Scouting Around - Issue 17 - May 2017

“Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting

the kids working together and motivating them, The teacher is most important.” - Bill Gates

ScoutsTT’s Launches NEW National Crest Upcoming Activities

As part of its rebranding process, ScoutsTT launched its new National Crest on May 24th, 2017. Scouts and venture scouts from 11th Trinidad and cub scouts from 13th Port of Spain and 3rd Diego Martin gathered at Scout Headquarters for the small ceremony.

June 3 — National Scout Environmental Service Day (Group/District Activity) 3 — New Leaders Certification Training (@Scout Headquarters) 3 — Cub Scout Leaders’ Meeting 5 — World Environment Day 16-18 — National Youth Forum (@Scout HQ)

Roger Berkeley (NSC), Courtney Bruce (Exec. Comm.), Gavin Chin Lee (GSL-11th Trinidad) and youth members pose with their new national crests

24 — National Totem Pole Finals (@Port of Spain District)

The launch was chaired by Executive Commissioner, Courtney Bruce who briefly spoke about the importance of having a unique national identity before a new badge was presented to each of the members present by National Scout Commissioner, Roger Berkeley.

About our Logo headquarters@scouts.tt 1(868) 624-7271 www.scouts.tt Produced through the kind support of

The National logo comprises two humming birds coming together, representing the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, against a backdrop of the fleur de lis. The traditional fleur de lis stands behind representing the foundational values of scouting as the premise and purpose of us coming together.

The hummingbird symbolises happiness and playfulness, as well as adaptability, excitement, vitality and resiliency. Despite its small size, this fascinating bird is capable

of the most amazing feats, such as traveling great distances and being able to fly backwards. Our use of the hummingbird as a totem may encourage our members to develop their adaptability and resiliency, while keeping a playful and optimistic outlook.

Our logo symbolises the growth, activity, excitement and adventure that scouting offers, while firmly grounded on its key principles, values and objectives. ScoutsTT is a dynamic and evolving movement.

Scouting Around the World

IAR Sub-regional Network Meeting By: Bethlene Ferdinand — Youth Commissioner, Scout Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Being greeted by warm, friendly Scouts of Trinidad and Tobago was what I needed to guarantee the fruitful weekend that was about to take place. From the pick up at the airport to the departure at the hotel, this trip definitely has me wanting to visit the country again, the next time hopefully only to eat the delicious delicacies of ‘doubles’ and experience the exciting night life of which we only had a small taste.

followed by ‘Youth Engagement’ and ‘Adults in Scouting’. These three sessions made all of the participants aware of the developmental status of each area with emphasis on what needs to be done to ensure that youth are involved in the governance process of each NSO. The

the Scout Association of St. Vincent so that I can positively impact the youth and NSO. Each network separated itself and I participated in the Youth Programme Network meeting where positive and negative features were discussed from experiences about each NSO. However,

communications session was fun and exciting and we learned how to sell Scouts effectively. The night culminated with a lovely dinner hosted by ScoutsTT’s National Scout Commissioner.

these negative features were also remedied with positive ideas from the regional office and other Scouts to move forward.

The weekend was deemed to be intense.

Early mornings, late nights and very long days created friendships that will last a lifetime. Sharing and exchanging ideas and experiences has encouraged me to promote Scouting in my country of St. Vincent with a renewed vigor towards achieving the Vision 2023.

Topics discussed, which were centered on Vision 2023 and the basic institutional needs of the various NSOs present, gave me a clearer understanding on the way forward. St. Vincent was fortunate enough to participate in the GSAT audit and welcomed the opportunity to share that experience with others at the meeting.

Other NSOs were also encouraged to take part in the GSAT. Day two was packed with a fun and exciting agenda. First was the ‘Youth Programme’,

Finally came day three, a sad time for everyone who had to depart. While I had a heavy heart, I was very excited to return to

TECHNOLOGY Mobile Apps for Scouting Incorporating technology into Scouting is easy! All you need is a smartphone...

 

Knots Guide (by SusaSoftX) is a SIMPLE quick reference collection of different knots.



92 knots.

10 categories: Bend, Binding, Climbing, Decorative, Fishing, Hitch, Looping, Running, Stopper, Whipping.

Click knot image to get a zoomed in view of the knot.

Each participant received a certificate of participation, farewells were said and a lot of pictures were taken. ScoutsTT were the perfect hosts and I cannot wait to meet them again!

Raymond O. Watkins August 31, 1919—May 18, 2017

A Man of Substance National Scout Commissioner 1975-1981 Executive Commissioner Master, as they were called in those days.

Ray Watkins was a pioneer among the early pioneers of the Scout Movement in Trinidad and Tobago.

Born in the village of Erin, the young Raymond Watkins attended the St. Francis Village R.C. School and became a member of the First Erin Cub Pack in 1928. His father was an Englishman by birth and was in charge of plantations in south-east Trinidad. Ray spent a short time at school in Erin before enrolling at St. Joseph Boys R.C. School. This early movement was to become a pattern in his life, for after sitting his College Exhibition Examination he moved back to Erin, continuing his scouting there and becoming a pupil teacher.

After passing his teacher examinations he began teaching at the Mayaro Government School in 1941. The family was then living in Mayaro. There he became a Cub

In 1942, when he was transferred to Tobago, he served as a leader in the Mason Hall Scout Group. In 1947, he moved to Arima and made the Royal Chartered Borough his home. He taught at Arima Boys’ Government and Blanchisseuse Schools. By the time he became a Probation Officer, he was well grounded in the humanities and other disciplines, being a well-read person. This job took him to many areas of Trinidad and he served his fellowmen well.

His career culminated with his being chosen as the Association’s first Executive Commissioner, where he served until his retirement.

During a career that spanned over twenty five years, he met, trained

and worked with volunteers and leaders.

countless

As National Scout Commissioner, he showed tremendous foresight and vision in predicting and preparing for the numerous challenges that the movement would face during early years of nation building. During his tenure, many innovations to the program and the structure of the movement took place.

He lived his life by the Scout Promise and fulfilled in every way the exhortations of the founder that we should leave the World better than we found it.

At the end of his life’s journey, along his chosen path, in all he did, he has indeed shown us true courage in being the best that he could be—A MAN OF HONOUR, A MAN OF SUBSTANCE.

National Youth Forum 2017 The National Youth Network of ScoutsTT is hosting its 2nd annual National Youth Forum! It is an event organized by the youth, for the youth. A fun-filled agenda packed with discussions surrounding youth involvement and youth in decision making is awaiting! Additionally, an election of new members on the youth council will take place. For persons that are interested in being on the council, please indicate this on the registration link (https://goo.gl/peB7Ib) For further information please contact any of the following persons: Allan Gittens - youthcomm@scouts.tt Damian Clarke - damian.clarke@scouts.tt Mohini Seejattan - mohini.seejattan@scouts.tt

Cub Scout Science Camp On May 20-21, over 50 Cub Scouts attended a Science Camp hosted by ScoutsTT at Scout Headquarters.

On Saturday, after pitching their tents, they learned about Astronomy from the folks at Trinidad and Tobago Astro Club (TTAC).

Some of the cubs earned their Astronomy badges after being tested on Sunday.

Rainy conditions overnight flooded out some of the tents, adding to the memorable weekend.

On Sunday, a group of three “Mad Scientists” led by Rocket Roger put on a fun workshop where the cubs did experiments with circuits, magnets, dry ice and even a plasma ball!

Those who attended took part in the launch of Scouting for Food at Massy Stores in St. Ann’s where they were able to collect a trunk full of donations from customers.

PHOTOS of the Month

STRATEGIC PLAN Towards a New Scouting Adventure

5

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS

Scouting is done at the level of our communities. Establishing relationships with key leaders in our local and national communities is critical to creating the impact that we would like to have. Establishing alliances and dialog with other organizations extends our message and increases our opportunities to reach more youth. Historically, sponsoring organizations at the level of schools have been the lifeblood of Scouting in Trinidad and Tobago, and having access to the leadership of these organizations strengthens our network of supporters who believe in the character building values of Scouting. These relationships should be leveraged to create real partnerships in development.

At a district level our leadership should develop networking opportunities with other NGO, Business Community, Churches, Community Groups etc., to not only be opportunities for growth but for program enrichment, leveraging resources etc.

Our vision is that the visibility of the movement is not simply seen at the national level, but felt by the community at the local level.

Scouting must develop an approach that truly impacts the communities in which we operate. This must be achieved through increasing the level of community service at not only the national level, but at the community level.