explorer by The Scout Association

ine The magaazders r Scout Le for Explore April/May 2011

Whoops! When the plan goes pear-shaped

Worthing originals

Focus on the Young Leadersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Scheme

THAT OOD G S E T S TA

tains n u o m e n r e Mou h t n o s l e s r mo Marvellous

k/pol

scouts.org.u ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd 1

09/03/2011 17:47

ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd 2

09/03/2011 17:47

Published by: The Programme Team The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW Tel: 0845 300 1818

WELCOME

One vision

Contributions to: programme@scouts.org.uk ADVERTISING Richard Ellacott richard.ellacott@thinkpublishing.co.uk Tel: 020 8962 1258 Contributors: Ian Wilkins, Laura McManus, Patrick Rooke, Sarah Baileff, Molly Fassbender Cover image: Chlöe Chapman

Deputy UK Commissioner for Programme Graeme Hamilton outlines his hopes for the coming months – and asks for you to help

For ease of reading, this supplement refers to all variations of ‘county’ groupings simply as County.

EPIC WIN AT EQUINOX

Scouts in Merseyside recently had to evade capture from Explorer Scout ‘hunters’ in the third annual Equinox Challenge. The event, which took place in Delamere Forest Park, was won by 1st Southport Scouts. The Merseyside Jamboree contingent were among the catchers.

There is some further change in the supplement this issue as I find myself writing for leaders, commissioners and supporters in all five sections for the first time. This will be the pattern for the foreseeable future as I alternate with the five Programme and Development Advisers, who will provide a sectionspecific focus. Supporting the range of different needs and challenges of five diverse sections is not something to be taken lightly and certainly not without support. I rely heavily on you sending in your thoughts, concerns, ideas and, most importantly, success stories so that we can share these with others across the UK. Please email programme@scouts.org.uk if you have anything to contribute. We’re currently building a network of experienced leaders to form a support team – all of whom will soon be deployed across the UK. In the months ahead we’ll also look at how sectional support roles can best support frontline leaders. I’ll be out and about too. Cumbria has already booked me for a joint Cub and Scout leader session in May. If I cannot be at your event then we’ll aim to find a willing person from the support team or staff at Gilwell Park. I’ve recently attended the Development, Advice and Support day events in Wales and Northern Ireland so I’ll be maintaining strong links all over the UK as we work together to deliver a strong, effective and fun programme for every youngster who has chosen to take part in the Scouting adventure. There will be more in a future article about how we’re checking out what’s good and what’s not about the programme and how you can give us your thoughts.

Contents 4 News and updates What’s going on and what’s new

6 Camp cooking with candles A Unit in Northern Ireland adventurously celebrate their first birthday

8 Gateways and justice More ideas from the Join-inJamboree book

10 Flexi-time Why flexible volunteering might be just what you need

12 When plans go wrong We’ve all been there, but what happens when your programme plan goes out of the window?

14 Sussex success

16 Give book, build bridges Our partnership with Scout-led charity Bookbridge

18 Jamboree dreams The Saltires are Sweden bound, and Linzi is hoping to find somewhere to plug in her hair straighteners

Making the provision of Young Leader training crucial to growth

scouts.org.uk/pol

ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd 3

09/03/2011 17:47

Published by: The Programme Team The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW Tel: 0845 300 1818

WELCOME

One vision

Deputy UK Commissioner for Programme Graeme Hamilton outlines his hopes for the coming months – and asks for you to help

For ease of reading, this supplement refers to all variations of ‘county’ groupings simply as County.

EPIC WIN AT EQUINOX

Contents 4 News and updates What’s going on and what’s new

6 Camp cooking with candles A Unit in Northern Ireland adventurously celebrate their first birthday

8 Gateways and justice More ideas from the Join-inJamboree book

10 Flexi-time Why flexible volunteering might be just what you need

12 When plans go wrong We’ve all been there, but what happens when your programme plan goes out of the window?

14 Sussex success

16 Give books, build bridges Our partnership with Scout-led charity Bookbridge

18 Jamboree dreams The Saltires are Sweden bound, and Linzi is hoping to find somewhere to plug in her hair straighteners

Making the provision of Young Leader training crucial to growth

scouts.org.uk/pol

ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd 3

11/03/2011 15:50

news and updates Reach the Top The Queen’s Scout Award support resources for both participants and leaders/commissioners have been updated in light of the national presentation opportunities and eDofE. Download the resources from www.scouts.org.uk/qsa

Get Young Leaders on the right road The Young Leaders’ Scheme has a proven track record of keeping young people engaged in their Scouting journey, and giving them the skills to make great adult leaders when they reach 18. If you’ve not got the key resources for the scheme, here’s what you need: Young Leaders’ Essentials – The starting point for setting up a provision, with everything you need to know. Young Leaders’ Essentials Plus – The companion resource for Young Leaders, which includes ready-to-use ideas of how to run the modules successfully. Keys to Success: Young Leaders’ Scheme – Tips on managing the scheme for District Commissioners and DESCs.

Explorer

Question Time

Got a burning issue that you want to share? Or want to hear other points of view? With a distinguished panel of guests from the world of politics and media, Scouts Question Time will be in Leeds on 25 June for an afternoon of discussion on the main topics of the day. Whether it’s the effects of the recession on your Explorer Scout Unit, how changes to education will affect you and your family, or even which football team the panellists support, Scouts Question Time is the place for you to have your say. We are expecting a lot of interest so please email citizen@scouts.org.uk stating your name, Unit name and the number of Explorer Scouts you want to bring.

April/May 2011

ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd 4

09/03/2011 17:47

NEWS

Gilwell Reunion 2011

Book your ticket to the Scouting festival of the year, Gilwell Reunion! The event is open to all adults in Scouting and will host a variety of bases to share activity ideas around the programme zones along with on site adventurous activities, evening entertainment with some surprises and fancy dress opportunities and ultimately the time to meet new and old friends and have a great time at the beginning of the autumn term. To book visit www.scouts.org.uk/reunion

CELEBRATE INSPIRATIONAL YOUNG PEOPLE Nominations for the Diana Award are open. The award recognises young people aged between 5 and 18 who work in groups to make their communities a better place. For more information or to nominate someone visit www.diana-award.org.uk. The deadline for nominations is 20 May 2011.

Be our supplement stars If you would like the supplement team to visit your Unit to test programmes and write articles that will appear in future issues, please get in touch via programme@scouts.org.uk

Faith and awareness events June/July June June: LGBT Pride Month 1-7 Volunteers’ Week (UK) 2 Ascension Day (Christian) 5 World Environment Day 6 Dragon Boat Festival (Chinese) 8-9 Shavuot (Jewish) 12 Pentecost (Christian) 16 Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev (Sikh) 19 Trinity Sunday (Christian) 19 Father’s Day 20-26 World Refugee Week 22 World Interfaith Day 23/26 Corpus Christi (Christian) 28 Lailat al Miraj; The Prophet’s Night Journey and Ascension (Islam) July 3 5

Ratha Yatra (Hindu) Birth of Guru Hargobind (Sikh) 5-11 Childhood Obesity Week (UK) 9 Martyrdom of the Báb (Bahá’í) 11 World Population Day 15 Lailat al Bara’ah; The Night of Forgiveness (Muslim) 15 Asalha Puja; Dharma Day (Buddhist) 19 17th Tammuz; fast day (Jewish) 23 Birth of Guru Har Krishen (Sikh) 25 Khordad Sal; Birth of Zoroaster (Zoroastrian)

scouts.org.uk/pol

ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd 5

11/03/2011 15:50

Camp cooking with candles Cooking on a mountainside is not how most people would choose to spend their first birthday, but then not everyone’s cut out to be a member of the Spartan Explorer Scout Unit

hen leaders of the 1st Jordanstown Scout Troop took Scouts to Switzerland in 2009, they were faced with the prospect of losing their older Scouts, as there was no local Explorer Unit for them to join easily. Parents, who had come on the international adventure, were duly concerned about the lack of activities for their children beyond the age of 14, and the commitment was made there and then to start a Unit.

Grant your wish It turned out that local people shared the desire to provide youth activities in the community. A council grant was matched by funds from the Scout Group, and the Unit had a few thousand pounds to get started with. The name, Spartan, came from the young people, who were fans of movie 300; they also saw something of the Spartan spirit in their ranks. ‘The people of Sparta were resolute in the face of pain, danger or adversity,’ says Matthew, 14. ‘We hope to emulate that will to succeed.’ ‘Initially I was apprehensive,’ admits Robert Cullinan, the Scout Leader who agreed to take on the mantle of forming the Unit. ‘Now, I can’t see what all the fuss was about.’ Robert wasn’t alone, as four of the 14 leaders, 6

Explorer

assistant leaders and assistants that support the Scout Troop agreed to muck in with Explorers as well. The Unit meets fortnightly on a Friday night, but retains consistent numbers through a novel approach. ‘We ask each Explorer to sign a contract when they join, in which they agree to 100 per cent commitment. Our motto is “If you’re in, you’re in,” and in return they get our full attention, an adventurous programme, and a group of peers who want to be there. It’s much more enjoyable that way.’

Birthday tea So, back to the first anniversary programme, which took place in the dead of winter on the Mourne Mountains. The Explorers trekked there for a Christmas Cookout Challenge. Their task: to plan and deliver a three-course meal on a budget of £9, carry everything on to and off the mountain, and leave no trace of their visit to the area. The Spartan team that won the challenge came up with what one of the judges called ‘a nutritionally balanced masterpiece of noodles, chocolate and Brussels sprouts’. Everyone enjoyed it, got to take the lead, and went home full of beans (some literally).

April/May 2011

ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd 6

09/03/2011 17:48

UNIT IN FOCUS

If I were Chief Scout for a day, I’d organise a District tournament for all Districts in the world. It would be whatever they wanted it to be, like football, uni-hoc or a quiz. Connor, Spartan Explorer It’s programmes like this, often originating from the daring minds of the Explorers themselves, that keep the whole Unit interested. ‘As a Scout Leader, it can sometimes be a challenge to get Scouts away from wanting an overnight camp with games consoles and a cooked breakfast. What I like about the Explorers is that they’re not afraid to come up with something off the wall, and then make it happen.’

A progressive programme The way the Spartan Unit was created means that every Explorer Scout who’s ever been a member has come up through the Group. This helps, as the leadership team know the members, and can provide a programme they know will stretch them. ‘Starting anything from scratch can be quite daunting, but it helps that most of the members came up through the sections and understand what we’re about. By this age, the young people are fully capable of articulating what they want to do and even do most of the planning, so we’re now operating in more of a caretaker capacity, which is great for the leaders and fuels the confidence of the young people’.

Growing up During the last year, Spartan numbers have grown steadily to the current level of 16. Everyone threw themselves into the first challenge of mastering canoeing and kayaking skills, achieving the British Canoe Union’s Paddlepower Level 5 qualification with a local watersports provider last summer. The ideas also extend to community participation, meeting former Scouts at the local residential care home and organising litter picks in the town. Their latest venture has seen everyone start climbing and abseiling training at the superb outdoor facilities of the Belfast Activity Centre, as well as developing their expedition skills to prepare for their forthcoming DofE Silver and Gold trips in the next few months.

your unit here Why do you love your Unit, and why should we? Tell us about your successes and challenges. Email programme@scouts.org.uk or find us on Facebook at www.scouts.org.uk/ESSonline

scouts.org.uk/pol

ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd 7

09/03/2011 17:48

Gateways and justice The Join-in-Jamboree themes for this issue are Make a Change, Make a Difference and Scouting Skills. Remember to check out the full resources online at www.scouts.org.uk/joininjamboree

Activity

Time

Build a Jamboree gateway with the help of other sections

1 hour

Val Rel Ski

Local projects in your community

Ongoing

Val Rel Co Ser

World Fair Trade Day

1 hour

Val Rel Glo

Explorers

Credit: Simon Rawles

Join-in-Jamboree

Explorer

April/May 2011

ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd 8

09/03/2011 17:48

PROGRAMME IDEAS

Zone

Instructions

Values and Relationships, Skills

Traditionally in the build up to World Scout Jamborees, Units pioneer and decorate a Jamboree gateway. Like an arch, it is decorated to celebrate the approach of the event. Everyone involved in the Unit, whether they are attending the Jamboree or not, then walks through the gateway, symbolising the start of the Jamboree journey. Your Explorer Scouts can pioneer a gateway as a Unit. It’s very likely some Explorers in your Unit are attending the Jamboree and now is as good a time as any to polish off their pioneering skills too. You could also invite Scouts from the younger sections to help in pioneering and decorating your gateway. Teach them some basic pioneering skills which they can use in their own section meetings. Involving the younger sections can also engage them with the Jamboree and what it is all about. They will be able to attend one in the years to come too, so get them enthused about it now.

Values and Relationships, Community Service

Do your Explorers take part in any community projects as a Unit? Do they do anything to make a change or make a difference in their areas, both in and out of Scouting? Discuss as a Unit what you already do to positively influence your community and think of ways in which you could continue make a difference to those around you. You could volunteer on an environmental project, such as developing a neglected area of land in your area. You could also work with other people in the community by volunteering at a care home or children’s hospice. Your Unit might prefer to take part in a fundraising initiative rather than a community project, which is just as good a way to make a difference to other people’s lives. To keep the Jamboree theme, you can always try and raise money locally for The Scout Association’s solidarity fund, which support Scouts from Sierra Leone, Armenia and Papua New Guinea develop their Scouting over a five year period, as well as help them attend the Jamboree with the UK Contingent. Find out more at www.scouts.org.uk/solidarity.

Values and Relationships, Global

World Fair Trade Day is celebrated on 14 May 2011. It is observed internationally to recognise the importance of Fair Trade and celebrating its effect on providing equality for food producers and distributors in developing countries. Your Explorer Scouts can engage with World Fair Trade Day, and not necessarily just on 14 May. Set aside one hour of a meeting to get involved. Your Unit could prepare a meal using only goods that have the Fairtrade mark. Get your Explorers to buy the food in a shop – is there a large price difference in comparison with foods that are not fairly traded? Does the shop stock more Fairtrade goods than not? This could provoke discussion on whether fair trade goods are affordable for consumers in the UK. How do your Explorers feel about paying slightly more for some goods which are Fairtrade? Would they prefer to save money by buying non Fairtrade items? By typing in ‘fair trade’ on Programmes Online, you can supplement your fair trade hour with some further games or information on how much agricultural workers in developing countries benefit from being paid a fair and transparent price for the goods they produce.

scouts.org.uk/pol

ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd 9

09/03/2011 17:48

Flexi-time th, many of us are As Explorer Scouting experiences great grow tyles and so many looking out for adults to help. With busy lifes s at how you can demands on people’s time, Laura McManus look encourage adults to support Scouting

esearch has identified that the largest barriers to volunteer recruitment are the time pressure on adults coupled with real concern over the demands placed on new recruits. Nearly 60 per cent of those who don’t volunteer cite lack of time as the main reason. Therefore we must approach volunteering in a flexible way.

Developing the individual Explorer Scouts can take a much more active role in writing and organising the programme than the younger sections. Whilst initially it may take some time to get the process started, involving them in the planning and running of the Unit essentially means they do more and you do less. It also helps Explorers to develop planning and organising skills, and may even allow them to see how great being a leader in Scouting can be.

What needs doing? If there was one thing you could have an adult help with, what would it be? Try to think of a list of tasks that you would like another adult to do, so you can concentrate on running the Unit. These things may include: • planning a Unit meeting or visit • running outdoor activities • organising a camp • supporting expedition training • Unit administration.

Explorer

These tasks do not necessarily have to be done by the same person; they can be done effectively as part of a team. If you ask an adult to do one task for a set period of time, evidence shows they are more likely to say yes. When Explorer Scouts turn 18, do you encourage them to stay involved with Scouting? 18 year olds have many demands on them so why not ask them to help the Unit when they can rather than asking them to make a regular commitment?

It’s all in the planning Do you find it difficult to make time to plan each meeting and often find yourself turning up to a Unit meeting without a real plan of what you are going to do? Is there a parent or ex-Explorer that shows an interest in what you do at meetings, or who has an interesting job? Could they organise a meeting or visit around this?

Getting outdoors Is there a parent of an Explorer in your Unit who is a keen hiker or cyclist? Could they run an evening outdoors taking

April/May 2011

ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd 10

09/03/2011 17:48

Flexible volunteering

Local experts can be enlisted to assist with simple or specialist tasks, such as the Jamboree on the Air

the Explorers on a night hike? Taking the Unit on a hike requires organisation, so asking someone else means that it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t something else you have to do.

Simple tasks Are you holding a residential experience soon? If you are, there are many things that you could ask the Explorers to organise themselves. Could a small team of parents organise the catering, taking one meal each? This is a simple task that parents will probably be more than happy to do.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a record Is there someone who could manage the Unit administration for you? If you give them a copy of the programme and attendance records, they can work out which awards have been completed.

Adult rotas Explorer Scouts may not be as keen to have their parents at meeting as the younger sections, so involving Explorers who have just turned 18 to support the Unit may be a more popular option. Over 40 per cent of new adult volunteers come through the Movement, typically being Explorer Scout Young Leaders who take on an adult appointment when they reach their 18th birthday. Both external research and evidence from within Scouting indicates that these volunteers often develop a lifelong commitment to the organisation, becoming the key leaders upon whom Scouting depends. Producing a rota listing the meeting dates and times along with the focus of the meeting, then asking parents and/or ex-Explorers to attend one meeting a term is an excellent way to increase the number of adults that support the Unit.

tools to help you Young Leaders can take on more active roles in leading the Unit

There are a number of resources to help you with encouraging adults to support the section in a flexible way.

scouts.org.uk/pol

ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd 11

11/03/2011 15:50

As Justin started on the bouldering wall, the demolition truck edged nearer

When plans go wrong Having been an Explorer Scout Leader since the section formed, you'd think Ian Wilkins would have a smooth and efficient programme full of action and adventure. To give hope to new leaders, and a wry smile to experienced heads, he takes an askance view at some programme ideas that taught him valuable lessons 12

Explorer

Let's go climbing! The background: The local university climbing wall is open to non-students, but was closing to relocate, so we thought we'd make the most of the chance and go on the last night. I made sure everything was ready and even rang them up the week before to check it would still be okay. On the night, I get there a bit early, only to find it shut with the holds already being taken off. With nothing left to do, I had to cancel the evening, and send the disappointed Explorers home. Lesson learnt? Always, always, have a plan B, and make sure your contact list is up to date. Why do it? Sometimes I wonder why I bother, but mistakes are natural and it all becomes worth it again when the fun continues the next week. It’s also a good learning opportunity.

You're allergic to WHAT? The background: I strongly believe Explorers should be able to do more than burn beans to the bottom of a billy by the time they move on. So in the shop on the way to Ready Steady Cook night, I decide it should be Italian themed, buy pasta and tomatoes for all the teams, plus other bits and bobs. As soon as it’s all handed out, one Explorer tells me he’s allergic to tomatoes. ‘Surely you mean you don't like them?’ I reply. ‘No, if I eat them, I spend the next two hours on the toilet and come out in a rash.’ ‘Oh.’

April/May 2011

ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd 12

09/03/2011 17:49

Programme Planning

Lesson learnt? Collect important health information when they join, and look at it! Why do it? It's a life skill. They should cook on camp, they'll have to cook on expeditions and will have to do so outside of Scouting too (I live in hope). This means it's a great programme idea to help prepare for the summer.

Blindfold drop The background: Put the Explorers in cars, blindfold them, and drop them off somewhere with a map, compass and a finish location. Last time I did this, they went across some army training land. Halfway through the evening, we start hearing the crack of automatic gunfire, and see flares floating down out of the sky. Yes, we'd sent the Explorers through the middle of an army training exercise. Whoops! Lesson learnt? Pick your location carefully, do lots of background research and be thankful they were firing blanks!

ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd 13

Why do it? For a bit of competition, some Scouting skills practice and memories that will last a lifetime. As Explorer leaders, we need to try new things to stop getting jaded and give the Explorers the enthused leaders they need. I'm not saying don't plan, and risk assessment remains a necessity, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth accepting that sometimes it'll all go wrong and sometimes those are the best evenings. All we can do is learn ready for the next time.

ring any bells? Does this remind you of anyone? What lessons did you learn the hard way? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve started a Facebook group for the Explorer Scout Supplement, so you can share your similar stories. Log on and find us at www.scouts.org.uk/ESSonline

09/03/2011 17:49

Sussex success The Young Leaders’ Scheme offers young people the opportunity to give back to Scouting by assisting in the younger sections, but it can also form a key part of a Scout District’s plan to grow. Sarah Baileff visits a Young Leader Unit in Worthing to find out how important the scheme is

‘T

he best thing about being a Young Leader is picking up and sharing ideas for activities’ says Iain, a 15-year-old Young Leader from the Worthing Unit, which is setting an example at investing now in the adult leaders of tomorrow. ‘We also get to meet others our own age, which is important,’ he adds. As 45 per cent of Scouting’s adult volunteers were involved with Scouting as a young person, it makes a lot of sense that we invest time and effort into ensuring that our Young Leaders’ Scheme is properly run and supported.

Explaining the scheme In 2009 West Sussex Scouts decided to focus on providing a structured and high quality Young Leaders’ Scheme in the County and the setup in Worthing exemplifies this approach. The Explorer Scout Leader (Young Leader) Mike Hudgell and County Development Officer, Mark Guy, have a development plan for the Unit which provides a structure and timescale to 14

Explorer

ensure things are monitored and reviewed on a regular basis. The County have also produced a resource, Your Guide to Being a Young Leader, in which any young person joining the scheme can find out everything about it, from contact details to options at 18. Seventeen-year-old Lucy explains how the things have improved since the Unit began in 2009: ‘It’s much better now. Before, only Module A was run once a year. Now we have the chance to do all the modules, as well as going on trips and doing things as a Unit, so the social aspect is much better’. It’s good to hear from the members themselves that the extra support is appreciated.

Programme goldmine

Mike Hudgell

While the Young Leaders tackled some activities in the Global Zone, I took the opportunity to speak to Mike about running the Unit. ‘We meet every two weeks. We aim to provide every module in a year and Module A four times a year. There’s a Facebook group

April/May 2011

ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd 14

09/03/2011 17:49

YOUNG LEADERS

Young Leaders participate in District events, such as the raft race (left); Bear Grylls pays Worthing’s Young Leaders a visit at camp (top right); building a spaghetti and marshmallow tower (bottom right)

for the Unit, which is an effective means of communication, and we have our own webpage on the District website.’ Mike is clear that Young Leaders are a valuable resource for Groups and should be treated as such but is aware that they are still out to have fun. They certainly seemed to be having fun during my visit, trying out a mine simulation game. This was linked expertly by Mike and Rick to some thought-provoking issues and the Young Leaders discussed how this and similar activities could be adapted to appropriately suit the different sections they work with. I asked Mike about plans for the future and he showed me the Unit’s 2011 development plan. The Unit will be trialling a mission report back evening where Young Leaders can review their missions with their peers. There are also plans for a resource specifically for the parents of Young Leaders and information for section leaders.

Keeping them moving There is a clear focus too on transition to adult leadership and/or Network as Mike and the team are well aware of

the importance of maintaining their involvement with Scouting as far as possible. This message has hit home with Lucy: ‘Young Leaders gives me the opportunity to put something back’ she tells me, ‘and I intend to be an adult leader in the future’. Iain agrees that he too might make the step into adult leadership in the future. After meeting these enthusiastic, supported Young Leaders in Worthing, I can only say Scouting’s future looks very promising indeed.

Guide Spy

See Worthing’s Your Guide to Being a Young Leader at www.tinyurl.com/worthing-yl

scouts.org.uk/pol

ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd 15

09/03/2011 17:49

BOOKBRIDGE

Give books, build bridges Molly Fassbender launches Scouting’s new global programme partnership with Bookbridge, a small charity set up by Scouts in Germany

ookbridge aims to create partnerships with local communities in developing countries, to improve young people’s access to English language education. The focus of the partnership is a big book collection in June, which will also be backed up by activity ideas on Programmes Online. Try the following activities with your Unit to raise awareness of the potential your bookshelf holds to support libraries in developing countries.

Building a bookbridge Many of us have books at home that we hardly ever touch after reading them. Get your Explorers to complete task 1 at home and task 2 in your meeting place.

Task 1 Find a large box and fill it up with books that you have not touched within the last two years. Write down the number of books you put in the box. • Which of the books in the box will you seriously need again? Take them out of the box. • Would you miss any of the books if they were gone tomorrow? Take them out of the box. • Which of the books remaining in the box could serve a child or a student learning English? Take those out which you think would not. 16

Explorer

How many books remain now? Write down the number. How many more books that remain untouched might there be in your household, in your attic or basement? Which of the books that you used within the last two years are you unlikely to use again? Add these to the ones in your box. What’s the final number of books in your box?

Task 2 Ask your Explorers to bring their answers to task 1 to the next meeting. Discuss the following points and make calculations: • How much work was it to fill your box of books? • How many books in total could your Unit provide for a library just by sending these boxes? Going from your numbers, calculate how many books/ boxes you could send if you extended the effort to family, neighbours, your school etc.

Help needed Hopefully this shows how easy it will be to take part in June’s collection. There is one more thing you could do to help – join us on our book sorting weekend at Sherbrooke Scout Campsite near Nottingham on 23 and 24 July. See www.bookbridge.org/scouts to sign up. scouts.org.uk/pol

April/May 2011

ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd 16

09/03/2011 17:50

42 - 1

011 8-10 JULY 2 .INFO 4 2 L L E W L I WWW.G

42 - 11 AC Gilwell 24 Scouting Advert.indd 1 ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd 17

23/02/2011 15:08 09/03/2011 17:50

Wave your flag As a flag-happy member of the Saltire Jamboree Unit, Linzi, 16 is ready to represent south Scotland in Sweden

y Unit is called the Saltires, which we came up with along other suggestions of names. It went to a vote and Saltires won. I think it’s super as the Saltire is the national flag of Scotland

The Unit becomes a ‘unit’ We’ve met up as a Unit on several occasions now. We’ve camped together, eaten Burns Supper, and increased our understanding of our own culture and heritage. A visit to Ayrshire taught us about the history of our national bard, Robert Burns. We also had an Apprentice-style weekend in Bishopton, near Glasgow, where we had to complete many challenges around Glasgow. We all really enjoyed this as it got us working as a team in our selected Patrols for the Jamboree. The information we collected about the ‘second city of the empire’ was then brought back to camp and we created presentations for the rest of the Unit within our Patrols. This was an important camp for all of us as we grouped into Patrols, discussed rules and a code of conduct, and were issued with our Unit neckies and badges. We really did become a unit during this weekend.

Global citizen I am most looking forward to learning about cultures and different ways of how Scouting works in many other 18

Explorer

countries. This will hopefully give me a better understanding of Scouting outwith the United Kingdom.

Keeping up appearances My luxury item would have to be my hair straighteners. I just hope there’s a hairdresser on standby!

Dutch afterparty Our home hospitality country is the Netherlands. It would be great to meet some Dutch participants to learn some phrases prior to our stay. I’ve purchased a Dutch phrase book, so have already started learning some useful sentences.

It’s nearly time

For all our Jamboree Dreamers, the dream will shortly become a reality. If you’re a Unit Leader, or going to Sweden as part of the International Service Team, you could share your expectations and preparations on the Explorer Scout Supplement Facebook group. www.scouts.org.uk/ESSonline

April/May 2011

ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd 18

09/03/2011 17:50

ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd 19

11/03/2011 15:51

OBC_ScoutingSupp_FebMar11.indd 2 20 ExplorerSupp_AprMay2011FINAL.indd

10/01/2011 09/03/2011 17:10 17:51