Instant Scouting April/May 2014

20

Point your Laya r app here to watch Scouts create a new garden wi th

‘Our HQ garden now look s amazing! ’ Page 5

Why choose JEKA for your ‘International’?

It’s simple really; we have over 50 years’ experience taking care of groups travel requirements. Our ‘Summer Camp’ packages include a return transport by coach or air , all food delivered to your door, your own self-catering centre, 24 hour support and planning assistance every step of the way. For something closer to home we offer Disneyland Paris and Belgium Battlefield tours. Or why not consider a ‘Snow Camp, our unique ski package to the stunning Austrian Alps.

“Thanks so much for all your help to organise this trip, it was our best ever holiday. The Czech Republic is a fantastic place to visit and inexpensive when there. We would recommend it to any groups looking to go somewhere a little unusual”.

PAM DOUGLAS – HARRINGTON EXPLORERS

More info

Visit jeka.co.uk or call 0845 0944 099 to discover more.

facebook.com/pages/Jeka-GroupHolidays/131718800220743 twitter.com/jekaholidays

Welcome…

Instant Scouting Editors Lee Griffiths, Matthew Jones, Vicky Milnes and Michael Regan Corporate Partnerships Team Sally Hilton and Nikki Mason With thanks to... 227th Bristol Scouts and B&Q The national magazine of The Scout Association ISSN 0036 – 9489 © 2014 The Scout Association Registered Charity Numbers: 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437

To a sprightly spring issue of Instant Scouting, bursting with ideas and inspiration from our corporate partners. There’s something to try for all sections, from creative crafts to important life skills. You’ll find cooking, conjuring and colouring projects in our Make and play section, while in Love to learn there’s a chance to expand young minds with fun science and engineering ideas. Spring is a great time to Step outside and learn about trees, gardening and navigation; while our Essential skills section helps equip young people with valuable life skills such as DIY, first aid and fire safety. We hope you and your Group enjoy trying out some of these ideas and would love to hear how you got on!

Published by The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW Tel: 0845 300 1818 Fax: 020 8433 7103 Email: scouting.magazine@scouts.org.uk Website: scouts.org.uk/magazine Please send all contributions to: scouting.magazine@scouts.org.uk Please note that the views expressed by members and contributors in the magazine are not necessarily those of The Scout Association.

Instant Scouting is produced by Immediate Media Branded Content, 9th Floor, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN Editor Anna Scrivenger Art Editor James Daniel Project Managers Ian Ochiltree, Duncan Reid Director of Immediate Media Branded Content Julie Williams Group Publishing Director Alfie Lewis

Make and play

Step outside

4 5 6 7 8

13 14 15

Keep Easter eggs safe Get gardening with B&Q Whip up two tasty puds Conjure with paper balls Create a pair of Rio masks

Essential skills 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

ADVERTISING Advertising Manager Tom Parker tom.parker@immediate.co.uk Tel: 0117 314 8781

Identify trees and leaves Learn to read a map Plant a hanging basket

Prepare a wall to decorate Create your own germ Learn about first aid Plan a fire escape route Play bingo with currencies Plan a safe cycle route Make and colour a ‘dragon’

It is important to note the differing structures of UK Scouting in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, for ease of reading this supplement refers to all variations of ‘County’-level groupings simply as County.

You can read Instant Scouting, Get Active! and Scouting magazine online at scouts.org.uk/magazine 110,004 average circulation of Scouting from 1 Jan-31 Dec 2012 © Immediate Media Branded Content. Printed in the UK by William Gibbons. All rights reserved. Unauthorised reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written permission.

Every effort has been made to secure permission for copyright material. In the event of any material being used inadvertently, or where it proved impossible to trace the copyright owner, acknowledgement will be made in a future issue.

Love to learn 9 10 11 12

Make a ‘comeback’ can Explode a marshmallow Build a wind turbine Engineer with IET

PEFC/16-33-795

This magazine can be recycled, for use in newspapers and packaging.

Please remove any gifts, samples or wrapping and dispose of it at your local collection point.

scouts.org.uk/magazine

We are proud to say Instant Scouting is PEFC certified.

For more information go to pefc.co.uk. Promoting sustainable forest management.

INSTANT SCOUTING 3

play Make and

Keep your Easter eggs safe This fluffy lamb storage box is loads of fun to make and perfect for keeping your Easter treats safe just for you!

Suitable for Beavers+ Spring is all about the new life that emerges at this time of year, symbolised by lambs and eggs. With this activity, Beavers and Cubs can use simple craft items to make a handy storage box that combines these two great Easter icons and tucks away all your Easter chocolates neatly.

You will need s Small papier maché box – oval s White acrylic paint s White and black chenille stems s White and black pompoms s Wobbly eyes s Thin black card s All-purpose glue s Paintbrush s Felt tip pen s Scissors All of these items are available from your local Hobbycraft store.

What to do

1 2 3 4

Make a small hole in one end of the oval box just below the lid. (Adults should help with this.)

Paint the box and the lid white – make sure there is an even coverage – and leave out to dry.

Coil the chenille stem into a spring for the legs and glue to the bottom of the box, as shown.

now Hobbycraft eaver eB sponsors th y Badge it v ti c A Creative es are rc u so e R too! t available a k/ .u rg scouts.o . ft ra c hobby

5 6 7

Glue half a white pompom onto an egg-shaped black pompom for the head.

Make the ears out of the black card and stick on the wobbly eyes.

Your spring box is finished. Now you can put all your Easter treats in it for safe keeping!

Take the white chenille stems and use them to make the tail.

More info Hobbycraft sponsors the Cub Artist Activity Badge and Beaver Creative Activity Badge.

Activity packs for both, as well as themed seasonal packs, including one for Easter, are available at scouts.org.uk/hobbycraft.

4 INSTANT SCOUTING

scouts.org.uk/magazine

SCOUTING IN

BLOOM

Discover the story behind ou r floral front cover, and the Scouts who worked together to make it happen …

Last year’s winners, Ellesmere Town Cub Pack, with their prize and winning entry

e baking ’ k i l t s u j ‘It’s ith soil w t u b , e a cak

In this spring issue of Instant Scouting, our sponsor B&Q is celebrating the season by encouraging young people to get gardening. So what better way than to ask Scouts to help create our blooming marvellous cover?

At 227th Bristol (Henleaze), several Scouts are working towards their Smallholders Badge, while their HQ was in need of brightening up after a wet, stormy winter. B&Q Cribbs Causeway came to the rescue, providing over 500 purple and white primroses and enough easygrow bags for the Scouts to plant a flowerbed in the shape of our emblem. Leader Kay Shuttleworth asked her Scouts to design and draw the flowerbed in advance.

The Group meets on Tuesday evenings, so B&Q ‘You Can Do It’ helpers Chris and Charlie came along to show the Scouts how to plant and care for their flowerbed. The young people threw themselves into the task.

‘It’s just like baking a cake but with soil!’ said Daniel Meaden, 6, as the various sections worked together to turn a muddy embankment within their grounds into a living emblem that they could admire from the windows of their HQ. They dug the shape out of the grassy slope using careful measurements and planted the individual spring primroses in the design they’d come up with.

We agree with Robert, 11, who commented when it was finished: ‘It looks amazing!’ scouts.org.uk/magazine

INSTANT SCOUTING 5

Make and

play

Enjoy two tasty puds Try these delicious dessert recipes from Kenwood Suitable for Beavers+ Kenwood believes that a good diet is all about proportion. There’s nothing wrong with occasionally eating naughty foods, but you need to balance them out with healthy foods too. Treat your Scouts and try these tempting recipes.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE You will need

You will need

s 150ml double cream s 180g dark chocolate (min 55% cocoa solids) s 60g butter s 4 eggs s 40g caster sugar

s 115g (4oz) plain flour s Pinch of salt s 1 egg s 280ml (1/2 pint) milk s A little oil, for frying s Balloon whisk, bowl and jug

What to do

1 2

3 4 5 6 7

PERFECT PANCAKES

Whisk the cream until it forms soft peaks and refrigerate.

Melt the chocolate and butter in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Take care not to overheat the chocolate.

Separate the egg whites from the yolks and put yolks to one side.

Whisk the egg whites until soft peaks are formed.

Slowly fold the sugar into the egg whites and whisk slowly. Add the egg yolks to the whisked cream.

Combine the egg white and cream mix together using the flexible beater, then slowly fold in the melted chocolate.

Place into individual dishes and refrigerate for one hour. Serve chilled.

What to do

1

2 3 4 5

Combine flour and salt in a bowl, then add the egg and a quarter of the milk. Mix until smooth then gradually whisk in the remaining milk.

Pour into a jug, cover and stand for 30 minutes.

This allows the starch grains to swell, and creates a lighter batter.

Heat a minimal splash of oil in a heavybottomed frying pan. Pour in just enough batter to thinly coat the base and swirl around.

Cook on a medium high heat for about a minute or until golden, flip or toss the pancake and fry the other side for about 30 seconds or until golden.

Pancakes can be kept warm stacked on a plate in the oven with a sheet of greaseproof paper between each one. Serve with your choice of topping, eg sugar and lemon juice, fresh fruit and honey, or chocolate sauce.

Picture: Thinkstock

More info Scout leaders and parents are also entitled to a 50% discount on selected Kenwood products. To access this, and to download Kenwood’s Healthy Eating Badge activity pack, visit scouts.org.uk/kenwood.

6 INSTANT SCOUTING

April/May 2014

Make and

play

Make paper balls disappear Teach your Scouts to perform a brilliant magic effect that will mystify and entertain!

TOP TIP

Explain to your au di that they’ll be ab ence see how the magicle to works. They shou trick point or shout out ldn’t w is happening to hat volunteer on stagethe , or will spoil the fun. it

Suitable for Scouts+

This trick uses the principle of misdirection to make paper balls disappear. The magician gets a volunteer from the audience, who sits facing the audience on the stage – or wherever you are performing. The magician shows a paper ball in his hand, places it in the other hand in front of the volunteer and it vanishes magically.

You will need s Some paper (napkins, old newspaper, toilet roll, etc) s Chair s Audience

What to do

1

Ask for a volunteer. Get them to take a seat facing the audience and hand them your paper stack to look after. Take one sheet and screw it into a ball.

3

This time, pretend to put the ball into your other hand and close it, keeping your eye on the closed, empty hand, which will keep the volunteer’s attention on this hand.

2

Show the ball and place it in your other hand, closing the hand around it. Open your hand to show it is still there. Take it again with a big motion so that your hand leaves the spectator’s eyeline and put it back again.

4

Repeating the gesture in step 2, flick your hand up out of eyeline and throw the paper ball up over their head so it lands on the floor behind them.

5

Point at your closed hand and open your fingers slowly, revealing that the ball has magically disappeared.

More info Download the World Magic Shop Scout Entertainer Badge activity pack for more fantastic tricks and effects like this. They are available now at scouts.org.uk/worldmagicshop.

scouts.org.uk/magazine

INSTANT SCOUTING 7

play Make and © 2014 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved

Face up to Rio! Celebrate the release of Rio 2 by making a puppet mask of your favourite character Suitable for All It’s a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their three kids in Rio 2, after they venture from that magical city into the wilds of the Amazon for a family reunion. Out of his element in a land he doesn’t know, Blu must face his most fearsome adversary – his father-in-law – while evading Nigel’s fiendish plans for revenge. All your favourite Rio characters are back and we want to see how well you can recreate them!

You will need s Cereal box s Scissors s Glue s Wrapping paper s Feathers, felt, fabric, paints, felt pens

What to do

1 2 3

Cut wrapping paper to fit around the cereal box and glue on, smoothing carefully against the box.

4

Decorate the mask with the items your leader has bought in for you. Blu and Nigel are parrots, so if

Choose which colourful character you want to be – Blu or Nigel.

When the glue has dried, draw the outline of the mask and his facial features onto the box with markers. Look at the pictures of Blu and Nigel and try to replicate them as best you can.

NIGEL

SEND US YOUR MASKS

We’d love to see your Rio face masks.

Send photographs to partnerships@ scouts.org.uk.

BLU

you don’t have any feathers, try to use fabric and felt to create a feather effect.

5 6

Cut out the outline of the mask and add elastic to the sides to keep the mask in place.

When the design is complete, cut out eye holes so you can see when wearing the mask.

More info

For more imaginative and artistic activities download the Rio 2 activity pack from scouts.org.uk/fox.

Rio 2 hits cinemas nationwide on 4 April 2014.

8 INSTANT SCOUTING

April/May 2014

Love to lea

rn

Make a ‘comeback’ can Use kinetic energy and a rubber band to make a can come back to you like a boomerang Suitable for Cubs+

What to do

1

2 3 4 5 6

Fix the screw/bolt to the middle of the elastic band, as shown, with tape so that the screw/bolt head sits between the two sides of the band.

Make a hole in the bottom of the container (in the middle). It should be big enough to push one end of the elastic band through, so that a small loop shows on the outside.

Push a paperclip through the loop to hold the elastic band and stick it down with tape.

Make a similar hole in the lid of the container and push the other end of the elastic band through. Secure it with the other paperclip and tape it down.

When you put the lid back on the container, the elastic band should be taut and the screw/bolt inside the container. If the band isn’t taut enough, and the screw/bolt touches the sides of the container, try a shorter elastic band.

Now roll the container away from you and see what happens. It should come to a stop and then start rolling back towards you.

You will need s Round cardboard container with a lid – an empty gravy or breadcrumbs tub would be perfect s Large, thick elastic band s 2 paperclips s Sticky tape s Screw or bolt (a short fat one works best, about 40mm long) s Scissors or craft knife for making holes

What’s happening?

This experiment is about the transfer of energy.

When you push the container, it has kinetic energy.

This energy is transferred into the elastic band as the container rolls (twisting the band). When the container stops rolling, the elastic band releases the energy back into the container again (as the band untwists) and the container rolls back towards you.

More info Rolls-Royce sponsors the Cub Scout Scientist Badge. Its activity pack is filled with activities that replace fear with fun when it comes to science. Visit scouts.org.uk/rollsroyce to download the packs.

scouts.org.uk/magazine

INSTANT SCOUTING 9

Love to lea

rn

Explode a Marshmallownaut!

Find out why spacesuits are so important for human astronautics and learn about how pressure and volume are related in Boyle’s Law Suitable for Scouts+

British ESA astronaut Tim Peake training in a Sokol spacesuit, a depressurisatio n suit that protects him during launch and re-entry in case of a loss of pressure in the capsu le

You will need s Marshmallows s Cocktail sticks s Tin foil s Syringe s Water

BOYLE’S LAW Boyle’s la

w states th at at constant te mperature , pressure an d volume are inversely re lated. This means that when pressure is low, volum e is high, and vice ve rsa.

What to do

1

Discuss what is required for humans to survive in space and what would happen if astronauts found themselves without a spacesuit.

2 3 4

Demonstrate the effect of pressure on the boiling points of liquids. Put some warm water in the syringe and trap a bubble. Cover the end with one finger and pull the plunger to make the water boil.

Plunger in:

Marshmallow

Get your Scouts to work in teams and design and name their ‘marshmallownaut’ – start with ‘Astro’ – using marshmallows, tin foil and cocktail sticks.

Use one marshmallow for each marshmallownaut.

Place ‘Astro’ into the syringe and reduce the pressure as you did before for the water. Describe what is happening to ‘Astro’ as the pockets of air in the marshmallow expand. Might this happen to astronauts if they found themselves without a spacesuit in space? (Hint: find the answer on page 13 of the Astronautics Activity Badge Activity Pack).

Plunger out: Marshmallow

More info

10 INSTANT SCOUTING

Pictures: ESA

This activity was adapted from the Space Showcase booklet developed by the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC) for World Space Week 2013.

The ASDC has many centres around the UK – visit them as part of your Astronautics Activity Badge: sciencecentres.org.uk/centres.

April/May 2014

rn Love to lea

Construct a wind turbine Blow your Troop away with this energy-creating machine from National Grid Suitable for Scouts+ National Grid is committed to helping young people understand where our energy comes from, how we use it and how we need to adapt to create a sustainable future.

The use of wind turbines is a hot topic. Help your Scouts understand how they work with this simple project to make an anemometer – a wind measuring machine.

What to do

1 2

Colour the outside of one of the cups with a marker.

3

Staple the two cardboard strips together to make a cross.

Find the exact centre of the cardboard cross by using a ruler and pencil to draw lines between diagonal corners on the centre section/square – where there is a doublethickness overlap. The centre will be the point where the pencil lines intersect.

4

5

Staple the sides of the cups to the four ends of the cardboard strips, making sure that the cup openings all face the same direction.

Push the pin through the centre of the cardboard (where the pencil lines intersect) and into the eraser end of the pencil, to attach the cardboard cross.

6 7 8

Gently blow on the cups to make sure the cardboard spins around freely on the pin.

Go outside with the partially constructed anemometer, the timer and the ball of clay.

Measure the wind speed outside in different places and times, using the modelling clay to anchor the cup wind gauge assembly. Do this by counting the number of rotations in a minute – use the coloured cup as a reference.

You will need s 4 small paper cups (6oz or less) s Pushpin s Stapler s Sharpened pencil with an eraser on the end s Stopwatch device s 2–5cm diameter ball of modelling clay s Stiff corrugated cardboard s Scissors s Coloured markers

What you learn

s Wind turbines are used today as one form of low-carbon energy. s Kinetic energy in the wind is converted into mechanical energy in the turbine, which, when connected to a generator, produces electricity.

More info Visit scouts.org.uk/nationalgrid to download the engineering resource pack in full.

scouts.org.uk/magazine

INSTANT SCOUTING 11

g n i r e e engin Engineering is fascinating, challenging and rewarding.

Engineers innovate and adapt, solve problems and create new products. Electronic engineering is fundamental to modern life.

Scouts can explore electronic components and how to use them with the Scout Electronics Activity Badge, supported by The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Undertaking the badge is straightforward using the Scouts Electronics Activity Pack. All the badge requirements are covered through a wide range of low-cost projects, which require no specialist knowledge, including: • Light-up maps • Guy rope guides • Steady-hand games • Flashing badges

Visit scouts.org.uk/iet to download the packs for leaders and Scouts.

To explore engineering further, IET offers a range of free resources and support including: s %DUCATIONAL PROJECT FUNDING s 0OSTERS ABOUT ENGINEERING ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY s %NGINEERING THEMED CAREERS RESOURCES s )NSTRUCTIONS FOR ENGINEERING BASED CHALLENGE DAYS s 6OLUNTEERS TO SUPPORT PROJECT DELIVERY Register, download and order for free at ietfaraday.org.

e Step outsid

Be a tree tracker Cubs can learn about different types of trees and leaves in their local area with the Cub Naturalist Badge Suitable for Cubs+

4

Explain that trees can be identified by looking at their leaves. Tell each group (and

WTPL / Peter Paice

Ash Fraxinus excelsior

Beech Fagus

Birch Betula

Elder Sambucus

Field maple Acer campestre

Hawthorn Crataegus

Hazel Corylus

cherry, hazel, h

Oak Quercus

Rowan Sorbus aucupari a

You will need

s The Urban Tree Survey Leaf Guide, downloadable at tinyurl.com/o3vbx52.

More info The National Trust, the Natural History Museum and The Wildlife Trusts all support the Cub Naturalist Activity Badge by promoting fun and inspiring activities to discover nature on your doorstep. Discover more at scouts.org.uk/naturalist.

INSTANT SCOUTING 13

Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus

field maple, beech,

Lime Tilia

how humans are d out aff the growth of trees ecting the UK by uploadin across g results at nhm.ac. your uk/ urbantreesurvey.

Pictures: Thinkstock

Holly Ilex

Leaf images of

Horsechestnut Aesculus

SUBMIT YOUR FINDINGS Help scientists fin

scouts.org.uk/magazine

Cherry Prunus

WTPL / Roy Battel

5

When the groups return with their leaves, tell them to identify which trees the leaves have come from. The group that collects leaves from the most tree species wins a prize.

Alder Alnus glutinosa

Hodgson

Split the Cubs into groups of four or five and give a copy to each group. Assign an adult volunteer to each group.

vey: leaf cha

WTPL / Miranda

3

Make enough copies of the Leaf Guide (right) so that each group of Cubs can have one.

Urban tree sur Jonathan Landsman

2

accompanying volunteer) to walk around and collect leaves from different trees. They should try to collect as many of those shown in the guide as possible. Give each group 25 minutes to do so.

Peter Herring

Find a local park or woodland that boasts a large and varied tree population.

WTPL / Peter Paice

1

e Step Outsid

Learn to read a map …with this activity challenge from Ordnance Survey Suitable for Cubs and Scouts The National Grid provides a unique reference system, which can be applied to all Ordnance Survey maps of Great Britain, at all scales. Great Britain is covered by 100km grid squares and each grid square is identified by two letters, as shown here (Diagram A). On Ordnance Survey maps these squares are further divided into

smaller squares by grid lines representing 10km spacing, each numbered 0–9 from the south-west corner, in an easterly (left to right) and northerly (upwards) direction.

Using this system you can identify a 10km grid square. For example, here is TL63 (Diagram B). After the letters, you quote the eastings (6) first, then the northings (3). If you have trouble remembering the order, try to remember ‘along the hall and up the stairs’.

In your Troop, create your own grid of your local area (this doesn’t have to be to scale), or use an Ordnance Survey map to identify where local landmarks are.

Scouts can work out the grid reference of each landmark and test each other on where they are on the map. Later, they could take photos of the landmarks, which can then be linked through to the map using the grid reference If you are exploring the countr ysid (or geotagged). e, it’s a go

TOP TIP

od idea to have an Ordnance Survey map with you. If you get lost or stuck, us e your phon e.

You can al ways get he lp by quoting the grid reference to identify where you are.

More info The activity pack contains a wealth of resources to support the Scouts and Cubs Navigation Badges. For more great ideas, download the free pack from scouts.org.uk/ordnancesurvey.

14 INSTANT SCOUTING

April/May 2014

e Step outsid

Make your own hanging baskets Turn an unused community space into a stunning garden Suitable for Beavers+ Scout Community Week is all about making a positive and visible impact on your local area.

What greater impact could there be than adding some colour to an unloved part of town?

No community garden is complete without a hanging basket. But rather than buy them already made up from your local garden centre, making your own is surprisingly easy.

You will need

s 2 packs of plant bedding s Selection of plants s Slow release feed like Miracle-Gro s 14in hanging basket s Liner/moss s Compost

What to do

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Place the liner or first layer of moss in the bottom of the basket.

Put the compost in the middle of the basket so it looks a bit like a cone.

TOP TIP

All of thes e products are availabl e from your local B&Q store.

Plant your first layer of bedding around the side of the basket.

Check the roots are white. This is the sign of a healthy plant. Plant the root first, being careful to knock and push the leaves securely through the gaps.

Place the next layer of liner/moss on top of the first one and plant another layer of plants, being careful not to plant directly on top of the first ones.

Repeat for the next layer of your basket. You should have saved your most eye-catching plants until last. Plant these at 45° angles.

For the final ‘wow’ factor, plant a ‘statement plant’ right on the top. An osteospermum or geranium would work.

Put 4–5 Miracle-Gro slow release tablets into the compost. This will ensure your plants thrive.

Place the basket on the floor, give it a thorough soaking and leave overnight. Repeat this the next day. Hang your basket up. Check soil every day (even during rain) and keep it moist but not waterlogged. Enjoy!

More info B&Q sponsors Scout Community Week, which runs from 2–8 June 2014, and wants all Scouts to ‘Do 1 Thing’ that will make a tangible difference to their community. Visit scouts.org.uk/communityweek to learn how to get involved.

scouts.org.uk/magazine

INSTANT SCOUTING 15

Essential s

k i l ls

Prepare and paint a wall Make a splash of colour in your local area this Scout Community Week Suitable for Cubs+ When it comes to sprucing up tired-looking walls, you will always get a better result if you don’t cut corners. Preparing and painting a wall is a useful life skill and this will give young people a great grounding in DIY and decorating.

You will need

s Paint s Paint tray s Roller s 25–50mm paintbrush s 100–125mm paintbrush s Damp cloth or sponge s Dust sheet s Sugar soap s Filler s Cutting-in brush

Painting with a brush

1 2 3 4 5

Stir the paint until it looks smooth and even in texture.

Dip the brush into the paint to cover about one third of the bristle depth.

Press the brush against the rim to get rid of excess paint.

Start at the top of the wall and apply paint with short strokes that overlap horizontally and vertically. Dip into the pot for more paint as required.

Paint panels about 1m square, allowing each area to merge into the next while the edge is still wet.

What to do Preparation

1

2 3 4

Clear the room as much as possible. Move anything that has to stay into the centre of the room and cover with dust sheets. Use dust sheets to protect the floor too.

Fill holes and cracks in the walls with filler and sand.

Wash down the area to be painted with a sugar soap solution to help clean the surface.

Rinse off with clean water and leave to dry, ready for you to paint.

Painting with a roller

1

2 3 4

Pour the paint into the paint tray reservoir – it should be about a third full.

Dip the roller into the paint and roll it firmly up and down the tray’s ribbed incline to spread the paint evenly.

Move the roller over the wall surface, using random strokes applied with a light, even pressure.

Each time you dip the roller in the paint, move it to the adjacent unpainted area and work your way back to the bit you already painted, overlapping it to blend in the wet edges.

More info B&Q sponsors Scout Community Week (2–8 June 2014) and wants all Scouts to ‘Do 1 Thing’ that will make a tangible difference to their community. Its DIY Badge resources are great inspiration for projects. Visit scouts.org.uk/bandq.

scouts.org.uk/magazine

INSTANT SCOUTING 17

Essential s

k i l ls

Have a germ of an idea Try this activity to show how germs spread Suitable for Beavers+ With nothing more than modelling clay and a little imagination, show younger sections how quickly and easily germs can spread. Ask them to come up with ways they think coughs and colds can be prevented. As they shout out correct answers (see examples below), write them down on a flip chart or large sheet of paper and show it to the Group. Explain that colds and coughs are spread when germs are transferred from the body of somebody who has a cold to somebody without one.

What to do

1

2

Ask Scouts to make a germ, using at least two different colours of modelling clay.

They can give their germs eyes, a nose and a mouth. Although real germs don’t have these features, explain that germs are living things that can be killed in lots of ways.

3

Tell your Scouts that germs stick to surfaces, objects and people, which is how they spread. Ask your Scouts to stick their germ somewhere in your HQ or meeting place to illustrate this.

Is it somewhere they might go or touch during the meeting?

How many other people might also touch the germ?

You will need

s Modelling clay in a range of different colours s Selection of decorative craft items: wiggly eyes, beads, sequins and string

How to prevent coughs and colds and stop them spreading s Wash your hands regularly s Try to avoid rubbing your eyes s Eat lots of fruit and vegetables s Throw tissues away after use s Do lots of exercise – healthy lifestyles can help to keep colds at bay s Put your hand over your mouth when sneezing s Don’t wipe your nose on your sleeve s Drink lots of water

Pictures: Thinkstock

More info Care, makers of over 90 tried and trusted healthcare products for everyday family ailments and sponsor of the Emergency Aid Staged Activity Badge, has produced some fantastic resources for Beavers and Cubs to complete the first stages of the badge.

Visit scouts.org.uk/care to download an activity pack. Leaders can also get a free Little Book of Care, a brand-new guide packed with expert tips on how to treat a range of common family health conditions. Email care@thisispegasus.co.uk for a copy or download it at facebook.com/allthecareyouneed.

18 INSTANT SCOUTING

April/May 2014

Essential s

k i l ls

Put together a useful first-aid kit It’s no use having a first-aid kit without knowing how to use it. Ask Scouts to try this activity and improve their first-aid knowledge Suitable for Beavers and Cubs

What should be in your first-aid kit?

WATERPROOF PLASTERS Help to stop bleeding and protect cuts and grazes

CREPE BANDAGE A long stretchy bandage to keep a dressing in place or support an injured arm or leg TRIANGULAR BANDAGE A sling to support your arm WOUND DRESSING Use on burns, scalds or cuts and grazes that are too big for a plaster

What to do

Ask your Scouts to: Read the list (on the left) and try to remember what each item is used for.

1 2 3

Look at the pictures and label each one on the dotted line.

Draw a line to show which items you would use for each of the injuries below. (Answers at bottom.)

a) DUST IN EYE

SAFETY PINS Use to help secure a bandage

b) SPLINTER IN HAND

HYPOALLERGENIC TAPE Use to hold a dressing in place over a wound

c) TWISTED ANKLE

TWEEZERS Remove splinters

d) GRAZED KNEE

THERMOMETER Check someone’s temperature

e) CUT FINGER

EYE WASH Remove dust or dirt from eye

SCISSORS Cut plaster, tape and bandages

MEDICAL GLOVES Use if you don’t want to touch a wound, or have dirty hands

ANSWERS: a) Eye wash b) Tweezers c) Bandage d) Cleansing wipe and wound dressing e) Plaster

CLEANSING WIPES Use to clean cuts and grazes

More info

National Grid sponsors the Cub Scout Home Safety Badge. Download its activity pack at scouts.org.uk/nationalgrid.

scouts.org.uk/magazine

INSTANT SCOUTING 19

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Make a fire escape plan Be prepared for an emergency with Chubb Suitable for Scouts+ Jump or c limb

It might not be something you want to think about, but if the worst does happen, and you need to evacuate your house in the event of a fire, it’s crucial that you know the most efficient way to leave your home.

Main routes

From upstairs route

You will need

s A3 paper s Pencil s Ruler

If trapped upstairs route

What to do

1 2

3 4 5

Meet in back garden or over road outside number 10

Using a piece of A3 paper, draw a map of all floors of your home, as if looking at it from above.

Identify the best escape route from each room.

You should also make a reserve route in case this one is blocked.

Identify a meeting place outside your home where everyone must gather.

Draw the escape routes on your map. If you have access to a computer you may want to redraw it using that.

Stick your home escape plan somewhere in your house, where it can be seen easily.

Things to consider

s How many people will have to escape? s Are there any elderly or disabled family members who live with you or stay regularly? s Are there any young children? Do they know the address or house number of your home, in case they need to telephone for help?

HOW TO PREVENT A FIRE Ensure your home is properly ventilated and all gas, oil or coal-burning equipment is properly maintained.

Turn off portable heaters and gas and electric fires before bed.

Make sure open fires have the fire guard securely in place.

Never leave fires, candles or any form of naked flame unattended.

Keep heaters away from clothes, furniture and curtains.

Keep windows and doors shut to stop any fire spreading.

More info To download the Scout Fire Safety Badge resources in full, visit scouts.org.uk/chubb.

Here you can also find details of fire safety demos that may be taking place in your area.

20 INSTANT SCOUTING

April/May 2014

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Play currency bingo Teach your Beavers and Cubs about the different currencies of the world Suitable for Beavers+ This activity will help Beavers and Cubs understand the types of money that are used around the world.

You will need

s Paper/card s Pens or pencils s Scissors s Bucket

What to do

3 4 5

Split the Beavers and Cubs into pairs or teams and write out a bingo card for each one, each containing a different selection of the countries or regions shown on the tickets.

Take the tickets out of the bucket, one at a time, and call out what’s on them.

If a team has this currency they can cross it off on their bingo card.

Winners are the ones who complete their card first and shout bingo!

If you want to make the game more visual, visit scouts.org.uk/moneysense where you can download images of all the currencies featured in the game.

REAL

YUAN

RUBLE Russia

FRENCH PACIFIC FRANC

EURO

RUPEE

SHILLING

AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR

Brazil

Europe

Kenya

PESO

Argentina

DINAR

China

Tahiti India

Australia

PESO

Mexico

DOLLAR

Tunisia

United States of America

RAND

BOLIVAR

DOLLAR

DINAR

South Africa

Singapore

✁

1 2

Cut out the individual currency tickets (right) and put them in a bucket.

✁

Venezuela

Algeria

More info NatWest MoneySense is an impartial set of educational resources that seek to educate young people about finance. Visit scouts.org.uk/moneysense to download the resource packs.

scouts.org.uk/magazine

INSTANT SCOUTING 21

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Plan a safe cycle route Let Halfords help you to navigate your streets safely Suitable for Cubs + Cycling is the most versatile form of transport there is. With the right skills and equipment it can be used to navigate even the roughest, hilliest of terrains. Show your Scouts how to plan a safe and appropriate cycle route.

What to do

You will need

s Photocopied map of your local area, or the area you would like to cycle s Halford’s tips for a safe cycle route (below) s Coloured map

s Split your Pack/Troop into groups of four. s Give each group a photocopied map of their local area. s Read out Halfords’ tips (right) and hand out a copy to each group. s Assign a volunteer to each group and spend half an hour exploring the local area. Using these tips for reference, they can gain an idea of how busy and cycle friendly the area is. s Return to your HQ and ask each group to plan a safe route around the mapped area, bearing in mind the time of year, their own abilities and, most importantly, their own safety.

Halfords’ tips for a safe cycle route The safest routes make use of all of the below: s Public bridleways s Shared-use paths s Quiet roads or cycle paths s Roads with low speed limits s Bus lanes s Parks and green space with parking permitted The National Cycle Network passes through every town in the UK. Visit sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map to find your nearest stretch.

More info Halfords sponsors the Cub Scout Cyclist Activity Badge and is offering Cub Packs an exclusive chance to attend a cycle safety workshop in stores across the UK. Visit scouts. org.uk/Halfords for more information and to download its fantastic activity pack.

22 INSTANT SCOUTING

April/May 2014

Essential s

Make your own bearded dragon

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D LIZAR TE A L P TEM ad the lo Down late at p tem rg.uk/ s.o scout ddragon. e beard

Bring these fascinating creatures to life with Pets at Home Suitable for Beavers and Cubs As part of its mission to promote responsible care of animals, Pets at Home has created a new ‘Reptiles and Exotic Pets’ activity pack for Beavers and Cubs. This will introduce them to some very exciting pets and teach them the basics of caring for, feeding and monitoring these amazing animals.

What to do

1 2 3

Download and print out several copies of the bearded dragon template (see right).

Cut out the two lizards. Place one shape on the cardboard and draw around it, then cut out the lizard shape from the cardboard.

Glue the two paper lizards to the back and front of the cardboard shape.

4 5

1 Download and print out several copies of the bearded dragon template (see right).

2 Cut out the two lizards.

Place one shape on the cardboard and draw around it, then cut out the lizard shape from the cardboard.

3 Glue the two paper lizards to the back and front of the cardboard shape.

4 Cut two strips of cardboar d. Splay the front and rear legs and stick the feet to the cardboar d strips to stand the lizard 5 Ask the Cubs or Beavers up. to decorate their lizards.

Show them a picture of a bearded dragon so they know what it looks like.

6 Ask them to name their lizards and tell the rest of the section how to care for him or her.

Cut two strips of cardboard.

Splay the front and rear legs and stick the feet to the cardboard strips to stand the lizard up.

Ask the Cubs or Beavers to decorate their lizards. Show them a picture of a bearded dragon so they know what it looks like.

You will need

s Bearded dragon printout s Corrugated cardboard s Scissors s Glue s Stickers s Felt-tip pens and decorative craft materials

More info The Beaver Animal Friend and Cub Animal Carer badges are sponsored by Pets at Home. Find downloadable activity packs at scouts.org.uk/petsathome.

scouts.org.uk/magazine

INSTANT SCOUTING 23

20th Century Fox

Lots of brand-new creative resources available for Scouts.

scouts.org.uk/fox

B&Q

Cub and Scout DIY Activity Badges. Activity packs available.

scouts.org.uk/bandq

Care

Supports the Emergency Aid Staged Activity Badge.

scouts.org.uk/care

Chubb Fire and Security Scout Fire Safety Activity Badge.

Activity packs available.

scouts.org.uk/chubb

Cub Naturalist Badge Partners

Natural History Museum, National Trust and The Wildlife Trusts have joined forces.

scouts.org.uk/naturalist

E.ON

Supporting the Scout Global Conservation Badge. Activity pack available.

scouts.org.uk/eon

Halfords

Sponsors the Cub Cyclist Badge.

Jeka

Group holiday packages across Europe.

scouts.org.uk/jeka

Kenwood

Supports the Beaver Scout Healthy Eating Badge.

scouts.org.uk/kenwood

Merlin Entertainments Offers available to UK attractions.

scouts.org.uk/merlin

National Grid

Cub Scout Home Safety Activity Badge.

Activity packs and engineering resources available.

scouts.org.uk/nationalgrid

NatWest

Money-management resources available.

scouts.org.uk/natwest

Ordnance Survey

Supports the Scout and Cub Navigator Activity Badges. Activity packs available.

scouts.org.uk/ordnancesurvey

Pets at Home

Beaver Scout Animal Friend and Cub Scout Animal Carer Activity Badges.

scouts.org.uk/petsathome

scouts.org.uk/halfords

Hobbycraft

Cub Artist Activity Badge.

scouts.org.uk/hobbycraft

IET

Scout Electronics Activity Badge.

scouts.org.uk/iet

Rolls-Royce

Cub Scout Scientist Activity Badge.

Activity packs available.

scouts.org.uk/rollsroyce

UK Space Agency

Fun space-related activities available.

scouts.org.uk/ukspaceagency

Worldmagicshop.com

Supporting the Scout Entertainer Activity Badge.

scouts.org.uk/worldmagicshop