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icester e L t s a E for South magazine
County Cub
Camp
Cubs sports
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District AGM ore
And much m
e u s s I s Thi Hello everyone and welcome to the first edition of a new look lifeline – we hope you like it!
County Cub Camp
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Cubs sports day
Page 6
Soaring FOX 2014 Page 7
District AGM Page 8
From the Chair Page 8
Womble 2013 Page 10
County St Georges Awards
So far 2013 has been a great year for Scouting, in South East District our numbers are growing and from Beavers to Explorers we’ve been up and down the country, above ground, below ground and on the water enjoying the Big Adventure. In this issue we’ve got an note from Nick Jewitt, our new District Chair, Nick and I both look forward to working with and supporting you all as we continue to provide the best scouting experience possible for the young people in our District. I hope everyone has a great summer break and that all those attending a summer camp have an excellent time – I look forward to reading about them in our next issue! YIS,
Lee
ia d e m y t n Cou
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/groups/62613354897/
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@James_Hage
South East Band
To find out what is going on in Leicestershire Scouting follow our Media Team on Twitter and Facebook. 2 | Lifeline | 251
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Leaders give
This year’s pirate themed county Cub camp began with a more electric atmosphere than ever before. A total of 461 Cubs flooded the campsite; the largest number of participants in five years. The camp began with each of the nine districts gathering in the campfire circle for the opening ceremony, which couldn’t have had a better start than with a sing-along to the YMCA! This of course filled the Cubs with even more anticipation and excitement, as the ceremony continued with pirate themed games. One of these was the
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pirate quiz, where a member of the service team had to answer questions such as: “What’s a pirate’s gun called?” If the person got it wrong (which was often) a couple of the Cubs took great delight in covering him in thick, slimy gunge. This proved to be the most popular part of the ceremony! After the ceremony, the Cubs took part in a scavenger hunt; a great activity for communication skills as they had to go and talk to people they didn’t know. A Cub from Hinckley district described the hunt as “really good”, and after an hour or so of running around, most of them retired
for the evening and enjoyed a delicious supper of hotdogs. However, many of them couldn’t sleep due to the thought of the exciting activities they planned to endure on the following day. The Saturday of this annual cubs’ Wannado event began with the tradition of ‘grand howl’ (a celebration the Cubs use when they start a Cub night), before setting off on a day filled with exciting activities. These activities included archery, body zorbing, fire lighting, talented cubs, climbing, abseiling, craft activities and more. They also had the chance to enjoy some off-site activities such as rock
Cubs a weekend to remember!
#Wannado2013 climbing and cycling. An ever popular activity was fire lighting, which is a very important Scouting skill. We spoke to Elliot from North East district who told us that he was “learning techniques with fire lighting” which showed him how to light fires safely outdoors, a skill that he will need as he continues to grow through Scouting. We also became aware that Cubs and leaders love to take to the stage when it comes to a bit of karaoke and a boogie, as the activity ‘Talented Cubs’ demonstrated. The atmosphere in the Talented Cubs’ tent
was buzzing as Max, from Loughborough district, told us how he danced to the ‘Harlem Shake’ and that he liked the fact that there was an A to Z music selection, meaning that they could sing whatever they liked. We also visited the rock climbing area, which was an adventurous challenge for all of the Cubs who took part. Sophie from Melton told us after an exhausting but thrilling trip up the rock wall, that to climb up you have to “put your foot on the ledges or find the cracks”. The day finished with the street fair, which involved the stocks, eating jelly with your hands tied behind your back and finally a
traditional campfire. All the Cubs went off to bed tired and muddy after a full day of activities, ready for the next day’s continued adventure... A big thank you from the district to all the leaders and parents involved; these camps couldn’t happen without you.
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” ! c i t s a t n a f d n a y n n u s , e m o “Awes
District Cubs sports day
This Sunday (7th July) was a reminder of last year’s summer of sport. Not only did Murray bring Wimbledon home, but almost 70 Cubs from eight packs in South East battled for the first place shield at Saffron Lane stadium. There was no chance of the day being rained off this year, with temperatures of almost 30 degrees and not a cloud in sight. The standards were high throughout the heats, with every Cub giving it 110% and fighting for a place in the final. Between the heats and the finals, spirits were as high as the temperature, with Harry (61st) describing the morning so far as “Brilliant, awesome and wonderful!” and Cameron (58th) said it was “way better than school sports day” and every pack still was very hopeful for the finals. The first round of finals held the egg and spoon race, sprints and long jumps, with points awarded for a podium finish. Once the three categories were completed
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it was all still to play for and the score keepers got very secretive! As the sack race, cricket ball throw and egg and spoon finals were completed, a winner was still far from to obvious to everyone but the scorekeepers and it was time for the final event of the day; the relay. The stands were roaring throughout the relay with each pack cheering on their runners. The determination of the runners was clear - they were giving it their all despite the heat, with only seconds between the packs. This was it; the scores had been counted and the trophies were in place. The DC risked overheating by donning his uniform to make the presentations. The announcements were made with 58th taking 3rd place, and it was down to the 9th and 63rd for first place. 9th were announced for 2nd with cheers and celebration from 63rd. The presentations were made and 63rd was back on the shield, last appearing in 1992 just three years before the
group closed its doors to be resurrected last year. The day was done, Cubs and leaders left the stadium to enjoy a scorching afternoon and for many to watch a slightly bigger moment in the UK sporting calendar. Lee closed the day saying, “Weather has been absolutely fabulous, the organisation has been incredible and everyone has enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Thank you to the 63rd for organising today and thank you to all the competitors.” for entering into the sporting spirit, well done. “
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The new programme planning tool QUACK the duck also made its first appearance in front of the AGM to break up the formalities.
Quick Usable Achievements Confidence Kool During the evening a few new appointments were made, thank you to Richard Jameson our retiring Chair, and good luck to Nick Jewitt his successor. The evening ended with the presentation of the Young Leader Belts, to Adam Rowlinson, Joseph Parry and Stuart Wells; awards achieved after all of the YL training and missions are completed,
the
chair
The first AGM for South East with a home grown DC for almost a decade years was hosted by the Discovery Young Leader unit, and to help keep track of the many hats our leaders wear, the first task of the evening involved some origami and some very long lists!
om A word fr
AGM
I am guessing that there are a number of leaders in our District who are not aware of the District Executive Committee, and if you are you probably think that the committee is a group of people who periodically get together to drink tea, eat Jaffa cakes and have a chat. I can’t deny that it has been known for tea and Jaffa cakes to be consumed during our meetings, but we have the responsibility to support Lee in his role of DC and to ensure that the District runs legally and in accordance with P.O.R. including data protection. Each member of the District Exec has to act as a Charity Trustee to our District, which in itself means that we are all personally responsible for the legality and finances of our district.
Lee has some great ideas on how to move the district forward, and getting Lifeline up and running again is going to be a great communication tool to be able to let you all know what we are planning so you can get involved. Through my regular slot in Lifeline, I will keep you up to date on what is happening with the Exec and what we are doing to support Lee and his team. I am very eager to hear of any ideas you have with regards to fundraising for the district, or how we can attract new members including leaders or indeed if you have any skills that you think would be able to help the District Executive. My contact details are below. I am constantly hearing the same question being asked from around the district. “Do you know someone who…?” It would appear that we all need a little help from time to time and as we have so many skills from around the district I am going to compile a database of skills. Be prepared for a mailshot to be sent around via email asking you to send in any qualifications or skills you have that you may be able to share in the district. It could be anything from a formal activity qualification to having a tow bar fitted to your car to help with kit transport. If you have a skill, we can find a use! Looking forward to seeing you out and about. Nick Jewitt - District Executive Chairman .co.uk ickjewitt scouts@n
@
811
07515736
Our county representative going through his roles
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d n u o r g r e v o , d n u o r ! g r e e w d n e r U e w s e l womb
The weekend of 28th – 30th June brought fun in the sun for two of the district’s Explorer Units. Six Explorers from the Pioneers and Tornados Units in Oadby travelled down to the Welsh borders for a weekend of adrenaline fuelled fun. With a choice of Mountain Biking, Caving, Canoeing and Climbing, there was no shortage of excitement. It was the first time many of the group had been caving, Ben Groombridge of the Tornados said “it was excellent, I’d definetly do it again”. Our Explorers also had success in various challenges over the weekend. Jamie Wood of the Pioneers managed a mighty second place in the Arm Wrestling competition, losing out to a leader (boo!) whilst Lawrence Brimm of the Tornados won an award for most impressive Canoeing achievement – sitting at the top of a set of rapids and performing not one but two 360o turns!
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We also came home with the award for most grievous injury sustained, thankfully for all concerned it was nothing more thank a grazed knee after a mountain bike tumble, but Ian Richards of the Pioneers was only too happy to show it off!
eye on Keep an e.com m . e l b m o w on next s e t a d p u for nt! years eve
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s e g r o e G t S e r i h s r e t s Leice Awards We are delighted to say ten adults and young leaders from our District were invited to receive awards at the County St Georges Day Ceremony:
Sandra Chick and Joyce Broughton are members of both District and Group Exec’s and were thanked for all of their hard work supporting scouting in our District. Jenny Campbell and Barbara Armitage and Linda Evans of the District Active Support Unit received a big thank you, without whom many of our events would be short of adult support and many children and leaders alike would go unfed at camp! Pete Relph has put a huge amount of effort into the District since returning to us, in his roles as DESC and ADC Development, Pete has recruited new leaders, helped open new sections and a big thank you was definetly due! Laurie Grey has been with 68th since being a Beaver and recently took on an adult leadership warrant, his help with planning and organising events and activities in addition to providing an excellent role model was recognised.
Young leaders Stuart Wells and Adam Rowlinson were presented with a certificate as a thank you for their hard work, both as sectional young leaders but also with a much wider involvement in supporting groups around the district and at district events. Adrian Newland’s name may be familiar even if you’ve not met him! As treasurer of 9th he has assisted in organising the groups finances and upkeep of their building as well as providing practical help with its upkeep. All that in addition to supporting Kay’s work in scouting for the last 40 years.
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t s a E y r h t e v u r o a S C y b o T Band visit What: Evening out of the hut Where: Toby carvery, Fox hunter How: Give them a call on 0116 2753999 Cost: Free!
Oadby and Wigston Scout and Guide band was formed in 1973 as an activity at the 28th Leicester (Wigston) Scout group. As with most Scout and Guide bands it started life as a bugle and drum band, before gradually changing to the chromatic instrumentation it has now with members playing a variety of brass, woodwind and percussion instruments. Guides were admitted to the band in 1985 and further changes came in 1990 when it became the district band of South East Leicestershire.
would
t night, “A brillian end it!” recomm y l e it n fi e d Rachel, Akeala 99th
The rest: A hands-on workshop on healthy eating from the head chef, followed by a full carvery and pudding for everyone.
o t e t u b i Contr Lifeline
Although based in South East Leicestershire, membership of the band is open to anyone within the Scout and Guide associations in Leicestershire. Players of all abilities are welcome, from complete beginners through to more experienced performers. The band offers an opportunity for members of the Scout and Guide Associations in Leicestershire to learn to play an instrument, read music, and perform a wide range of different types of music from traditional marches and hymns through to musicals and movie soundtracks. Our engagements in 2013 have included leading the St George’s Day parade through Market Harborough on behalf of Market Harborough District Scouts and entertaining Leicestershire Scouts, parents and dignitaries at the Brand during a County awards day. Currently we are rehearsing for ‘Sound Off’, a musical extravaganza by the massed Scout and Guide Bands of Leicestershire that is to be held at the De Montfort Hall in Leicester on Saturday 21st September 2013. Tickets for this event are available through the De Montfort Hall box office.
Our practices are held on Fridays from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the 68th Leicester Scout Headquarters on Cademan Close in Knighton. Anyone interested in joining the band should contact the Band Master, Trevor Vann
@
y.com tvann@sk
725
01162880
We hope you’ve enjoyed our new look Lifeline and reading about the comings and goings in South East District. If you’d like to contribute an article on anything your Colony, Pack, Troop, Unit, Group or Section has been up to, please send a few words and ideally a picture or two* to the email address below for inclusion in the next edition. If you’ve been anywhere exciting, an element of your programme has been a real hit or you simply want to tell the district how wonderful your event was, get in touch! We’d also like to include any advertisements for upcoming events that may be of interest to the wider district – if its happening and you want people to turn up, tell us about it! *Please ensure you have appropriate parental consent before sending us any pictures.
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stscouts.o
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Lifeline issue 251 Summer 2013 Š South East Leicester Scouts
Editor - Stuart Wells