explorers

ine The magaazders e L t r Scou for Explore June/July 2009

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WHAT sItF ion Ask a quenew for our feature

Woggle idol

Make your mark by making your own

Surf’s up

Meet the Unit making waves

T C E F R E P Hhe Explorer Scout way PITC ing t Camp

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Your Explorer Scout Section Working Group Andrew Wellbeloved, UK Commissioner for Programme Gemma Veitch, Programme and Development Adviser Contact them at: programme@scout.org.uk Explorer Scout Working Group, The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW; Tel: 0845 300 1818 ADVERTISING Senior Sales Executive: Tom Fountain tom@thinkpublishing.co.uk Tel: 020 8962 1258 Cover image: Halima Photo by Allan Baxter

WELCOME

A Summer of adventure

Mel Brammer kickstarts the new season with another exciting edition of Explorer, bursting with features and practical advice Let’s hear it for the summer! I’m pretty sure that after the cold winter we have experienced this year, the warmer season and longer evenings already have you putting the out in Explorer Scouting as often as possible.

Wherever you are, you can make the most of your local environment, whether that’s a city park, the banks of a canal, your village, or hiking and camping your way into the hills. If you’re planning the programme for camp then don’t look any further than our article on page 4. Speaking of camp, if you haven’t finalised your plans yet, we have some great ideas on offer in the East of England that you might want to give a try.

Have you ever wondered who looks after Explorer Scouts at UK Headquarters? On page 6 we find out who the UK staff and volunteer supporting the section are, and what they do to support you.

We also investigate different ways to finance the section and different methods for delivering Module E of the Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ Scheme.

Be a part of it

Meet the members of the Tsunami Explorer Unit, pictured here helping out at a charity farm.

See page 14 for the full story.

Don’t forget, if you have a question you want the answer to, want to share some good practice or have done something inspiring with your Explorer Scouts then we want to hear about it. We are always delighted to hear from you, so email your contributions to scouting.magazine@scout.org.uk with ‘Explorer Scout Supplement’ in the subject line.

Contents 4 Life under canvas Formats and ideas for Explorer Scout camps, from back-to-basics to expedition camping

6 Who ya gonna call?

Meet the team that supports Explorer Scouting at UK level

8 Money, money, money Models for financing your Unit, with pros and cons from those who know

10 Woggle power A practical programme to make your Unit’s woggles unique

12 East is East The Explorer Scout tour bus reaches the East of England, with ideas for camps and activities

14 Crest of a wave How the Tsunami Explorer Unit in Cheshire are attracting big numbers, and keeping them

15 Question time A new feature, in which we ask for your questions that need practical solutions

16 Everything but the kitchen sink Our guide to what you need to run a successful Unit

18 Playing the game Making Module E of the Young Leaders’ Scheme matter

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Life under canvas Explorer Scouts love camping. It is one of the major activities that bring new members into the section. If you are at a loss for what to do with your Explorer Scouts at camp, check out our ideas The top three types of camp 1. Back to basics. You may have Explorer Scouts who are fairly new campers mixed in with the survival specialists, who have been under canvas since they were eight. This camp gets the experienced sharing with the uninitiated. Your Explorers should have a bit more autonomy with catering, much of which will be done on an open fire. Activities will be mostly on or around the campsite, involving more traditional Scouting skills.

2. Activity. This type of camp is all about offering different activity experiences. Occupy the Explorers with a range of activities, getting wet and getting dry again.

While they should be expected to pitch in with cooking and washing up, they will appreciate the leaders taking charge of this area with cooking done centrally.

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3. Expedition. The activity on this camp speaks for itself.

The campsite is as mobile as the Unit, with Explorers working in small groups under supervision, setting up their own camps and cooking for themselves.

Activities for a back to basics camp • Collecting firewood • Fire lighting • Backwoods cooking • Shelter building • Toilet digging • Gadget making • Making ovens • Conservation activities • Pioneering

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CAMP ACTIVITIES

In this type of camp, even the simple things like getting the fire lit and making dinner can take quite a long time.

It’s extremely good for team building and allowing your Explorers to get to know one another.

Activities for an activity camp You may choose a combination of on-site and off-site activities, usually aiming for one or two activities in a morning or afternoon session. To keep costs from spiralling, make contact with local leaders with the appropriate activity permits, or book activities with the campsite rather than using external providers. Try to balance out your activities, including those that cost and those that don’t.

Examples are: • Climbing • Kayaking • Bell boating • Kite buggying • Conservation work • Biking • Archery • Air rifle shooting • Caving • Grass sledging • Visiting local museums, shopping centres and other attractions.

Other ways to make your camp stand out Theme it! Themed camps are one way of coming up with a new range of activities. They work best when you are planning or attending a larger camp. For example, the first County Explorer Scout event in Devon was a medieval weekend. Activities at the camp included an armour assault course; coracle building; coracle racing; a medieval themed campfire (with costumes); a display from a re-enactment group and conservation work.

Give them some space! It is important to allow teenagers spare time on camp to chill out. Certainly many of the Explorers will be happy to sit for hours chatting around a fire. However, too much spare time leads to boredom, and boredom can lead to trouble. Try to strike a healthy balance between sufficient free time and bursts of intensive activity. After all, Scouts is more than just a youth club!

Get spiritual. A camp is a great time to explore the spiritual element of our programme, and the Values and Relationships Programme Zone. You could do this through flag break, Scouts’ Owns, pause for thought around the campfire, or ‘thought posters’ tied to trees around the site.

It can also be built into creative and adventurous activities, with opportunities for reflection given precedence, rather than simply rushing on to the next thing. Drawing out the sense of achievement and personal development after an activity can be as rewarding as the activity itself.

CAMP YELL

Have you run a camp that you’d like to shout about, or an idea that you could share? Tell us about it by emailing programme@scout.org.uk with ‘Explorer Scout Supplement’ in the subject line

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Who ya gonna call?

Chris Brammer, who recently stood down as UK Adviser for Explorer Scouts, and Programme and Development Adviser Gemma Veitch give us the lowdown on their roles

UK Adviser (Explorer Scouts) The UK Adviser role came into existence just over two years ago when the UK Headquarters volunteer structure changed. The UK Adviser is part of the UK Programme Advisory Team, managed by the UK Commissioner for Programme. Up until April, Chris Brammer held the post for Explorer Scouts, and he tells us about the role…

‘Between my team (which includes volunteers in the section and Gemma Veitch, who does a lot of unseen leg work) we have been to every Region of England, as well as Wales and Scotland (sorry Northern Ireland, I didn’t quite make it to you in person). We’ve listened to issues and delivered workshops to help adults in the section in their roles.’

The good news Explorer Scouting continues to thrive! It’s thanks to the hard work of all of you, delivering quality Explorer Scouting week in and week out. Thank you to all of you.

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Chris Brammer

Gemma Veitch

There are really two strands to the role of being UK Adviser for Explorer Scouts:

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Keeping the Programme relevant. Firstly, I was tasked with holding my ear to the section: listening hard to leaders, managers and young people to better understand the challenges they face every day; and working to make sure our programme and resources are of the highest quality, relevant to our young people, and if necessary recommending and implementing changes and improvements.

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Delivering support. Secondly, I was charged with providing support to the same leaders and managers. This came in the form of workshops, support events and advice, but less obviously in the form of written and web-based resources (all factsheets for the Explorer Scout section, for example, were mine to keep updated and comprehensive).

Explorer June/July 2009

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Roles at UKHQ

Programme and Development Adviser

achieve and the activities that Scouting gives them access to.

EXPLORER: What has been the most challenging aspect?

Gemma: Moving from the north east of Scotland to London certainly threw up some challenges!

Professionally, trying to make sure that as a national organisation we put strategies in place to support flexibility within the Explorer Scout setup and provision.

Gemma Veitch, a bubbly Scot with a big smile, is one of the Programme and Development Advisers, working full time at Gilwell Park.

EXPLORER: Can you give us a brief summary of your job?

What do you do?

Gemma: I support the development of Explorer Scouting across the UK. A lot of that is working with the volunteers, the UK Adviser and his team.

EXPLORER: Do you work mostly in the office or does your job entail you getting out and about around the UK? Gemma: It is mainly office based but on average I am out of the office four days a month doing evening and weekend work. This can take me right across the UK, meeting lots of the volunteers who are doing fantastic work with the Explorer Scout section.

EXPLORER: What’s the best part of your job?

Gemma: Seeing Scouting in action. I also really enjoy the events we support such as the Queen’s Scout Reception and Gilwell 24 as they show what young people can

SCOUT SHOPS

N

S

EQUIPPED FOR ADVENTURE

scouts.org.uk/shop 01903 766 921

To get in touch with Gemma and the Programme Team, email programme@scout.org.uk or call 0845 300 1818.

A GROWING SECTION

The Explorer Scout section experienced another year of growth in 2008-09, with numbers up 5% to 31,948 youth members. This includes a 10.1% growth in the number of girls in the section, which translates to nearly 800 more female Explorer Scouts. The overall trend from the 2009 census shows a growth in membership of 3.2%.

i.SCOUT Polo Shirt and T-shirts

£11.74 £7.83

i.Scout is a theme (polo shirt) running across a range of clothing (T-shirt) and souvenirs.

Available in black, orange, purple and kiwi (T-shirt only).

Get ready for summer camp with your i.Scout tops and other souvenirs.

Sizes: S-XXL. XXXL (black only).

Scouts ‘Be Prepared’ Towel Item code: 1024948

£13

Scout Baseball Cap Item code: 1025891

£5.75

Protect yourself from the sun with this 100% cotton navy adult-sized baseball cap, embroidered with the Scout logo.

Really Big Oball Item code: 1026847

£12.50

Kick it, stomp it, crush it, the Really Big Oball bounces right back to a perfectly formed sphere. This is an amazingly fun and durable outdoor toy. Easy to grab or catch with vibrant colours. The Oball can be used indoors or out, anywhere your Unit wants to play.

Take the Scout towel with you to camp, and be prepared for any situation.

Made from 100% cotton Size 153 x 75cm

All profits go back into Scouting. The Scout Association Registered Charity number 306101 (England and Wales) and SC0384837 (Scotland).

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Money, mon It is said that the love of money is the root of all evil. Perhaps, but having some is always helpful.

Is Explorer Scout finance in your District working? It may be time to review the way your money is organised to ensure that your financial engine is well oiled, writes Mel Brammer

T

he most important thing to know is that the District Executive is responsible for Explorer Scout finances. This means that any changes you propose will need to be agreed with the District Executive, so take your suggestions to the next meeting and ask them to think about a way forward.

The District Executive must ensure that Explorer Scout finances operate within the rules laid down in Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR), and in accordance with charities legislation. Assuming this framework, there is a degree of flexibility as to how Explorer Scout funds are actually administered, based on local needs.

The majority of Explorer Scout finance falls under two models, right.

It all adds up There are other considerations to bear in mind when thinking about how best to organise the finances for Explorer Scouting. Be sure to think of the following before coming to your own conclusion.

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MODEL 1: EXPLORER SCOUT FINANCES IN THE DISTRICT ACCOUNT Advantages

Disadvantages

Considerations

The Distric t Treasu rer collects in subs and other money.

You just present receipts or request a cheque to get money.

Getting a cheque requires a bit more forwa rd plann ing and the Distric t Treasu rer needs to be actively on board with the section.

Prepare a budget in advance to demonstrate to the Distric t Executive that you know what you are likely to spend and how much you will collect in. If there is a difference between the two sums they can prepa re accord ingly.

Keep your own records of money in and out.

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FINANCE

oney, money Asking Groups to contribute Your District may have decided that as Explorers is a District section, all money for Explorer Scouting, such as leader and District Explorer Scout Commissioner (DESC) expenses and training will either come from the Explorer Scouts themselves, fundraising, grant applications and/or a District membership subscription levy. In some Districts the Explorer Scout section is also supported financially by the Groups. This particularly applies to the Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ Scheme, as it can be argued that this directly benefits Groups.

MODEL 2: KEEPING YOUR OWN ACCOUNT Advantages

You have more control over money.

Requi res more record keeping.

Disadvantages

Considerations

You need to collect subs and membership fees yourselves.

You may need the administrator or a parent on the sub-committee to look after the ďŹ nances.

The District Treasurer should still be a signatory on any accounts.

You should prepa re a budget and keep a record of all money coming in and going out.

You must send a copy of your bank statements and your accou nts to the Distric t Treasu rer at least every quarter.

more info For full details refer to the factsheets Explorer Scout Finance (FS452013) and The Role of the District Executive in supporting the Explorer Scout Section (FS452012)

Fundraising Fundraising is more difficult without a supportive Executive Committee. In a Group, the Group Executive will take the lead. Does your District Executive support the fundraising efforts of the Explorer section, or is it largely left to the Explorer Scout Leaders?

Applying for grants Explorer Scout Units cannot apply for lottery grants or many other grants on their own. This needs to go through the District, as the District Scout Council is the charitable body.

Gift Aid Gift Aid can be collected on money paid for subs and membership fees, which can be a lucrative way of raising money as you can reclaim income tax paid on the money that the parents give to Scouts. If your District is collecting Gift Aid on Explorer Scout finances, does the money come back to the Explorer Scout section? If Gift Aid is not being collected, then discuss with your District Executive how to set it up. See the Gift Aid factsheet (FS190006) for more information.

The way you currently finance Explorer Scouting in your District was probably decided six years ago when the section was new. Sit down with the District Executive and review the model you have in place, before deciding if any improvements can be made. scouts.org.uk/pol

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Woggle power How many of your Explorers turn up every week without a woggle? Try following these instructions and give them the chance to make their very own in Unit colours or their own designs

Outline: The Explorers will make two different styles of woggle, Turk’s Head and Pipe.

Programme Zone: Skills Time: About an hour Numbers: You can do this with any number of Explorers provided you have enough paint, paintbrushes and broom handles! If you have too many, consider running this alongside another activity and swap over after an hour.

Note: It is probably a good idea to have a separate table set out for each type of woggle (the pipe woggle can get pretty messy).

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Pipe woggle Plastic piping about 2cm in diameter Hacksaw and workbench Sharp knife (Stanley or similar) Paper and pencils Paint suitable for painting on plastic Sandpaper Fine paintbrushes Newspaper or plastic sheeting for covering the table and floor Turk’s Head woggle Coloured cord or washing line in Unit colours Broom handles Candle Step-by-step instructions (get these from www.scouts.org.uk/pol - Activity ID: 44091)

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PRACTICAL PROGRAMMES

wer Instructions for Pipe Woggle

Instructions for Turk’s Head Woggle

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Cut a metre of thick cord or coloured washing line using a sharp knife. If you’re using nylon cord then use a candle to seal the ends. Watch out, hot plastic can burn!

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Allow plenty of time for the Explorers to get their heads around the instructions and to try things out a few times. Once they’ve worked it out, progress is quite fast and they can start to help others.

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You can carefully melt the ends of the nylon cord together to seal, or for washing line woggles, suggest that the Explorers put them in a warm oven for a few minutes to melt the threads together so that the woggle will hold its shape.

Cut the plastic piping into pieces about 3cm long using the hacksaw and workbench. Ensuring that you have a suitable surface to cut on, cut each piece down the length using the knife (this allows a bit of ‘give’ when pulling your scarf through it). You may wish to do this step for the Explorers in preparation to save them all queuing to use the saws.

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Sand down the raw edges of the pipe to give a smooth finish.

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Get the Explorers to think about the design that they will paint on their woggle and draw it out on paper first.

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Paint on any background colour and leave woggle to dry. Once the first layer has dried, add a second or some more detail.

SUBMIT

If you have a tried and tested programme idea then don’t keep it to yourself. Submit it to Programmes Online at www.scouts.org.uk/pol and send it to the supplement team, including photos, at scouting.magazine@scout.org.uk with ‘Explorer Scout Supplement’ in the subject line.

The Explorers will now have two new and completely different woggles to choose from and know how to make more.

Young Leaders can teach small groups of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts the Turk’s Head woggle. This will help them to build up confidence in their leadership style and in giving instructions.

Leader’s advice: ‘If you’re going to run this activity then make sure that you cover the entire painting area with newspaper before you start, and bring a damp cloth to quickly wipe up any spills.’

What one Explorer Scout said: ‘We don’t really have any excuses for not wearing a woggle any more, do we?’

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East is East

The Explorer Scout tour bus has continued its mammoth journey, this time wending its way to the East of England. Here is just a snippet of what the region has to offer, with attractions to keep your Unit busy Getting there Plane: Stansted Airport or Luton Airport Train: The East Coast Main Line and train links out of London Road: M11, A12, A14, A11, A10 and A1.

Campsites Cambridgeshire. For a variety of campsites in Cambridgeshire, including Barton Crofts Scout Centre, Wisbech, and Holt Island, Huntingdon, visit www.cambridgeshirescouts.org.uk/campsites Gilwell Park. Chingford, Essex. A huge campsite with an array of buildings, camping areas and activities. www.scouts.org.uk/sac Belchamps Scout Centre. Hockley, Essex. Large campsite with indoor accommodation and a huge range of on-site activities. www.belchamps.co.uk Skreens Park Scout Campsite. Chelmsford, Essex.

Parkland with wooded area and lake, two indoor accommodation blocks, some on-site activities available. www.skreenspark.org Thriftwood International Scout Activity Centre.

Brentwood, Essex. Woodland with clearings, several indoor accommodation blocks and loads of activities. www.thriftwood.org.uk

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Phasels Wood Scout Camp and Activity Centre.

Kings Langley, Hertfordshire. Meadow, woodland and activity fields. Indoor accommodation. Wide variety of on-site activities. www.phaselswood.org.uk Tolmers Scout Camp. Cuffley, Hertfordshire. Woodland and meadow with a small lake. Indoor and outdoor accommodation and plenty of on-site activities. www.tolmers.org.uk Bidwell Guide and Scout Centre and Two Mile Bottom Camp Site. Thetford, Norfolk. Purpose-built accommodation and training centre and gladed woodland for camping. www.bidwellcentre.org Eaton Vale Activity Centre. Norwich, Norfolk. Camping on the banks of the River Yare with indoor accommodation available and plenty of activities. www.eatonvale.co.uk Bradfield Park Campsite. Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

Brand new campsite in historical parkland. Some on-site activities and one indoor accommodation block. www.bradfieldpark.co.uk Wolferton. Sandringham Estate, Norfolk. Back-to-basics camping field. Good for cycling and walking expeditions and within walking distance of the coast. For contact information see the campsite directory on www.norfolkscouts.org.uk

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REGIONAL REVIEW

Activities ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. From £8.70 per person for advance group booking. Established to breed and re-release endangered species, the park contains over 2,500 animals. www.zsl.org/whipsnade Cycling. There are several great routes in this part of the UK, and you won’t find many hills in the East Anglian fenlands of Cambridgeshire and Norfolk! Try the 15-mile route from Cambridge to Ely along a peaceful towpath.

Imperial War Museum. Duxford, Cambridgeshire.

Europe’s largest collection of historic aircraft. Free for under 15s or from £11.80 for over 15. A great place to complete the Aviation Skills Badge. www.iwm.org.uk/duxford Long Distance Paths. The Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast path link to form a 94-mile walking track, and there are several other long distance routes to choose from.

For a full list and a great deal of other useful information look at The Ramblers website www.ramblers.org.uk/info Boating. The Norfolk Broads offer a wide range of boating experience with many narrow boats for hire and watersports activity providers.

Seaside. For the traditional summer holiday experience take your Explorers to Southend-on-Sea in Essex or Southwold in Suffolk to play on the beach.

Don’t forget your bucket and spade!

Sandringham Estate. Not only a country retreat of the Queen with fascinating history, but also a huge and rambling country park with free entry and countless walks and bike rides to enjoy. www.sandringhamestate.co.uk

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Crest of a wave Tsunami Unit in Warrington West District, Cheshire has 38 Explorer Scouts. Mel Brammer speaks to Explorer Scout Leader Karin Quarrie to find out the secrets of their success

Where have all the Explorers come from?

We have a good take up from the older Scouts, but also have some from the Guides, and the Explorers’ friends keep asking if they can come along.

How do you manage 38 teenagers?

They don’t all turn up together every week. We offer a varied programme so they dip in and we usually get 27 or 28 for a meeting night. It helps having a really good team of leaders. Caroline, Chris and Hannah are the Assistant Explorer Scout Leaders and Darren is Unit Assistant. We could always do with more of course! We don’t want to get to the point where we have to turn away potential Explorer Scouts just because we are short of adult help.

What’s in your programme?

The Explorers contribute to the programme, and sometimes run the meetings. We do plenty of camping, and if they want to attend an event further away then we try to arrange it … it’s all about opportunities. We offer all the DofE programmes so there’s training for expeditions 14

and hiking in the programme. On top of this we play games, have fun investitures and do all the usual Explorer activities.

What’s the favourite activity?

Nearby is a charity farm offering trips and holidays to children and young people with special needs. We go there for a weekend and do bits and pieces of maintenance around the farm, and in between we relax and have a great time. All the Explorers who go to the farm want to go again.

Are there any other secrets to your success?

Communication. After every Explorer meeting we email all the Explorer Scouts, some parents, older Scouts, the other Explorer Scout Leaders and the Scout Leaders. It tells them what we did (ie what they missed if they weren’t there!) and gives them all the information they need ready for the following week. Nobody can say that they don’t know what’s going on!

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e

Q&A

How do we make Values and Relationships more exciting? How do I get more Explorer Scouts to weekend activities? If you’ve got a question, we want to answer it…

I

n future issues of Explorer we are going to be focusing on real issues, and real solutions that other people can share. If you have a solution to one of the questions below, or have a question that you would like us to tackle, then get in touch at the usual address. We kick off with some common questions. adventurOur active and has lured e m m ra ous prog bers from many new mem vement. Now outside the Mo em, how t that we’ve go th the values ss ro ac t do we ge g and the side of Scoutin nd what we principles behi are the sh I do? How do Powell’s nde Ba of magic ers? ag vision with teen

e easy to com I find it very e m m progra up with good utdoor and O e th ideas for Physical Rec Adventure, , es n Zo ls d Skil reation an ow H s. er plor as do my Ex e up with som e m co e w do for s ng activitie more exciti s, ip sh Relation Values and d n a e Servic Community l?

Globa

In our District we are trying to grow Explorer Scouting, but don’t seem to have much support from the Groups or the District.

How do we tackle this?

We have a large Unit, but how do you get busy teenagers to commit to activities on weekends or outside their normal meeting night?

We’re aware of a large rural area of our District with no Scout Groups and no Explorer Scout Units – we want to appeal to teenagers further out of town (some are half an hour or more away) but we’re not sure how to go about it. Any ideas? scouts.org.uk/pol

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t t u b g n i h t y r e v E kitchen sink We take loads with us to Explorers every week, as we don’t have any storage at our meeting place and we like to be prepared for anything! Mel Brammer takes a look at the type of thing that might be useful to have in an Explorer Scout cupboard (or the boot of your car) and why Resources Unit Essentials, The Unit Programme and The Unit Programme Plus (all available from www.scouts.org.uk/ shop) are pretty standard and if you have them to hand then you can always refer to them. In particular The Unit Programme is a useful one to have a few copies of, as the Explorers can check up on badge requirements, or can use the tools in there to help plan a programme.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award resources, in particular the Handbook for Leaders, should be kept handy. You can download pages relating to activities Explorer Scouts are undertaking from www.dofe.org

Information and admin • Programme folder. Copies of your current programme and more information, letters etc on forthcoming activities.

• Members folder. Copies of record cards for all members with medical and emergency contact details. This goes to all Explorer Scout activities. You should have a list containing all this information for every Explorer Scout in the District, as they should all be able to turn up to any activity on offer by any of the Units.

• Box of badges. Always keep a few spare badges for Nights Away, Hikes Away, Participation and Membership, as you will then be able to quickly award them when an Explorer has earned them.

Also keep a list of which badges have been awarded.

• Money. A record of who owes what.

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Explorer June/July 2009

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t the

Explorer Scout Toolbox

Games box

Miscellaneous

• A variety of balls of different shapes and sizes.

• Fold down crates.

• Bean bags, bats and racquets.

• Whistles.

• Blindfolds (ask friends and family to collect the free ones from long haul flights) • Games book. Put anything in here that you regularly use in games. As you try out new games, add to your collection.

• Torch • Chalk • Playing cards • Scissors • Glue • Pens and pencils • Paper and card • String • Dice • Ruler and tape measure • Pins and Blu-Tak • Pen knife • Disposable cups, plates and cutlery • Straws • First aid kit and accident book – for obvious reasons!

• Book of positive thoughts. For our weekly reflection at the end of the meeting when we take down the flag.

Skills • Maps. Laminated Ordnance Survey ones are best. Get several copies of your local area for regular mapwork, and also begin to build up your collection of other areas where you go hiking or camping with your Explorers.

Try to get them used to working with both 1:25 000 and 1:50 000. You might also want to include street maps of your local area.

• Compasses. Get several for regular practice at taking a bearing and use on hikes.

• First aid items. Not for real use (you will have a first aid kit in the meeting place) but triangular slings, bandages etc will be a useful addition for regular first aid practice.

• Pieces of rope around a metre long – for practising knots.

• Matches, flint and steel, tin of kindling, cotton wool, for fire lighting work.

• Route cards.

Most of the items in this category are ‘just in case’, but they have all been used a lot. We have a basic ‘toolbox’ in which we have gathered all these items and more.

What’s missing?

I’m sure that you can think of many more things that you would recommend. If you have anything that you think should be added, we’d love to hear from you. Just send it in to scouting.magazine@scout.org.uk with ‘Explorer Scout Supplement – Toolbox’ in the subject line.

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Playing the e m a G Making Module E of the Young Leaders’ Scheme matter

Martin Peake turns his attention to the Game On module in the scheme, and recommends getting some new faces to deliver Young Leader training.

P

icture the scene: a group of accountants meet.

They greet each other solemnly and prepare for the dreary 90-minute PowerPoint presentation, ‘Having fun with spreadsheets’. Someone fires up Excel to calculate the amount of coffee required…

Hopefully this sounds a million miles away from your Young Leader meetings, but we need to remember that some YLs might well repeat training modules during their spell in the Unit. We owe it to them to ensure that modules are unique every time. Throw away those PowerPoints!

Take the Game On module. The objective is to help Young Leaders deliver effective and appropriate games for different audiences at different times. Noisy games, calming games, team and individual challenges all feature, but the emphasis of the module is on offering the right game at the right time. Why would you want to deliver this module yourself?

Ask a Beaver, Cub or Scout Leader who is good at games to come along and run it for you. Most YLs are excellent at behaving like barmy Beavers, clumsy Cubs or stroppy Scouts, and giving them roles to play emphasises the learning experience. Using Leaders from outside the Unit gives the Module a totally different

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atmosphere, especially if you invite leaders from more than one section.

Finally, let’s go back to that 17½ year old Young Leader who joined you when she was 14. She’s good, she’s experienced, she’s done it before. So why isn’t she running the session?

Game for a laugh – a case study ‘I went to a Young Leader Unit running Module E. Instead of sitting and listening all evening we had two Scout Leaders from the District running the evening. They played loads of games that would be suitable for the different sections. We all had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

This was a great way to run the Module, as we still had plenty of discussion about appropriateness for different sections and different occasions and risk assessments.

Because it was fun I think the Young Leaders will remember it!’

Mary, Explorer Scout Young Leader

Explorer June/July 2009

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