group where the members are familiar with one another. One player leaves the room and is blindfolded; others sit in a circle. The blindfolded player is brought back in and must identify other players by voice only, or by touch.

•

What is it? Equipment: A selection of articles, substances, which can be identified by any or all of touch, taste, smell and sound. Players attempt to identify the objects without looking; the method of presentation will determine if players should be blindfolded.

photocopy (in black and white) maps, national flags and ask members to identify features.

Hearing impairment: •

use ear muffs, ear plugs, headphones to simulate degrees of hearing impairment; give instructions for a task.

•

use a TV or video with the sound turned low; ask questions about what happened.

•

practice some simple signs; try to hold a conversation.

Impaired mobility: •

a route round the building, with participants in wheelchairs, using walking frames or sticks; with a leg immobilised using a splint.

Variety of disabilities: •

Circle ball: Equipment: A large light ball. Players are in a circle; each one is given a disabling condition such as being unable to walk or having the use of one hand only. The ball is passed around and across the circle.

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Discovering The Scottish Youth Parliament

- - - ------------- -- - - - --- ------------- -- -

The Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) has been growing for the past 11 years; establishing itself as a key tool for youth political engagement, and as expert conversationalists between young people and decision makers. Their fundamental mission is to listen to and understand what issues are important to young people; then campaign to make Scotland a better place for not only young people but everyone.

It has a capacity of two Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) per Scottish Parliamentary constituency and a further 50 from National Voluntary organisations to ensure young people’s views are heard from across Scotland, fairly and inclusively. These members take part in their local youth forums, and represent their peers at SYP events and external events to ensure their voices are heard. The SYP has engaged with thousands of young people seeking their views and response to a variety of topical issues, campaigns and social issues over its lifetime. Most recently on issues such as lowering the voting age to 16, the minimum age to purchase alcohol; education tuition fees and even human rights concerns over the use of the controversial Mosquito Device. The results of their latest consultation ‘Picture the Change’ will be announced this March and be used to influence Scottish Policy making.

- - - ------- ------ -- - - -

17 year old John Beaton, Explorer Scout Young Leader and MSYP for Edinburgh West, shares his experiences of being a MSYP, why he thinks it’s important for Scouts and young people to get involved and how to go about it: I first got involved with the SYP back in 2009, when I was 15 because I decided I wanted to make a difference to the quality of life young people had. I

Discovering the Scottish Youth Parliament ---------- -- ---- --- --- --- --- -- -- - - - - --- -

PATHFINDER 17

We also get to decide what issues should be the focus of the organisation, and what campaigns the organisation runs. In the past we’ve ran campaigns on lowering the voting age to 16, tackling the negative perceptions of young people with a campaign called ‘Being Young is Not a Crime’, and most recently have completed a huge consultation for the SYP’s manifesto called ‘Picture the Change’. As an MSYP we all had to try and speak to as many young people as we could so that their views are represented right when we come to presenting those manifesto results to decision makers. wanted to get involved in standing up for what young people believe in and help young people’s voices be heard. I took the decision to stand for election in my constituency of Edinburgh West in 2009 and won shortly after! A year later I became the Convenor of the Sport and Leisure committee which allowed me to focus my work as an MSYP to a specific area which I am personally really interested in. What the SYP has allowed me to do is meet lots of like minded passionate young people; make new friends, and be challenged by new people too. Everyone at the SYP is into the fact they want to make a difference; and are really passionate about the issues, but sometimes we do have different views on them, and the debates can get pretty heated. You could say it’s taught me be a better listener, and improved my communications skills, because you don’t want to stand up in front of hundreds of people without having a good point to make; it’s even more important you get the right message across when other young people have elected you to speak up on their behalf! But it’s a good challenge and I definitely think it’s a good way to get up and represent my constituents; nerve racking at times it’s also quite an adrenaline rush! The activities of a MSYP change from day-to-day. It kind of depends on the main issues in your constituency during that week and what your position within the SYP is. For example the Chair may go and meet with MSPs or even the First Minister, but a Constituency MSYP could go and speak to young people at Schools, Festivals and events to basically find out what issues are bothering them the most, and discuss what can we do about it. You might be out campaigning, consulting, or taking part in specific projects, but they keep it pretty varied and I really enjoy taking part in the decisions that get made.

The SYP is all about speaking up, and being active in the decision making which affects you. I think the SYP helps connect the dots between young people and decision makers, as sometimes young people can feel left out, especially if they are unable to vote. I definitely feel my own views are more valued, along with the views of the young people I represent. I would urge all young people to get involved with SYP whether it’s as an MSYP, a voter, a campaigner or as a consultee! You don’t have to have a background in politics, it’s not party-political, and it isn’t a training ground for politicians. It’s more about what you think and making change happen.

- - - ------------- -- - - -

More information:

If you’re aged 14-25 you can get involved in the SYP elections this March by voting for your local representative by heading to www.syp.org.uk/elections and checking your local authority page from within the site. Or sign up to take part in consultations at www.syp.org.uk/sign-up, follow them on Facebook and Twitter for the latest in SYP discussions and consultations. If you are a Scout Leader please feel free to contact Participation and Training Manager Neil Burn for more information on the Scottish Youth Parliament and how your Scouts could get involved - neil.b@syp.org.uk, 0131 313 2488. Facebook www.facebook.com/OfficialSYP Twitter www.twitter.com/OfficialSYP

PATHFINDER

...AS ITHERS SEE US ---------- -- - - - --What are you hoping to achieve?

In this edition we caught up with travel and adventure enthusiast Faraz Shibli. The exCub Scout from Glasgow, who is planning to spend two months crossing the 1000 miles of the Gobi Desert this summer, gives us the lowdown on the expedition, his first taste of adventure through Scouting and his views on Scouting today. Can you tell us a bit about the expedition you’re involved in this summer? I plan to cross the entire 1,000 miles of the Mongolian Gobi Desert by foot with an international expedition team. We set off on 24th May for around two months, during which we’ll be living and camping in the desert. Temperatures could reach 50°C, there’ll be very few chances to wash and I’m only packing two pairs of clothes. Things could get pretty smelly! We’ll walk alongside a train of Bactrian camels to help us carry equipment and we may well run into a few wolves, wild dogs, scorpions and spiders along the way. If we’re really lucky, we might catch a glimpse of one of the endangered species that live in the desert – like the Gobi bear.

One of my teammates is a photographer and filmmaker and we’ll be shooting a documentary about the desert, the nomads who live there and the expedition journey. The backdrop to our documentary will be an amazing landscape that’s much more varied than many other deserts. Towering mountains. Huge sand dunes. Rocky flats that look like the surface of Mars. In the Gobi Desert, all of these can be found – and filmed! We’re also linking up with schools worldwide, helping them to teach their pupils about Mongolia, its people and the environment. We want pupils to really feel a part of the expedition so, apart from what they learn in the classroom, they’ll also be able to communicate with us in the desert and follow our live progress online. We’ve got schools from Canada to Uganda signed up – but no Scottish schools so far! Schools can register for free via the expedition website at www.gobi2011.com. Finally, the expedition is in aid of a Mongolian kids’ educational charity called Edurelief. They help poorer Mongolian families to buy school textbooks so their kids aren’t forced to drop out of school. You can donate to Edurelief via the expedition website and even own a mile, meaning that your name will be featured on the website when we pass that mile and printed on a banner we’ll be waving at the finish!

... As Ithers See Us ---------- -- ---- --- --- --- --- -- -- - - - - --- -

PATHFINDER 19

Can you tell us a bit about your background in Scouting?

What other ways do you feel you benefitted from Scouting?

I was born in Glasgow and grew up in Milngavie. I joined the 20th Glasgow (1st Milngavie) Cub Scouts when I was at primary school and quickly became very involved. I went every week and became hooked after earning my first badge. When I was about 10 years old, my family moved to England and I joined the 1st Ashtead Scouts in Surrey. It was with them that I went on my first summer camp, which was one of the first times I’d been away from home for any real length of time.

At both Cubs and Scouts, I learnt to respect nature and the environment. That can translate into clearing up after yourself when leaving a campsite, avoiding travelling by car where possible and turning off lights when they’re not in use. In other words: learning to care about the world in which we live.

Regrettably, I stopped Scouting a few years later. I concentrated my efforts on hockey, which I played initially at Western and later at various clubs in England. I have nothing but fond memories of Scouting and, if I had a time machine, I’d go back and stick at it for longer! I took a lot away from my time at Cubs and Scouts. Why did you join Scouting initially? My parents had often taken me camping as a boy. As a family, we spent a lot of time in a tent in the Highlands, northern England, France and Belgium. I’d learnt to sail and ski in Scotland and I’d had a taste of the outdoors from an early age. Also, lots of my close friends at primary school had joined the 20th Glasgow (1st Milngavie) Cub Scouts. My initial decision to join was as much a social thing as anything else. What did you most enjoy about Scouting? The day-to-day things. 5-a-side football in the Scout Hall. Earning badges and feeling a real sense of reward somewhere outside of the classroom. Being amongst friends and the camaraderie that comes with being a part of the Pack. The pinnacle of it all was going on a summer camp as a Scout. I remember finally having that feeling of independence that I’d craved as a kid! Are there any particular skills you picked up in Scouting which have helped you in your travel and adventure experiences? What’s helped the most is having a solid base from which to start. If you’re planning to head somewhere relatively isolated, taking the first step is a lot easier in the knowledge that you’re able to build a shelter, start a fire and navigate effectively if needs be. I can’t remember each and every thing I picked up at the time but the resourcefulness you learn is something you don’t forget. Sadly, many people don’t have the confidence to get out and explore the more remote parts of the UK let alone get off the beaten path in far-flung countries. Scouting helps to build that confidence.

Have you ever considered volunteering in Scouting? I hadn’t until you asked! I probably didn’t consider it because I felt barely old enough to be out of my necker and woggle but, having just turned 25, I suppose I’m old enough! Getting involved in Scouting again is definitely something I’d like to do. What would make you want to volunteer in Scouting? I’m in the early stages of my career as a barrister in London at the moment and my spare time is largely taken up with training to cross the Gobi Desert. So time is an issue for me. But I notice the Scouts now run an Active Support programme that allows volunteers to commit on a more flexible basis, so perhaps it won’t be too far in the future that I find a way to get back involved. How can people keep up to date with your progress on the expedition? You can follow the team’s progress by visiting www.gobi2011.com, searching for ‘Gobi 2011 Expedition’ on Facebook and following @gobi2011 on Twitter. You can follow my personal progress by visiting www.shibliadventure.com, searching for ‘Shibli Adventure’ on Facebook and following @ShibliAdventure on Twitter.

PATHFINDER

EVENTS DIARY 20

- - - - - ------------- -- - - - ---- - - - - ----

EVENT

Young Leaders' Scheme Adult Training Workshop

DATE

25th – 27th March

VENUE

Dunolly House, Aberfeldy

AUDIENCE

ESL (YL), DESCs, DESLs

CONTACT

admin@scoutsscotland.org.uk 01383 419 073

Independence Week (see p.13)

11th – 15th April

National Scout Service and St George’s Day Parade

1st May

Windsor

Queen’s Scouts (Explorer Scouts and Scout Network)

www.scouts.org.uk/ windsor

Parent and Cub Camp

13th – 15th May

Meggernie Outdoor Centre

Cubs and Parents

warden@meggernie.org.uk

St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh

Recipients of St George’s Day Awards, Explorer Belts and Queen’s Scout Awards

admin@scoutsscotland.org.uk

Meggernie Outdoor Centre

Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders

warden@meggernie.org.uk

Meggernie Outdoor Centre

Beavers

Various

Scouts

Scottish Awards Day

Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader training weekend

The Lochgoilhead Centre

11 – 16 year olds

info@lochgoilhead.org.uk 01301 703217

14th May

3rd – 5th June

18th June Beaver Day Blacks of Greenock National Camping Competition Zonal Qualifiers

18th – 19th June

Midsummer Madness

24th - 26th July

01887 866231

01383 419 073

01887 866231 warden@meggernie.org.uk 01887 866231 admin@scoutsscotland.org.uk 01383 419 073

Meggernie Outdoor Centre

Explorers

warden@meggernie.org.uk 01887 866231

Acceler8

27th August

Fordell Firs

All adult members

admin@scouts-scotland / 01383 419 073

Scottish Hill Challenge

26th – 28th August

Meggernie Outdoor Centre

Scout Network

warden@meggernie.org.uk

Meggernie Outdoor Centre

Scouts

The Blacks of Greenock National Camping Competition Final

10th – 11th September

The Blacks of Greenock Adventure Challenge 2011

23rd – 25th September

Scottish Scout Regatta

23rd – 25th September

01887 866231 admin@scoutsscotland.org.uk 01383 419 073

TBC

Scouts

admin@scoutsscotland.org.uk 01383 419 073

The Lochgoilhead Centre

Scouts, Explorers, Scout Network, Leaders

info@lochgoilhead.org.uk 01301 703217

- - - - - ------------- -- - - - ---- - - - - ----

EVENT

DATE

VENUE

AUDIENCE

HALOW (Have A Leaders Only Weekend)

30th September 2nd October

Meggernie Outdoor Centre

Leaders

Scout Leader skills training weekend

2011 – TBC

Meggernie Outdoor Centre

Leaders within the Scout Section

Caledonian Rally

21st – 23rd October

Dochgarroch, near Inverness

Members aged 13 - 17

CONTACT

warden@meggernie.org.uk

01887 866231 warden@meggernie.org.uk 01887 866231

admin@scoutsscotland.org.uk 01383 419 073

Haunted Weeked

28th – 30th October

Meggernie Outdoor Centre

Explorers

warden@meggernie.org.uk 01887 866231

Step Up

29th – 30th October

Tulliallan Police College

Group Scout Leaders

admin@scouts-scotland / 01383 419 073

Annual General Meeting of The Scottish Council The Scout Association

5th November

TBC

Members of the Scottish Council and all other (Associate) Members of the Association

admin@scoutsscotland.org.uk

Beaver Sleepover

12th – 13th November

Beavers

warden@fordellfirs.org.uk

Fordell Firs

01383 419 073

01383 412704

Blackwater Public Hall 15 Miles west of Edinburgh, The Craigs is set in 23 acres of natural woodland on the edge of the Bathgate Hills. There is a choice of 2 indoor accommodation buildings, sleeping either 38 or 19, as well as 8 mature campsites and our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Indian Villageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with its three tipis sleeping up to 30.

The hall offers sleeping accommodation for a PD[ RI SHUVRQV 7ZR EHGURRPV ZLWK EXQN accommodation and the main hall in camp EHGV

On site, there is a new adventure play area and a traversing wall, plus orienteering and nature trails. Bathgate, only 10 minutes away, offers a Sports Complex, swimming pool and excellent public transport links to Edinburgh.

Facilities include a very large well equipped NLWFKHQ D GU\LQJ URRP RLO ÂżUHG FHQWUDO KHDWLQJ and shower and toilet facilities with disabled DFFHVV

For the more adventurous, canal canoeing can be organised and Beecraigs Country Park is nearby. Beecraigs has wide range of outdoors activities ranging from archery to rock climbing - all within 10 minutes.

For further details contact Mrs Pam Cameron: Tel: 01250 882269 (PDLO 3DP&UD\#DRO FRP

Harlequin Coaches Put more outings in your Scouting with Harlequin Coaches. Whether your outings are home or abroad, near or far, let us quote for all your travel requirements. 49 seat luxury coaches, fitted with seatbelts, TV, Video, Toilet, Fridge, etc. For reasonable prices please contact Ian Adam: Home: 01506 437 101 Mobile: 07710 562 470 Email: adamharlequin@aol.com

Do you want to know more? Visit our website WWW.THECRAIGSSITE.INFO or contact the Bookings Manager on 01506 633 689

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10 miles north of Blairgowrie set in Â˝ acre of beautiful Perthshire countryside Blackwater Hall is an ideal location for Scouts, Guides and all organisations who wish to participate in outdoor activities including skiing, hill walking RULHQWHHULQJ ÂżHOG VWXGLHV HWF

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Barrwood Scout Campsite A 100 acre wild woodland campsite in use since 1922. 10 minutes from Stirling, 45 minutes from Edinburgh and Glasgow. On site activities include: - Beaver play area

Douglaswood is a few miles north east of Dundee in the Angus countryside. We have a choice of 2 indoor accomodation centres which sleep up to 34 & 24 each, as well as 11 campsites of various sizes across the site.

- Obstacle course - Nature trail - â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sir Ian Boltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Barn - wet weather activity area with disabled facilities - Bouldering wall - Wayfaring course - Caving complex

There are several on-site activities like mountain biking, an interesting nature trail to follow or you could WU\ WKH ÂżHOG VWXGLHV FHQWUH 0DQ\ RWKHU DFWLYLWHV DUH available nearby so whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skate boarding or water sports, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty to do. Take a look at our website for more information and to make a booking

- Rafting on 1 acre reservoir More information, fees and booking form on

www.barrwood.org.uk

www.douglaswood.org.uk

or email us - bookings@douglaswood.org.uk

Come and stay - youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have a great time

Stirling and Trossachs District Invertrossachs Camp Site

Extensive camping Extensive camping areas & areas range of of indoor indoor range

accommodation ac commodation

Two camp sites in woodland on the shores of Loch Venachar and a cabin with cooking facilities. Set in the Trossachs National Park some 4 miles west of Callander where there are all the support facilities needed. Canoeing, Bell boating, cycling, swimming and hillwalking on the doorstep. For information booklet with full details and booking forms please contact: Mrs J Payne, 12 Wallace Road, Dunblane FK15 9JA.

Fantastic Fan tastic discounted discounted rates ffor orr SScout cou ut G Groups, roups, justt as jus ask k ffor or details. d deta ils.

Tel: 01786 822669

Auchengillan A uchen ngillan Outdoor Outdoor C Centre e re ent Blanefield, Glasgow, G633 9 9BA Bl anefield, e , Gla sg gow w, G6 BA ( PDLO ( ( PDLO FFHQWUH#DXFKHQJLOODQ FRP HQWUH#DXF UH# KHQJLOODQ FRP Tel: 01360770256 Tel: 0136 0770256 www.auchengillan.com ww ww.auchengillan.com Auchengillan A uchengillan is is Owned Owned a and nd Operated Operated b by yC Clyde lyde R Regional egional Scout Scout u Council Council

Email: june@junepayne.co.uk

KEEGAN & PENNYKID (INSURANCE BROKERS) LTD

in conjunction with Royal & Sun Alliance (scheme developed in consultation with SHQ)

Equipment Insurance

An all risks new-for-old policy on all Scout equipment. Covers your equipment while in use, in store and in transit. Automatic cover anywhere in the world.

Building Insurance

Buildings insured on a full re-instatement basis. Competitive Premiums (minimum ÂŁ50 plus IPT). Underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance

Minibus Insurance (arranged by MBP)

Competitive minibus insurance. 24 hour claims and emergency helpline including Homestart, Roadside Assistance and onward transportation for driver and passengers. Underwritten by QBE Insurance (Europe) Limited (QIE) For full details please contact

Keegan & Pennykid (Insurance Brokers) Ltd 50 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 3NS Tel: (0131) 225 6005 Fax: (0131) 226 3811 E-Mail: mail@keegan-pennykid.com Website: www.keegan-pennykid.com Member of the British Insurance Brokersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association

Keegan & Pennykid (Insurance Brokers) Ltd and Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. MiniBusPlus Ltd t/a MBP is part of QBE European Operations, a division of the QBE Insurance Group authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Rainbows, Brownies and Guide uniform and merchandise. Camping, outdoors and expedition equipment up to Duke of Edinburgh Standard. Gifts for Scouting and Guiding members as well as outdoor enthusiasts. Opening Times: Monday to Wednesday 7pm - 9pm Friday 10am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 4pm 27 Townhall Street, Inverkeithing, Fife KY11 1LX Telephone: 01383 428933 www.akelasden.co.uk email: akelasden@tiscali.co.uk

**calls to this number will cost 10p per minute from a BT landline, charges may vary with other network providers *1 free leader with 5 paying for primary and 1 free leader with 10 paying for secondary.

Take your Scouts on an immersive marine adventure, bringing them face to face with amazing creatures, including our Green Sea Turtle Cammy. As an inspiring visit to remember, your group will leave empowered to make a difference to the underwater world.

As pioneers of marine animal rescue, breeding and protection, SEA LIFE will help your Scouts achieve their Animal Carer Activity Badge, giving them a hands-on learning experience. Activity packs for before, during and after your visit can be downloaded from our website Educational resources to support learning are also available for download

Discounted rates of just ÂŁ5 per child for pre-booked groups of 10+. Plus free leader places*

Call 0871 222 6944** www.sealife.co.uk

PATHFINDER

The Scottish Council The Scout Association Fordell Firs Hillend Dunfermline KY11 7HQ Tel: 01383 419073 Fax: 01383 414892 Email: shq@scouts-scotland.org.uk Web: www.scouts-scotland.org.uk Scottish Charity No. SC017511