Explorers - April/May 2010

ine The magaSzcout r for ExploreLeaders 2010 April/May

Get up

Take to the skies with an air activity

Read up

The resources there to help you

P U N O E V O M ooth m s n o i t i s n a ake tr m o t s p i t p To

k/pol

scouts.org.u

explorer_4510.indd 1

12/03/2010 10:31

IFC_Explorer_AprilMay10.indd 6

15/03/2010 16:15

Your Explorer Scout Section Working Group Alex Minajew, UK Commissioner for Programme Gemma Veitch, Programme and Development Adviser 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 photo: Chloë Chapman p4: Moz

WELCOME

Moving in, moving on With tips on handling transition and the resources that will help you excel, Gemma Veitch offers a rundown of what’s in this issue of Explorer

We are now smack bang in the middle of spring, with new beginnings and lighter nights. In this issue we’ll look at how transition strategies are working across the UK, with hints, tips and worked examples from people supporting our Members as they move up through Scouting.

Up in the air We’re taking more inspiration from the Activity A to Z with a focus on air activities and a spiritual reflection that can inspire your Explorers.

As we look to the next few months, you can find information about new and improved resources, an annual event held in Nottinghamshire, up and coming special dates to add to your Unit’s Calendar and more. So make a cup of tea, put your feet up and enjoy!

HIKING TO VICTORY

Explorer Scouts from the 201st Islington who won the 30km event at the annual Southern 50 challenge hike. Gemma, Kelly, Gemma and Giacomo completed the course in 4 hours, 34 minutes.

A date for your diary Don’t forget St George’s Day is on Saturday 23 April. Baden-Powell chose St George to be the Patron Saint of Scouting. He believed that ‘St George was everything a Scout should be.’ The St George factsheet (FS295414) explains in more detail who he was and why B-P chose him as our patron saint.

Contents 4 Keep on moving Transition tips from people who’ve been there and done it

10 Programme pages An extended section of activities and ideas, including:

Do not pass go A life-sized game of Monopoly in Robin Hood country

11 Scouts’ Own How to run a thoughtful reflection your Unit will remember

12 Come fly with me Fly a kite and glide away by choosing an air activity

14 Passport to adventure Nights away passports

15 Dig and click A project you can get stuck in to, and safer surfing with Microsoft

16 What’s new pussycat?

The resources you shouldn’t be without, new and improved

18 The journey begins We follow one Explorer to the World Scout Jamboree

scouts.org.uk/pol

EXPLORER FINAL.indd 3

3

15/03/2010 16:16

n o p e Ke g n i v mo

skips Gemma Veitch find K to around the U are doing out what you r Scouts’ to aid Explore and out of transition into cout Unit the Explorer S

4

Explorer April/May 2010

explorer_4510.indd 4

12/03/2010 10:33

T

he important issue of transition is sometimes wrongly seen only as ‘moving on’ but it’s important to remember that it happens at both ends of the spectrum. As the fourth section in Scouting, we should all be supporting Scout Leaders to move their young people on to Explorers and we should also be spending time looking at how we assist our Explorers to move on: to Network, Scout Active Support and adult leadership roles.

All this is very easy to say but a question I am regularly asked is ‘How can we do this locally?’ Not one to reinvent the wheel, I have collated some hints, tips and case studies that I’ve come across over the past few years.

The big four These are the main points to remember when working on transition within your District.

Age flexibility There is a 12 month window for Scouts to move on to Explorer Scouts and six months flexibility for Explorer Scouts to move on to the Scout Network. This flexibility exists to allow young people to move on when they are ready and with friends if this is more appropriate. Utilise the flexibility by inviting the older members of the section to joint events and making use of the Moving-on Award.

All this will ease the transition through the 6–25 Programme.

Communication This is not just a buzzword, but key to how successful your transition process will be. It is vital that everyone in an adult role takes responsibility for the transition of young people through the Movement. This is the only way that we can actively support and promote the development of our young people. Unfortunately all too often I hear people say ‘It’s not my job, that’s the role of the Scout/ Network Leader’. Sometimes it just takes one person to open these communication channels.

Remember that the most important person to communicate with is the young person. They will ultimately choose what they want to participate in so it is imperative that they fully understand what is available to them. Putting the District Explorer term programme up on the Scout Troop noticeboards, keeping the website up to

Young Leaders - great ds ambassadors, great frien

date, publicising larger activities and events; all this helps to keep Explorer Scouting visible and increase the Scouts’ awareness of what actually goes on in the section.

Peer planning I regularly hear about Explorers heading off to a Troop meeting and running an evening of activities and fun for the Scouts. This is fantastic and proven to reduce the worry Scouts have about moving up to the Explorer Unit as they already know some of the Explorers. What about Scouts coming to run a night for the Explorers? Or Explorers running a night for the local Scout Network?

These variations will give the young people the opportunity to try out their leadership skills and show off their Scouting skills at the same time as building on the inter-section relationships.

Young Leaders Seen by many across the UK as a window between the younger sections and Explorer Scouts, Young Leaders are fantastic ambassadors of the Explorer Scout section. They can be made active in publicising the fourth section and can inspire younger Members to carry on through the Movement to become an Explorer Scout.

Make sure that you are communicating with the Young Leaders. Ensure that those who do not actively attend regular Explorer Scout meetings and activities are still fully aware of what is going on. This way, they can still pass on information and promote what activities and experiences are available within the section.

The case studies on the next few pages highlight some of the excellent work being done across the UK.

>>

scouts.org.uk/pol

explorer_4510.indd 5

5

12/03/2010 10:34

Keep on moving >>

Case Study:

Bailiwick of Guernsey Explorers to Network

Island life

In the Bailiwick of Guernsey, Network members run Network Cup. The Network organises three events throughout the year for Explorers to compete in. Last year the events were a climbing competition (extra points for fancy dress!); a water polo tournament and an incident hike in France. Around 30 Explorer Scouts participated in the events. They compete as a Unit so that individuals don’t have to commit to each event, although the Network does encourage maximum participation!

Ben De Carteret, Network Leader

Up for the cup in fancy dress

Case Study:

Hampshire, England

Explorers to Network

Get me out of here!

In their last term we move the olde st Explorers out of their teams and they stand with the lead ers at the head of hut during flag break. They earn the nick name ‘Mouldy Old Explorers’ as they are nearing the end of their shelf life and about to move on to Network.

At the last meeting before the end of term (so three times a year) we hold a presentation ceremon y in which the leaders present a trophy for Best Team Lead er and some certificates for Most Improved Explorer and Best Example of Living up to Scouting Values. We also use this as an opportunity to invite a Network rep to the meeting. We then bid farewell to our oldest, present them with an I’m an Explorer, Get Me Out of Here certificate and they then drag our Mouldy Old Explorers out of the hut and into Network.

It is a light-hearted ceremony but it helps to set a precedent amongst the others around the mov ing-on process and that they should be moving up at age 18.

John Watkins DESC, Andover, Hampshire

6

Explorer April/May 2010

explorer_4510.indd 6

12/03/2010 10:38

TRANSITION

Case Study:

Wrexham, Wales Scouts to Explorers

It’s good to talk We have had real success in the number of Scouts moving up to Explorers. I believe this is due to the Explorer Scout Leaders going to the Groups in the District to talk about Explorer Scouting. Plus, we have about 30 Young Leaders in the District who are fantastic and have become the face of Explorer Scouts in the District.

We had a very successful link camp (LINX 09) where we had about 90 Scouts and Explorers taking part in a weekend of Explorer Scout activities including shooting, archery, gladiators, a greasy pole and bug eating.

Gordon Richardson DESC, Wrexham, Wales

Case Study:

Derbyshire, England Scouts to Explorers

Eventful Scouting

and we Our District is spread across wide countryside to move want really don’t rs village most that tend to find tDistric s make This s. unitie comm local their out from By run. based events and activities hard to plan and are slowly deliberately running a lot of District events we overcoming this. r at We plan exciting activities such as climbing, maste nge Challe Scout d t-base Distric arms courses, and run helping Badges. All these events and activities are really g out of movin to used get to rs leade their and the Scouts their villages and meeting new people. as well Explorers are being invited to join these events g helpin is so they are getting lots of publicity, which on. g Scouts feel confident about movin Amanda Griffiths ESL (YL), Peak, Derbyshire

>> scouts.org.uk/pol

explorer_4510.indd 7

7

12/03/2010 10:38

Keep on moving >>

Case study:

Wiltshire

Explorers to Network

Contact support

implemented a strategy In the Network in Wiltshire, we have t how we maximise abou ly simp It’s effectively in the last year. ed a system triall e We’v s. orer Expl our opportunities with position called Network/ whereby we created a Network Exec s where applicable in the Explorer Contact (NEC) in all local Unit communicating with County. The NEC is responsible for leaders and Explorers up to Explorer Units in their area, keeping date in what the Network is doing.

Explorers of age to The role also looks at getting those stepping-stone: it’s a as rd Awa complete their Moving-on on in Network. Once build to g ethin another award and som mony in the Explorer Unit they hit 18 we do a Moving-on cere do the full investiture in to celebrate the transition. Then we orers we exist and helps Network at a later date. It shows Expl bridge the gap.

Kris McCabe County Scout Network Chair, Wiltshire

8

Explorer April/May 2010

explorer_4510.indd 8

12/03/2010 10:39

TRANSITION

Case Study:

Inverness, Scotland

Explorers to Network

Transition treasure

For the last six years I have run an annual event called Nessie’s Network Challenge, a quiz between teams of Explorers and Networks. The idea behind it was to improve links between Explorers and Network and also to promote Network to the Explorers and make them aware of some of the opportunities.

It started with just 12 people from two Units and one Network. Last year we had over 50 participants from two Districts and even some Senior Section Guides!

This year’s event has been opened to all Districts in the Highlands and Islands Region and extended to a 24 hour-event with some added extras, such as a texting treasure hunt and workshops on the Sunday morning.

Jamie Gordon ARC Scout Network, Highlands and Islands, Scotland

Case Study:

West Sussex, England Scouts to Explorers

Fireside chat

We invite older Scouts to some of the District Explorer evenings. We also run a joint District Scout/Explorer camp. After the campfire we invite the older Scouts to stay round the fire with the Explorers where we chat more informally and toast marshmallows.

It seems to work really well as the Scouts enjoy being allowed to stay up a bit later and mix with the Explorers.

Also, most of my leaders regularly visit their feeder Troops. Nothing very exciting, but that’s what we do and it appears to be working.

Elspeth Warren DESC, Chichester and Midhurst

scouts.org.uk/pol

explorer_4510.indd 9

9

12/03/2010 10:39

Do not pass go July 2009. Teams of Explorer Scouts from as far afield as Lancashire and Derbyshire set up camp at the Robin Hood Scout campsite. Their mission: to compete in a live game of Monopoly around the County. Graham from the winning Rufford Explorers team shares his experience

W

e arrived at Robin Hood on the Friday and once our camp was set up we played a few icebreaker games. The atmosphere was ace!

Super tram

The next morning we were given a sheet of paper with a list of places which had to be visited in and around the city of Nottingham. We left camp at 8.30am in minibuses bound for Hucknall tram station. We had exactly eight hours to visit as many of the places as possible using the fabulous tram and bus network. We decided to be clever about it and our first port of call in the city centre was the Information Centre and some extremely helpful ladies.

The competition meant we visited lots of different places including Nottingham Castle, Nottingham Climbing Centre, Nottinghamshire Scouts’ Charity Shop, the National Watersports Centre and many others.

10 Explorer

explorer_4510.indd 10

No time for the toilet Once we’d run around the city for the day, not even stopping for lunch (or the toilet!) we headed back to the campsite. Virtually all the teams were back so we spent the evening playing on bouncy castle and in sumo suits.

We kept bugging the leaders to let us play with a Nottingham Monopoly set, but they said no, as it was a prize.

Sunday was results day. None of us really expected to win anything. The organisers read the results. Chesterfield Draco ESU were second place. Could it be? Yes! None of us could believe it as our names were read out as winners – it put the icing on a brilliant weekend.

TAKE PART

Monopoly Live 2010 is open to teams of five Explorer Scouts and will be held 9-11 July.

Apply online at www.monopoly-live.co.uk

April/May 2010

12/03/2010 10:39

PROGRAMME PAGES

Scouts’ Own Scouting can be proud of the diversity of its members and the range of beliefs represented in the Movement. A Scouts’ Own can help your Explorer Scouts explore and reflect on this range of beliefs as well as helping develop their own

S

couts’ Owns do not have to be strict religious ceremonies, and some of the best ones are when the focus is more theme-based, focusing on personal and spiritual development. Some good themes are respect, loyalty, friends, family and trust. These are just a few examples but the scope is huge. If you have a local landmark, such as hills, mountains or a historical landmark, or you are undertaking an expedition, why not incorporate these into your Scouts’ Own? Taking a different approach can lead to a memorable event for those involved.

Another way of making these ceremonies more interesting for your Unit is to keep it varied. Maybe have a performance, or a reading written by your Unit. It could be a song or a piece of drama, maybe a parody of a song. They do not have to be long, and you can set the theme and this is an enjoyable way of delivering this very important aspect of the programme.

Prayers can sometimes be limited to one faith but themes can go across these boundaries and apply to all young people. Getting your Explorers to write their own ceremonies can be inspiring to everyone and you may be surprised by what they come up with. It may be quirky, it may be serious but it will most definitely have a point to it.

A Scouts’ Own shouldn’t be seen by the Explorers as ‘religious’ or ‘boring’. It can be as fun’ and exciting as any activity you offer. Just by trying something different you can deliver a major part of the programme in an accessible way.

MORE INFO Taking time to think during an adventurous activity can be just as meaningful as a spiritual activity

Search www.scouts.org.uk for Organising Interfaith Celebrations (FS185093)

scouts.org.uk/pol 11

explorer_4510.indd 11

12/03/2010 10:39

Come fly with me Adventure A-Z

The second of our sneaky peaks into the Activities A to Z takes us to the skies. Firstly, we release our inner Poppins with a kite flying idea, then Sussex Explorer Scout Leader Tom Hylands gives his guide to gliding

Kite flying (POL ID: 55941)

This is the perfect time of year to begin planning a kite making meeting. Many Explorer Scouts will have experienced the adrenaline rush of controlling a kite whilst on the beach or maybe playing fields, but now they have the chance to fly their own creations.

Programme Zone: Skills

You will need • • • •

Plastic sheet/carrier bag, eg a bin liner 2m of strong line 2 x 45cm garden sticks/dowel Reinforced sticky tape

You can download a full size version of this diagram at www.scouts.org.uk/pol (Activity ID: 55941)

Instructions 1. Cut out the sail from the sheet to the dimensions in the diagram.

2. Tape two sticks in place using six pieces of tape to form central oblong. Overlap the four end tape pieces over the back of the kite.

3. Make a tail from tape/string and attach to the the base of the kite. It forms a stabilising loop.

4. Attach a piece of reinforcing tape to each corner and punch a hole. Tie 2m of line between the two corners.

This is called the bridle.

5. Knot a loop in the centre of the bridle, and attach the flying line to this loop.

6. Decorate your sail and go fly.

Take it further • Once they’ve mastered the basics, challenge your Explorer Scouts to build on their skills by creating their own design (remind them they will need to keep the basic aerodynamics in mind to ensure the creation will work).

• Run a friendly competition with other nearby Units.

You could extend this to local Scout Networks and Scout Troops. Try running different categories, such as most colourful, highest flying, and stunt flying.

• Attend a kite flying festival. www.kitecalendar.co.uk has a list of national and international festivals.

• Try Japanese kite fighting from the Urban Outdoors resource - www.scouts.org.uk/activitiesresources

12 Explorer

EXPLORER FINAL.indd 12

April/May 2010

15/03/2010 16:08

PROGRAMME PAGES

A to Z Check out the A-Z of Activities online for more adventurous ideas. www.scouts.org.uk/a-z

Gliding What can be better than floating around with the clouds watching everything carry on below?

Gliding is an exhilarating experience and one that your Explorers will not forget in a hurry.

Y

ou will need to get acquainted with the relevant gliding guidelines (search www.scouts.org.uk for Weather Forecasts in Outdoor Activities (FS120088) and Access to Airfields (FS120702). The likelihood is that you will not have any gliders belonging to your Unit, so you will need to find a local British Gliding Association (BGA) club as all flights must be done at a BGA club under the supervision of a BGA Flying Instructor. This instructor must have a BGA Basic Instructor qualification as a minimum.

Perhaps surprisingly, finding a club is not as hard as you might think, with over one hundred in the UK. You can find your closest club and all their contact details at the BGA’s website – www.gliding.co.uk. The price can also be cheap, with an evening’s gliding costing around £25 per person depending on your local club. Considering the experience this is fantastic value.

Although the majority of gliding done with Explorer Scouts will be through a BGA Club and therefore an outside body, there are some Counties/Regions that own their own gliders and run activity sessions. It is well worth finding out if this is the case where you are, as it may work out better value for money.

So, when looking for a new, exciting and memorable experience for your Explorer’s look to the sky, and give gliding a go. It may not be the cheapest activity on your programme but it is guaranteed to be a hit with the young people, who will soon find out the sky is, quite literally, the limit when it comes to Explorer Scouting.

scouts.org.uk/pol 13

EXPLORER FINAL.indd 13

15/03/2010 16:08

Passport to adventure Young person-led nights away events have for years been an integral and important part of Scouting, and Explorers are the perfect age to take advantage of this. Barney Poulton has a timely reminder about Nights Away Passports A passport is particularly useful for activities such as DofE expeditions where there will be no leaders present with Explorers. Because of their importance, when the Nights Away Permit Scheme was introduced much thought went into ensuring these events could still take place.

As those responsible for Explorer Scouts, it’s important you’re aware how you can let them enjoy overnight events without you.

The Nights Away Passport is the system that allows young people to lead nights away events. Passports can be given to any young person to lead a single event by a nights away permit holder up to the level of their permit. So a leader holding an indoor nights away permit can give passports only for indoor events, while a

EXPLORER FINAL.indd 14

greenfield permit holder can give a passport for anywhere. Before giving a passport the permit holder needs to ensure that the young person has the skills to be able to run the event safely for the young people involved. The permit holder retains responsibility for the event despite not being present, so they can’t just give one, to a young person and forget about it.

Nights Away Passports are available from the Scout Information Centre. They allow you to fill in the details of the event and the young person in charge so that they have some physical evidence of exactly what responsibility you are giving them. There is also an online version available at www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/ nightsaway/naps.htm

15/03/2010 16:15

PARTNERS

Dig in this spring!

Following the success of the 2009 campaign, BBC Dig In is back, and this year they’re encouraging Explorer Scouts to get involved and grow their own grub Resources to help you grow and cook delicious home-grown vegetables while supporting the BBC’s Dig In campaign are now on Programmes Online. There are 12 activities to choose from, ranging from composting capers to the exciting carrot road trip.

Leaders have long been telling us that they want programme ideas to help with the Global zone, and these environmentally aware activities

certainly fit the bill. To top this, BBC Dig In are giving away free seeds to Members of The Scout Association, so you can plant the five featured vegetables in whatever space you have available to you. They are French bean, courgette, carrot, basil and mixed salad.

Go online to www.scouts.org.uk/ digin to get started and to www.scouts. org.uk/pol to download the programme ideas (search for ‘grow vegetables’).

Click Clever, Click Safe

In a recent online survey by MSN, results revealed that 64% of under-18 year olds in the UK have been contacted by someone they don’t know online, and worryingly, over one third responded.

February saw the launch of the UK Click Clever, Click Safe, digital safety code – ‘Zip It, Block It, Flag It’.

Internet safety tips To help make the online world a safer place for young people share these simple safety rules with your Explorers.

• When chatting to people online, try not to give out any personal information about yourself such as your name, address, phone number or school • Never open an email from someone you don’t know, always delete it in case it contains a virus • Treat people online with the same respect and consideration as you would in the real world • Never meet up with someone in the real world that you have met online unless you take a trusted adult with you to verify the person is who they say they are

• Always block people on social networking and instant messaging sites that you do not wish to be friends with • Make sure any profiles you have on social networking sites have the privacy settings set so that only your friends can see your personal information • If you are ever worried about anything you see on the internet talk to an adult you trust such as your leader, parent or teacher.

Faith and awareness events for June/July June LGBT Pride Month 5 World Environment Day 1-7 Volunteers Week 3 Corpus Christi (Christian) 12-19 ShelterBox Big Green Box Week 14-20 Refugee Week 16 Dragon Boat Festival (Chinese) 16 Martyrdom of Guru Arjan (Sikh) 20 Father’s Day 21-27 Recycle Now Week

July 6-13 Children’s Art Day 8-9 The Prophet’s Night Journey and Ascension (Muslim) 9 Anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Bab (Bahá’í) 11 World Population Day 13 Ratha Yatra (Hindu) 15 Chokor (Buddhist) 20 Tisha B’Av (Jewish) 26 Asalha Puja (Buddhist) 26-27 The Night of Forgiveness (Muslim)

more info For more information on internet safety, please visit the Microsoft page on the Scout website at www.scouts.org.uk/sponsors

scouts.org.uk/pol

EXPLORER FINAL.indd 15

15

15/03/2010 16:12

What’s new pussycat?

During the past year we have developed a number of new resources to support leaders and commissioners working with the Explorer Scout section. Here’s our heads-up as to what’s out there Young Leaders’ Scheme We are frequently asked for alternative delivery methods for the Young Leaders’ Scheme modules. Young Leaders’ Essentials Plus contains two new delivery methods for each of the Module. This resource supports Young Leaders’ Essentials, it does not replace it.

Unit Programmes Plus: Vol. 2 The new edition has more exciting and ready-to-run activity and programme ideas for the section. This resource is available from Scout Shops at www.scouts.org.uk/shop

Nights Away This is a revised edition of the popular resource, specifically designed to give leaders access to all the information they may need when taking young people away.

This will be available to pre-order from Scout Shops in April.

16

Queen’s Scout Award resources There are two resources to support the Queen’s Scout Award.

Reach the Top: Information for Participants and Helping them Reach the Top: Information for Leaders and Commissioners Both are available to download from www.scouts.org.uk/qsa More: The annual Queen’s Scout Reception will be held on 2 October 2010 where Bear Grylls will be in attendance. Letters will be sent directly to eligible Queen’s Scout’s about three months before the event. If you have any queries please contact programme@scouts.org.uk

Active Kids and The Big Adventure Sainsbury’s Active Kids have again produced a resource for Scouts and Explorers themed around organising a barbecue and inviting friends and relatives. Get it from www.sainsburys.co.uk/activekids

Explorer Scouts: Taking the Lead Although this resource has been available for a number of years we have given it a rebrand to make it consistent with the resources for the Scout and Network sections. Download it from www.scouts.org.uk/takingthelead It promotes the active participation of young people in the Explorer Scout Unit and increases their participation in decision-making processes both locally and nationally. It is packed with practical ideas, games and exercises for Explorers.

Scouting Skills The definitive hardback guide to the outdoors and adventure. Written in close collaboration with The Scout Association, it’s perfect for young people and adults alike.

‘This is the outdoor handbook brought to you by the people who wrote the rules.’

Bear Grylls, Chief Scout

Explorer April/May 2010

EXPLORER FINAL.indd 16

15/03/2010 16:10

INTERNATIONAL

Look wider In the October/November issue Explorer will be jetting off on a round the world trip, and we need your help to cover as much of the planet as possible

From the horse’s mouth

ia,

iop n took them to Eth If you’re venturing abroad this year, ask your Unit to put WEESU's expeditio school a ted ova ren y where the together a few words about the trip, including the good and bad points and any hints and tips for others who may with ‘Explorer supplement’ in the subject line. Don’t forget want to follow in their footsteps. When you’re there, get the photos! the highest quality photos.

In the October/November issue we aim to use the case studies to build up a passport portfolio for every continent. Word on the street We are also looking for leaders to contribute hints and tips If you’d like to contribute please email us with your for organising trips abroad. Do you have experience which name, Unit name, District and destination. Send it to could help your fellow leaders? Maybe you were there programme@scouts.org.uk by 30 June 2010 when things went wrong. What did you do? How did you Their views manage the experience? Would you advise people to do Then get your Explorers writing about their experience things differently? and send by 27 August 2010 to programme@scouts.org.uk We look forward to hearing from you.

scouts.org.uk/pol

explorer_4510.indd 17

17

12/03/2010 10:41

The journey begins Like many Explorer Scouts up and down the country, Hannah applied for a place in the UK contingent to the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Sweden.

She reports from her selection event

A

nticipation mounted as I attended the selection day on 12 December along with Explorers from my Unit. We were among 36 other hopefuls all hoping to go to Sweden in 2011. We participated in various team-building activities during the day, all the time being closely observed by the adults, some of whom were the Jamboree Unit Leaders.

For me, the day ended with an interview, in which I felt I had to prove myself.

Waiting for the phone to ring

friendships will blossom as we build up to the event itself.

Next July a whirlwind of an experience will begin.

Somehow I think words are to going to be unable to describe the time I will have. I will keep you updated on my journey to the Jamboree. more info For everything you need to know about the UK Contingent to the World Scout Jamboree head over to www.ukcontingent.org.uk

Afterwards all of us were told that six lucky hopefuls would be contacted in due course to be told they had made it. The wait for the phone call was agonising. It finally came on a Tuesday night. Talking to the District Commissioner was incredibly awkward, as he took forever to tell me whether it was good or bad news. Fortunately for me, I got in!

I am going to Sweden in 2011! I still cannot believe what an amazing opportunity I have been offered.

In January, I went to the launch day, where I met the 54 other fortunate Birmingham Scouts who had been chosen for the 22nd World Scout Jamboree. We were then all split off into our units. There are going to be two units: a full Birmingham unit and one made up of Birmingham Scouts and some from British Scouts of Western Europe.

The fun starts now We now have 18 months of training and fundraising ahead. For all 40 of us to get to Sweden, we’ll need to work together, helping each other to raise the money to attend and getting to know each other better. I know that

18

Explorer April/May 2010

EXPLORER FINAL.indd 18

15/03/2010 16:11

IBC_Explorer_AprilMay10.indd 6

12/03/2010 10:57

OBC_Scouts_AprilMay.indd 6

12/03/2010 10:57