magazine by The Scout Association

Scouting OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2009

g n i t u o c S 9 vember 200 October/No

PEDAL POWER

Four fantastic cycle routes, from Cornwall to Cumbrae

REACH NEW HEIGHTS

How volunteering can improve your prospects THE WAIT IS OVER...

Scout Active Support launches

VOLUNTEERING

F O S E G D A B R HONOivU es yg Diversitg oost Scoutin a b

SCOUTS.ORG.UK/MAGAZINE

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SCOUTING

PRINTED ON

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Scouting Editors: Chris James, Hilary Galloway and Elis Matthews Production Controller: Rose Wells The national magazine of The Scout Association ISSN 0036 – 9489 © 2009 The Scout Association Registered Charity Numbers 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland)

Published by: The Scout Association Gilwell House, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW Tel: 0845 300 1818 Fax: 020 8433 7103 Email: scouting.magazine@scout.org.uk Website: www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

WELCOME

TO SCOUTING

Contributions to: scouting.magazine@scout.org.uk Please note that the views expressed by Members and contributors in the magazine are not necessarily those of The Scout Association. Publishing Management: Think Publishing Ltd, The Pall Mall Deposit, 124-128 Barlby Road, London W10 6BL Sub-Editors: Camilla Doodson, Mary Cooch and Marion Thompson Art Director: Sally Laver ADVERTISING Sales Executive: Richard Ellacott richard.ellacott@thinkpublishing.co.uk Tel: 020 8962 1250 Printed and distributed by: Headley Brothers Ltd Printed on 100% recycled paper

CONTRIBUTORS SAM STERN Sam published a cookbook at the age of 14, and then three more over the last five years. A fan of outdoor cooking, his recipe for a tasty rabbit stew is on page 28. SAMUEL COOPEY Explorer Scout Samuel spent a week at the Scouting office and was roving reporter on the Stop the Rain Tax Campaign. Follow his diary on page 30.

PAPER

Lasting impressions It’s sometimes difficult to know exactly how much impact we have as volunteers, whether on our Scouts or the wider community. But now and again, you meet someone whose life has been turned around by Scouting. Simon Maddrell is one of these. As a Venture Scout he happened across a Scouting article about a volunteering project. With support from his leaders and friends, he transformed the direction of his life and improved the lives of countless communities in Africa. Read his story on page 23. On the cover we have Diversity, the winners of Britain’s Got Talent. They have just been awarded the Entertainer Badge as part of our annual Birthday Honours celebrations. We met up with them and a whole host of inspirational figures voted for by Scouts. Not all of those honoured adopted such a radical pose! See who else was awarded a badge on page 26. Thanks to all those 800 readers who filled in our magazine survey. It’s your magazine, and we’re delighted you weren’t shy with your feedback. The highlights are on page 17 and we’ll be sharing more over forthcoming issues. We’ve already taken some of your comments on board – see if your suggested improvements are inside.

Cover photo: Allan Baxter

LOG ON – DON’T MISS OUT If you have moved house, want to change your section supplement or amend your personal details, you can update with a click of the mouse: • Sign up at www.scouts.org.uk – you only need to do this once. You will need your unique membership number to hand (this can be found on the address sheet that comes with Scouting magazine) • Log on • Update your details and anyone else’s you are line manager for • Logging on today also means you can access Programmes Online, the revolutionary programme planner!

Hilary Galloway PS. You may be wondering where our youth editors are. Don’t worry, they are currently beavering away on articles in preparation for the next issue.

Three things to do this issue

1 2 3

82,875 average circulation from Jan to Dec 2008

Read our annual report | www.scouts.org.uk/impact Get up to speed | with the Scout Active Support launch www.scouts.org.uk/activesupport Be part of the International Service Team in Sweden 2011 | www.scouts.org.uk/wsj2011

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Contents

REGULARS

8 CORRESPONDENCE 10 NEWS | Events, campaigns and updates 28 CAMP COOKING | Sam Stern cooks rabbit stew 44 GO INTERNATIONAL | World Scout Jamboree’s International Service Team 46 HOW TO | Bear Grylls on building a shelter 49 COUNTRY DIARY | Getting out and about in winter 50 GROUP IN FOCUS | 12th Swindon Air Scouts 52 NOW AND THEN | A century of Scouting in the air 64 HEALTH & WELLBEING | Supporting Scouts with visual impairments 66 FAITHS & BELIEFS | Making the most of a Scouts’ Own 70 SCOUT SHOPS | Winter warmers and more 77 ROUND OUR PLACE | How a cheeky call led to a makeover 82 LAST LAUGH

FEATURES 18 VOLUNTEERING | Three volunteers share their stories 26 BIG BADGES | Celebrities honoured at our 102nd birthday 30 RAIN TAX | Lobbying Parliament on St Swithin’s Day 32 CYCLING | Three ways to get on your bike and get active 38 THE BIG ADVENTURE | Stories from around the UK

42 IMPACT REPORT | Scouting’s 2008-9 annual report and review 54 HEALTH AND SAFETY | Your safety questions answered 62 GOOD TURN | The Scouts doing good deeds to raise cash

ADULT SUPPORT

OPINION

56 MAKING THE JUMP | From Young Leader to adult leader 59 WAS IT SOMETHING I SAID? | Words that can cause offence 60 SCOUT ACTIVE SUPPORT | The launch

7 UK CHIEF COMMISSIONER | Wayne Bulpitt on generations working together

S T N E T N CO 66

COMPETITION 75 WIN | An activity half day on the water for your Group

IN THE SUPPLEMENTS BEAVER SCOUTS Animal tracking, Young Leaders and festival fun | CUBS Cubs

choose their favourite activities, plus creative recycling | SCOUTS The positive impact of Young Leaders on the Troop, and why Patrol camping works | EXPLORERS The Young Leader issue: training and engaging them, plus tips, missions and games | NETWORK Network members hijack the supplement with event reviews, cries for help and coast-to-coast adventure | FOCUS The launch of Scout Active Support, and helping Young Leaders into adult training

All available at scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Opinion

Why teamwork counts This summer, I joined the 2nd Northface Explorer Scout Unit to present five Chief Scout’s Diamond Awards during their summer camp, says Wayne Bulpitt, UK Chief Commissioner. It got me thinking about how generations work together in Scouting

Wayne Bulpitt, UK Chief Commissioner

he motto of the Northface leadership between generations. These are the so-called team is ‘success breeds success’. The silent baby boomer X and Y generations. Take team members are all under the age a peek at this work for yourself by going to of 22 and are led by Explorer Scout www.scouts.org.uk/2018. We will also discuss Leader Mark Sinnamon. They were joined at it in more detail in the next edition of Scouting. their camp by their District Commissioner, Understanding what motivates the different David McCallum, who went along as driver generations reinforces the need for us to think and dishwasher for the week. differently and be more ‘Understanding what And from what I saw, he was flexible in the ways that a good delegator! we offer volunteering. motivates different generations reinforces This is key if we are to Working together continue to attract and the need for us to Seeing this very successful support the people we think differently’ Unit at work, with its young need to deliver Scouting. leadership team guided by Follow my blog the more experienced District Commissioner How do you find different generations work and District Team, reinforced for me some together? Are there some good ideas you research we have commissioned to help us can recommend? Join me on my blog at consider The Scout Association’s vision towards www.scouts.org.uk/ccblog to discuss this 2018. The work, by leading consultants and other topics in more detail. TomorrowToday, highlights the differences

contact

Email Wayne at ukcc@scout.org.uk or write to him at The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford E4 7QW

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Want to take issue with something you’ve read? Email us at scouting.magazine@scout.org.uk

correspondence STAR LETTER

Generation ex

Unhappy camper

I have just read ‘Bear Grylls’ survival school’ (Scouting, August/September, page 24). Can you tell me where I can find a Scout campsite where I can ‘dig a trench fire, make a keyhole fire and chop down a tree to make my reflector’? At all the campsites I visit, altar fires in steel drums are the norm, ground fires, if available, are on concrete slabs, and you can’t climb a tree, never mind chop bits off them. If you want us to teach Scouts how to do these things then campsites must make them available. Alan Leader Response from Editor Elis Matthews: Bear’s survival school is really for off-the-beaten-track adventures, but I’m convinced the challenge of leading a Scout Troop is about finding the balance of introductory camping with back-to-basics experiences where one might need to be more creative with the location and equipment used.

I have been considering writing for a while as I am an avid reader of Scouting, but I have been inspired to pull my finger out after taking the magazine survey online and reading various badge-related articles. Lately, a lot of emphasis is put on young people and new volunteers. I understand that Scouting is for the young, HOWEVER, I am 34. I don’t feel old, but I’m not classed as a young person any more. There is a lot of emphasis on badges all the way through – until you’re 25. This makes no sense. I feel that we are a forgotten age. Dawn Williams

‘We need to draw a line between our Youth Programme and our adult service, so I couldn’t support any changes in that respect, I’m afraid. Keep enjoying yourself, it’s still fun at 40-something, honest’ Response from Wayne Bulpitt, UK Chief Commissioner: Speaking as a young-at-heart 47-year-old, feel reassured that you are not a forgotten generation. As an adult in Scouting, you can receive recognition in a variety of ways, but especially the Good Service awards (Chief Scout’s Commendation, Silver Wolf etc) as well as the Long Service awards for years’ service starting at five. That said, personally, I do think that we need to draw a line between our Youth Programme (the badges you mention) and our adult service, so I couldn’t support any changes in that respect, I’m afraid. Keep enjoying yourself, it’s still fun at 40-something, honest.

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Feedback

or write to Scouting magazine, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW

Fires without traces Having been involved with both Scouting and Guiding from the days when lighting fires while on a hike or outdoor activity was classed as the norm, I was pleased to read Bear Grylls’ article on firelighting (‘Bear Grylls’ survival school’, Scouting, August/September, page 24). We were always taught, and passed the same motto on to our young people, that when you left an outdoor site all you left behind was your ‘thanks’. I was surprised that no mention of protecting the grass or taking up a turf (apart from the trench fire) was mentioned in the article. With the increased use of disposable barbecues, scorched grass is becoming an all-too-common blot on some of our beauty spots. Sonja Prowse

A belting idea I was rather surprised to see a new Scout belt advertised. It does look rather good – the emblem is larger and clearer, and the fact that it is interchangeable with the World Scout, the Centenary, the Young Leader and, presumably, the Explorer belt buckles makes it versatile. The only thing I think would have enhanced it would be to have our motto ‘Be Prepared’ on the outer ring – perhaps the next revision… David Barwick Response from Robin Lush, Buying Controller, Scout Shops: Glad to hear you like the new version. We’re already adjusting the size of the belt loops in current production so you don’t have to undo the buckle each time. For the new belt we took the decision not to split the logo and arrowhead on the two components, which explains the design.

Writing wrongs You published my article on international camps (‘Travelling salesman’, Scouting, June/ July, page 54). However, I was disappointed to see that the paragraph where I was slightly critical of HQ support was omitted: ‘One disappointment on these trips has been the difficulty we experienced in making contact with local Scouts. For Morocco, for example, I tried Gilwell Park’s International Department, the Africa network and searches on the internet, but we were still not able to meet up with a local Scout Group for the Scouting Sunrise in Casablanca.’ Also, my suggestion about setting up a database was somewhat watered down – I actually wrote: ‘I therefore think there should be better support for those wishing to plan an overseas trip. In particular, there should be a system which would enable someone planning such a trip to establish contact with other leaders who have visited the relevant country.’ Alan Savery Response from Richard Neville, International Team, Gilwell Park: You’ve raised a valuable point. One of our most common issues of feedback is how difficult it is for leaders to link up with groups overseas. We’ve recently been developing an online resource that will make it a lot easier to exchange information about international trips. While it isn’t yet launched, it’ll be a very useful one-stop-shop resource.

The writer of the star letter each issue receives an i.SCOUT mug and a copy of Playing the Game, an anthology of the Founder’s writings. Both are also available from www. scouts.org.uk/shop

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Events, updates and news from around the UK

news

EVENTS

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT SERVICE Monthly rate after deduction of Management Commission: June 2009 July 2009

0.020% 0.020%

0.520% 0.520%

Interest at the higher rate applies to deposits of £5,000 and above. Contact Frances on 020 8433 7252 (Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm) for further information.

Winter Camp |

Scouts and Explorers can shake off the winter blues at Gilwell Winter Camp, 8-10 January 2010, with a vast range of activities, no matter what the weather. Visit www.wintercamp.org.uk for booking details.

Windsor 2010 |

We are recruiting for our Team of Ten to form the Colour Party which will lead the St George’s Day Parade on 25 April, and a team to design and deliver the Service. To apply you must be of Explorer or Network age and have been or be working towards the Queen’s Scout Award. We also need adults to lead sections of the parade. Visit www.scouts.org.uk/windsor

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News Want more? Visit www.scouts.org.uk/news

Prince supports Scouting Prince Charles lent his support to getting more adult volunteers into Scouting when he visited the Docklands Scout Project, a water activity centre based aboard the Lord Amory on the River Thames. Sixteen-yearold Explorer Scout and Young Leader Alec showed the Prince around the project. ‘I talked to the Prince about being a Young Leader in Scouting and how it involves me helping young people do different kinds of activities.’ Following his visit, the Prince met more than 1,300 young people from various youth organisations at Buckingham Palace to launch YOU London. This initiative aims to bring these organisations together to recruit more adult volunteers and enable young people to take part in more activities. The Prince hopes YOU London will lead the way to projects on a national scale so every young person in the UK has the opportunity to join a youth organisation. ‘Our nation’s youth united together in exciting and rewarding activities should, I believe, be our ultimate goal,’ he said.

more info For further information about water activity weekends and open days on the Lord Amory, visit www.lordamory.org

A SPORTY DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Sport Relief 2010 is coming Friday 19-Sunday 21 March 2010. How can your Scout Group rise to the challenge? Will you be sponsored to do the most keepy-uppies, a giant game of tug-of-war or take part in the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile? Watch this space to find out how your Scout Group can get involved and help to change lives for ever.

Scouting refutes knife ban claims In September, several incorrect stories appeared in the media reporting that a knife ban had been imposed in Scouting. This happened when a national newspaper picked up on a recent article in Scouting magazine (‘Can Scouts carry knives?’, April/ May, page 51). However, the article was misinterpreted. In fact, Scouting’s rules on the subject have not significantly changed since the late 1960s. Over the years the advice we have offered is always based around two key points: 1. We need to comply with the law of the land (so we remind people of the current legislation). 2. We remind people in which situations it is appropriate to teach young people how to use knives safely and when it is not appropriate to use a knife.

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Events, updates and news from around the UK

a guide to scouts.org.uk /fellowship resources for those interested in Fellowship /focus for managers /infocentre online catalogue, factsheets and help /magazine issues and supplements /media Scouting in the press /news daily Scouting news stories /pol online programme planning /scoutbase resources galore /waterways directory of UK waterways /kandersteg International Scout Centre /water follow the Stop the Rain Tax Campaign

Island trip insurance The UK had a reciprocal free healthcare agreement in place with the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. However, treatment received in the Channel Islands is no longer free for UK nationals and the same will apply to the Isle of Man from 1 April 2010. The changes also affect those coming to the UK from the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man who will be charged for medical treatment in the UK. It is advisable to take out travel insurance when travelling to either destination for both Scouting trips and personal holidays. Speak to your insurance broker for a quotation.

Building a better future

Scouts from West Yorkshire are planning another building project in Nepal in October 2010 in association with Community Action Treks. This follows their successful school hostel project last year. The website www.projectnepal.org.uk has more details. They would welcome your support.

Get designing!

My-Christmas-Project is a festive artwork project. Children of all ages design a seasonal piece of artwork which they can then put on to a range of themed gifts and gift-wrapping accessories. Since its first year, My-Fundraising-Project has helped more than 1,490 schools and clubs raise over £500,000, with more than 300,000 images online that can be used on over 50 different products. Get involved at www.my-fundraising-project.co.uk

World’s tallest man joins Scouts Ripley’s Believe It or Not! London offers a unique mix of entertainment, education and fun for all. To celebrate it joining forces with The Scout Association, a pretend Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man, made an appearance at Reunion ’09. We’ll keep you up to date with Ripley’s activity packs and special offers over the next few months.

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News Want more? Visit www.scouts.org.uk/news The 10th Belfast proudly planting a commemorative oak for their Centenary

Scouts in Narnia Free Road Safety action pack Start planning now for your Group to take part in Road Safety Week, 23-29 November, with a free action pack. The annual campaign, organised by Brake, the road safety charity, helps to raise road safety awareness by encouraging young people to take part in events or fundraising activities. Visit www.roadsafetyweek.org for your pack and further information.

Alan Lock | Thank you for your messages Following Beaver Scout Alan Lock’s tragic accident, the Group would like to extend its warmest thanks to everyone who gave support via letters and emails to those directly and indirectly involved. Mike Poulter, Group Scout Leader, Acton and Waldingfield Scout Group

The 10th Belfast Scout Group will be thinking of lions, witches and wardrobes as it celebrates its Centenary this year. The original meeting place for the Group was in the stables at Dundela Villas in Belfast, where CS Lewis, the author of The Chronicles of Narnia, was born. After Lewis and his family moved away, his cousin, HE Keown, the Scoutmaster at the time, and his family owned the Villas. The Scoutmaster used letters from his famous cousin to start discussions at the weekly meetings. The Group was awarded the Medal of Merit in 1931 and 1991 for its contribution to Scouting in Ireland. Today’s Group meets at the McMordie Scout Hall, next to Dundela Villas. They’ll be celebrating their Centenary with a camp in the Netherlands, having already planted commemorative oak trees on a nearby hillside. www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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News

UPDATES

Want more? Visit www.scouts.org.uk/news

YOUNG LEADERS’ ESSENTIALS

The latest edition of Young Leaders’ Essentials has been updated to be more in line with the other adult resources for section leaders. Copies can be ordered through the Scout Information Centre and Scout Shops.

TRAINING RESOURCES

Three key training support resources have undergone a refresh. The new versions take into account changes in the Scottish structure and the new Scout Active Support roles, as well as updating guidance on recognition of prior learning, ongoing learning and external recognition. Updated versions of the Adult’s Personal File (APF), Training Adviser’s Guide (ASTAG) and Adult Training Scheme (TSAGATS) are available as printed versions from the Information Centre, and to download online.

Muck in and snap happy

NEW/UPDATED FACTSHEETS

Conservation-conscious Scouts can snap up a prize in the Young Person’s Conservation Volunteering Photographer of the Year competition. DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) is running its Muck In4Life competition in partnership with Kew Gardens. There are two categories, over and under 16s, with a first prize of high-street vouchers up to the value of £500. The Muck In4Life campaign encourages young people to get active and look after their local environment. Visit www.igpoty.com for full details of the competition and www.muckin4life.direct.gov.uk for more information about the Muck In4Life campaign.

RULES IN POR

New lines to buy online

FS120009 | Activities in Kandersteg – NEW FS190002 | Christmas Post for Scouts FS190018 | Fundraising for Scouts FS190020 | Public Collections FS190025 | Lotteries and Gaming FS190026 | Fundraising FAQs – NEW FS330021 | Role Description for a County MDM FS195307 | Meet the Chiefs FS260017 | Jamborees of the Past FS295306 | The Passing Years 9.37m | Shooting with re-enactment societies 9.64e | New rule to allow international activities to take place using Scout Leaders from the host country There have been changes to rules 12.6 and 12.7. Beaver Scouts are now allowed to make the Scout Salute and can take part in parades in the same way as all other sections.

Beavers and Cubs will be thrilled with the section embroideries and purple striping on the ribs of these new sweatshirts, imitating the popular new polo shirts. Adult fleeces are £10 less than

before and both the fleeces and waterproofs are available |in ladies-fit styling. The new Scout belt has an interchangeable buckle with the award and Centenary belts and can be purchased on its own.

Fundraising | Changes have been made to rules relating to fundraising, to take into account a change in legislation. These are: Group: 3.55-3.61 District: 4.67-4.73 County: 5.55-5.61 Scout Active Support | Changes will be made to POR to reflect the changes in name and structure of the Scout Fellowship. See page 60 for more details on the change.

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News

Scottish Explorers work and play for orphans Orphans in the village of Serere, Uganda, have a brand-new adventure playground, including a three-storey wooden castle, thanks to the South Morningside Explorer Scout Unit. The Explorers were proud to hand over the playground and a meeting hut to the charity Village2Village, which provides local homes, healthcare, schooling and counselling for orphans. Its founder, James Mutaka Kroll, was delighted. ‘The Scouts have sacrificed their comforts, energy and time to allow our children to smile, play and not worry about their hard lives at home,’ he said. The team visited the local school, collected water from the well

and experienced Ugandan life by spending a night with one of the guardian families which provide a home for orphans. The family homes consist of small thatched huts, called bandas, with no power or water supply. The local Scout Troop was also given uniforms and neckerchiefs. Alice, one of the 24 Explorer Scouts, was overwhelmed by the welcome they received. ‘People wanted to greet us and thank us for our generosity. We had great fun learning about Ugandan life and culture while sharing a little of our own traditions.’

MAGAZINE SURVEY RESULTS

More than 800 readers responded to the 2009 survey, and we’ll be sharing some of the results over forthcoming issues, while making improvements to the style and content of your magazine in line with the views you expressed. Among the headlines, the vast majority of readers are satisfied with the size and length of the magazine, and 69 per cent say they read over half the magazine. The updates section of the news pages was rated the most useful, and the youth-edited issue came out as the top theme with an 81 per cent approval rating.

69% 81%

Top 5 themes

• The youth issue • Summer adventure • Volunteering and family • The Big Adventure • Growth and diversity

90% of readers look forward to receiving the magazine www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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18 Scouting October/November 2009

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People power Three very different volunteers share what volunteering means to them and the wider world

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Profiles

The MP

Member of Parliament Andy Reed joined the Scouts when his son’s Beaver Colony faced closure. Now he’s convinced that flexible volunteering is the best way forward for bringing Scouting to more young people

Why I got involved I was like many parents. I wanted my son to join a youth organisation, remembering the fantastic experiences I had got out of Boys’ Brigade. We went along to our local Beavers in Quorn, Leicestershire, and signed him up. They told us that due to some leaders moving on there was a shortage of adult help, and unless they got some volunteers the Colony would collapse. So a few of us stepped forward and agreed to ‘help’. In a little less than 12 months, our small group was running the section. That was four years ago, and while my availability has changed over the last year, I’m looking to step up my commitment in 2010.

Social glue Volunteering holds society together in so many aspects. I chair the national partnership for sports volunteers. There are over four million people keeping the sporting infrastructure in place every month. Volunteering is a social glue. In Scouting it draws people together from all walks of life and makes them focus on the need of the child. For me, it is an escape from my daily life, and where I can just be Andy. When we volunteer and get it right, we all gain something from it. Added to that, we enjoy an aspect of life that is too often lost – fun!

Make it cheaper I know in the last few years the government has been doing a lot

with the support structures for volunteering. In a way, I think sometimes it tries too hard at structures and strategies and not enough at the sharp end where everything happens. Simply put, the best help would be to make volunteering easier and cheaper. This means as few regulations as possible, as well as making sure that very necessary laws don’t have a negative impact on people being able to volunteer. We have to recognise the need to create more volunteering opportunities and attract more volunteers. It is not an industry or public service that can be managed in the same old ways. It all comes back to allowing flexibility and the fun of it to come through in all our activities.

Responding to today’s pressures There are massive differences between being a child today and when I grew up in the 1970s, and we shouldn’t forget that all young people are unique. However, there is certainly more pressure to grow up quickly. I don’t remember having homework from such a young age; technology has changed beyond recognition, as has the way we communicate. This all means that while things may be different on one level, there is probably an even greater need for Scouting.

Flexible friends As a busy parent and MP who is away from home all week, the flexibility of volunteering is a key issue for me. I took this message to Scouting and ended up on the Morgan Inquiry as a consequence. When I joined, I found it almost impossible to attend any training and interviews to become a volunteer. All I wanted to do was help out a little bit, but there were meetings and events on top. I already volunteer at my rugby club and play most weekends, plus I’m involved with the Church. So I was happy to help every Friday night but couldn’t commit to much more. As volunteering gets more professional we might feel the need to give volunteers more opportunities and training. For many this is fine. But it is vital that we don’t make the ‘episodic’ volunteer feel substandard. I think it’s better to have 20 willing helpers on an ad-hoc basis than putting the burden on three regulars. I know many prefer the certainty of the overburdened few, but by being flexible we will have a much larger, much happier Scouting family in the long run. Personally, I’d like to feel two weeks out of four is better than none at all.

more info Andy Reed is MP for Loughborough. You can read more about the Morgan Inquiry at www.morganinquiry.org.uk

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Profiles

The charity founder

Volunteering can have far-reaching impact. For Simon Maddrell it completely changed the direction of his life, culminating in setting up his own charity

A life-changing moment I was an 18-year-old Venture Scout and increasingly aware of poverty in the developing world. An article in Scouting about an expedition called Harambee 83 in Kenya really caught my attention. Within 22 months, 14 of us were packing our bags in preparation to build sand dams and water tanks to collect water from domestic roofs for Harambee 85.

Leading an expedition During the planning stages I was introduced to Joshua, a Kenyan agriculturist who had pioneered a method of conserving water in drought-afflicted areas. His model was to terrace land to retain water in the fields during the rainy season, with the surplus held in sand dams. Fundraising and planning took two years. Together with Joshua, I aimed to raise £14,500 and build a dam, six barrages and 30 water tanks – we actually raised £32,500 and built three dams, six barrages and 70 water tanks. The difference it made to the community was stark – water shortage was no longer a problem, even though large swathes of Africa were suffering from drought.

The road to charity I’d initially planned to study medicine but, after Kenya, changed to international development. I went back to Kenya regularly, and did a socio-economic study of the area as part of my degree dissertation.

Having tried unsuccessfully to get a job in an international development charity, I began a commercial career. But it wasn’t what I was passionate about, so when I was made redundant I used my redundancy money to help fund a project to add tree-planting to the work Joshua had started. It proved successful, and I set up Excellent Development. It’s been seven years of hard but incredibly rewarding work that resulted in Joshua and I winning both Environment Charity and Overall Winner in the Charity Awards 2008.

‘Sustainable living is a daily battle in parts of the world where climate change is taking effect’ We provide funding for community projects in Kenya. The people we help don’t get anything for free. If a community wants to build a dam, they collect the sand and stones necessary – and then spend two weeks building it. We provide craftsmen to help but they do the work: that way, it’s their dam. In the last seven years, communities we work with have dug 1,000km of

terracing, built 200 dams and planted over half a million trees.

My vision for Scouting Scouting provides a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn more about the environment and to get actively involved in outdoor activities and community projects. Sustainable living is a daily battle in parts of the world where climate change is taking effect, and I think there is an opportunity for Scouts to experience being involved in projects to help combat these problems and learn about sustainable development. My vision is that soil and water conservation will be accepted as the primary method to combat poverty and climate change. I know how terracing, sand dams and trees can create the potential for farmers to transform their lives – and I’ve also had the privilege to meet hundreds of farmers who have created sustainable lives for themselves and their families. It’s great that the World Scout Moot is taking place in Kenya next summer. It’ll give UK Scouts the opportunity to travel somewhere different and connect with Scouts around the world. I hope my story will inspire new generations to do the same.

more info Excellent Development offers project work in Kenya. www.excellentdevelopment.com. The World Scout Moot takes place 27 July-7 August 2010. www.scoutmoot2010.org

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Profiles

The charity founder

Volunteering can have far-reaching impact. For Simon Maddrell it completely changed the direction of his life, culminating in setting up his own charity

terracing, built 200 dams and planted over half a million trees.

more info Excellent Development offers project work in Kenya. www.excellentdevelopment.com. The World Scout Moot takes place 27 July-7 August 2010. www.scoutmoot2010.org

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Profiles

The marketing director

Kathryn Wills works for the Driving Standards Agency as Head of Marketing, but it’s the time her employer gives her to carry out her Scouting role that is raising the standard of volunteering in Nottinghamshire

Business support When I started working for the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) in 2001, I was already a District Commissioner in Central Nottingham. Before long, my colleagues and Chief Executive, Rosemary Thew, knew all about the hard work I put in after work and at weekends for Scouting, and when the County Commissioner post became vacant, they asked if they could help in any way…

Work-life balance The Agency is very committed to valuing staff and recognises that a work-life balance needs to be achieved. Because of this, I was able to take three days’ worth of flexible working per month, so if I needed to attend a Scout meeting during the day, I could make up the time by working an evening or weekend. When I became County Commissioner, the Chief Executive was happy to increase the arrangement to four days, so I can actually have one day a week as a ‘Scout day’, giving me the all-important time to see to the paperwork and meet with the County Secretary and County Chairman at Nottinghamshire Scouts’ resource centre. The support means that I can get the admin work done during the day, and use my

evenings to get out and about around the County, supporting volunteers face-to-face, and managing the County Team in a more effective way. By being supportive of my work as a volunteer, my employer gets a happier, more motivated employee, and Scouts in Nottinghamshire get a more effective County Commissioner.

Something to shout about When I took on the role of County Commissioner it was on the basis of doing it for five years, and every year I sit down with the DSA and assess how well it’s working. I also looked after the company’s internal magazine, in which I could highlight the voluntary work done by DSA employees in a section called ‘What I Do at the Weekend’. When I went to Windsor to receive my Silver Acorn, it was good to be able to explain the achievement to my colleagues, a surprising number of whom are also leaders.

Top tips! Kathryn’s top tips for flexible volunteering ASK | Does your employer know you volunteer at Scouts? If they don’t, they won’t be able to consider supporting you through flexible working arrangements or paid leave to volunteer. BE UP FRONT | Be honest about your Scouting commitments. Employers are often quick to be supportive, and could allow you to accept Scouting phone calls or use the work photocopier to copy resources. OPEN UP | I discovered that colleagues were involved in Scouting by talking about volunteering at work. A hidden world of new Scouting friends could be right under your nose! RECOGNISE YOUR VOLUNTEERS | If you’re a manager or employer, are you doing all you can to help your staff become volunteers? Offering incentives or being flexible with work hours can transform your workplace and motivate your staff. It’s a win-win situation all round.

more info The Driving Standards Agency exists to set the standard, namely of the driving test for all vehicles in the UK. It also regulates driving instructors and promotes safe driving for life. DSA employs almost 3,000 staff across the UK, with 400 of those based in its headquarters in Nottingham.

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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he celebrities honoured in August have encouraged young people to try new activities and learn new skills. Explorer Scout Dannie, who helped present the badges, said, ‘We chose these celebrities as they have all done something inspirational. Watching people like Joanna Lumley and Phil Packer makes me believe I can achieve anything.’

The dancers Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity accepted their Entertainer Badge. Choreographer Ashley Banjo said, ‘Thank you to all the Scouts who voted for us. We are really happy to be awarded the Entertainer Badge. It is really important for young people to be fit and active. Just go for it. Dream, believe, achieve.’

Birthday honours 15 big badges. 15 celebrities. One day: Scouting’s 102nd birthday!

The Olympian

The sailor Dame Ellen MacArthur was awarded the Water Sports Instructor Badge for the work her Trust does taking young people with serious illnesses sailing. She said, ‘It was fantastic to meet the Scouts in Glasgow and I was really surprised to receive this wonderful award. The badge will remain on the Scarlet Oyster for the rest of the Ellen MacArthur Round Britain Voyage.’

Four-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy, who won the Cyclist Badge, said, ‘I’m very honoured to receive the Cyclist Badge. It’s great to see so many more people of all ages and abilities taking up cycling and getting involved in the sport.’

The campaigner On receiving the Communicator Badge for her work on the Gurkha Justice Campaign, actress Joanna Lumley said, ‘I am as thrilled and proud as can be with my badge, and I shall wear it at occasions when it says “medals may be worn”. Thank you with all my heart for such an honour. You know, I was simply doing my best.’

The skier Britain’s top alpine skier, Chemmy Alcott, said, ‘It’s a real honour to win the Snowsports Badge. I wish I’d joined the Scouts when I was younger – it’s a great way of inspiring people to go for it in life, and it teaches you so many skills.’

26 Scouting October/November 2009

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Badges of honour

The athlete Major Phil Packer received

The presenter

GMTV presenter Ben Shepherd received the Climber Badge and was honoured along with the rest of the team who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for Comic Relief.

the Athlete Badge for completing a 30-mile channel row, a 14-day marathon and a four-day mountain climb in spite of spinal cord injuries he sustained in Iraq. He has raised over £1 million for Help for Heroes in the process. He added, ‘I am honoured and delighted to have been awarded this badge. As a former Cub and Scout I know how fantastic the Movement is for so many young people. I wish everyone in the organisation a very happy birthday. Thank you very much for your support.’

The chef Explorer Scouts visited the River Cottage Canteen in Bath to present Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall with the Smallholder Badge.

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Teenage celebrity chef Sam Stern turns his attention to a tasty rabbit stew, exclusive to Scouting. Catching your own rabbit is optional, licking lips is compulsory!

T I B B A R S SAM’ STEW I love catching then cooking my own food. There’s nothing quite like it. You know it’s fresh – and it’s sure to be tasty. This rabbit stew is a simple hearty dish which packs loads of punch flavour-wise. Once it’s prepped, let it bubble away on the fire or stove while you get on with something else. Get it down you with mashed potatoes, pasta or rice to soak up all the gorgeous gravy and put back the energy. A small wild rabbit serves two. Multiply quantities for more people.

Ingredients • Olive or vegetable oil for frying • 4 slices bacon, diced • 1 medium onion, finely chopped • Seasoned flour (a mix of plain flour, salt and pepper) to coat the rabbit • 1 rabbit, jointed (see next page) • 400ml chicken stock (make with a stock cube and water) or cider • 1 tsp tomato purée • 1 tsp English mustard

• 1 tsp dried thyme • 3 medium carrots, sliced • Fresh parsley or wild garlic

Method 1. Heat a few tbsp of oil in a cooking pot. Add bacon and onion. Fry until golden brown. Stir as required to prevent burning. 2. Put seasoned flour on to a plate. Add a generous sprinkling of dried thyme. Turn rabbit joints in the flour to coat. 3. Fry briefly in hot oil in a second pan until lightly browned all over. Or remove bacon/onion mix from the pot, add oil and fry in that. Do this in stages if cooking lots of rabbit. 4. Put meat, bacon and onion into a pot. Add stock or cider, tomato purée, mustard and a little more thyme. 5. Boil the mix then reduce the heat under the pot (or move the pot to cooler place over fire) so it cooks slowly (the meat will toughen if cooked too quickly on a high heat).

6. Leave to simmer gently for 1-1½ hours. Add carrots after 20 minutes. 7. Stir and taste occasionally. Add salt and pepper if needed. Top with fresh herbs and serve with pasta, rice or mashed potatoes. NB: Watch out for sharp small bones and shot as you’re eating.

Variations • Mix the seasoned coating flour and dried herbs before you leave home. • Use chicken joints or thighs. They take a slightly shorter time to cook. • Add whole or diced sausages to the mix – fry to brown, after the rabbit. • Use a bit more stock then add

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Camp cooking

potatoes to the mix half way through the cooking time. • Make dumplings and add them to the stew 20 minutes before the end of cooking. • Find wild garlic in the hedgerow – stir it in or fry with the onions. • Add other root veg with the carrots – chopped parsnip, turnip or swede. • Stuff whole, skinned rabbits with garlic and herbs. Double-wrap in foil. Cook in a slow fire. • Fix rabbit to a stick. Rub with oil and seasoning. Spit roast over the flame until cooked through. • Cook at home. Bring it to the boil on the hob then cook at 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4.

How to skin a rabbit: It’s up to you how you get your rabbit, but be aware that Scouting’s rules prohibit the shooting of animals. Ask your local butcher to provide a rabbit with the skin on. Carefully make a slit in the rabbit’s fur on the back of its neck using a sharp knife. Loosen the fur slightly then carefully but firmly pull it away from the body while you’re holding the front legs. Once the fur is off, lift the last bit of fur over the head. Remove the head and feet using a sharp knife or cleaver. To gut: Slit into the skin along the whole stomach (careful not to slit into the guts themselves), then pull the

innards out. Put the kidney, heart and liver into a waste bag with the fur and dispose of them. Or cook the heart into your stew. Wash out the cavity to remove any unwanted bits. To joint: Cut into six to eight pieces.

Fantastic sam Sam’s cookbooks, Cooking up a Storm and Sam Stern’s Student Cookbook, are aimed at teenagers and students and are available from all good booksellers. See www.samstern.co.uk for details.

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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30 Scouting October/November 2009

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the day r first task of in London, ouleaders in the middle d ve ri ar e w eir W hen e Cubs and th only ones at was to find thign. But they weren’t the Brian Moore. nd pa ge m le ca y rugb of the ere was also told us: ‘This this event, th enting rugby clubs and mmunity. es co e pr re th as in le He w fects all peop believe it’s right.’ is a ta x that af at seems to th at fw O ly It’s on

We chatted to here to stop th the Cubs who told us th restrict them e rain ta x because it wasat they were activities outsfrom going on camps an going to spoiling thei ide of their weekly mee d doing Groups may r fun. We also found out tings, so th ha After interv ve to fold as a result of that some e charges. the young sp iewing the Cubs, we mov war ship HM okespeople standing outs ed on to S id at the entran President. They handed e the in our campace, and some visitors wer out leaf lets e ign and wan ted to know minterested ore.

On the campaign trail: supporters of our rain tax crusade make a stand

raın tax

Stop the

Our Stop the Rain Tax Campaign culminated in a lobby outside Parliament on St Swithin’s Day in July. Explorer Scout and budding journalist Samuel Coopey reports

Campaign

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Samuel Coopey

‘The whole day was brilliant for me because it’s certainly not something you do every often. It was great to see sports clubs and The Scout Association standing up together for what they feel is right. I also picked up a few tips on how to interview and do photography along the way’

The Scout Association launched the Stop the Rain Tax Campaign in November 2008 to raise awareness of the threat posed to Scouting by new charges recommended by Ofwat, the water regulator, to be introduced by water companies for surface-water drainage. The changes could mean a minimum increase in water bills of £500 – approximately 25 per cent of

About the campaign

Huw Irranca-Davies

local Scout Groups’ total income. The changes are not universal but will affect Scout Groups that own or lease their meeting place. At present, only some of the water companies have implemented the charges, but Ofwat is determined to see all water companies introduce them by 2010. Stop the rain tax in your area – visit www.scouts.org.uk/water

So far I had been hav ing a fantastic to env time. I got to interview ironment minister Huw Irranca-Davies (rig take photographs and people, ht) me et a rug by exp legend, so I was extrem lained that we should . He with how the day had ely satisfied to see things happen in as start still had one piece of gone. But we as two weeks’ time. We thelittle interviewing n interviewed Wayne Bu and photography to do. UK Chief Commissionerlpitt, the We headed over to Par took some shots of him , and where we found the Cu liament bs talking the Cubs, before headin with g home.

The significance of standing outside HMS President was that inside there was an awards ceremony taking place involving water companies and the regulator that has introduced the rain tax – Ofwat. The young spokespeople stood there for a couple of hours with Brian Moore (far right) until hunger got the better of us and we headed off for lunch. We had to walk all the way from Parliament to the President and back, so it wasn’t surprising that we were hungry.

All Party Parliamentary Scout Group MP Stephen Pound said: ‘I’ve never known so many MPs attend a meeting of this nature. More than 60 is unprecedented’

ed off to a veryat th eaten we head Once we had eeting at Portcullis House t important m ral MPs and environmenI was included seve Irranca-Davies (below). minister Huw as much as possible. Huwe able to recordes pledged: ‘One way or th r and Irranca-Davi x it. Let’s give the regulato other we’ll fi chance. If not, I’ll fi x it.’ companies a

On your bike

es love Young people of all ag to keep cycling. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great way side and fit, explore the country sistant see more of the UK. As and Explorer Scout Leader house keen cyclist Steve Back nt ways describes three differe heels to get active on two w

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Cycling

OFF-ROAD CYCLING

Cornwall’s Camel Trail

Based on Ordnance Survey mapping© Crown copyright: AM111/09

ROUTE

DISTANCE The return ride to Padstow is 39km (24 miles) from Bodmin or 18km (11 miles) from Wadebridge • TERRAIN Level and traffic-free, except for short on-road sections in each town • CYCLE HIRE In Wadebridge and Padstow

ROUTE NOTES Start in the centre of Bodmin

and head out through the town to join the Camel Trail. Look out for steam trains at Boscarne Junction, and kingfishers as you cycle beside the River Camel. As you enter Wadebridge, pass the old station – the nearby town centre is an ideal place to break your journey. Beyond Wadebridge the river opens out into a wide tidal estuary. Cross the iron viaduct over Little Petherick Creek and soon you’ll arrive in the quaint harbour town of Padstow where you can enjoy ice creams or fish and chips before your return ride. This trail (named after the adjacent river rather than a camel of the fourlegged variety) is one of Britain’s most popular cycle routes.

MORE OF THE SAME • The Tissington and High Peak trails in Derbyshire • The Cuckoo Trail in East Sussex • The Hudson Way in East Yorkshire

NATIONAL CYCLE NETWORK The Camel Trail is part of the 19,312km (12,000-mile) National Cycle Network which is made up of quiet roads and traffic-free paths. The Sustrans website, with a superb map section, is full of ideas for cycle rides throughout the UK – see www.sustrans.org.uk

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TOP TIPS

ON-ROAD CYCLING

Isle of Cumbrae

Based on Ordnance Survey mapping© Crown copyright: AM111/09

ROUTE

DISTANCE 17km (10½ miles), plus 6km (4 miles) for the inland loop • TERRAIN Quiet roads; the coastal route is level while the inland section has a stiff climb and steep descent • CYCLE HIRE In Millport • FERRY From Largs to Cumbrae Slip (ten mins) – see www.calmac.co.uk

• Check that your bike is in good working condition before you set off; in particular that the saddle and handlebars are set to the right height and that brakes are working effectively. • Inflating your tyres to the right pressure reduces the risk of getting a puncture. • If you do get a puncture, carrying a spare inner tube makes the job of fixing it a lot quicker. • A cycle helmet is mandatory for all Scouting cycling activities. This includes leaders, so make sure that you are setting a good example.

ROUTE NOTES Take your bike on the ferry for the ten-minute crossing from Largs to the island of Cumbrae. Navigation on the island couldn’t be simpler – just follow the coastal road in an anticlockwise direction until you reach the town of Millport. If you’ve still plenty of energy then it’s well worth the climb to the Glaid Stone in the centre of the island. You’ll be rewarded with a great view over the Firth of Clyde and a pleasant downhill ride back to Millport or the ferry terminal.

A WORD TO THE WISE Cycling on the road can be hugely rewarding, but it’s worth planning a route to avoid busy roads. This circuit of the Isle of Cumbrae is a great introductory ride for a group and the best way to explore this scenic island. MORE OF THE SAME • Rathlin Island in Northern Ireland • Lismore in Western Scotland

34 Scouting October/November 2009

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Cycling

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Grizedale Forest in Cumbria

Based on Ordnance Survey mapping© Crown copyright: AM111/09

ROUTE

DISTANCE The ‘easy’ Grizedale Tarn Trail is 7-10km (4½-6 miles). The ‘moderate’ Moor Top Trail is 11km (7 miles) • TERRAIN The easy route follows good forest tracks while the moderate route has steeper sections of single track (if you’re new to mountain biking this is exactly what you think it is!) • CYCLE HIRE The Grizedale Forest centre

START LOCAL ROUTE NOTES For the Grizedale Tarn Trail, start from the

Bogle Crag car park and simply follow the black waymarks. The route takes you on a circuit through the woods to the tarn and passes some of the forest’s famous sculptures. This is an ideal route for beginners and can easily be combined with one of the other trails to form a longer ride. The Moor Top Trail starts at the main visitors’ centre and has purple waymarks. This route is more demanding, both physically and technically, but is suited to an active group. This is a hugely popular destination for mountain bikers. With a variety of waymarked trails on offer, it is suitable for both beginners and more experienced riders. MORE OF THE SAME • Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire • Kielder Forest in Northumberland • The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire • The Forestry Commission has set up waymarked mountainbiking trails throughout Britain – see www.forestry.gov.uk

• Before setting out on your cycling journey, use an evening meeting to prepare. • School and office car parks are often well-lit and unused in the evening. With the owner’s permission, they can be good for practising the skills needed to ride on the road. • Slalom or obstacle courses are great fun and help develop confidence. • Ask a knowledgeable parent to teach the group how to maintain their bikes and make simple repairs.

Steve Backhouse works for HF Holidays, which offers walking, cycling and leisure holidays throughout Britain, Europe and worldwide. Find out more at www.hfholidays.co.uk

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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C n) |

t|A

ltogether, we use

dt en

y Fer r te |

120 m(

e ), w les

What are the challenges of taking a large group of Scouts on an extended cycling expedition? This summer, Mike Foster and Cathy Mummery took 23 Scouts, from 1st Headcorn and 1st Goudhurst, four parents and six leaders to the Hebrides

Island Adventure Our objective was simple | To explore a number of Scottish islands by bike, using public ferries. Why? Because the islands are beautiful and unspoilt; the pace of life is noticeably different from home and all the roads are quiet enough for a large group of cyclists to travel safely – something no longer possible in Kent!

Heading north | The expedition lasted

otel | Ex plore Ju ra by bi ke | Fer r y bac k to Por t Aska ig | C

a mp over n igh

t at a nea rby fa r m | Fer r y to Isle

of Colonsay |

f Is t at the sa me fa r m | Cyc le the leng th o

catc h i ng fer r y bac k to Por t Aska ig for a second n igh re fo

of t

Seven hou rs to ex p lore b

32-36_CYCLING.indd 36

more info If you have any questions for Mike, or would like to pick up more tips on planning your own expedition, you can call him on 01580 241382 or email mike.brook-foster@tiscali.co.uk

u nd s

What we learnt | In future, for this many people, we’d try to squeeze in a spare bike. We dealt with running repairs, but a serious breakdown in such a remote place would cause big problems.

i n the gro

fair to say the trip was not without its challenges. Cycling across Arran using the String Road (sea level to 230m/755ft in 3km/2 miles) was tough. The midges on Jura were also an irritant (locals said that if the road was on the other side of the island, they wouldn’t be a problem. But it isn’t!). Some also found it hard getting going again after an afternoon on the beach at Kiloran Bay (Colonsay) – one of the finest beaches in the UK (no people or shops – just sea and sand). Pitching tents in an exposed field in a howling gale was also something we could have done without. But for the views, the chance to get to know each

Our planning tips |

Study the ferry routes/ timetables beforehand to plan The expedition allowed the an achievable route • Purchase group to enjoy rail tickets and railcards in the fun of cycling advance • Research and arrange in a safe area, surrounded by each overnight stay • Take some supplies with spectacular you, but most should be bought locally. This scenery, with the chance to requires careful planning… don’t expect to be get to know each able to shop for 30 people on Jura or Colonsay, other better but there are good supermarkets on Arran and Islay provided your menu can be flexible • Draw your budget up early. We charged £150 for the week (and ended up with a surplus of £27 a head).

H Ju ra

When the going got tough | It would be

other and exhilaration of flying down the hills of Arran, it was all worthwhile.

a week (Saturday to Saturday). We travelled from Kent to Ardrossan by train carrying rucksacks (quite cheap using railcards), while our bikes and heavy equipment went up in a van and trailer. We spent the first and last nights indoors as guests of 15th Ayrshire/1st Ardrossan Group, sleeping in their meeting place. For the nights in between, we camped at prearranged points. At the start, the bikes were unloaded and rucksacks loaded in their place, and from then on the van doubled as a support vehicle and field kitchen.

n i g ht i nt y re to Ken nacra ig | Fer r y to Por t As k house | Ca mp over a i g ( I s l e a c ro s s K o c le to Cra ig f I sl a c le ra) | Cy y) | Shor t fer r y to Feol i n (Isle of Ju to Claona ig (K i nt y re pen i nsu la) | Cy e’s capabi l it y when spread over a week ever yon l l w it h i n

f ferent route | Fer r y bac k to A rd rossa k by a d i

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d c yc led 193k

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Cycling

a c ro ycle

17/09/2009 11:39

Fordell Firs

Bring on the Challenge

â&#x20AC;Ż

Fordell Firs is situated in Fife on the outskirts of Dunfermline. You can get here by road, rail (Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay), coach, bus or by air. We have 2 large chalets that can accommodate 36 and 18 people as well as a 48 acre camping area. We offer a wide range of activities including: Abseiling, climbing, zip line, caving, low ropes, adventure play area, challenge course, mountain bikes, soft play area, archery, circus skills, nature trail, orienteering, wet weather games, pedal go-carts, bungee trampoline, Jacobs ladder and more! Address: Fordell Firs National Activity Centre, Hillend, Dunfermline KY11 7HQ Telephone/fax: 01383 412704 email: warden@fordellfirs.org.uk website: www.fordellfirs.org.uk

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Cooks,

tent pitchers

and volunteers

future of the

YOUR STORIES

‘

These are just some of the hundreds of Big Adventures that took place across the country

‘1st Cowfold Scouts undertook their first expedition along the South Downs Way. We learnt navigation, campcraft, teambuilding and leadership skills on route and were supported by a large number of leaders and parents as we worked towards our Big Adventure.’ Liam Hode

‘We went hiking and canoeing in the Lake District. This is the first time we have tried something like this and the Scouts enjoyed the challenge – as did our parent helpers.’ Sylvia Myers

‘We held a family camp to celebrate our Group’s 70th Anniversary. This was held at Lyons Copse, also known as Solent Scouts’ training site and campsite. Activities included archery, a campfire, climbing tower and loads more. The new Beaver Colony joined us for the day for the activities and campfire.’ Nicole Jefferies

38 Scouting October/November 2009

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The Big Adventure 2009 aimed to bring new adults, particularly parents, into Scouting. How? By inviting them along to a camp, sleepover or activity day as an active part of the leadership team

our Big Adventures took place between May and the end of August. The results suggest they have been a great success. More than 500 Groups, from Peckham in London to Galloway in Scotland, took part, and parents also joined in with great enthusiasm. ‘We invited a parent to join us at our weekend camp,’ says Jon Davies,

from Warrington. ‘We involved her in all aspects of the weekend, from craft activities to a night hike. She also helped in the kitchen preparing the meals. She really enjoyed the weekend and will join us again.’ This is exactly the sort of experience The Big Adventure is about – getting adults involved, not just as bystanders, but right at the heart of the event.

RESULTS BIG ADVENTURE – BIG

‘We held an Australianthemed camp during the Whitsun weekend. In preparation, we ran a training and skills day for parents only. After they had acquired the basic skills for camping, I gave them bases to prepare and run for the weekend itself. These included a cycling tour, a compass/navigation game and a bushtucker backwoods cooking activity.’ Nilesh Tailor

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‘

Part of the leadership team The Big Adventure is an annual initiative encouraging parents and others connected to a Group to experience Scouting as part of the team running a residential experience. Research has shown that this is the most effective way of turning adults on the edge of the Group into volunteers. John Craig, Assistant Scout Leader of 15th Fife (Freuchie) Scout Group, recently camped at the Fordell Firs Activity Centre as part of The Big Adventure. ‘We were joined by 11 parents who experienced the fun and took an active part in the leadership team.’ John is enthusiastic about the camp’s impact: ‘After the event, eight parents wanted to

join us as adult leaders. That’s great news.’ From our survey (see next page) a total of 400 parents were invited to come and help out. We expect more than 200 to become volunteers of the future. The parents and helpers who attended the camps were all part of the leadership teams, with roles ranging from camp cook to camp doctor! Join The Big Adventure 2010 If you missed out on The Big Adventure this year, don’t worry, it will be running again in 2010. Look out for more details about what’s happening and how it will help you to recruit more adults in the next issue of Scouting.

more info The Big Adventure is one of a number of different methods that you can use to help recruit volunteers to Scouting. If you want to find out about any of the other resources that are available to you, visit www.scouts.org.uk/recruit. If you want to tell us about your 2009 Big Adventure, you can email us at scouting.magazine@scout.org.uk

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

18/09/2009 15:05

‘

YOUR STORIES ‘I organised a family day out for 68 people walking the B-P Walk in Northumberland. This was made up of Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, leaders, mums and dads as well as grandads and grandmothers. Better still, the sun shone all day!’ Derek Bennett

‘We ran a weekend Cub Camp with a Space theme. There were 24 Cubs in attendance, including several with special needs. As well as parents helping for the whole weekend, we involved others who came along and helped us put up and take down the tents. This help was invaluable as there are currently only two leaders in our Pack so these experiences would not be possible without parent support.’ Eleanor Thompson

Judith Barnett

‘

09 – facts and figures* The Big Adventure 20

22%

30 20 10 0

60%

50 40

br ua M ry ar ch A 1- pril 17 18 Ma y -3 1 M ay 114 15 Jun -3 e 0 Ju 1- ne 15 16 Jul -3 y 1- 1 J 16 u 17 Au ly -3 1 gu s A u t Se gu st pt em be O ct r ob er

www.scouts.org.uk Scouting magazine ScoutingPlus email From a friend in Scouting From a volunteer manager in Scouting

11%

60 Numbers

4% 3%

WHEN WAS THE CAMP HELD?

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT THE BIG ADVENTURE?

n/ a

‘Parents saw that it is still possible to have fun and enjoy being outdoors, and that many hands make light work!’

Tr an

yo u

op le Eq ui pm sp en or t t/ Te lo gi am st /c ic am s p le ad Fi rs er ta id / A sa dm fe ty in /p la nn in g

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er al

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en G

sh ip llo w

w or k et N

s er or pl Ex

s Cu b

Sc ou ts

av er

s/ b

100

150

60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Numbers

200

Numbers

WHAT ROLES DID THE PARENTS PLAY?

80 70

iv iti e

SECTIONS INVOLVED (TOTALS)

250

ure 2009 ants of The Big Advent ey of 500 group particip *Results based on a surv

‘We did a simple back-to-basics camp at our own meeting places so that parents could stay overnight or wander home after the campfire. Activities included first aid, pioneering, firelighting, backwoods cooking, shooting and crafts. Parents had one of three options: to join in like the young people and give it a go; to assist running a base or help with catering. It’s a great hands-on introduction to Scouting.’ Jayne Vaughan

40 Scouting October/November 2009

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pen Now Following extensive restoration work

0845 4043034

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o t y e n r u o Our j ces , Derek Twine, introdu ive ut ec Ex ief Ch n’s tio ts The Scout Associa nual Report and Accoun An /9 08 20 e th m fro s highlight than 40,000 people are now logging

hen we provide better-quality programmes, more adventurous activities and additional support to our volunteers, Scouting flourishes. And in 2008 we grew again for the fourth consecutive year. We still have 33,000 young people waiting to join Scouting, but last year’s results demonstrate the commitment and passion of all volunteers, whether helping out once a month, leading a section or managing a District. Together we’re making a difference in almost every community across the UK. Thank you.

Welcoming more people to Scouting

An additional 2,600 adults volunteered, meaning an extra 13,000 young people could join. All five sections saw an increase, with the greatest growth in the Scout section. In 2008 more females than ever signed up, taking the number to more than 55,000 and 14 per cent of the total membership. This surge of more than 5,500 means that over the past 12 months almost as many girls as boys have signed up. What we did • Launched The Big Adventure and produced a new parent pack – both to help local Groups recruit more parents into volunteer roles.

• Implemented a new appointment process with a better joining service, including a new welcome pack.

Supporting our volunteers

Whether someone is giving one or ten hours a week, we are committed to providing you with the best tools for the job by improving our resources, communications and support. What we did • Created a series of role-specific volunteer resources, Keys to Success • Restructured our Regional Development Service to provide more focussed support to local Groups.

on regularly. Our plans to deliver a new fully-integrated website have been slower than anticipated. It will now be launched in the first quarter of 2010. • Increased support to Group Scout Leaders and District Commissioners, who in turn supported local Scouting by providing forums, additional locally employed Development Officers and improved communications. We now have one hundred more Group Scout Leaders than last year. • Provided more programme support: 34,533 programmes have been created on www.scouts.org.uk/pol

56,677 The number of girls now in Scouting • Addressed the challenges of supporting the Cub Scout section, where we are seeing the greatest retention challenge. We produced support materials for District Commissioners and Group Scout Leaders to help grow the section and ran online surveys focussed on support for Cub Scout Leaders. There are now 3,000 more Cub Scouts than last year. • Improved the online membership area, where adults can easily update and manage their own data. More

Helping young people be the voice and face of Scouting

Young people are at the heart of what we do, so it makes sense that they shape Scouting and communicate what we are about. As a Scout journeys from a six-year-old Beaver Scout to an adult leader, we want them involved in decision-making at every level. What we did • Ran five Young Spokespeople courses, training 120. • Ran workshops at three Party Conferences. Nearly 60 MPs and 80 young people participated, resulting in a report Hoodies, Binge Drinkers, Future Leaders? Do Politicians Really Know What Young People Think?

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Impact Report

h t w o r g o • Further promoted the benefits of the Young Leaders’ Scheme to local Groups. More than 8,500 are developing their leadership skills through the scheme, an increase of 1,500 on last year. • Invited nine young Scouts to edit the Dec/Jan issue of Scouting.

Reflecting and celebrating diversity in our communities

We understand that communities vary throughout the UK, and over the year provided specific support to local development and diversity projects. What we did • Provided support to Fellowships working in minority groups. Our Black, Minority and Ethnic (BME) membership increased from three to four per cent of our total. While an improvement, it is recognised our BME make-up still falls short of the national average of nine per cent. Moreover, we must set our own local targets on this so that we meet the local proportions, not just the national averages.

Being recognised as a modern and relevant Movement

By the end of 2008 our politicians, media and communities were left in no doubt that Scouting is stronger and more relevant than ever. What we did • Launched an e-activist survey online for members interested in taking

action on issues that affect Scouting. • Provided evidence to Parliament’s Home Affairs Select Committee on how Scouting can help young people avoid getting involved in knife crime. • Increased the volunteer Media Development Manager (MDM) training. This helped increase positive national and local media coverage and airtime about Scouting by ten per cent.

Mapping our future

We strive to keep the cost of Scouting low and support to volunteers high. This was made possible again by another big year of successful fundraising and trading. What we did • Provided support to local Groups and developed new fundraising initiatives to benefit them. More than 50 local fundraising workshops were held, with 2,000 attending. • Developed a building grants scheme for local Groups to access. A sum of £400,000 was set aside for grants for the pilot and nine Groups benefited. • All Scout Shops profits are returned to Scouting. We launched a new range of non-uniform clothing, i.Scout, and continued to improve the level of service to Members, which helped deliver profits of £2m.

Incoming resources for year ended 31 March 2009 National membership subscription £8m

Charitable activities £5.7m

Investment income £2.3m Donations, legacies & similar income £1.3m

Activities for generating funds £6.8m

Total: £24.1m

Spend on charitable activities for year ended 31 March 2009 Youth programme & activities £2.8m

Development of Scouting £5m

Support & services to the Scouting Movement £6.2m

Adult support and training £4m

Total charitable spend: £18m

HOW WE’VE GROWN Total youth membership Leadership Support Total membership

Male 334,224

Female 56,677

42,344 9,628 385,113

32,309 7,264 95,191

Census for year ended 31 March 2009

more info Read the full report on www. scouts.org.uk/impact or 0rder the complete Annual Report and Accounts or Impact Report from www.scouts.org.uk/infocentre

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Go international

s e i t i n u t r o Opp e n o y r e v e r fo

nd ome the world to the 22 elc w ill w en ed Sw s ar plains how In less than two ye nstad. Chris Lomas ex ia ist Kr in e re bo m Ja t World Scou to get involved ice Team is a great way rv Se al ion at rn te In e th

s well as being a fantastic opportunity for young people, the World Scout Jamboree can be hugely rewarding for adults in Scouting too. The International Service Team (IST) works directly for the Jamboree organisers, although it is part of the UK Contingent. They make the Jamboree happen on a day-to-day basis. IST members from all over the world work in international teams doing everything from delivering programmes and serving in shops to washing up and emptying bins. But no matter what job you do, you can be sure of having a great time, making new friends and experiencing the World Scout Jamboree first hand.

travel to and from the Jamboree site, your Jamboree fee, travel insurance and the UK Contingent kit package. We are also looking at a more flexible option that does not include travel, which will, of course, be cheaper.

Who is eligible?

find out more!

Any adult member of The Scout Association can apply, as long as they will be 18 or over on the first day of the camp. This means you have to have been born on or before 24 July 1993.

How much will it cost? The fee for IST will not be more than £1,350 and we are working hard to reduce this further. The fee includes

How do I apply? There are 500 places available for IST. To apply for one of these you should register online from Monday 19 October 2009 at www.scouts.org.uk/wsj2011. From this date, applications will be managed on a first-come first-served basis and shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a series of selection events in early 2010. Places will only be offered after these selection events.

You can find out more about the International Service Team on the UK Contingent website at www.scouts.org.uk/wsj2011, or from the World Jamboree site at www.worldscoutjamboree.se. Join the Facebook Group ‘22nd World Scout Jamboree – UK Contingent’ for updates, or speak to your local international team.

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How to

urvival shelters can save your life if you’re halfway up a mountain in a rainstorm, and they can be great fun to build when you’re hiking in the hills and forests and want to practise your wilderness bushcraft skills. The type of shelter you build will depend on the type of terrain and weather conditions. Remember: build before dark, and never start building until you’ve chosen the best possible location. Nothing is worse than discovering as night

falls that your lovingly constructed shelter is in a gully that will flood when it rains. Higher ground will often be a few degrees warmer than a valley floor, so placing your shelter just 25m above the valley bottom can make a difference. Build at right angles to the prevailing wind so your shelter doesn’t become a wind tunnel. Think about positioning the shelter’s entrance facing east so you can catch the first rays of the sun in the morning.

TYPES OF SHELTER A-frames

Find a strong, straight branch and lash each end to two further pairs of poles in an inverted shape at either end. Decide which end will be your door and weave a grid of branches and foliage for the walls and the back of the structure. Then ‘thatch’ with saplings and cover with leaves and foliage.

Bender

Young saplings can sometimes be found growing together in such a way that bending them towards each other and lashing them at the top will make a structure like a dome tent. If they are not conveniently placed, cut some down, dig a series of small holes in a circle and push the saplings into the ground, then lash the tops together. Weave branches and foliage into the structure to insulate.

Tripod debris shelter

The trunk of a tree makes an excellent foundation pole around which to build tripod-shaped structures. Choose a tree that is smooth, straight and free of low branches and no more than about half a metre in diameter. Then, using dead branches, build a tripod shape around the trunk with an entrance at the front. ‘Thatch’ them crossways with twigs and saplings before piling on the debris in the form of foliage or bracken to cover the shelter.

Sheet shelter

Tie a cord between two trees, or push some uprights into the ground about two metres apart and tie the cord between these. Drape a tarpaulin over the cord, extending a section on to the ground. You then have a floor and a roof-shaped covering. Weight the tarpaulin on the ground with heavy stones and, if the other side doesn’t reach the ground, attach cords to its corners so they can act like guy ropes. Finally, tie extra cords to both ends of the roof and bind them to the uprights to keep the roof from sagging.

more info This lesson is taken from Bear Grylls’ book Great Outdoor Adventures. For more advice on building shelters, buy Born Survivor (Channel 4 Books, RRP £14.99).

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Country diary

The average British winter is full of cold, wet days and long, dark nights. However, wrapped in the right clothing you can enjoy some magical winter experiences right on your doorstep, says James Taylor

Winter summer Wilds O

the

ne way we can take advantage of the lengthening nights is by going for night hikes. These not only test our navigational skills, but are also full of things to see and hear. Winter nights are wonderfully sensuous: the air is crisper and there are no leaves on the trees so sound carries better. Just as our eyes become accustomed to darkness, our hearing also becomes more acute: the creaking of branches, hooting of owls and the distant cry of a vixen. Winter nights are a great opportunity to spot wildlife. Take a quiet group out over some farmland with a high-powered torch, and you are likely to see foxes and badgers as well as deer and rabbits.

Winter visitors If you can arrange a daytime hike in the winter, keep an eye out for some other winter visitors. The UK has visiting larks, pipits and starlings, as well as huge numbers of fieldfares, redwings and other thrushes. If you are near the coast you may have an influx of duck, geese and waders. If you do spot any of these, ask yourself why they are here. Often they are pursuing a food source. It may be long, fruit-filled hedgerows

or a molluscrich estuary. If you can afford an activity weekend, why not try some woodland management tasks? Hedge laying and coppicing are popular. If you have a few anglers in your pack, ask around at your local trout fisheries to see if you can fish their waters for pike.

Indoor fun Having said all this, some evenings at the Scout hut are inevitable, but they can still be fun and productive. This is a great time to sort through all your equipment. Another evening could be spent looking back over the year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; discuss the good, the bad and the ugly with your section. What they enjoyed and what they would like to do differently. A little open-ended perhaps, but getting their views is an important part of being a successful leader. www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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take to I the air This summer more than 30 young people joined 12th Swindon Air Scouts on their annual Air Activities Camp. Ron Shell reports on a land, sea and air extravaganza

t’s a breezy Sunday morning at an airfield near Swindon, and Michael, a Sea Scout, is being invested in the rear seat of a Tiger Moth aircraft. It’s not often you see a flying Sea Scout – but this is typical of 12th Swindon, who are dedicated to bringing air activities to all. The investiture took place at a weekend activity camp run in conjunction with the Light Aircraft Association (LAA), whose members give up their time to share their hobby with Scouts. During the weekend the pilots pass on their knowledge about aeronautics, meteorology and navigation. ‘The Scouts learn about weather maps, clouds, high- and low-pressure systems, winds, temperature and the effects all these have on flying,’ says Assistant Scout Leader David Ockenden. ‘When it comes to navigation, Scouts are given a topographical map, which most of

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Group in focus Group in focus

them have never seen before. They have to find where they are on the map, and are then given the information which enables them to plan a 20-minute flight.’

Land, sea and air The origins of the camp date back to an experimental weekend held at Calcot during a wet and windy Easter holiday in 2004. From there the weekends have taken off and spread around the country, from Kent to Devon and the Midlands – with 15 in 2007. ‘This year was a first in that we had equal numbers of Land, Sea and Air Scouts with us for the first time,’ says David. ‘One of the highlights of the weekend is when they climb aboard an aircraft and use their calculations to navigate for the pilot. They may also have the opportunity to take a turn at the controls. Most of the Scouts have never

flown in a light aircraft before and they come down grinning from ear to ear.’ The Scouts who joined 12th Swindon were from 1st Chiseldon Air Scouts, 1st Corsham and 1st Swindon, both Sea Scout Troops, 1st Ramsbury and 1st Stratton. Of course, none of this could happen without the willingness of the pilots to pass on their enthusiasm, the hard-working team of local leaders and the Explorer Scouts from Aye Foure Unit who help to keep things on course.

Above: Abbey, a Scout from 12th Swindon, preparing for a flight in a microlight. Above left: An Explorer Scout who was part of the event support team

‘12th Swindon celebrates its 80th birthday this year and we’re committed to providing as much adventure as possible. It’s not easy for someone to get to fly in a microlight – but it’s something we can do. We have 80 members who do things as diverse as camping and canoeing as well as air activities’ David Ockenden, 12th Swindon

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As part of a national Archive Awareness campaign, Daniel Scott-Davies looks back on a century of Scouting in the air

NOW & THEN

though Air Scouts as a branch wasn’t formed until 1941, aeronautical interest in Scouting dates back much further. The Aerial League of the British Empire approached Sir Robert Baden-Powell as early as 1909 to enlist the assistance of Scouts in replying and forwarding signal messages transmitted by airships.

Early days To address a shortage of air personnel during World War I, B-P asked General HB Jeffreys to create a scheme whereby Scouts could learn the principles of aeronautical engineering. From this point forward, there were repeated calls for a separate branch of Scouting dedicated to aviation. The public’s imagination was captivated further by the trail-blazing flights of Alcock and Brown across

the Atlantic and Amy Johnson flying solo to Australia. In a letter to B-P dated 8 July 1921, Mr Kennedy-Cox of Canning Town informed him that he had surreptitiously started an Air Scouts Patrol due to the huge demand for aeronautical training by the boys in the East End of London. In 1933, Major Baden BadenPowell introduced gliding into Scout activities. This provided an opportunity for Scout Groups to build a glider which they could then learn to fly in at a considerably lower cost than a powered aircraft.

Supporting the war effort With the advent of World War II, and particularly the Battle of Britain, new schemes were initiated to address the shortfall of trained pilots. In 1941 the Air Training Corps was formed and on 29 January the Air Scouts Branch was formally

Above left: Scouts in a Slingsby T21, then owned by Headquarters. 12th Swindon’s David Ockenden first flew this! Above: Scouts are introduced to an Air Canada DC3

created, with boys aged 11 to 18 joining Air Scout Units. In August 1942, the first National Air Scout Camp was held at Avington Park in Hampshire, and the first Air Scout Handbook launched later that year. The Fleet Air Arm hosted a camp for Air Scouts, with Lt Laurence Olivier (later Sir Laurence Olivier) as the Naval representative.

Air Scouting takes off In 1950 an agreement was made with the Air Ministry that Air Scout Troops could apply for Royal Air Force recognition. Provided the Troop passed an inspection they would be issued with a certificate and badges. By 1981, at least 82 Air Scout Groups had participated in the scheme here and abroad. There are now 41 RAF-recognised Air Scout Groups and many other Scout Groups offering aviation-related activities.

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Scout Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Scout Members* Referral Bookings (nett per room per night) (nett per room per night) Valid On

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Safety in numbers

Stuart Carter collars the newly appointed Chair of the Safety in Scouting Working Group, Alex Minajew, to ask a few questions about concerns from the Movement, particularly at Group and District level

Stuart What are your personal views on health and safety? Alex I believe many people outside

the Movement, and certainly parents, have a high opinion of our approach to health and safety. We are an activities-based training organisation that encompasses preparation and the passing on of skills. Inherently, there is a ‘culture’ of safety within Scouting, but we must also be mindful of the need to demonstrate processes and the inevitable paperwork. The paperwork shouldn’t be the ‘be all and end all’, and neither should it be so daunting that no one reads it.

We devote a lot to training our leaders and adult helpers. Is it enough? The formal adult support we give through our modular

system is a very good starting point. However, safety is not about ticking boxes, but rather a more ongoing process that involves every person and level in Scouting supporting each other, and being open in the way we discuss the subject of safety.

You’ve mentioned ‘culture’, but if a GSL wants a risk assessment for every evening, isn’t that just form filling? This may be where some people have got the balance wrong; it’s not about form filling and paperwork. As a leader, you should do a periodic review of your typical evening in the form of a written risk assessment, which you can produce as a simple written checklist. Perhaps the first thing on the checklist could be:

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Health & safety

leadership team – step back and look at the programme. Step back and look at the hazards and risks.

as pointers to guidance, specific training skills, negotiating deals with suppliers or helping with supervision ratios.

What can Groups do to help?

Can you give some pointers?

Groups may wish to approach this in different ways. As a suggestion, conduct a health and safety audit, perhaps over half a day at your headquarters. Get together with the Group Leadership Team, the Group Executive (you might also want to get parents involved), and a couple of people from the District. Look at where things are stored, such as tables, chairs and equipment. Find out who keeps leader records, what activities are conducted in and around the headquarters and review the accident report book. Put it on the agenda to discuss and come up with a written plan.

I won’t touch on the Activity Permit Scheme as this is still relatively new, and important work is being done on the critical element of supporting Assessors. The reality is that many accidents resulting in the need for medical treatment stem from routine things such as games, supervision of free time, and maintenance around Scout premises.

What can my District do? The District’s role is to support local Scouting. You should communicate through all channels your Group’s risk assessments and where gaps appear. The District can then provide a range of options to support the Group, such

Why is it that the Incident Report Form can be seen as a daunting document? The form needs to be completed only when medical treatment has been

given or where the emergency and rescue services have been involved. When things go wrong they must be properly looked at and lessons need to be learned. The Incident Report Form has been devised to collect that helpful information. It needs to be done while the incident is fresh in people’s minds in case legal action is started at some future date.

Lastly, what is the Safety in Scouting Working Group? It’s made up of representatives from Headquarters’ Insurance, Adult Support, Programme, Activities, International and National Centres teams. It reports to the General Purposes Sub-Committee of The Scout Association’s Committee of the Council. Their work is currently focussed on collecting data about where accidents happen in Scouting.

more info

The Safety in Scouting Working Group would be pleased to hear views from across the Movement to help build a picture of individual views on health and safety. Write to: Safety in Scouting Coordinator, Gilwell Park, London E4 7QW. The Working Group is unable to enter into individual correspondence. If you have a particular concern, please contact your Group, District, Area or County, who are there to support you.

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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‘It was easy because of my experience and being able to fit into a team with adults I got on with’

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Adult support

Margaret Medler asks Charlotte Philipsen, Assistant Cub Scout Leader and canoeing instructor, about how her experiences as a Young Leader have helped her with adult training

MAKING THE

jump

t’s been a busy few years for Charlotte. She became a Young Leader in 2004 in her former Scout Group’s Cub Pack, then went on to join the newly formed local Young Leader Explorer Unit, and started her training in October 2004. Between October 2004 and April 2007, she completed all her Young Leader training modules and all four missions, after which she was awarded the Young Leader Belt Buckle. During that time she also helped out with Beavers at another Group and at District events, and continued her Explorer Scouting in the District Explorer Unit, gaining the Queen’s Scout and D of E Gold Awards.

How have you found the training as an adult? I picked up communication and leadership skills, programme planning and working with young people from my Young Leader experience. However, I also went through all the e-learning modules to enhance and revise my knowledge. What skills did you bring from your Young Leader role? Probably knowing and understanding how to be a member of the leadership team. The ideas I picked up for programmes and the badge work I took on for my fourth mission have also really helped me in the role.

Has it been easy? WHAT What Scouting choices did you make at 18? It was easy because of my HAPPENED NEXT? At the age of 18 I joined Network and, experience and being able Charlotte started her Assistant Cub as I was already assisting with canoeing, to fit into a team with adults Scout Leader role in September 2008. In I got on with. became an instructor at 12th Clactonjust a year she has almost completed the on-Sea. At the time, I wasn’t sure training needed to receive a Wood Badge. Who has helped with about taking on a leadership role She’s managed to do this by bringing skills the transition? and needed time to assess the and knowledge she picked up as a Young Everyone! My Cub Scout effect of my university training to Leader. The Adult Training Scheme recognises prior experience, so when Charlotte Leader helped when I was become a nurse. I continued to help put together her Personal Learning a Young Leader and the with Cubs and Beavers in the Group. Plan, her Training Adviser was able leaders in the other Group to assess what she already knew, Why did you make the decision broadened my experience in and what she needed Beaver Scouting and canoeing. to become an adult leader? to update or learn. By the summer of 2008 I had decided The Explorer Leaders have all been supportive, particularly my Explorer to apply to be an Assistant Cub Scout Leader (ACSL). I made this decision because Scout Leader. All these people give their time of the adults I got to know and because and do a number of jobs in Scouting and are an I enjoyed working with them. important part of the District community.

more info Margaret Medler is Project Coordinator for the Adult Training Steering Group. If you would like to find out more about the Adult Training Scheme, you’ll find information, advice and support at www.scouts.org.uk/training

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Adult support

WAS IT

g n i h t e m so I SAID?

eers with young people As someone who volunt w their words and you will have noticed ho n eaning over time. Liste phrases can change m , warns Claire Welch, as ed us ge ua ng la e th r fo out rtful ise, it could be very hu intentionally or otherw

oung people have a language all of their own and it’s constantly changing. You have probably heard expressions such as ‘that is wicked’ or ‘that’s sick’, which surprisingly refer to something that’s good. But alongside these are the more negative expressions that can be harmful.

Sticks and stones... In many cases young people do not fully appreciate the negative effect of their comments. They are merely copying what other people of their age say. As adults, we need to help young people think about the meaning and impact of their words. A study conducted in 2006 by the Schools Health Education Unit for campaign group Stonewall, revealed some disturbing statistics. Ninety-eight per cent of young gay people hear the phrases ‘that’s so gay’ or ‘you’re so gay’ in school. Over four-fifths hear such comments often or frequently. Even if gay pupils are not directly experiencing bullying, they are learning in an environment where negative homophobic language and comments are commonplace.

At the back of the minibus Teri Stock is a Scout Leader who took some action in her Troop to help tackle this issue: ‘On our way back from a day out with the Troop I overheard the Scouts joking around with each other at the back of the minibus. They referred to each other as ‘retard’ and ‘gay’. On hearing the words my gut reaction was to tell them to stop, which they did, but on reflection I knew that this wasn’t enough. ‘I spent the next two weeks of the programme doing activities around valuing individuals and treating all people with respect. We looked at the words used, what they meant and why they were inappropriate and harmful. Sometimes just banning words is not enough; young people need to explore the reasons why we shouldn’t use them.’ Scouting is inclusive of every young person. Young people should be learning to value and celebrate each other’s differences.

more info

Factsheet Valuing Diversity (FS185089). Factsheet Supporting a Young Person Who is Gay and in Scouting (FS185083)

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Fellowship fter more than 30 years, e you’ll sur ’re we d is changing. An Active ut Sco e, nam agree the new tive lec ref re mo ch mu Support, is lts adu of ups gro e of what these valuabl at support to local actually do – provide gre is about much more Scouting. However, this e. Scout Active than just a change of nam hip from adults aged Support draws members flexible way for adults 18 years and over. It’s a option for those to volunteer and a good r commitment. ula who cannot make a reg ut Active Support Sco a of n The main functio g. This could be Unit is to support Scoutin dership cover, or Programme support, lea enquiries on behalf handling ‘want to join’ y, for example. Scout of the District or Count opportunity to Active Support is also an ers in the most mb use the skills of Unit me ers can also mb Me flexible way possible. p new ones elo dev and improve their skills Another aspect through peer learning. t is social, which por Sup ive of Scout Act the Unit. is key to the vibrancy of

The new structure

divided into Units. A Scout Active Support is up, District, County or, Unit can be based at Gro

al level, such as Scafell, in a few instances, nation ted to climbing activities. the national Unit dedica unty level, Scout At Group, District and Co managed by a Scout Active Support Units are This is an appointment Active Support Manager. le Commissioner. If the of the GSL or responsib riate, they can also Manager feels it is approp Support Coordinator appoint a Scout Active to support them.

Who will manage the

change?

sition from Scout Key to the successful tran ive Support are the Fellowship to Scout Act trict Commissioner Group Scout Leader, Dis r. and County Commissione t Manager must por Sup ive Act ut Sco h Eac mmissioner and Co le work with the responsib reement which Ag vice the Unit to write a Ser Scout Active Support details exactly how the g. This document Unit will support Scoutin ually to ensure it is should be reviewed ann are being met. relevant and the targets

Who can be members?

port Units can be Members of Active Sup mbers, depending Me either Associate or full ers do not take mb Me on the role. Associate World Membership the Promise or wear the

y t i n u t r Oppo knocks! of support for local Welcome to a new era arly three years of Scouting. Following ne , we can now begin the ew vi re d an n tio ta ul ns co e llowship to Scout Activ transition from Scout Fe us opportunity for local Support. It’s a tremendo says Steve Brownless grow th and flexibility,

60 Scouting October/November 2009

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Scout Active Support

ointment is given, Badge. Before a full app membership of full and for both associate lts must go through Scout Active Support, adu process, including the relevant appointment Getting Started. completion of Module 1: t Unit Manager The Scout Active Suppor Scout Association The of must be a full Member detailed in the and complete training as le from the ilab ava , Adultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Personal File online at and tre Cen n Scout Informatio ources res ers arn k/le rg.u www.scouts.o

Flexible support

Scout Active Support One of the strengths of es from the skills each is its flexibility. This com the time they can Member can bring and nager or Coordinator Ma give to the Unit. The ation centrally should collect this inform port can be sup so ely wid and share it it is needed. given when and where want to join If you have adults who r a successful afte s the adventure, perhap y be the ma this nt, Big Adventure eve Scouting. into m the g brin perfect way to its are a resource Scout Active Support Un uting to use for local managers of Sco development. in areas of growth and

more info

p to Scout Active Why Change? Fellowshi erence Guide is Ref ick Support: Your Qu ts.org.u k/ cou w.s ww m fro ble availa rge from the Scout cha of e fre or t activesuppor leaflets and s, ter Pos Information Centre. o on the website. als are on ati orm inf fur ther merchandise is Scout Active Suppor t couts.org.u k/shop w.s ww m fro ble ila ava

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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h it w s e g Big chan nge a h c l l a Sm d Counties across Individuals, Groups an turns and raising the UK are doing good edy causes cash for charities and ne

t costs nowt to be nice. And we like to believe that Scouts carry out more kind acts than most. Renowned for our desire to do our best, helping others sits at the core of what we do week in week out. And even though we are a charity ourselves, it doesn’t stop us raising money for other causes we believe in. Meet the people who are making a difference to communities locally, nationally and internationally.

Kent Cubs

CAUSE SAVING GORILLAS | RAISED £1,000

Proving that not all children are interested in spending their cash on chips and chocolate, Kent Cubs donated pennies from their pocket money to help fund their Explorer Scouts’ expedition to the Republic of the Congo. The Explorers are working in partnership with The Aspinall Foundation to repatriate gorillas from the Port Lympne and Howletts Wild Animal Parks, and will be meeting local Scouts when they camp in the Lesio-Louna gorilla reserve – an area the size of Kent. The expedition of 24 is costing £60,000 and the Cubs raised 100,000 pennies. Katie Kedwell, one of the Explorer Scouts going on the expedition, said, ‘We’re so grateful to the Cubs for their donation and look forward to telling them about the visit on our return. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to learn about Africa and to do something really useful.’

Greater London North East

CAUSE GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND | RAISED £5,500 Ever since the County was formed, Greater London North East has chosen a charity to support annually. Last year they raised money for a guide dog. Assistant County Commissioner (Cubs) Jackie Geary led the project. ‘We’ve been fundraising for two years and we

recycled ink cartridges and mobile phones (we sent these to the Scout recycle appeal). We eventually raised the £5,000 needed, plus an extra £500. We gave the money to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. We even held a raffle to name our dog – it’s called “Scout!”.

‘We never fundraise for our Group; we keep ourselves afloat through Gift Aid from Scout subscriptions. It’s good to make children aware that others are more needy. It also counts towards the Community Challenge, which is a bonus.’

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Good turn

Ali, Swindon Scout CAUSE INDIAN ORPHANAGE RAISED £4,000 Ali, a 12-year-old Scout with the 18th Swindon Group, was left in a basket outside the Palna orphanage in Delhi when he was a baby. It was on a visit to the orphanage in 2006 with his adoptive parents, that he was inspired to raise funds for them. It’s taken three years of speeches about his visit, selling plants, making and selling cakes,

and organising charity dinners to raise the money. Ali said, ‘I wanted to go and see where I started my life. The staff told me that they were doing well but always needed money for better care. So I decided to help a few children have a better life. Many people think they can’t do anything. But you can make a difference in a small way and it’s important to do so. It’s a wonderful country and I’m proud I come from there.’

Ali, pictured here with Chief Scout Bear Grylls

‘Many people think they can’t do anything. But you can make a difference in a small way and it’s important to do so’

2nd Hucknall Scout Troop

CAUSE GREAT ORMOND STREET HOSPITAL RAISED £1,500 Scout Leader Ken Marshall believes in Scouts helping others in the community. He said, ‘I think it’s important for Scouts to do things for other charities. It takes away the “me” attitude and reminds us we need to look to the wider world. Ultimately, we depend on each other to live. ‘We did a big fundraiser for Great Ormond Street Hospital with a sponsored 48-hour Monopoly game. We played in shifts, taking turns to go to sleep. You certainly get sick of Monopoly after two days! Another time we bought two nebulisers for the local doctor’s surgery, doing things like sponsored hikes and sponsored swims.’

more info For fundraising ideas and support, visit www.scouts.org.uk/fundraising

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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orking together

for

g r e a t e r

i m p a c t 64 Scouting October/November 2009

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Health & wellbeing

There are two million people in the UK with significant sight loss. Melissa Green looks at what Scouting is doing to support members with a visual impairment

ver the last few years, the National Special Needs and college education for visually impaired pupils Team has made partnerships with specialist from across London and the South East, with the aim external organisations to increase the support we of enabling every pupil to fulfil their potential. The offer adults and young people with special needs. organisation realises its aim through individually tailored Our most recent partnership is with the Royal London plans for each student’s personal and academic learning. Society for the Blind (RLSB), whose aim is to raise awareness In addition, the organisation provides similarly tailored nationally of the issues facing young people and adults support and training to help blind and partially sighted with visual impairment, through education and information. people into employment. Like The Scout Association, the RLSB can trace its roots Although head office is located in London, the RLSB has back to one man and his vision to create social change. a wider mission to increase awareness of visual impairment This man was Thomas nationally, and it is looking Mark Lucas, who in 1838 to develop new ways of ‘The organisation remains true to set up the charity with the initiating positive change its founder’s spirit and ideals and mandate to ‘teach the within communities. As passionately believes in the notions blind to read’. Throughout a result it has offered to of social inclusion and maximised its history, the RLSB has develop programme ideas continued to evolve, and and adult support materials independence for those it works with’ today it offers acclaimed with The Scout Association education, training and employment services to visually to raise the profile of this area and to share good practice. impaired children, young people and adults. The RLSB specialist programmes organisation remains true to its founder’s spirit and ideals, The RLSB is currently developing a series of specialist and passionately believes in the notions of social inclusion programmes for Programmes Online (www.scouts.org.uk/ and maximised independence for those it works with. pol). This will help give adults an idea of how to share Education for the visually impaired these messages with young people. These will be The services the RLSB currently offers are based in published over the coming months. In the meantime, you Sevenoaks, Kent, and London. Sevenoaks is the base of may like to take a look at the RLSB website for specialist the educational campus, offering specialist nursery, school materials and information. Log on to www.rlsb.org.uk

The RLSB provides specialist support to young people with visual impairments

more info Tell us what support you need. We are always looking for new partnership opportunities with external organisations, so we want to know what you would like to know more about. Email the team at special.needs@scout.org.uk

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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OWN IT! Richard Winslade considers organised acts of worship in Scouting and gives his advice on making the most of a Scouts’ Own

uring the course of a year there will be a few occasions when young people from all sections come together for an act of worship. This may be a formal occasion such as St George’s Day, Founders’ Day or Remembrance Sunday. The other key times are more informal and are commonly known as Scouts’ Own services.

What is a Scouts’ Own? A Scouts’ Own service is an act of worship devised and presented by Scouts. In north London, Scout Leader Chris Nagle allows the Scouts’ Own to be devised spontaneously, with the Scouts choosing the theme, and picking readings and reflections from a collection he has built up over the years. Here are some tips for making your Own your own:

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Faiths & beliefs

Question of the month

Our Scout Troop has always had the tradition of saying prayers at the end of each meeting. We now have a more diverse Troop representing various religions. Should we still continue with this practice?

Do | Encourage the young people to do as much of the preparation and presentation of the service as possible. The amount of adult input will need to vary | Give the young people plenty of time, space and resources | Ensure that the service reflects the religious make-up of your group | Encourage imaginative worship | Make the Scouts’ Own fun to prepare, present and join in.

Have you asked the young people what they think? It could be that members of the various faiths can contribute their own prayers, or Patrols can work together on new ones. Have a Troop Forum to discuss this. You don’t have to change things too much to be inclusive. A good way forward would be to find a good resource of short readings and reflections from a variety of religious and secular texts, and use these at the close of meetings, with a moment to reflect on their meaning at the end. You can find recommended material in Programmes Online. Spiritual development in Scouting is broken down into four parts, and relationship ACTIVITY with God is only Run a game that your one aspect of section enjoys, but make it this. Supporting easier for some teams and harder for others. For example, use young people’s blindfolds or give one team more understanding equipment. At the end of the game of their sit down and have a discussion relationship with about what’s fair and what isn’t. God can be done This could lead to a wider in many ways and discussion about fairness Don’t | Present the prayer is just one in the world. young people with a of several. prepared service | Land the Scouts’ Own on the young people can you help? at the last minute. Poor preparation The Faiths and Beliefs Support leads to poor presentation | Use Team is looking for good examples of celebrations for material from only one faith | Make St George’s Day that reflect everything too stiff and stuffy | our diverse and activity-based Forget our Movement is all about Movement. Please send these challenge and adventure, and your to faiths.beliefs@scout.org.uk Scouts’ Own should reflect this. www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Let it rain!

There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad protection. Regatta’s range of outdoor clothing means you can enjoy the open air without getting wet

on’t be put off by the great British weather come autumn time. With the Regatta range of waterproof and breathable outerwear, available through outdoor retailers nationwide (and online), you can stay warm and dry and still brave the elements outside. Come October, the nights are drawing in and the weather starts to turn, but with Halloween and Bonfire Night around the corner, you’ll still want to be outside. With prices ranging from £25-£140, Regatta has an assortment of waterproof jackets to suit most pockets, especially important in the current economic climate. The Isotex/Isolite family of fabrics – from lightweight Isolite to high-performance Isotex 10,000 XPT – offers waterproof and windproof performance while keeping you comfortable by moving moisture vapour away from the skin. Fabrics and jackets are tested to high standards to ensure that you receive only the best quality. And what’s more, Regatta is the proud sponsor of the Scout Outdoor Challenge Badge. For more details on the full Regatta range, visit www.regatta.com

Did you know?

Regatta sponsors the Scout Outdoor Challenge Badge, which challenges every participating Scout to take an active part in a residential experience, preferably camping, for at least two nights to test their camping skills. Free skills cards containing recipes, tips and ideas to help Scouts achieve the badge can be downloaded from www.scouts.org.uk/ regatta. Alternatively, you can download them yourself to brush up your own skills.

68 Scouting October/November 2009

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Loads more offers online www.scouts.org.uk/shop www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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NEW PARTNER FOR SCOUTING

Microsoft is the latest company to come on board with the promise to benefit everyone in Scouting. The company’s Karina Gibson looks at what’s in store Microsoft believes in the power of technology and the impact it has in helping people to realise their potential. As a responsible business, we will be working with The Scout Association to promote safe use of the internet for young people and adults. As well as promoting internet safety, we bring the benefits of technology to leaders, Scouts and their families. Look out for a new resource for leaders coming soon, which will help you set up a low-cost website for your Scout Group.

ONE IN A MILLION Natural England challenges you to some outdoor adventures

As all Cubs and Scouts know, the great outdoors is the place to be. Natural England knows that too. We are responsible for looking after our natural environment, whether it’s in the centre of town or on the highest peak. One of our challenges is to get One Million Children Outdoors in the next three years, letting children and families reconnect with the natural world. There’s loads to do, from discovering England’s undersea landscapes to exploring a working

farm, photo competitions, music events and even healthy walks. To help us achieve our goals we’re encouraging Cubs and Scouts to undertake the Naturalist Activity Badge. And why not turn detective and join in the Great Nut Hunt (www.ptes. org/greatnuthunt) – a challenge to locate the homes of the sleepy hazel dormouse, one of England’s most threatened small mammals. Hundreds of people are already on the hunt, so get hold of your survey pack now.

Download free activities at www.scouts.org.uk/naturalengland Join in the challenge www.naturalengland.co.uk/millionchildren

72 Scouting October/November 2009

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Opinion Promos

TREASURE TROVE Hiker Badge sponsor Garmin gives three good reasons to join in the geocaching revolution SPECIAL OFFER Buy a new Garmin Oregon or Dakota (excl Dakota 10) and get a 50 per cent discount on one of the new Regional 1:50k GB Discoverer plug-in cards! Garmin now offers full UK coverage on a 1:50k scale OS Landranger map split into three regions: Scotland Northern England and Midlands Southern England and Wales Visit garmin.co.uk/garmin-gbdiscoverer for more details.

RESOURCES Garmin sponsors the Scout Hiker Activity Badge. Visit www.scouts. org.uk/garmin to download

the resource packs, learn more about how to use GPS or simply discover geocaching for yourself.

DISCOUNTS GPS and sat-nav company Garmin and the outdoor store Blacks are offering you ten per cent off the Garmin eTrex and GPS 60 range, plus a free book about GPS worth ÂŁ9.99!* Download your voucher at www.scouts.org.uk/garmin or cut out the voucher on this page and take it into any Blacks store. *Offer is not valid if used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Offer is valid while stocks last.

â&#x153; www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Isle of Man Adventure Holidays All package holidays in association with Travel Services (Isle of Man) Ltd. Wide range of land and water based activities. Fully catered or self catering Bunkhouses. Contact Simon Read, The Venture Centre, Maughold, Isle of Man, IM7 1AW Phone 01624 814240 Fax 01624 815615 www.adventure-centre.co.uk e-mail contact@adventure-centre.co.uk

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The project was founded in 1981 and in 2006 received the Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award for Voluntary Services. Our boats are based on the Grand Union Canal at Braunston, Northamptonshire. They provide the opportunity for young people from organised groups, including schools, groups working with the less able and disadvantaged, to experience the benefits of canal boating.

Tel: 0870 240 6724 Email: gh.lnbp@virgin.net www.lnbp.co.uk

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Competition Win fantastic prizes and take advantage of giveaways and discounts just for you!

offer & win DVD box set offer

Save up to 55 per cent on DVD box sets and get a FREE football or wine DVD on orders over £9.99 Kings Road Multi Media Ltd has teamed up with Scouting to offer you this amazing opportunity for huge savings on DVD box sets. From history and sport to documentary and music titles, there will be something for everyone. Some of the titles on offer: History | Warriors (3DVD), The Spying Game (3DVD), The Vietnam War (8DVD), The Icons of History Collection (8DVD). Sport | A History of Golf (2DVD), A History of Horseracing (2DVD), A History of Football (2DVD). Documentary | Nature’s Fury (3DVD), Kings of Construction (8DVD), Deadliest Catch (8DVD). Music | The Old Grey Whistle Test Vol 1 (2DVD), Led Zeppelin – Reunion Collector’s Box Set (2DVD). For details on the box sets available, savings, payment, delivery and full terms and conditions, visit www. kingsroadoffers.com or call 020 8482 1537.

WIN! Win half a day at Rockley Watersports for your entire Scout Group! Sailing specialist Rockley Watersports has 33 years’ experience in the watersports industry, with two UK centres in Dorset and three centres in south west France. Rockley Watersports at Poole Park is perfect for an action-packed day out for Scouts. Groups can try a range of waterbased activities from sailing and windsurfing to kayaking and bell-boating. It’s open from May to October, and the shallow water in the lake makes learning to sail safe and easy for all ages. If your group is feeling more adventurous head to Rockley Point, based at Poole Harbour, and learn to sail while enjoying spectacular views of the harbour. During the summer holidays, Scouts can try many of the activities on offer at the popular Summer Holiday Camps. They have the option of staying over in Rockley’s own residential accommodation at Rockley Point or can attend daily. Overseas group activity trips are also offered. So make a splash

with water-based activities at one of the Rockley centres in south west France. Scouting has teamed up with Rockley Watersports to offer one reader the chance to win a half-day at Poole Park to experience sailing, kayaking or bell-boating for your whole Group (see T&Cs below for group size). The winning Group also has the chance to write about its experience for the magazine. For information contact 01202 677272 or www.rockleywatersports.com

 Answer question to win

How many years’ experience does Rockley have? Simply send entries to info@rockleywatersports.com by 27 November 2009. TERMS & CONDITIONS: Prize is valid until September 2010, to be taken at Poole Park in Dorset by a maximum of 32 Scouts/Cubs. Activities include sailing, kayaking or bell-boating only. Winner will be contacted by Rockley to book a suitable, available date. Half a day can be taken 10am-12.30pm or 1.30pm-4pm, depending on availability. Prize is non-transferable but can be upgraded to a full day.

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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Round our place

It’s been a busy year at the HO\ of 11th Eastbourne Scouts. As their refurbished hall re-opens, Mark Osborne reflects that a cheeky question can go a long way

ast September I received a phone call from my Group Scout Leader. He was rather excited, having noticed that the fence of a construction firm doing some work locally would be ideal to use at our local campsite (he’s a warden there). He gave me a contact number: ‘Would you like to see if you can “procure” it?’

Spotting the potential Possessing the gift of the gab, I thought I’d have a go. I phoned the number and spoke to Laureen, the Community Investment Manager at Apollo Homes, who were doing the work at a local school. It quickly became clear that the fence was a no-go, but we carried on talking and Laureen suggested we could form

Ask and you will receive a partnership. We met at our HQ, and when she saw the state that the building was in, she was in utter disbelief! She took photos, helped with a grant application and said she’d be in touch.

Application granted Three months later word came through that Apollo would fund work on the kitchen and toilets. By May the picture had changed significantly: we had a project manager, a surveyor and a plan to fit new toilets with disabled access, rebuild the ceiling and fit a new kitchen. The builders donated their time as part of the firm’s commitment to the community, and the grant covered all the parts and equipment. We moved out of the building, meeting instead at the District campsite, running an improvised programme of outdoor skills in the woods. The Scouts loved it!

Over the next six weeks Apollo Homes and its partners worked endlessly on our HQ and delivered over and above our wildest dreams. They rewired, fitted, tiled, glazed, landscaped and redecorated so that our meeting place was barely recognisable. It was completed efficiently and with real care, and before I knew it I was phoning round to organise a grand re-opening. As the County Commissioner cut the tape, we gave Group badges to the contractors. Many came up to me and said they’d never got a badge before, and how they wished they’d been Scouts. It all started with a phone call to a local building firm. The moral is that if you ask, and are cheeky enough, you will get. I admit we landed on our feet, but at least we didn’t sit on the fence (which my GSL still reminds me we never managed to get!).

11th Eastbourne enjoying their new facilities

Tell us

If you’d like us to come round your place, drop us a line at scouting. magazine@ scout.org.uk

www.scouts.org.uk/magazine

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classified

Appropriate Scout Association authorisation is required by leaders and adults running activities and events, even when using products and equipment supplied by commercial companies. Inclusion in this listing does not imply endorsement by The Scout Association.

suppliers WOVEN, EMBROIDERED & METAL BADGES, GROUP NECKERCHIEFS, SHIRTS AND LEATHER ITEMS, INCLUDING WOGGLES. World Jamboree Unit, District, County, Group, Anniversary and Event badges manufactured to your requirements. GROUP NECKERCHIEFS and embroidered polo and sweatshirts also available. Send your design for an instant quotation to:

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78 Scouting October/November 2009

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SUPPLIErs

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• Group tuition • Windsurﬁng, Canoeing, Sailing, Archery, Raft Building • Camping, Café, Bar, Disco, Games room

Croft Farm Leisure & Water Park Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 7EE 01684 772321 E-mail: tom@croftfarmleisure.co.uk

Alfrey Activity Centre - BROADWATER Indoor and Outdoor Accommodation All Year On Site Activities - Absieling, Climbing, Air Riﬂes, Archery, Assault Course, Crate Stacking, Trampolines, Aerial Runway, Greasy Pole, Go Karts, and Pond Dipping. Located near the centre of England, between Birmingham and Coventry. Close to several major motorways.

More details can be found at:

www.broadwatersc.co.uk 07914 596233

Looking for a base to explore Snowdonia? Look no further!

Visit ‘The Old School Lodge’ - Deiniolen Four miles from Llanberis and the foot of Snowdon this Scout owned and managed lodge is suitable for all ages. The centre can accommodate up to 38 people in 8 en-suite bunk rooms and 2 twin bedded rooms. Resident warden. For details on prices and a booking form visit out site:

www.oldschoollodge.org.uk or contact the booking secretary on 0151 677 5703

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CAMPING DIRECTORY Burton upon Trent

Needwood Forest Scout Campsite Centrally heated, fully equipped, 28 bed building, plus 2 acres woodland & 2 acres field. Central to Peak District National Park. Cannock Chase, Alton Towers, Waterworld, Drayton Manor Park, Snowdome and Twycross Zoo.

For full details telephone Brian Reeves 01283 546536 Email needwoodforest@talktalk.net

MIDLANDS

‘RUNWAYS END’ Scout Activity Centre

Camping Pack holidays, brick building with showers/disabled facilities, on-site activities, climbing/abseiling, shooting, archery, cave experience, camping circle, chapel, canoeing on canal nearby, Scout shop, pedal carts.

‘EXTRA FIVE ACRES OF CAMPING, CAN FACILITATE GROUPS FROM 200-300 PERSONS. Also a new Modular Building (online soon)available (sleeps 30-40 people)’ Many local attractions. Contact: Mrs Ann Hall Blackwater Valley, Booking Secretary 19, Guildford Road West, Farnborough, Hants GU14 6PS Tel: (01252) 515767 Email: hall.scout@tesco.net

ACTIVITIES & CAMPING

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Association of Scout & Guide CentresCentres Association of Scout & Guide

'Campsites a click 'Campsites justjust a click away'away'

www.asgc.org.uk www.asgc.org.uk

Broadstone Warren

Scout Site & Activity Centre www.broadstonewarren.org.uk

GRADBACH SCOUT CAMP

Farmhouse, Cottage & Camping Located in the beautiful Peak District Ideal for Walking, Climbing, Caving & Alton Towers See our website at: www.gradbachscoutcamp.org.uk

HOLIDAYS Canal Boat Scouting Holidays Willow Wren, Rugby Wharf, Consul Rd, Rugby, CV21 1PB Phone 01788 562183 narrowboats@ willowwren.co.uk www.willowwren.co.uk Hire one or more of our purpose-built 12 berth boats from our RUGBY base in the Heart of England. All tuition given free or RYA Helmsman courses are available from Willow Wren Training Full RYA certiﬁcation available wwren@btconnect.com

BEAUDESERT PARK 124 acres of parkland adjoining Cannock Chase Country Park, Staffordshire. Camping for 1000 people, 37 different woodland sites. Modern toilet facilities with hot water and free showers. 6 accommodation buildings catering from 12 to 24, fully equipped and heated. Activities include Hiking, Archery, Climbing Wall, Orienteering, Pioneering, Rafting, Low Ropes, Abseiling, Zip Wire, Crate stacking, Tree Climbing, Jacobs Ladder, Go Karts, Indoor Games Room, Crafts.

FOR HIRE CUMBRIA- KESWICK SCOUT GROUP HALL FOR HIRE Do you want to visit Keswick with your young people or as Leaders? Keswick Scout Group Hall is in the centre of Keswick and is available for hire. Fully equipped new kitchen, new toilets and shower. The price is £6:00 per person per night. You will be given a very warm welcome For further details contact: Claudia Walker 1st Keswick Scout Group GSL (claudia.walker@uk.fujitsu.com) Phone: 07867 830092

MANUFACTURERS AND RETAILERS

Many nearby offsite attractions. Ideal for D of E Expeditions.

www.completeoutdoors.co.uk For all you outdoor gear & uniform visit our on line store. For Group purchases contact ian@completeoutdoors.co.uk for the best prices. Tel 01296 663848

Chck Availability and Book On-line @ www.beaudesert.org

www.glasgowscoutshop.com Equipping you for your Scouting adventures!

Brochure: info@beaudesert.org Telephone: 01543 682278 Fax: 01543 682623

HOLIDAYS www.jeka-groupholidays.co.uk Widest range of Summer Camps available to 10 different European destinations by coach or air.

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Last laugh by Ian West

Look! Over there, through the valley, to the right of the rocks under the pine trees… it’s a fish and chip shop

How can you say you don’t like it? You can’t even tell what it is…

You said we should ‘construct a shelter using natural materials’, and it just so happens that this tent is 100 per cent cotton

I suppose we could eat the blackberries. But how do we know if they’ve reached their ‘sell-by’ date?

‘…and then, using a magnifying glass to direct the sun’s rays you will find that the dry tinder will ignite instantly’

If these are the solid fuel tablets, then I’ve just tried to light the stove with Kendal Mint Cake

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