Upcoming Activities October 11 — United Nations International Day of the Girl 13 — First People’s Day 16 — World Food Day 17 — International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 18 — Divali 20-22 — Basic Outdoor Training (Paxvale) 20-22 — JOTA-JOTI
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My First Indaba By: Krishan Punilal The Annual Leaders’ Indaba was held on the 16th of September 2017 at the National Headquarters, where leaders from across Trinidad and Tobago gathered to discuss the progression of ScoutsTT over the last year, and the way forward for the new Scouting year and beyond. This year’s Indaba focused on several areas. These included a discussion on the past events and activities over the last year, as well as queries concerning moves and events which ScoutsTT has introduced. In looking towards the new Scouting year 2017/18, the calendar of events was presented to the leaders, which allowed for the review of National and District events by leaders. In addition to this, discussions were held on the newly introduced Scouting programs, when leaders were split into different sessions according to their respective sections. One of the last items on the agenda was the discussion of the proposed amendments to the Scout uniform, with a focus being placed on the Youth Council facilitating the opportunity for the young people to be able to decide what they would like to wear. This was something that was notable to me, as giving the scouts this chance allows for the development of leadership skills and the use of critical thinking in presenting a solution, both of which are skills learnt in the scouting. The fact that we, as leaders, can come together and reflect on our experiences, and
discuss how we can better ourselves and the manner in which we do things, is a vital part of being equipped to lead the youth of Trinidad and Tobago. Leaders’ Indaba presents the opportunity for younger leaders, like myself, who are newly-minted in this capacity, to be able to learn from those who have walked this path of leadership before us, and hear their experiences, techniques, and ‘tips’. This isn’t an “Out with the old, in with the new” type of situation but one in which everyone benefits and is able to progressively plan for the future, as we prepare to teach the next generation of scouts. Essentially, this concept reflects the root of Scouting, by ‘being prepared’ for the future. Leaders’ Indaba 2017 was truly a worthy experience which shows the potential and successes of the Scouting Movement in Trinidad and Tobago.
Scouting Around the World
Change Inspired by Iceland World Scout Moot By: Anwar Shakoor Cold! Yes it was! coming from the Caribbean, seven participants represented Trinidad and Tobago in the largest moot ever which took place in Iceland.
The first three out of nine days of camping were split into 12 villages around the island, where each experience was amazing. The sceneries are spectacular wherever you go in the country. The camp took place at Ulfjotsvatn for the next six days, bringing 5000 scouts together from 106 counties around the world. We learnt different cultures. We hiked together, we ate together, we sang together, bringing us all closer. Some of the
Scouting Around the World
BSA International Camp Staff Camp Parsons, Washington By: Siddeeq Shakoor Camp Parsons, where the mountains meet the sea – my home for 2 months. After 12 hours of flying and 3 hours driving, I arrived
at Camp Parsons in Brinnon, Washington. Situated in the Olympic Peninsula on the shores of the Hood Canal, the camp itself was
other activities included scout craft, youth forums, cooking and every night was a “party.” If you ask me about Iceland, it was like a story book with the most beautiful, unreal places I can imagine. Everyone is friendly. The water is always cold but pure and there is scenery like no other in every direction. Iceland, also known as the land of fire and ice will forever live on in our scouting hearts.
the most beautiful place I have ever been to and every moment of my time there, my heart felt more and more at ease. From the trees and wildlife to the beaches and sunsets, I was in awe for my entire stay. I came as a representative of ScoutsTT as part of the International Camp Staff programme that the Boy Scouts of America offers. It was an honor for me to be part of the CP staff and I quickly learnt that the Scouts on staff were amongst the best young men the BSA has to offer. The first week I spent on camp was for staff development and training and in a mere few days we went from strangers to brothers of the camp. The staff is usually divided into Beach, Tower, Kitchen, Scoutcraft, Dish Pit, Ecology Conservation, Trading Post, Craft Lodge, Scout Skills and Office. For the next 7 weeks I worked as part of the Scoutcraft team, teaching Scouts who came to camp every week different skills and lessons that are the foundation to Scouting. I taught camping, wilderness survival, pioneering, orienteering, communications, cooking, signs, signals and codes and Scouting heritage. We also ran the obstacle course, patrol power sessions, cooking demonstrations, teaching the proper usage
Scouting For Food The distribution phase of Scouting for Food continued in September. Groups and districts gave to the less fortunate in their schools and communities upon the start of the new term.
Just as we did when Tropical Storm Bret hit Trinidad and caused flooding and damage to houses in some of the Central and Southern areas of Trinidad, we diverted some of the food collected to assist those affected by the Hurricane Maria.
Groups did special collections for our relief efforts and scouts and leaders came and sorted and packaged the items, which will be sent to our brothers and sisters in Dominica.
From the Scout Headquarters, ScoutsTT mobilised to make two sizable donations to St. Dominic’s Children’s Home and St. Jude’s Home for Girls. At the Indaba, a prize was given to 3rd Trinidad Sea Scouts for distributing the most hampers, close to 200 over the course of the national food drive.
of knives, axes and saws and proper fire etiquette. My role was not only to serve as a camp counsellor, but to add international diversity to the programme at camp. I did daily sessions with troops on International Scouting where I spoke about Scouting throughout the world, the Scout Regions, Scouting events and how they can get involved, Messengers of Peace and my own culture, experiences and country. Also I got the opportunity to address to the entire camp on the first day of the week, explaining that they are part of a worldwide programme and that there are Scouts all over the world just like you and me. The feedback was usually outstanding and throughout every week I got to share a lot with many Scouts, Scoutmasters and parents who were very interested in learning about international Scouting. Most Scouts who came to camp never knew that Scouting existed outside of the BSA and I loved being able to tell them how diverse and vast our great movement is. Being on staff we put on unforgettable campfires for the entire camp each week. The skits and songs the staff performed were extraordinary and the talent of the staff could be highlighted in the performances. The tradition of Camp Parsons is richer than Bill Gates himself who also came to the camp
in the past. This year was the camp’s 99th Summer of continuous Scouting and the legacy of the camp is tremendous. The founder of Scouting, Lord Baden Powell himself also visited the camp in its early days making this camp a million times closer to my heart. Part of Camp Parsons traditions includes the Order of the Silver Marmot, a reward system for distinguished campers in the past but now for staffers and high adventure Scouts with knowledge of the Olympic terrain. The highlight of my time at camp was being inducted into the Order of the Silver Marmot on my last week, with most of the first year staffers and getting my Marmot necklace which I will continue to wear with pride. Of the many memories I had at camp, getting thrown off the pier twice by the Scouts, staff functions (Christmas in July, Know your director, Staff Jeopardy etc) , wilderness survival outpost, living in MBL, Snaptag, berry picking, rifle and archery shooting, being first year of the week, spending weekends with families from the council, being in a float plane flying over Seattle and back to camp, rappelling down the tower and singing songs with the staff after campfire were my favourite. My time at Camp Parsons has made me into a better Scout, learning things
in great detail to teach them to my Scouts, managing the busy schedule of a staffer, and getting less than 6 hours sleep for 2 months. Though the beauty of the camp is stunning, what keeps Scouts coming year after year is the hard work that the Staff put in. I am proud to have served with my brothers on staff to make the 99th Summer of Camp Parsons another success. And… "That’s why Camp Parsons… that’s why I love you." "There is no better place than Parsons Where the mountains meet the sea Where scouting skills are put to the test day in, day out Where the scouts who come are the best there is no doubt Brotherhood, Camp Parsons, silver marmot These three things are dear to me Brotherhood, Camp Parsons, silver marmot Always stand on guard for thee There is no better place than Parsons Where the mountains meet the sea" Tremble with fear, Siddeeq Shakoor Camp Parsons Staff 2017 Timberline – Order of the Silver Marmot
Celebrating World Rivers Day World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world’s waterways. It highlights the many values of our rivers, strives to increase public awareness, and encourages the improved stewardship of all rivers around the world. Rivers in virtually every country face an array of threats, and only through our active involvement can we ensure their health in the years ahead. In 2005, the United Nations launched the Water for Life Decade to help create a greater awareness of the need to better care for our water resources. Following this, the establishment of World Rivers Day was in response to a proposal initiated by internationally renowned river advocate, Mark Angelo. River enthusiasts from around the world came together to organize the inaugural WRD event. That first event in 2005 was a great success and Rivers Day was celebrated across dozens of countries. Since then, the event has continued to grow. It is annually celebrated on the last Sunday of every September. Last year, several million people across more than 60 countries celebrated the many values of our waterways. Coming out of our partnership with WASA’s Adopt a River project, ScoutsTT took part in World Rivers Day this year. Over 130 scouts from groups across the country volunteered their services towards the clean up of rivers in their areas.
Group Name
Clean-up Location
Scout Leader (Organiser)
Number of Participants
3rd Morvant Scout Group
Santa Cruz
Mr. Junior Best/ Ms. Wilson
15
2nd Fullerton Scout Group
Cedros
Ms. Arlene Brown
8
Sons of the Pioneers
Penal
Mr. Anand Rameshwar-Singh
23
Penal Adventurers
Penal
Ms. Prematie Seejattan
25
1st Arouca Air Scout Group Arouca
Mr. Gerald Smith
40
1st Arima Scout Group
Ms. Cheryl Goodridge
25
Manuel Congo
TOTAL
136
WASA Adopt a River Programme Adopt A River is an initiative developed by WASA and administered through its Water Resources Agency (WRA) that involves communities and corporate entities
Partnership: Adopt A River and ScoutsTT
engaged in sustainable activities aimed at improving the health of rivers and watersheds in Trinidad and Tobago. The implementation of this programme is in accordance with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources’ mandate to protect and preserve the environment. Why? Simply put because water supports all life. Water is pivotal to human existence and the lifeblood of the environment. The rivers that feed into the waters that
surround our country are under threat from industrial, agricultural and domestic activities. Over 64% of the sampled sites have poor water quality. Adopt A River has recently partnered with The Scout Association of Trinidad & Tobago to raise awareness about watershed protection and the need for all citizens to participate in activities that will positively our water quality. Visit www.adoptarivertt.com for more info.