explorer

UT SHO u s yo u r

Tell ea s b r i g ht i d

ine The magaazders e L r Scout for ExploreSeptember 2010 t/ Augus

Assess success

Are you down with DofE?

Wheely good

The trusty soap box cart

S L L I R H T S L L I H C AND

for now g n i n n a l p worth s i e m m a r g inter pro w e h t y h W k/pol

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Your Explorer Scout Section Working Group Alex Minajew, UK Commissioner for Programme Charlotte Tow, Programme and Development Adviser

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Forwards, awards, rewards

Contact them at: programme@scouts.org.uk Programme Team, The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW Tel: 0845 300 1818 ADVERTISING Richard Ellacott richard.ellacott@thinkpublishing.co.uk Tel: 020 8962 1258 Cover image: Chlöe Campbell

With summer already flying by, many Explorer Units have taken part in camps or embarked on adventurous outdoor activities, but it’s not long until winter and time to get your programme prepared, writes Charlotte Tow You may already be recovering from an exciting summer and looking forward to what’s in store over the coming months. Despite the fact that the sun should be shining, it is already time to start planning those winter activities. In this issue, we look at how the adventure can continue throughout the winter.

Awards that deliver

FELLOWS DO WELL IN FELLS It was half expedition, half wide game in July as Dragnet 2010 took over the Cumbrian Fells. The 35 mile challenge was won by Inglewood ESU from Cumbria who finished in ten hours, 55 minutes with two lives remaining. Well done to all who took part.

With the Duke of Edinburgh scheme being a fantastic way for Explorer Scouts to develop skills, gain an award and, most importantly, have fun, we look at the expedition section of the scheme to see what needs to be completed and how to organise it. Remember, the DofE awards are a ‘perfect match’ with the Chief Scout’s Platinum and Diamond and Queen’s Scout Award, so encourage your Explorers to think about how they can achieve this two for one.

Reward yourself It is worth reminding you of the annual extravaganza that is Gilwell Reunion.

We hope to see many of your faces at Gilwell Park on 3-5 September, to share experiences, grab an influx of new programme ideas and discover ways to develop Scouting across the board. With the event being open to all adults in Scouting, it is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet many new ones. For more information, visit www.scouts.org.uk/reunion

Contents 4 News Section specific updates and forthcoming events

6 Journeys with purpose The expedition section of the DofE awards

8 Plan for action Breaking down summer adventure to suit winter weather

10 How to make a soap box cart A step-by-step guide to a classic Scouting craft

14 Trading places The training requirements for District Explorer Scout Commissioners

17 And the award goes to…

A bright idea that resulted in a glitzy evening for all the Explorers in one West Lancashire District

18 Jamboree dreams Hazel joins the team and can’t wait to hit Scandinavia

16 Roving reporters How Explorer Scouts made the news at camp

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News

Explorer A round-up of what’s happening in and s Scouting. Send your stories, report couts.org.uk opinions to scouting.magazine@s

Age range change Remember that, from now, Explorer Scouts should be moving on by the time they turn 18. This will greatly help to clear up issues of child protection and adult appointments. Encourage your Explorers to move on to Scout Network, take out an adult appointment or join Scout Active Support, emphasizing the great flexibility that is involved. It is also worth remembering the lower age range change that came into effect last year. All Scouts should now be in an Explorer Unit by the time they are 14½.

New resources Are you in need

of new ideas for running Young Leader modules? Young Leaders’ Essentials Plus gives you a variety of methods to run any of the modules.

It will help you keep the scheme flexible and exciting, while delivering all the information needed. The resource is available from Scout Shops for £5. www.scouts.org.uk/shop

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Faith and awareness events for October/ November October Black History Month World Blindness Awareness Month 1 Simchat Torah (Jewish) 4 World Animal Day 10 World Mental Health Day 16 Child Poverty Day 20 Birth of the Bab (Baha’i) 22 Pavarana/ Sangha Day (Buddhist) 31 Halloween November 1 All Saints Day (Christian) 5 Kathina Day (Buddhist) 12 Birth of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) 14 Remembrance Sunday (UK) 14 World Diabetes Day 15 Anti-bullying week begins 16 Eid ul-Adha/The festival of Sacrifice (Muslim) 20 Universal Children’s Day 16 International Day for Tolerance 21 Birthday of Guru Nanak (Sikh) 24 Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur (Sikh) 25 Thanksgiving Day (USA) 28 First Sunday of Advent (Christian)

Explorer August/September 2010

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Changes to YL missions Changes have been made to Missions 1 and 3 of the Young Leaders’ Scheme, as described in Young Leaders’ Essentials. Mission 1 (page 24) has now been altered to reflect the need for progression along the Missions. Mission 3 (page 26) has also been changed so that Young Leaders only have to plan and run one sectional forum.

The updates can be downloaded as replacement pages from www.scouts.org.uk/youngleaders and will be reflected in future editions of Young Leaders’ Essentials.

Belt buckle proud Young Leader DJ recently completed his Young Leader training after attending a first aid course. What did he get out of the training?

‘Well to start with, I now feel more confident working with young people in the way that I know that I have better knowledge to deal with certain situations. Having completed my Young Leader training I’m continuing with the four missions. I still see the fantastic leader that trained me and work with her every week at Beavers.

To complete the training felt and still feels really good.

I feel more confident as a leader overall and I look forward to taking out an adult appointment as soon as I can next year.’

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Journeys with purpose Over the past few years there have been some changes to the criteria for the DofE expedition section and now is a great time to refresh your mind about these. Jess Kelly runs through the updates

Conditions The Expedition section is now assessed against 20 conditions (listed below). These make it clear to all those involved in the section (participant, leaders, supervisor and assessor) as to what is required. If for some reason an expedition is not going to meet all of these conditions then a variation request must be submitted to the DofE Manager at dofe@scouts.org.uk. If you want some advice as to how to work with these please speak to your County DofE Adviser or Country HQ.

DofE Expedition Conditions 1* Your expedition must be by your own physical effort, without any motorised or outside assistance.

2 Your expedition must be unaccompanied and self-reliant.

3 Your expeditions must be supervised by an adult who is able to accept responsibility for the safety of you and your team.

4 Your expedition must have an aim.

5 You must be properly equipped for your expedition.

6 You must have completed the required training and practice expeditions.

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Awards

7 You must undertake at least one practice expedition at each level of the programme.

You should do this in the same mode of travel and in a similar environment to the qualifying expedition.

8 You and your team must plan and organise your expedition.

9 You must be assessed be by an approved accredited Assessor to the DofE. 10* There must be between four and seven people in your team (eight people may be in a team for modes of travel which are tandem).

11 You must be within the qualifying age of the DofE programme level.

12* All the people in your team must be at the same level of assessment.

13* Your team must not include anyone who has completed the same or higher level DofE expedition.

14 Your overnight accommodation should be camping.

15 Your expedition must be the minimum number of days required for your DofE level.

16 Your expedition should normally take place between the end of March and the end of October.

17 Your expedition should be in the recommended environment for your DofE level.

18 Your must do the minimum hours of planned daily activity for your DofE level.

19 You should cook and eat a substantial meal each day.

20 You must create and deliver a presentation after your expedition to complete the section. * Variations to these four conditions must be submitted to the DofE Head Office as a variation request or an adventurous project and will only be considered in highly exceptional circumstances.

help facilitate the expedition experience. The Expedition Assessor Accreditation Course dates are available from www.scouts.org.uk/dofe.

Within Scouting (in England) an extension to this deadline has been granted but by 1 April 2011 all DofE qualifying expeditions must be assessed by an accredited DofE Assessor. You know that someone is accredited by them having an accreditation number and a photo ID card which explains which levels they can operate at.

Supervisors All DofE expeditions also require a supervisor to be present in the expedition area. This person is responsible for the safety of the group and should work with the assessor to ensure a successful expedition. The supervisor needs to ensure that all Scouting rules are followed and that the group are on track and happy. There is a one-day training course for supervisors which will be launched within Scouting in 2011 so keep looking at the training section of www.scouts.org.uk/dofe for details of courses.

Assessors

Assessment fees

In 2008 the DofE launched a new scheme for expedition assessors with a view to this becoming compulsory for anyone wishing to assess the section from 1 April 2010.

The scheme involves a one-day training course, some pre-course online learning and a supported assessment (post course). These courses are available both within Scouting and through other providers such as DofE regional offices. The course equips the new assessor with the skills to assess a group against the 20 conditions and

The DofE have also introduced flat fees for the assessment of expeditions within Wild Country areas when using the Expedition Network Assessors. This fee is currently ÂŁ45 for a Silver assessment or ÂŁ60 for a Gold assessment. This fee will contribute to the expenses of the assessor but if using an assessor from within Scouting this fee would not need to be paid. However, it would be encouraged that the team factor in the expenses of the assessor when planning their expedition. scouts.org.uk/pol

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Plan for action So you reach the end of the summer term and rer start to ask your Explo ld Scouts what they wou ey like to do this winter. Th all say that they’d love e to continue to do all th that es iti tiv adventurous ac e th they enjoy outdoors in do? summer. What do you e Ben Richards has som suggestions

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Programme planning

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he programme doesn’t have to change greatly as you enter the winter months, but if you’re less able to get outdoors and cover all the adventurous activities your Explorer have become accustomed to, there are creative ways you can still provide adventure when the shorter days set in. Of course, many outdoor activities naturally lend themselves to the winter months: a good hike is always far more exciting in the dark; fire lighting and wide games are also a staple part of a Unit’s winter programme.

Break it down But how do you fit in kayaking, raft building, caving, and all the other adventurous activities that Explorer Scouts love doing? You could try breaking down your adventurous activities into smaller parts. Here are a few examples:

Water activities Run an evening on river and water safety. You could contact organisations like Water Aid to give a talk about water quality around the world. Ask your Explorer Scouts to collect tins, boxes and other junk for an extreme junk modelling project and try to build a boat that floats. This would allow you to look at boat shapes and designs, and experiment in making things float.

There are also numerous navigation and camping based activities you could do indoors with your Explorer Scouts to prepare them for hikes and expeditions in the warmer periods, when they work towards the various section awards.

This breaking down method can be extended to so many other activities if you look at the constituent parts.

Try looking on Programmes Online where there are many activities that can be done throughout the year which could be linked to your more traditional outdoor activities. Try a keyword search to narrow down the results. You’ll be surprised how many interesting ideas come up if you type ‘rope’, ‘water’ or ‘climb’ into the search.

There are also plenty of people around Districts and Counties that can visit your Unit to talk about their experiences doing adventurous activities. They could take your Explorer Scouts through the basics of an activity as well as discussing all the various safety aspects that will mean saving time later and give a heightened sense of excitement when it comes to actually doing the activity in the warmer weather.

Breaking down your traditional summer outdoor activities can help you to maintain the momentum throughout the winter term and give you lots more new and interesting activities to try out and inspire your young people.

Rafting Get your Explorers to build traditional rafts in the fastest times possible and have teams of Explorers racing them in the style of a sedan chair rally. You could even try to make the most elaborate rafts possible. Which design works best?

Caving As a Unit, discuss the equipment you need to go caving. Perhaps you could try to run an entire evening in the dark using only the light from headtorches.

You could also ask your Explorer Scouts to bring in cardboard boxes and create your own indoor caving system.

Ropes and knots At first, this may seem boring to Explorer Scouts, but encourage them to find a different knot to do the same job as one they already use. For example, what could they use instead of a clove hitch to start a square lashing? How about challenging them to design a gateway complete with test models in preparation for summer camp?

more info www.scouts.org.uk/pol

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How to make a soap box cart it stood the test of time? Explorer It’s a classic Scouting craft, but has the toolbox to provide this handy Scout Leader Phil Ashton gets out l love guide to a project your Explorers wil

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orever trying to get that ‘golden nugget’ of an idea that would grab the interest of the Unit, I was looking for something that would keep them active, teach them new skills and was relatively cheap. I remembered from my youth making a kart from bits of wood and some pram wheels. Easy, I thought, and went immediately online to find a treasure trove of information from Scout Groups who were currently competing in their homemade karts. I put the idea to the Explorers and they went for it. Buoyed by the response, I mentioned it to the District to see if we could encourage other Units to join in, and they were up for it too, so a challenge was born.

Hitting the nail on the head Getting agreement was the easy part, but then began the design and construction of the carts. We used plans from 10 Explorer

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www.kartbuilding.net as the basis for ours, but the great thing about soap box cart building is the variety of designs that are possible. These basic steps will see you right:

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Soap box carts should only need basic tools that are in most households: hammer, hand saw, metal hacksaw, drill, adjustable spanner, measuring tap, screws, nails, nuts and bolts. Don’t overestimate how much your Explorers will know… we had to cover knocking in nails safely as well as measuring timber to size.

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The carts should be pushed by team members and only steered by the driver. Therefore design your cart (and course) to use downhill sections for gathering speed, and make the steering mechanism simple, using a length of rope or the driver’s feet.

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How to...

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Typically on a simple wooden cart there are no brakes. As a result, the carts are designed only for slow speeds. You could incorporate bicycle brakes, but this does complicate the design and build, so allow time for testing and modification.

A soap box cart project will:

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• Promote teamwork • Teach basic engineering skills • Enable competition that isn’t only dependent on physical ability • Allow the Unit to take part in events that happen around the country and throughout the year.

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The National Scoutcar Races, which this year took place in Manchester are just one example of rallies that are open to Scout teams. East Sussex, Cheshire, Cumbria, and Sheffield have organised events in the last 18 months. If you want to give it a go, but don’t want to build your own cart, the National Scout Pedal Car Olympics at Thriftwood, Essex takes place in January every year and provides the carts. And for the ultra-serious, Scout teams are known to take part in events run by the British Pedal Car Championship, which is organised by Rugby Explorer Scout Leader, Jeremy Featherstone.

Build in some learning challenges. This activity is an education in itself, but it’s worth adding to the challenge by creating some rules that will bring out other skills. We insisted that the carts were made from almost entirely found or free items and gave a four week period to allow for scrounging. Our Explorers managed well with wood and fixings but struggled with wheels. We ended up with pneumatic wheelbarrow wheels, which fastened simply with a bolt through the centre.

Finish with style. Once you’ve got your cart roadworthy, it’s time to make it look the part.

As you’ll see from the photos on this page, there are no limits when it comes to styling, so let the Explorers customise their carts in a way that is personal to them.

Scouts on pole With the Explorer section best suited to longer projects you can really get your teeth into, it’s no wonder the response we had was so good. ‘I was surprised how much speed I was able to get up,’ said Jessica, 16. The chance to personalise their design appealed to Peter, 17, who said ‘We went for a streamlined blue chassis, and couldn’t resist the go-faster stripes’.

Events National Scoutcar Races | Contact Gary Hollingshurst about future events | gary.hollingshurst@btinternet.com National Scout Pedal Car Olympics | www.thriftwood.org.uk/events National Pedal Car Championships | www.pedalcars.info

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7-9 January 2011

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www.wintercamp.org.uk

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A new baseball cap for Explorers with the section logo. There is even a knitted version in case it gets cold.

All profits go back into Scouting. The Scout Association Registered Charity number 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland). www.scouts.org.uk/shop explorer_8910FINAL.indd 13

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Are you a District Explorer Scout Commissioner (DESC)? Are you thinking about taking on the role?

Do you know what’s required in terms of training for the role? Rosie Shepherd has all the information on the DESC Wood Badge

Trading places T

he role of District Explorer Scout Commissioner is a key one in the management and development of the section. If your District doesn’t have one, are you the right person for the role? The DESC: • • • •

manages the Explorer Scout programme ensures the Young Leader Scheme is open to all reviews the structure of Explorer Scouting in the District ensures there are enough leaders and they are well trained • is responsible for the finance of the section • works with the DESA to keep records updated • communicates effectively with young people and relevant adults in the District.

Training aims to help you to develop the skills and knowledge needed for you to be successful in your role.

Because training is role specific, when you change roles you may need to complete different training. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to start from scratch!

The DESC role is fundamentally different from the Section Leader role, since it is a management position, so different training is required.

For every role there is a set of required modules to complete. The Adult’s Personal File shows you which modules need to be completed for each role. If you already have a Wood Badge for another appointment you 14

will only need to complete some of these modules for your new role.

Validation’s what you need Because Scouting recognises prior learning, knowledge and experience completing a module doesn’t necessarily mean having to go on a training course. You do, however, need to validate every module that you are required to do.

Validation is the process of demonstrating that you can put your skills and knowledge into practice in your Scouting role.

The DESC Wood Badge A DESC Wood Badge is a manager’s Wood Badge with some additional elements. These are the modules that need to be completed: 1 Essential Information 2 Personal Learning Plan 4 Tools for the Job (Managers) 5 Fundamental Values of Scouting 6 Changes in Scouting 7 Valuing Diversity 8 Skills of Leadership 9 Working with Adults 10 First Aid 12 Providing a Balanced Programme

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As DESC, the development and safety of all Explorer Scouts in the District is your responsibility

17 Activities Outdoors 19 International

Manager (eg DC) to DESC You will need to re-validate these modules:

20 Administration (Managers)

2 Personal Learning Plan

21 Growing the Movement (Managers)

4 Tools for the Job (Managers)

22 Section Support 23 Safety for Managers and Supporters 24 Managing Adults 25 Assessing Learning If you are changing roles, and already have a Wood Badge for your previous role, you will not need to re-validate all of these modules.

Section Leader to DESC You will need to re-validate these modules: 2 Personal Learning Plan 12 Providing a Balanced Programme (unless your Section Leader Wood Badge was in an Explorer Scout role) You will need to complete these modules for the first time: 4 Tools for the Job (Managers)

20 Administration (Managers) 21 Growing the Movement (Managers) 23 Safety for Mangers and Supporters You will need to complete these modules for the first time: 12 Providing a Balanced Programme 17 Activities Outdoors 19 International

What if I didn’t finish my Wood Badge in my own role?

If you completed some modules, then use the information above to work out whether they are ones that you need to re-validate. You will also need to complete any other modules that are part of the DESC Wood Badge that you have not already completed.

20 Administration (Managers) 21 Growing the Movement (Managers) 22 Section Support 23 Safety for Managers and Supporters 24 Managing Adults 25 Assessing Learning

more info Look in the Adult’s Personal File or the factsheet Adult Training: Change of Role (FS330092). A full role description for a DESC can be found in FS330048.

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s r e t r o p e r g n i v Ro the Camp, Explorer Scouts were given At the Southampton City District role ant ort ation, to give them an imp challenge of being ‘press’ for the dur t was out of the ordinary. Reporters and a challenge for the weekend tha Emilie and Joanna filed this story

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or many people this District camp was a great way of starting their Scouting experience. A selection of Explorers from different Units became the ‘press’ for the day, asking Beavers, Cubs and Scouts what they liked best about the camp.

From many of the replies, we found that most people’s favourite bit was meeting new people and gaining friends.

For others it was the theme of the camp – the Movies – which impressed them and gave everyone a chance to dress up in wacky outfits and have their photograph taken by the Hollywood sign.

Lights, camera, adventure There were a range of different activities for all ages.

These included sumo suits (You Only Live Twice), zip wire (Indiana Jones), assault course (The Great Escape), a cinema showing Grease and many more. All the activities were extremely popular and climbing, canoeing, archery and sumo wrestling were huge hits.

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Ashes to ashes Campfire was a really memorable night, with everyone joining in singing and dancing. There was a part of the campfire where a Scout Leader led a short performance.

Ashes gathered by Scouts from campfires around the world since 1933 were sprinkled into the flames. This act was really special, as it reminded us what Scouting is all about: different people of all ages, cultures and genders coming together to share one passion.

Overall, this camp was a great success and enjoyed by many. Unfortunately we will be too old to attend the next District Camp but cannot wait to take part in the next stage in Scouting and become members of the Network.

We’re sure that the next camp, in 2012, will top this one due to Scouting being a great experience for everybody.

Press pack

If your Explorer Scouts want to review an activity or event for Explorer, get them to send 350 words to us at scouting.magazine@scouts. org.uk with ‘Explorer Scout Supplement’ in the subject line.

Explorer August/September 2010

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08/07/2010 16:15

Good practice

And the award goes to…

When a member of the Explorer Scout Team in South Ribble had an idea, the response was simply, ‘Great, get it organised.’

And so, as Rachael Sides tells, the Xscars awards night was born

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t all started by wanting to hold an Oscars-style night to celebrate South Ribble Explorers. But trying to find a hotel or restaurant to host a party for teenagers proved tricky. Only one place showed any interest, a small hotel outside Leyland. That was one job down, hundreds more to go.

After numerous meetings we decided on eight awards that would be presented on the night.

These were: • Best knotter • Best map reader • Most charitable Explorer Scout • Most accident-prone • Best camp cook • Vainest Explorer • Explorer Scout of the year • Unit of the year

Mystery prizewinners Nominations were left up to the Unit leaders who had to justify their nominee in a few short sentences. These were collated and passed to our anonymous judging panel. Nominees were kept anonymous so there would not be any bias towards certain people or Units. The winners were chosen and kept under lock and key until the

night. We also arranged for a magician to perform and he kindly taught two Explorer Scouts (Tom and Danny) an illusion to perform in front of everyone.

The event crept up on us very quickly and before we knew it we were putting the final touches to the table plan. Everyone looked fantastic, dressed in black tie, ball gowns and cocktail dresses. After dinner and the dazzling magic show (Tom and Danny received great applause for their magic trunk trick) it was time for the big moment.

That winning feeling As the winners were announced, the excitement was uncontrollable. Each winner had to fight off tough competition to be crowned the victor. The final award went to Endurance ESU and was collected by the whole Unit.

We used Xscars as a celebration of all the skills and talents of South Ribble Explorer Scouts. It allowed us to show older Scouts who we are and what we do, and gave older Explorers the chance to meet some Network members as they prepare to move on.

Shout out Have you had a bright idea? Tell us about it at scouting.magazine@scouts.org.uk with ‘Explorer Scout supplement’ in the subject line.

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Jamboree dreams Hazel was selected to represent Wokingham in the Berkshire Royals Jamboree Unit. As well as meeting some ‘dude’ people, she’s discovering that there’s lots to do

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y uncle went to a Jamboree way back, and it sounded pretty cool. Last year I went to WINGS [international camp in Windsor] and it was amazing, and because the World Scout Jamboree is on an even bigger scale, I thought it must be pretty epic. When I found out two of my best friends were going for selection too, I really wanted to go, because I thought it’d be awesome to go to Sweden with them, assuming, of course, they’d get in.

On my own Because they’re so good at everything, I just assumed I hadn’t got in and they had. When I got the call saying I got in, I was psyched. But to find out that they didn’t get in and I had, I considered dropping out, because they mean so much to me, and I didn’t want to go without them. Being told I was the only one in the District going also scared me. But then I felt kind of proud, knowing that I was the only one from my District going. It made me feel special.

You are not alone Since being selected I’ve discovered that although my brilliant friends aren’t going, loads of other people are, and they’re really nice too. They make me laugh, and I get a big grin when I know I’m about to see them. I’ve made friends, and I can honestly say some of them are the 18

funniest people I’ve ever met. I’d trust some of them with my life. I’ve also learnt that you bond doing the most random things, and that there are some pretty dude people out there, that you haven’t met yet.

There’s an awful lot to do, and we’re going to have a lot of camps to prepare us. I’m scared about getting lost: I’m not the best at directions. I’m pretty good at leading people, and I try to make sure everyone’s involved.

Running out of words Now that the Jamboree is just over a year away, I actually physically can’t wait. It’s gonna be so good, I can’t even explain it.

Status updates 1 June • like • comment

Hannah is cramming for exams, going to Unit meetings and bonding with the group. Now it’s time to polish some cars wearing bright green and sky blue, the BirmingJam Unit’s colours!

Rhys is decorating biscuits, abseiling the height of Ben Nevis and thinking that trousers are the way forward for his Unit.

Email scouting.magazine@scouts.org.uk to suggest a Jamboree Dreamer.

Explorer August/September 2010

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08/07/2010 16:15

Adventure Beyond is a family run centre based in West Wales. We have venues and camping or bunk house accommodation in St Davids, Cardigan Bay, Brecon Beacons.

Jethro Moore Adventure Beyond

G • CLIMBING • COASTEERING ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: CANOEIN TER RAFTING • SURFING • CAVING • WHITE WA G KIN YA KA • ING LK WA E RG GO ILLS URSE/ LOW ROPES • FIELD SK TEAM BUILDING • ASSAULT CO Nant Y Pobty Farm Coed Y Bryn, Llandysul Ceradigion, SA44 5LQ Phone: 07787123761 fun@adventurebeyond.co.uk www.adventurebeyond.co.uk

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06/07/2010 12:40

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06/07/2010 12:40