Scouting AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2009
g n i t u o c S 9 tember 200 August/Sep
HOW TO LIGHT A FIRE BEAR GRYLLS
Our role today
IS THE RECESSION GOOD FOR SCOUTING? .uk/magazi scouts.org
ne
My life in Scouting PETER DUNCAN
FRESH START
CAMP RECIPES
TAKE TO THE WATER | Inspiration for your adventures
Build yourself a cardboard oven
LOOK AHEAD Fresh ideas for the new term
SCOUTS.ORG.UK/MAGAZINE
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SCOUTING
PRINTED ON
Scouting Editors: Chris James, Hilary Galloway and Elis Matthews Work Experience: Samuel Coopey 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)
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WELCOME
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
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 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 Chief Scout Bear Grylls has made his name as an explorer, writer and TV presenter. He now joins the Scouting editorial team with his series on survival skills on page 24. Peter Duncan was Chief Scout from 2004 to 2009. This August he entertains at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. We say thank you and farewell on page 20. 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!
PAPER
A change for the better Wouldn’t it be dull if Scouting stayed the same? Locally and nationally, September brings a fresh start for the Movement and there are also some fresh ideas for the magazine itself. To help you focus on new ways to look at Scouting, we’ve got some great suggestions, from picking up a new skill, to topping up your training and engaging young people in the way you plan and deliver Scouting locally. It all starts on page 30. We also bring you pictures of the historic handover between Peter Duncan and Bear Grylls that took place earlier in the summer. And we already have an insight into Bear’s refreshing style – he recently flagged down a Scout minibus and insisted on chatting to all Scouts on board. Spontaneous, inspiring and encouraging – things we’ve come to expect from the new Chief. At the same time, we celebrate some of Peter Duncan’s ‘best bits’ from the last five years on page 20, along with his personal reflections. As ever, we look forward to meeting many of you at this year’s Gilwell Reunion on 4-6 September, where there’s a chance to have your say in how the magazine moves forward. And just to prove we are not afraid to challenge ourselves either, look out for the next issue when, for the second time, we hand the magazine over to a group of young people. Let’s be flexible in the way we welcome new volunteers, and don’t be afraid to try new things. In the words of John May, a member of the World Scout Committee, ‘Good Scouting always looks different; bad Scouting always looks the same.’
Chris James
Three things to do this issue
1 Book your place at Gilwell Reunion | www.scouts.org.uk/reunion 2 Enrol in Bear Grylls’ Survival School | on page 24 3 Encourage your Scouts to develop their leadership skills | at www.scouts.org.uk/takingthelead
82,875 average circulation from Jan to Dec 2008.
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Contents
44 REGULARS 8 Correspondence 10 News | News, events, campaigns and updates 24 How to | Bear Grylls’ fire-lighting lesson 29 Camp recipes | Cooking on a cardboard oven 39 country diary | Inside a well-stocked survival kit 44 go international | Sweden’s turn to host the World Scout Jamboree 56 group in focus | 1st Teddington Scouts 64 Health & wellbeing | Flexibility is key for the Special Needs Team 66 Faiths & Beliefs | The support available to you 68 Scout shops | Sale now on! 77 round our place | Scouting editor goes back to where it all began 82 last laugh
FEATURES 18 Handover | Bear Grylls’ inauguration on 11 July 20 peter duncan celebration | The outgoing Chief Scout on five years of fun 30 Time for a change | Take a fresh look at how your Group or section is run 37 Info Centre | Celebrating ten years of helping people
40 Upside of the downturn | Scouting through the recession 46 State of nation survey | A look at Scouting’s role today 50 The Water way | Journeys by water throughout the British Isles
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CONTENTS adult support
58 Everybody in | Is Scouting accessible to all? 63 Fresh start for Fellowships | Two new national fellowships
68
opinion
7 UK chief commissioner | Wayne Bulpitt on thinking differently
competition 75 WIN | Bear Grylls box set DVDs
In THE SUPPLEMENTS beaver scouts Ideas for the new Scouting term and out-of-this-world crafts | CUBS Helping Cubs continue their Scouting journey, and puzzling puzzles | scouts Get to grips with the Expedition Challenge, from tent pitching to navigation | Explorers Games to make meetings fun, and how to make your Unit more inclusive | network One hundred things to do before you leave Network | Focus Your role in converting want-to-join enquiries, and the real cost of Scouting All available at scouts.org.uk/magazine
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Opinion
Focus on flexibility For me, even 40 years later, I still have vivid memories of counting down the days to my eighth birthday so that I could join the local Cub Pack in Warsash
I Wayne Bulpitt, UK Chief Commissioner
young people, remembering that, on cannot imagine how disappointed average, at least one of their parents I would have been to have been will be willing to assist you? You know told I couldn’t join because they better than I do that it’s all about having had no places. As we embark a flexible approach – and offering on another Scouting year, I would like volunteering opportunities that fit around us all to make a focused effort to the time and talents people have to offer. significantly reduce the number of young Remember, people on our success breeds joining lists. ‘It’s all about having a flexible success, and But we can approach – and offering the more young only do this volunteering opportunities people that join, if we begin that fit around the time and the more parents to think a little talents people have to offer’ you are likely to differently. Why have available not try some to help. But you will only find out if you creative ideas that have proved successful invite them to assist. I look forward to for others? I’ve known Groups who meet hearing your stories and questions. alternate weeks so twice as many young people can join. You could split your contact leadership team if you have enough Email Wayne at ukcc@scout.org.uk or support, but continue to programme-plan write to him at The Scout Association, together, or even do your Scouting at the Gilwell Park, Chingford E4 7QW weekend. Could you add another four www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 7
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Agree? Disagree? Not what you want to see in Scouting? Send your views to Scouting
STAR LETTER
correspondence Paper-free Scouting?
We are now in the thick of the camping season. Every other weekend is taken up with Group, District or County camps. Added into the mix are competitions, hiking, camping and survival skills. The camps I can cope with, but the amount of duplicate paperwork required for each event is horrendous. Scouting has always prided itself on its ‘green’ credentials. Why is it then that we insist on so much paperwork? Kevin Greene Response from Barney Poulton, Programme and Development Adviser: The good news is we’ve really cut down on the paperwork required to run activities. You can now cover multiple events with one form. We don’t require health or permission forms for each event. And it’s possible to get shooting permission from parents for multiple events in one go. In addition, Permission to Camp forms no longer exist and Nights Away Notification forms can be sent by email/text/ phone to save paper.
Walking back Thanks for the last issue, probably the best so far. It is terrific to see Bear Grylls as our new Chief with his profile and sense of adventure. I also really liked the rambles feature and there were some absolute star walks. I often organise walks for a small group of families. Do you have any online forums where I can post my suggestions? Paul Brelsford, Beaver Scout Leader, Copmanthorpe, York
Sharing wider I removed the front cover and pages 18-22 of the June/July issue and laminated them for our Explorers to see. I feel that with such a powerful message other audiences should see Bear’s comments too. Anne Barnes
Knife work Whatever happened to the first Scout Law: a Scout is to be trusted – that is to carry and use a knife safely? I allow my Scouts to bring a knife to meetings, but with their parent’s permission. They are taught how to use it correctly and risk losing it if they use it inappropriately. If you teach young people to respect knives they will value them as a tool. If you treat knives as dangerous implements they may never feel comfortable with them and that is a great loss. Sheila Burgin, Scout Leader, Sevenoaks
‘What an excellent choice for a Chief Scout. Bear is truly an inspiration. He has a real zest for life and makes you want to get out and do things’
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e
Feedback
magazine, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW or scouting.magazine@scout.org.uk YOUR VERDICT
New UK leadership team
Crisply put
What an inspired choice and a great idea of a partnership team at the ‘top’. Wayne with a strong Scouting background (and still young!) and Bear as the face of Scouting. Thank you to Peter Duncan for setting the path into the 21st century. RN
In ‘Can Conkers Keep Out Spiders? (April/May issue, page 44) you recommend using empty crisp packets to light campfires – but this is a mistake as a lot of packets are synthetic. I still have a scar after over 40 years to prove it! Mrs B Preston Editor’s response Thank you for this important clarification.
What an excellent choice for a Chief Scout. Bear is truly an inspiration. He has a real zest for life and makes you want to get out and do things, which is why have I have chosen to do the Three Peaks Challenge! Matt, Phoenix Explorer Scout Unit, Aylesford The Council has taken an imaginative step in confirming Bear Grylls as our new Chief Scout. Perhaps, when his term of office ends, a future Council will decide to elect an equally inspiring successor to give leadership to the Movement during her term of office. John Beresford
I will survive! My Scouts (64th Bushey and Oxhey) are SO excited about Bear Grylls being Chief Scout. They were talking about it, saying, ‘How cool is that?’ They love survival camps and would be really up for learning more and improving their skills. We have just got back from a camp at Broadstone Warren – see picture below! Lucy Clutton Editor’s response We’re pleased to say that starting on page 24 of this issue is a series of Bear Gryll’s own survival tips – enjoy!
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
I saw our new Chief Scout on the news this morning, and what an impact. It was great how he stressed the need for more leaders – we all know this is the priority. Sue Cranswick Editor’s response Thanks for all your views on the new team. Remember, you can comment on all our news stories on www.scouts.org.uk at any time.
64th Bushey and Oxhey on a survival camp at Broadstone Warren
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Keep up to date with all the latest local and national Scouting news
news
Northern Ireland news
Cubs just want to have fun The 6th Londonderry (Eglinton) Cubs are no novices when it comes to having fun. Camping at Downhill near the north coast proved to be an action-packed event and the Cubs agreed it was the best camp ever. Backwoods cooking, orienteering, archery and compass work filled the day and the Cubs were still wide awake to enjoy the campfire singalong in the evening. Ellen and Kate, pictured here at the Castle near the camp, are looking forward to the next one.
Short-term investment service Monthly rate after deduction of Management Commission. April 2009 May 2009
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News
Want more? Visit www.scouts.org.uk/news
NATIONAL NEWS
Free property advice
NCVO has partnered with The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Charity Finance Directors’ Group (CFDG) to launch Charity Property Help, a service through which Chartered Surveyors will provide your organisation with free advice on all property-related issues. There are 103 property firms across the UK who have registered to offer their advice, including Savills and Alder King. For more information, visit www.charitypropertyhelp.com. Unity Insurance, with 90 years’ experience of offering insurance to Scouting, has a free property valuation service and offers competitive insurance with discounts added for larger groups. Find out more at www.unityins.co.uk NATIONAL NEWS
World Scout Jamborees – tell us your story A DVD of the history of World Scout Jamborees is currently being prepared. The producers would like to get a recorded message from anyone who attended the 1929, 1933, 1947 or the 1951 events. If you are interested, please contact Dave Andrews on 01553 672903 or email andrews12@btinternet.com
NATIONAL NEWS
Training Videos Discount Take advantage of discounted Training Videos if you’re looking for further training for your leaders and helpers. Modules 1, 6 and 7 Training Videos are available for only £1 each, plus postage. Order from the Online Catalogue at www.scouts.org.uk/infocentre (Search for: 01VID, 06VID, 07VID)
Calendar of events SEPTEMBER 11 13 Awesome Taking place at Glanusk Park, Powys, booking for this event for Explorers from all over the UK closes on 14 August so there’s just time to join in. Visit www. scoutswales.org.uk 27 28 Birthday Bash Downe Activity Centre is 80 years old and you’re invited to join in the celebrations. A programme of activities is planned over the weekend. Contact downe.activity.centre@ scout.org.uk for details.
OCTOBER 17 18 JOTA & JOTI The 52nd Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) and the 13th Jamboree On The Internet (JOTI) have a supporting activities theme. Find out more and get involved at www.scout.org/jota and www.joti.org 30 01 (Nov) Mad Mystery at Hawkhirst Calling Scouts and Explorers who are brave enough to take part in a spooky mystery deep in the forest. Phone the Activity Centre on 01434 250217 or email hawkhirst.activity. centre@scout.org.uk
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Keep up to date with all the latest local and national Scouting news
WIN
Feedback to win a Garmin GPS We would like to hear from you about your Big Adventure this summer. Visit www.scouts.org.uk/ thebigadventure and complete the questionnaire to be in with a chance to win one of 250 Garmin Handheld GPS devices.
REGIONAL NEWS
All sett for Kew’s badgers Become a badger in The Royal Botanic Gardens’ human-sized badger sett by making your way through a warren of tunnels to the food stores and sleeping chambers. This is just one of the fun-packed activities taking place at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey, this autumn to celebrate Kew’s 250th anniversary. The real badgers are at their most active during the autumn, building up reserves for the coming winter. Other events taking place are self-guided Bark Trails, and arts and crafts activities in the Climbers and Creepers play area. For more information, visit www.kew.org/msbp
NATIONAL NEWS
Book now for new-look Reunion ’09 The annual Reunion at Gilwell Park has been revamped. Taking place on 4, 5 and 6 September you have to book in advance. It’s a great time for adult Members to meet old friends and share ideas at the bases and workshops. Call 0845 300 1818 or visit www.scouts.org.uk/reunion for details. SCOUTS SPECIAL OFFER
Half-price Virgin Balloon Flights Virgin Balloon Flights are offering Scouts and Scout Association supporters fantastic Adventure Packages (RRP £295 per person) for half price – just £147.50 per person. The three-to-four hour experience includes an hour-long hot air balloon flight from one of 100+ launch sites in England, Scotland and Wales, Champagne (or soft drink) toast, certificate signed by Sir Richard Branson, and an exclusive Virgin gift pack with shoulder bag, binoculars, cap, pen, key ring and Bloc sunglasses
(RRP £35) in black. Also, £5 from every balloon ride sold will go to The Scout Association. Buy your flights at www. virginballoonflights.co.uk or call 0871 663 0016 and quote offer code ‘Scouts’. Terms and conditions apply. Virgin’s balloon rides have no age limit but minimum height is 4ft 6 and under-16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
1/2 price Adventure of a lifetime!
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News
Want more? Visit www.scouts.org.uk/news
Eilen Donan Castle in Scotland lies at the meeting point of three sea lochs (Duich, Alsh and Long) and is one of Great Britain’s most emblematic visitor attractions
SCOTLAND NEWS
Picking up praise
CYMRU NEWS
Making a splash all year round The Water Activities team of the Welsh Scout Council run canoeing and sailing events throughout the year. The annual River Wye Canoe Cruise attracted 213 paddlers from groups across the country. Held over three days, the event was a mix of flat water and rapids with camping overnight. Other events include the River Severn Canoe Cruise and sailing on Lake Bala. The Drascombe sailing boat has been a great success in introducing Scouts to the sport.
Almost 60,000 volunteers took part in the National Spring Clean campaign this year as part of the Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB) programme of initiatives. Playing their part were the Beavers and Cubs from the Edinburgh-based 51st Balerno Scout Group who received praise for their efforts from Chief Executive of KSB, John Summers.
Homecoming 2009 Homecoming Scotland 2009, created to mark the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns’ birth, continues to support a feast of events in the second half of the year. Join in or just watch the monster Baxter Loch Ness Marathon, get stuck into the World Porridge Making Championship, visit the exciting Borders Hill Rally or marvel at the Enchanted Forest sound and light show. Full details at www. homecomingscotland2009.com www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 13
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News
UPDATES
Want more? Visit www.scouts.org.uk/news
Your one-stop shop for new and amended factsheets, resources and rules
Minibus permits There has been a change to the Minibus Permits issued by The Scout Association on behalf of the DVLA. The changes have been introduced by VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) to streamline the administrative system and guard against system abuse. The new permits have an expiry date of five years from the issue date. Oldstyle permits (brown) are still valid, but will expire in April 2014, and a new one will need to be ordered from the Information Centre. There has been no change to the ordering of new permits. Visit www.scouts.org. uk/scoutbase and search under HQ publications for an application form.
Updated factsheets FS120084 | Scout-Led Activities Index
NATIONAL news
Jimmy Buses hit the road
Comedian Harry Hill recently launched the first two Jimmy Buses in memory of schoolboy Jimmy Mizen who was murdered last year. The vehicles were purchased entirely with donations to the Jimmy Mizen Foundation and will be used by Scouts and young people to take part in activities and camps across the UK. Both buses are based in the south London area and Jimmy’s parents, Barry and Margaret (pictured), are hoping to continue to raise funds to get more Jimmy Buses on the road.
FS320010 | Managing a Safe Scout Premises FS295101 | Scouting in the United Kingdom FS185078 | Integrated Section
Walk right back | In our walking feature in the
June/July issue we mentioned the Ystradfellte Youth Hostel. Unfortunately, this hostel has now closed but alternatives are Brecon, Llanddeusant and Llwyn y Celyn. Our thanks to Norman Godfrey, GSL, Tadley Scouts, for his suggestions.
NATIONAL news
Keeping the programme relevant We have all been young, but many of us do not know what it is like to be a young person in 2009. An online questionnaire has been set up to ask the important question: ‘Is our programme meeting the needs of young people today?’ We want to know what our Members, both young and adults, think the needs of today’s young
people are. Questions such as ‘What does the Promise mean to you?’ are also posed. Scouting is built on the needs of young people. The needs influence how Scouting expresses itself and what it does. Use this questionnaire as an opportunity for you and those you work with to influence the future of your Movement. Complete the survey at www.scouts.org.uk/relevant www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 15
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News
Want more? Visit www.scouts.org.uk/news
a guide to scouts.org.uk
Magnus, Liam and Matt get ready for their North Sea adventure
National news
Three go to Denmark Copenhagen is the destination for three Scout Leaders striving to complete their Queen’s Scout Award by getting on their bikes. On leaving Dover, Magnus Kelly, Liam O’Donohue and Matt Green will cycle through six countries, travelling 1,000 miles in two weeks, following the North Sea Cycle Route. Their aim is to look at different public cycling schemes in place along the route which may help further similar projects in the UK. On their return they hope to have enough energy to pedal to the Houses of Parliament to meet with their local MP. The team would like to thank Cotswold Outdoor for their considerable help with equipment to send them on their way.
Events
Hoodies, binge drinkers, future leaders? Youth Members and their Group Leaders have an opportunity to have their say about the needs of young people, with special Scout sessions being held at party conferences with policymakers and politicians. To register and receive details, email citizen@scout.org.uk stating which party’s conference you’d like to attend. Liberal Democrats | The Hermitage Hotel, Bournemouth, 20 Sept, 12-2pm Labour Party | Brighton, venue tbc, 27 Sept Conservative Party | Mechanics Institute, Manchester, 5 Oct, 6-8pm
/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 /thebigadventure resources and FAQs related to this summer’s Big Adventure /waterways directory of UK waterways /kandersteg International Scout Centre /summerholidays parents’ holiday survival guide Please note: we are in the advanced stages of building a new, fully integrated website, which will deliver content specific to your role.
Beaver Scout Tragedy |
Many of you will have heard in the media of the sad death of Beaver Scout, Alan Lock. Alan was taking part in an organised trip along the river bank in Sudbury, Suffolk, when he fell into the river and drowned. Our thoughts and prayers are with Alan’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
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‘My late dad said two things matter in life: follow your dreams and look after your friends. This is what I love about Scouting: camaraderie, achievement and 24-hour madness!’
Bear Grylls and Peter Duncan’s emotional bear hug, heralding the start of a new era for Scouting
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ear Grylls officially became the Chief Scout of the United Kingdom on Saturday 11 July – cheered on by nearly 3,000 Explorer Scouts. The official handover between Peter Duncan (Chief Scout from 2004-2009) and Bear took place at 9.30am at Gilwell 24, an adventure camp for 14-18 year olds. An explosion of purple and green pyrotechnics signalled the beginning of an emotionally charged handover that heralded the start of a new era for Scouting. ‘It’s been an extraordinary five years,’ Peter told the crowds after accepting the thanks of Mike Gooderson, Scouting’s Chairman. ‘When you start off in life, you don’t expect to be Chief Scout.’ While the rain held off, Peter called for some hush before leading Bear through the Promise. Rather than just a handshake, the two exchanged a ‘bear hug’ in a great show of friendship, unity and continuity. Bear struck a highly personal note in his acceptance speech: ‘My late dad said two things matter in life: follow your dreams and look after your friends. This is what I love about Scouting: camaraderie, achievement and 24-hour madness! It’s about doing great things, enjoying great adventures and helping others to do the same.’ Looking ahead to his time as Chief, it was clear that Bear is not afraid to speak up for young people. ’When people come up to me and say, “Young people today...” I say, “You don’t see what I see. I see 3,000 people full of fun, adventure and excitement.” I’m so proud to wear B-P’s Silver Wolf, but more importantly, the scarf. Good luck and God speed.’
Chief Scout handover
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t ’ n a c I ! w e ‘Ph n e e b s ’ t i e v belie five years!’
and Thanks for all the fun adventure – you’ve been the with me every step of s way. Peter Duncan look back on his time as Chief Scout
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Peter Duncan celebration
Peter rejoins the Blue Peter team in 2007 to celebrate Scouting’s Centenary; with the Everest Expedition in 2007 – Peter climbed to 6,100m with the Scouts; clowning at Reunion; with the late Sir Edmund Hillary; with Her Majesty the Queen at the unveiling of a bronze bust at Baden-Powell House in May 2008
in the ed I would be en. in g a im r e v e ‘I n oft er Majesty so company of H aiting the unveiling w Here we are a Frances Segelman’ y b e tu of her sta
‘Giving B-P’s st a makeover at a tue the Red Nose Day very early pho at Baden-Pow toshoot ell the Scouts stil House. Five years later l su all kinds of im pport Comic Relief in aginative way s’
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At Glastonbury 2009 with the family; at Scoutabout; wearing my coat of many badges at LIVE07; on Brownsea for the Sunrise 2007; in the Blue Peter studio with Scouts all those years ago – I did not know what the future had in store!
‘Always ready to do my bit with the media, it helps when you are surrou nde by smiling, happy young people. We d were outside Downing Street where we had constructed an adventure par k’
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Peter Duncan celebration
nds I’ve ‘I’ll never forget the friece lebrated made. Together, we’veting, the Centenary of Scou Scout the biggest-ever Worldt Scouting Jamboree and have se re. Good on the road to adventu k you’ luck to you all and than
Into the future: Peter will continue to support Scouting as a Vice-President of the Association
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eat outdoor ders ready to provide gr lea t ge to ion iss m n, t’s rvival School. First lesso Su As part of the Chief Scou ls yl Gr ar Be e th at g e openin of the gods adventures, the doors ar survival, fire is the gift to es m co it n he w , ns ai pl fire-lighting. As Bear ex
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How to
A
s Scouts we are more in tune than most to the possibilities of the outdoors. However, I often hear people refer to the natural world as ‘wilderness’, as if nature is somehow wild and unkempt, out of control and confused. But it is not. In fact, the more I learn about the natural world, the more I realise that nature is the one part of life that actually has order; when you look under the surface of a plant or at bugs, you see a silent world, forever moving, growing, changing. The irony is that our man-made world is the real ‘wilderness’. Wherever you look there is disunity and a lack of purpose: on the big scale, as nation is pitted against nation; and on the small, as companies pollute rivers and individuals dump rubbish on roadsides. This is the real ‘wilderness’ and disharmony in our lives. In nature, however, there is none of this; there is no greed, no waste, no envy. And it is in this nature that the real miracles of life occur. It is only when I return to these ‘wilds’ of nature that I find my own spirit comes alive. I begin to feel that rhythm within me, my senses become attuned to what is all around; I start to see in the dark, to distinguish the smells of the forest, to discern the east wind from the westerly. The more I see of our world, the more I am amazed. People often say the world is so small. Yet, time and time again, I am surprised at just how huge and diverse and powerful it is. And you know what I think is one of nature’s greatest indulgences? The lone, hidden flower in the middle of a jungle, which no eye will ever see. I hope these lessons in survival skills and Scoutcraft encourage you to explore, and begin to understand and enjoy the indulgences nature has provided. Use them as a guide but, above all, use your God-given natural spirit. It might need some dusting off, but it will always be there for you, and life is richer when we spend time in its company. www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 25
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LESS1ON #
e r i f a t h g i l o t w Ho
Campfires and cooking
Tinder, kindling and fuel
A camp without a campfire is like a home without a heart. It’s the place where everyone gathers to create the magical sense of ‘togetherness’ that makes camping unique. The discovery of how to create fire at will was one of early man’s greatest discoveries. The invention of the proverbial wheel was pretty amazing too, but if pushed I know which I would choose in a tight corner. In fact, there are still remote parts of the world where man lives without the wheel. Not so without fire. Since time immemorial, fire has been seen as the gift of the gods, the earthly manifestation of the divine spark. If you decide to make a campfire with no artificial aids like matches or firelighters, divide up responsibilities so that some of you are collecting tinder, kindling and fuel for the wood-stack while the others are clearing a site and building the fire. Keep your campfire area well away from trees, undergrowth, tents, sleeping bags and anything else that might catch a stray spark and smoulder away.
There are three distinct ingredients that your fire will need if it is not to die before it has even started. These are tinder, kindling and fuel. The difference between them is simple: their relative tendency to easy and rapid combustion. But one without the correct amounts of the other two combined with the right quantities of heat and oxygen will be absolutely useless. A good source of tinder is the key to a good fire. Your tinder will need to ignite at the slightest provocation, so wool or strips of camera film can be very useful to keep in a survival kit. Otherwise you will need to gather whatever is available, which must be fine, fibrous and bone dry. Dry grasses and leaves, pine needles or dried fungi – like the King Alfred’s cakes which grow on dead ash trees – all make excellent tinder in the right (dry) condition. If the ground is damp, look for tinder in the nooks and branches of trees where it will be drier, or use scrapings from
TYPES OF FIRE Some campfires are better for cooking and some for gathering around for a sing-song. Cooking fires need a solid surrounding structure that will keep pots and pans steady.
A fire for cooking will need to burn down reasonably flat so that a cooking pot can easily be laid on top of the embers. Laying logs at right angles to one another is
usually the best method. In wet or cold weather, all fires benefit from a platform of small logs or rocks to keep out the dampness of the ground.
Tepee fire
Criss-cross fire
Layers of small logs at right angles to one another throw out a lot of heat and settle well into a deep layer of embers that are perfect for cooking. Place some logs or stones on either side to support your cooking equipment.
These are shaped like a Native American tepee with the main fuel source built in a tripod around the tinder kindling inside. The flames will lick up through the central chamber like the draw of a well-ventilated chimney. Tepee fires provide a lot of light, but can burn quickly and their shape is not ideal for cooking.
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How to
the inside of silver birch bark, which will take a spark even when wet. Kindling is the part of the fire that will burn once the tinder has caught, and should be of small, dry twigs. You can make fire-sticks by whittling back the bark of small sticks so there is more surface area to take the flame. The main fuel should be of larger pieces of wood. Hardwoods like beech, oak, holly, ash and silver birch burn slowly and very hot and are good for cooking food. Softwoods like conifers, cedar, chestnut and sycamore burn quicker but give out more light. Avoid willow, which is often damp and doesn’t burn well.
FLAME? HAS THIS KINDLED A This lesson is taken from Bear Grylls’ best-selling books Born Survivor and Great Outdoor Adventures, published by Channel 4 Books and available from any good bookseller. For more advice on what wood to choose, see the Scout Skills Cards, Scout Handbook (www. scouts.org.uk/shop) or the factsheet The Burning Properties of Wood (FS315001) available from the Scout Information Centre (www.scouts.org.uk/infocentre).
Trench fire
Reflectors
This is an excellent alternative in high winds. Dig a trench about 30cm deep and wide, and a metre long, which should be lined with stones. These can be buried later and will provide a source of ground heat all night long. Be careful not to use wet, porous rocks, like sandstone, and avoid any rocks near water, as they can explode.
Placing a screen, either made of wood or rock, on the side of the fire can act as a windbreak, as well as reflecting heat back towards the fire and the group sitting around it.
Keyhole fire
A campfire built of stones in the outline of a keyhole can be adapted to both cooking and sitting around. Build a tepee fire of softwood in the top part of the keyhole and use the lower end as a platform for cooking, with a criss-cross fire of hardwood. I like this one – it looks great and works well!
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Camp cooking
Expand your camp cooking possibilities with a cardboard oven. Though not strictly a backwoods item, these ovens are fun to make and use
s k c i r t f o Box You will need: • One strong cardboard box (ones that contain wine bottles are usually very rigid) • Masking tape • A roll of wide cooking foil • Wire cake cooler (or similar) • Four metal tent pegs • An abundance of patience!
Instructions: • Carefully remove the top and bottom of the box, using a sharp knife. • Taking a lot of care, completely cover the inside and outside of the box with foil, using masking tape on the outside to secure it. To do this, you will need to lay your strips of foil on the inside so that 16cm of foil sticks out at the top and bottom of the box. This can then be folded over and fixed in place on the outside. NB: The foil must completely cover the insides.
• Cover the top that you removed earlier with foil. This will be a lid. • Make a shelf by pushing the four metal pegs through the corners of the box and then rest the wire cake cooler upon these supports. The shelf should be supported about 15cm above the ground. • Dig a shallow pit the same width and length as the box, and light a good fire in it – or use charcoal for best results. • When the glowing embers form, place the oven above the coals, with your food on the shelf inside it. Put the lid on top, securing it in place with stones. Once your oven is up and running, there’s a ream of tasty dishes that can be tried at camp. Roll homemade pizzas to fit in your oven, get traditional with toad in the hole or sweeten up with a selection of fruit pies and crumbles.
An ordinary cardboard box can easily be transformed into a working camp oven
more info Find a selection of recipes for your camp oven in Backwoods Cooking, available from the Scout Information Centre, priced £3.50.
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As tents are hung up to dry after another great summer camp, we invite you to take a fresh look at how you run your Group, section or area of responsibility. We’ve got a bundle of tips to refresh your Scouting and make a big difference to those in your care
TIME FOR A
change
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Fresh start
1
LEARN A NEW SKILL
From bell boating to orienteering, why not start by adding a new skill to your repertoire? There are more than 200 activities on offer for UK Scouts, but how many can your Scouts try out? Training courses are held through the year, some run by Scouting and some by national governing bodies or local authorities. more info Start with the A to Z of activities at www.scouts.org.uk/activities
Pass it on | If you have years
of Scouting skills experience, and other leaders look to you for knowhow in a particular area, make a commitment to pass on your skills to at least five people in your Group or District before next summer
2
DISCOVER THE SECRET OF GOOD OUARTERMASTERING
In the requirements of the Scout Quartermaster Activity Badge it says: ‘Understand that general tidiness is the secret of good quartermastering.’ What state are your section’s stores in? Are you running your section out of a suitcase or is there a cupboard overflowing with paper, glitter and glue? Get your Marigolds on, lift the lid on a tin of elbow grease and clean up your meeting place, ready for a new year. Make it a Group event, with Scouts able to use the clean-up towards a badge or award. Invite parents and finish with a barbecue or picnic, over which you can tell them about your forthcoming programme and how they can get involved.
3
BECOME A BUDDY
Last year 2,600 adults joined Scouting. Fact. But how many of those were given a Training Adviser to make their induction as smooth as possible? If you’re in a position to offer advice and a welcome to a new volunteer, speak to your local training team about buddying up with the next new recruit. Perhaps you have a spouse or sibling who doesn’t have a leadership role, but admires what you do in Scouting. Could they become a Training Adviser? Let’s make a real difference to how we welcome those we recruit – it’s as important as the Programme we put on. more info www.scouts.org.uk/ trainingadvisers
4
‘OPEN UP’
UK Chief Commissioner Wayne Bulpitt shares his one wish for the year: ‘I challenge you to find a place for people on your joining list. There are currently more than 30,000 young people who would like to join Scouting, but are being told they have to wait. If we can provide the right structure to allow these young people in, we can help them fulfil their potential in many ways. Whether it’s by opening new Groups, recruiting new leaders or thinking differently about how or when we meet, the end result could be more young people, more adventure, more friendships and more satisfaction for everyone.’ Contact Wayne at ukcc@ scout.org.uk
Case study | Barry Johnson, 47th Reading ‘When the Group’s meeting place needed a lick of paint, we enlisted the help of staff at the local Holiday Inn, who were keen to help out as part of their community volunteer work. Five employees joined a large number of the Scouts to give the hut a much-needed makeover. The paint was donated by Wickes and it really brought everyone together. It was more fun than if we had just done it ourselves. This was the first time we’d repainted in 40 years, but I don’t think we’ll wait that long again. The hotel employees clearly have the Scouting spirit!’
By revitalising your enthusiasm for Scouting, you’ll bring new energy to the members of your Group too
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Go international
Is international Scouting something you automatically dismiss – a pipe dream you feel you’ll never attempt? If so, get serious about the global challenge. Use technology to bring international Scouting to your doorstep, or hold a meeting with local leaders to see how you can plan your first trip abroad. By broadening our horizons we truly become citizens of the world, so think again about your next camping destination and you could be wearing the Union Flag on your uniform, along with 40,000 other UK Scouts who venture abroad each year. more info www.scouts. org.uk/international
Case study | Clive Grant, 62nd Bristol ‘Doing an international trip is very scary to start with – the thought of young Scouts in a strange land where they don’t speak the language… You soon get over that. We started with Switzerland in 2004, using Jeka Tours, who were really helpful. We have since done our own trip to Jersey (with a day trip to France) and one to Belgium, staying with local Scouts in Poperinge. We are planning a trip to Croatia next year. The support from parents has inspired us to go ahead with it despite costs at this interesting economic time!’
6
Look back, move forward
Let’s face it, there’s nothing glamorous about review. But focusing on the pros and cons of the past year’s Scouting can be integral in taking the bold steps needed to develop the way you work as a section, Group or District. Use the Programme Review resources in the back of the sectional Essentials file, and draw up a list of three targets to reach by the new year. It may not sound exciting, but it could provide the incentive needed to cause significant change – for the better. more info Go to your section pages on www.scouts.org.uk/scoutbase and get the Programme Review Form from the Resources section.
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7
Summit summat
While you’ve been selflessly putting on a fine programme for your section, have you found time to reach your own personal goals? If you got into Scouting for adventure, don’t allow your volunteering role to sideline your own dreams: use it to achieve them! Now’s the time to book that skydive, climb that peak, go deep-sea diving or cycle coast to coast. And I bet there’s a bunch of Beavers or a cabal of Cubs who would cheer you on all the way.
8
Bateman, Beaver Scout Case study | Lucas Leader, North Pole trekker ‘I had long wanted to trek to the North Pole, and the Polar Race 2009 gave me just the opportunity. I managed to nearly freeze my eyelids open in a high wind, get snow in my pants using the camp toilet in a blizzard and was followed by a seal. The most alarming moment was being woken at 1.30am when a polar bear ripped a hole in our tent! Though the weather was the worst in the event’s history, it made the sense of achievement all the more, and I’ll be telling my Beavers Arctic stories for many a year to come…’
Fix it
Have you been putting off a bit of repair work that would enhance the experience for your Scouts? Does the minibus need a new battery, or the roof need sealing? Don’t delay, plan a fundraising event to get your house in order. Write to local businesses and suppliers to see if they’ll support you. Ask your employer to match-fund your effort. Get the whole Group involved and come up with a catchy idea that will get the entire community talking. The Keynsham Explorers climbed the equivalent height of Mount Kilimanjaro in the city centre to raise money for an aid project in Malawi. Sixty years ago, Biggleswade Scouts built a mammoth mascot, the Biggleswadeoceros, which they paraded around the town to fundraise for a local miniJamboree. Such an idea would hardly be out of place today! more info www.scouts.org.uk/fundraising
9
Get a youth perspective
As a youth movement, the opportunities for young people to take the lead are vital to keep the heartbeat of Scouting strong and vibrant. Whether you take a closer look at the Young Leaders’ Scheme, download the recently-updated Taking the Lead (a leadership skills resource in the Scout, Explorer Scout and Network sections) or get the Members of your Colony or Pack to have their say on the next term’s programme, do something to increase the involvement young people have in their section. more info www.scouts.org.uk/ takingthelead www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 33
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10
Bag a Wood Badge, master a module
If you’re a newer leader, you may not yet have got fully to grips with the Adult Training Scheme, a modular system that gets you the information and skills you need for your role. For section leaders, supporters and managers, there is a fully-planned path plotted for you, resulting in a Wood Badge. If you’ve been in the game for a while, why not add some training to your plan for the year, either as ongoing learning or by refreshing your knowledge? From first aid to facilitating, the scheme covers a range of topics and can make a real difference to the quality of your leadership. more info www.scouts.org. uk/learnersresources
11
Something spiritual
Think differently about how you celebrate religious festivals and ceremonial events within the Group. Are you inclusive of all faiths? Does the local community understand the origins and relevance of these events? Are they in keeping with our youthful, adventurous profile, and if not, could they be? Invite all the faith communities to your next event, and get them involved! Show that Scouting is as much about spiritual development as it is about zip wires and guy lines. more info See the requirements for the Promise Challenge in Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, or search Programmes Online for the Beliefs and Attitudes programme zone.
Checklist
levels er a range of roles and These challenges cov ng cti pe ex e’s on course, no of experience and, of ver, we Ho t! igh ern ov all you to complete them and d for setting personal there’s much to be sai trict Dis or ip rsh de lea ur yo Group targets to give This is by no means an team a fresh outlook. y have other higherma ex haustive list – you n. by a development pla priority issues, driven role, ng uti Sco ur yo in t ou If you’re just starting t to inspire you to keep then use this check lis bow, and see what a ur adding strings to yo uting! od luck, and good Sco dif ference it makes. Go
September Oc tober
fu nd raising going? November How’s your ! Get creative December Janua ry
under’s Day – Febr ua ry 22 Feb – Fo ing dif ferently? ink th u are yo Ma rch
you last rev iew the April When did e? Get together and mm progra ma ke a change! May
sk ill Have you lea rnt a new ? mp ca er mm su for e tim in
Ju ne Ju ly August
12
Go back to basics
If the public reaction to Bear Grylls’ appointment as Chief Scout shows us anything, it’s that people are drawn to the appeal of outdoor living and wild camping. But how often do we leave our comfort zone and explore the places where nature rules? Perhaps now’s the time to build a shelter, learn how to make fire without paper and safety matches, or pioneer some useful camp gadgets? Check out Bear’s fire-lighting lesson on page 24, and unleash your inner cave-dweller!
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Info Centre
The Scout Information Centre celebrates ten years of helping you. Owen Ward takes a look over the last decade
d n e i r f a Phone T
he Scout Information Centre and warehouse first opened in 1999. Since then, they have dealt with more than 1.24 million enquiries from you, parents, former Scout Members, outside organisations and many more. In 2001, the Scout Information Centre won a National Training Award for staff induction and training, and got to the Regional Final Championships for Scouts Reunited in 2003. It is also part of the Communications Directorate that won Communications Team of the Year in 2008. The Information Centre not only helps you on the phone and via email, but the nine staff also helped to support the Kosovo Appeal in 1999, the 2004 Tsunami Appeal, Eurojam in 2005 and the 2007 World Scout Jamboree. They also get to go out of the office to County/Area events to provide support and advice face to face. They have talked to hundreds of adults at more than 40 roadshows all over the
UK, plus supported many Gilwell Fun Days, Gilwell 24s and ten Gilwell Reunions. Information Centre Manager Sharon Hartnup has been there since the beginning: ‘The Information Centre has been dedicated in supporting Scout Members. Over the years there have been many changes and new processes that we have been able to support you with and we are committed to carry on doing this into our next ten years.’ Val Fitzpatrick, former District Commissioner for Bromsgrove District, says: ‘The Information Centre is the best thing Scouting has ever introduced.’
ANY?dealt with: HOWaM rs we have
s In ten ye eral enquirie s. n e g n o li il 1.24 m quirie 0 joining en and 200,00 ed 160,000 CRB ail We have m ,000 orders. 0 8 forms and team of nine! a Not bad for
don’t forget! The Scout Information Centre is there for you. Available by phone between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, on 0845 300 1818 or email info.centre@scout.org.uk at any time. Plus, if you would like to order any resources from our warehouse, you can place the orders online at www.scouts.org.uk/infocentre
SCOUT INFORMATION CENTRE
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Special Scouts Rates: Room only (single / double occupancy) - HK$400 nett per room per night (with Scout ID) - HK$450 nett per room per night (Scout members’ referral bookings) Room with buffet breakfast (for maximum of 2 persons) - HK$450 nett per room per night (with Scout ID) - HK$500 nett per room per night (Scout members’ referral bookings) Long-staying rate (for a minimum stay of 14 consecutive nights) - HK$11,400 nett (30 consecutive nights per room per month. This long-staying package extends to all Scout Bookings) For reservations, please contact National Scouts Organisation No.8 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2376 1111 / Fax: (852) 2376 1333 Direct line to Reservations: (852) 2378 7611 Reservation Direct Fax: (852) 2376 1159 E-mail: enquiry@bpih.com.hk Website: www.bpih.com.hk
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Scout in the country
Last issue, James Taylor talked survival kits and why they’re key to a successful back-to-basics experience. This time, he looks more closely at their contents, including knives, wire, luxuries and the tins themselves
the
What it summer says on the tin
K
nifework and Scouting are synonymous. The standard knife in a survival tin is the foldinglock variety with a two-inch steel blade. The problem is that the blade is rarely Sheffield steel and it arrives very poorly sharpened. We all know that a blunt knife is more dangerous than a sharp one. My advice is to buy a small carborundum stone for your kit as a sharpening tool or, to be frank, you could replace the knife entirely.
Fishy business Nearly all survival tins contain a few metres of fishing line, a couple of swivels, two or three lead weights and a packet of hooks. I put all this to the test with lots of five- to ten-pound carp and was horrified that on two occasions the hook actually broke! I would add a 50metre spool of eight-pound breaking strain line and would supplement this with a packet of both size eight and size 16 hooks, so that you can target smaller or larger fish.
Not a drop to drink? I haven’t mentioned much about water yet, but survivalists will point out that it is a far more essential provision than food in the short term. Most
survival kits will contain purification tablets, potassium permanganate or water purification straws. Again, we need to teach how to use them properly: which water sources are better than others; how much is a litre; and how effective is boiling? If you have access to relatively clean mountain streams, then that’s perfect for training. I would avoid pond water – even when purified, it still stinks! While on the subject of taste, I would also add any number of ‘take away’ type condiments: salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, honey, sugar… you name it! Stock cubes are also useful. These are superb morale raisers as they can turn a bland meal of, say, boiled earthworms, into something much more palatable. Lastly, the tin itself: it’s usually about 11 x 8 x 3cm or so and obviously has 1,001 uses, from soup bowl to scoop. I urge you to go out and use up the contents of the kits. They are easy to replace and add to, but best of all, they are much more fun to use rather than just look at.
more info
For guidance on the use of knives in Scouting, see the article on page 50 of the April/May issue of the magazine at www.scouts.org.uk/magazine
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upside
downturn Times are tough but does that mean that volunteering and in particular Scouting have to suffer? Hilary Galloway reports
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N
icole Jefferies, Beaver Scout Leader at the 62nd Portsmouth Scout Group, believes that Scouting provides opportunities in a recession. ’The recession has personally hit my family. My father was made redundant from the Mercedes Benz garage, which closed down. My daughter’s boyfriend also lost his job. He now has another, although it’s fewer hours and less money. ‘Obviously our fundraising has been affected, but this means we have had to be a bit more resourceful. We are now renting out our meeting place, something we hadn’t done before, and we’re doing much more bag packing. But overall I do strongly feel that Scouting can actually benefit from the recession. We offer safe, fun, inexpensive outdoor opportunities. Our Group subscription is £20 per term, great compared to a local football club, which is £50 per month! This is something that we should be shouting about. ‘When times are hard like now and people do not have as much money in their pockets, Scouting can be an affordable solution for parents. It is also a good time for adults to join in and be accepted for who they are, not what job they do. And even if they’ve been made redundant, it can be a good way to learn new skills and keep confidence levels high in preparation for a return to work. ‘Adults are looking to increase their skill base and when you include Scouting on a CV, this shows you can plan, whether through programme planning, camps or sleepovers while being able to communicate at all levels, from a new Beaver Scout to County Commissioner. ‘Our new Vice-Chairman is a trained chef. He is trying to get into the prison service and I explained to him that including his Scouting experience on his application form may help – he hadn’t even thought about including it.’
Breaking the barriers to volunteering Scouting does not claim to be a cure for the growing threat of redundancy and unemployment, but the experience, training and life skills learnt can be a real asset while job seeking. In February 2009 we conducted a survey to find out how you felt about volunteering and whether the credit crunch was affecting your Scouting. Of the 1,000-plus people who responded, 70% felt there was a direct relation between volunteer experience within Scouting and gaining employment or career development.
It all adds up to making a big difference
Our survey results
53% said your employer responded positively to your involvement in Scouting. 93% said skills developed through Scouting have been of relevance in your daily life. 9% have seen a direct benefit of the Adult Training Scheme in helping find a job or succeeding in career progression. We are now campaigning for voluntary work to be recognised officially by the government, employers and the charity sector. In particular, people who are unemployed experienced a barrier to volunteering as a result of the attitudes of Job Centre benefits officers who saw volunteering activity as a potential barrier to job seeking, rather than a valuable route to work. If someone is volunteering, it should be recognised as valuable skills development, possibly with an ‘industry standard’. Whether someone is fresh out of college, recently made redundant or looking for a career change, Scouting offers a diverse range of skills.
the Morgan Inquiry With significant input from The Scout Association, the Morgan Inquiry includes recommendations for a flexible day off to encourage volunteering, an ‘industry standard’ award scheme to acknowledge skills developed through volunteering and better signposting of voluntary opportunities. Find out more at www.morganinquiry.org.uk
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CASE STUDY
Ben Robertson credits his Scouting experience for helping him gain a job as a teaching assistant
‘I
’d been out of work for nearly five years due to stress-related illness and before that I’d been in catering most of my life. Once I was ready to return to work, I really wanted a change of career. Because of my Scouting experience, I thought that I would try working with young people on a professional level. So I decided on teaching. I applied to do NVQ training, and my Scouting experience definitely helped me get on the course. Then, once qualified, I joined a supply agency. Again, my time as a Scout Leader was noted as a real asset. The skills used are similar, and it is definitely a unique selling point to employers. On my first day at the school, I was worried about how it might impact on Scouting – my hobby – but it’s been fine. There is a real crossover of skills, although Scouting is more fun.
£
Six ways to beat the recession in Scouting
Here are a few ideas to help you keep your costs down and your numbers up
1. Get a grant
Whether you need to upgrade your meeting place, are planning on camp and need cooking equipment, or even starting up a new section, our Headquarters’ Development Grants Board (DGB) should be your first port of call. www.scouts. org.uk/developmentgrantsboard or call 0845 300 1818.
2. Do a swap shop
Ask anyone moving up to the next section to donate/sell their old uniform at a reduced cost to a new starter.
3. Stop the rain tax
Save your Group up to £500 a year – changes are planned for the way water companies charge Scout Groups in England and Wales for the disposal of rainwater. Sign up and support our campaign and don’t let your money go down the drain. www.scouts.org.uk/water
4. Share and share alike
Buddy up with another Group, section or District to save costs on training resources, equipment, manuals and room hire.
5. Ask people to shop
People still have to shop, even in a recession, but if you register your Group you could receive up to 15% off every person’s purchase (including your own!). Easyfundraising is a shopping directory listing more than 600 online stores. www.easyfundraising.org.uk
6. Don’t forget to Gift Aid it
Whether it’s your subscription or fundraising money, make sure it’s part of the Gift Aid Scheme. It is easy to apply for small and large charities alike and can even be claimed on donations received over the last six years. With 20% of Groups still to sign up, it’s money that’s thrown away.
more info Tell us how the recession has affected your Scouting, whether good or bad, at scouting.magazine@scout.org.uk Factsheet CV Aid: The Wider Implications of Scouting (FS500004), is available from www.scouts.org.uk/infocentre
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world scout jamboree
HALLÅ Sweden
Two years ago, at Hylands Park in Essex, the UK played host to the World Scout Jamboree. In two years’ time it will be the turn of Kristianstad, Sweden. As the preparations gather pace, UK Contingents Manager, Jon Bell, took time out to ask Jamboree Executive Director, Göran Hägerdal, how things are going, what we can expect and how you can be a part of it Jon What is a World Scout Jamboree? Göran A gathering of Scouts from all corners of the world. In Sweden we are expecting more than 30,000. Jamborees beat at the very heart of Scouting. Every four years, people join together to reaffirm their common bond and to celebrate the diversity that enriches all our lives. The first Jamboree happened in 1920, less than two years after the end of the First World War. It laid the foundations of Scouting as a Movement for peace and we have not looked back since.
In 2007, the Jamboree was in the UK. What can we expect from 2011 in Sweden? 2007 will be a hard act to follow. Anyone reading this who was involved last time should be extremely proud of their achievements. The theme in the UK was ‘One World, One Promise’ and the Jamboree was about coming together on an unprecedented scale. We want to retain the essence of this but also generate a sense of intimacy by providing opportunities for people to meet in small groups to learn about each other. As part of this we will be developing the concept of a camp within a camp where Units will spend a couple of days at a small centre away from the bright lights of the main site.
I notice your theme will be ‘Simply Scouting’. Does this mean we can expect a back-tobasics experience? No! That’s one thing I’m keen to clear up right from the start. Far from being back-to-basics Simply
Scouting aims to capture our vision of solidarity, meetings and nature. We want a blend of ancient and modern where we can smell the smoke and surf the web. This will be a 21st-century Jamboree with gas stoves and all the mod-cons, but it will also seek to reaffirm the fundamental values of living together and respecting one another. Sadly, such values are often left to chance these days.
Who can attend the Jamboree? Jamboree participants are young people aged between 14 and 17 at the start of the event. Every country in the Scouting world (and that’s nearly all of them) can send a contingent to the Jamboree. This will include Units of 36 young people and four leaders, plus a number of adults to work on the International Service Team (IST). The UK Contingent Management Team are responsible for the planning in the United Kingdom. However, I understand they will send Units from all counties in England and from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
more info
Join in and be part of it www.scouts.org.uk/ wsj2011. Facebook Group 22nd World Scout Jamboree – UK Contingent. Scout and Explorer Leaders Contact your District and County Teams. They will be organising selection for participants and Unit Leaders. IST applicants Applications open online from Monday 19 October 2009. For more information visit www.scouts.org.uk/ist2011
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Go international
Coming this October, UK IST
More than Simply Service!
Joining the International Service Team (IST) is a unique opportunity. IST members will attend the World Scout Jamboree on behalf of the organisers to run all the activities and services that go into making the event a success. In short, you will make the event happen. The Scout Association has 500 places available and is inviting applications from Monday 19 October 2009. The selection process will be on a first-come, firstserved basis. To find out more, visit www.scouts.org.uk/ist2011
festival facts! In short, the World Scout Jamboree is a World Scouting event for young people aged between 14 and 17. It will take place in Kristianstad, Sweden, from 27 July to 7 August 2011. It will involve more than 30,000 young people, leaders and members of the International Service Team. The UK contingent will number 4,000 which will be the largest group of British Scouts ever to travel to an event overseas. More information is available at www.scouts.org.uk/wsj2011
www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 45
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state of nation
ip team and the start of With a new UK leadersh shot a good time to get a snap it’s , ar ye g tin ou Sc r he anot an ting stands for. More th of what you think Scou e poll views in a recent onlin ur yo ed ar sh u yo of 1,500
Y
ou are a passionate lot, there’s no denying that. Thousands filled in our State of Nation survey and none of you sat on the fence. Almost all were convinced that Scouting is unique and valuable – that it gives young people something they can’t get anywhere else. But there were also voices of concern: while demand for Scouting among parents and young
What is Scouting’s role today? ‘It shows children how they can have fun, be self-reliant, use their imagination and take risks in a safe environment. We cover all the useful skills that schools don’t go near and parents can’t always provide, like cooking over an open fire.’ ‘Scouting provides an atmosphere where kids can enjoy themselves without the pressures from media and electronic games, and to learn things about the world, nature and life.’ ‘I think Scouting should be accessible to all: we need to target kids from council estates and deprived areas.’
people continues unabated, ‘We are still only seen by Joe you wondered whether we are Public on parade. Short of attracting enough adult volunteers stopping parades there’s no to continue into the future. There way to get away from this.’ were also concerns about growing ‘Scouting is too inward looking in bureaucracy, but behind it all many communities. There is too there was an utter conviction that much emphasis on internal growth. Scouting inspires young people, If we were more concerned with makes them more confident, building communities, our numbers would increase automatically.’ turns them into good citizens and helps them go ‘Scouting inspires young people to on to better things.
look after and think for themselves’
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Scouting’s role today
‘Our role is to work within the community, developing links between old and young.’
‘Our role is to educate children in the art of LIVING’
‘From the youngsters’ point of view – great; from the adults’ – far too many forms and too much red tape.’
‘It provides a useful and safe haven for young and old to work together. Scouting still offers fun at a low cost.’
‘We provide everyday adventure to all sectors of the community. However, sometimes we are seen by those outside the movement to only do it for the white middle class.’
‘We develop young people into respectful, compassionate, confident, capable leaders in society who make informed, thoughtful choices in life.’
‘We are about outdoor fun. When I was at primary school, playing in the park with my friends was the norm. Now that parents don’t allow their children the same degree of freedom, Cubs love running around in a field.’
‘Scouting provides a structured place outside the school environment where young people can experience what they would never usually experience, from canoeing to orchestras, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to Young Leaders.’
‘I love the way Scouting is bringing together all people regardless of age, background, needs or sex to support society. The uniform makes us all equal.’
‘Scouting gives young people a sense of belief. It breaks the negative stereotype of young people today.’
‘Without sounding too much like a dinosaur, a lot of values like respect ‘Our role is to prepare are being lost. young people for the Through Scouting, future and give them young people can learn that good a good grounding for effort is rewarded.’
‘Working with young people in a school, I am aware of the way society leans on children, from labelling them as “hoodies” to the rise of knife crime. Scouting gives them a sense of belonging and changes the way they are perceived by society.’ ‘We get kids off the streets and into a meaningful coeducational Scout Movement. It teaches them to be self-supportive, gives them confidence and helps them make friends.’ ‘Scouting give kids the freedom to try new things.’
‘I think Scouting still has a big role in society but we need to continue to advertise and encourage more people to join.’
when they step into
‘We show the youngsters that there is more to life than texting, computer games, and iPods.’
‘Scouting ‘In my opinion the big bad world!’ should be a Scouting public service. has become We just need to re-energised since the go back to basics in terms of appointments of Peter Duncan, the Programme and uniform.’ Bear Grylls and the recent ‘Scouting encourages a sense of Centenary celebrations. It community and should do what appears that both adults and it has done over the last hundred young people are realising that years: provide fun, friendship, there is more to the Scouts than adventure, service and self-belief.’ big hats and short trousers.’ www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 47
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Scouting’s role today
In a nutshell We asked you if you could only pick one word that summed up Scouting, what would it be? The largest words shown were the most common.
active
adventure amazing
belonging
camping challenge
citizenship commitment
community development educational enjoyment exciting experience family fantastic fellowship friends
friendship frustration
fun growth
happiness honour
inspiring laughter learning life
opportunity outdoors people pride promise
purpose respect rewarding
self-reliance service skills team teamwork togetherness trust trustworthy uniform values young youth What happens now?
We are conducting some external research into public perceptions of Scouting and are working on strategies to help promote Scouting to adults and young people in a way that is both realistic and inspiring. Thank you to everyone who took part in the poll, it is helpful to all aspects of The Scout Association’s work.
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Scouting’s role today
In a nutshell We asked you if you could only pick one word that summed up Scouting, what would it be? The largest words shown were the most common.
active
adventure amazing
belonging
camping challenge
citizenship commitment
community development educational enjoyment exciting experience family fantastic fellowship friends
friendship frustration
fun growth
happiness honour
inspiring laughter learning life
opportunity outdoors people pride promise
purpose respect rewarding
self-reliance service skills team teamwork togetherness trust trustworthy uniform values young youth What happens now?
We are conducting some external research into public perceptions of Scouting and are working on strategies to help promote Scouting to adults and young people in a way that is both realistic and inspiring. Thank you to everyone who took part in the poll, it is helpful to all aspects of The Scout Association’s work. www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 49
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THE WATER WAY
ve you wanderlust wit t on your sea h our e we ga e to pu u s s m i i w t t s s a ’ a t lking L guides. Now i
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Water ways
canoeing
The wonderful Wye
Rising in the Welsh hills, the River Wye is one of Britain’s premier canoeing rivers, flowing through some superb countryside in the Welsh borders and down to the Severn Bridge – a gem of the outdoors. Distance 147km (91 miles) • River info An ancient ‘navigation’, by statute the Wye is free and open to all paddlers • Start Glasbury (higher up the Wye is for winter whitewater enthusiasts, with a famous rapid aptly called ‘Hell Hole’) • Finish Best at Brockweir Bridge, the start of the tidal reaches, because then it gets tricky with the tides – and very muddy! • Map Canoeists’ Guide to the River Wye (from the Environment Agency), OS Landranger 1:50,000 numbers 161, 148, 149 and 162
Risk Assessment In normal summer conditions most of the Wye is graded B1, except for the B2 sections from Glasbury to Hay on Wye, through Symonds Yat. It is also advisable to inspect Monnington Falls (37km/ 23 miles), which can be blocked by strainers. See National Directory of Waters at www. scouts.org.uk/waterways/rivers/wye.html DIRECTIONS To do the full
length, perhaps for a Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold or Queen’s Scout Award expedition, start at Glasbury Scout Hut (178394) in Powys, where there is a car park, public toilets and a shingle beach for the put in. The first section to Hay on Wye (9km/6 miles) can be technically demanding, but from then on there are just occasional riffles all the way
down to the Symonds Yat rapids (123km/76 miles), where the river picks up speed again. And not a single place where you need to portage the canoe around a lock or a weir! The suggested final take out at Brockweir Bridge (539011) has a quayside for landing. Along the Wye there are excellent campsites, and many appropriate places to put in and take out.
Word to the wise Watch out for sunny days: slip on a shirt, slap on a sun hat, slop on the sun cream, and slurp the water! • Stay safe: wear a properly fitting buoyancy aid. • Take a spare paddle: if you snap one or lose one in the rapids it can be a long walk out! More of the same The best day trip on the River Wye is from Kerne Bridge, through Symonds Yat gorge, taking out at Wyedean or going through the rapids to the Biblin’s Forestry campsite. River Severn: Shrewsbury to Ironbridge. River Thames: Wandsworth to Wapping (via Westminster). River Spey: Ballindalloch to the Tamdhu Distillery. Julian Fulbrook is The Scout Association’s UK Technical Adviser for Canoeing, and has supervised more than 50 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award canoe expeditions for Scouts, many of them down the River Wye
orgeous parts of me g the o s Brit u to o legs a y ish e k s our j Isle ourneys by water ta s… an d beyond!
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offshore sailing
The English Channel
‘A great introduction to offshore sailing is the classic ‘cross Channel’ from the south coast to France and the Channel Islands – leaving the Isle of Wight behind, threading the shipping channels, then arriving in a foreign country and sending a shore party for croissants! Oh, and with some hard work thrown in!’ Where The Solent and the English Channel • Transport An offshore sailing yacht, often between 15 and 23 metres (49ft-75ft) long and sleeping between ten and 22 Scouts and crew • Start River Hamble • Finish Alderney • Chart English Channel: Central Part
DIRECTIONS Many cross-Channel trips
start on the River Hamble (A), followed by a day on the Solent (B) learning how to crew a sail training yacht. Once ready, you will pass the Needles (C) and head out across the Channel. The shipping lanes (D) are always exciting, being busy and needing a careful lookout. The French coast can often be seen from 32km (20 miles) away, especially at night when the two lighthouses marking the two ends of the Cherbourg peninsula cast their beams far out into the Channel. Cherbourg (E) is an easy landfall and a huge, lively harbour. From Cherbourg yachts often head west, past Cap de la Hague (F) and on to the Channel Islands. Alderney (G) has an excellent harbour, beautiful beaches and even German fortifications to explore – and is small enough for the island to be walked around in two hours!
Risk Assessment Crossing the English Channel takes place primarily in Class A waters, and as such requires a high level of activity permit and well-found yachts. It’s most easily done with the experts – see below. Word to the wise Offshore sailing may seem out of reach, but it is surprisingly cheap and easy for Scouts to take part. Recognised sail training organisations, such as the Discovery Sailing Project, Adventures Offshore and the Rona Sailing Project, take hundreds of Scouts on weekend and weeklong voyages every year. Leaders can go along too!
Top Tips Take more warm clothes than you think you could even wear at once – a night watch can be cold, even in summer! And don’t forget your camera. A photo of you at the wheel will look great on Facebook! More of the same Cruising the west coast of Scotland. Across to the Netherlands from the Thames Estuary. The Norfolk Broads. Gain the RYA Start Sailing Certificate with a local RYA Yachting Centre.
Gareth Parker is The Scout Association’s UK Technical Adviser for Offshore Sailing. He’s always happy to help anyone wanting to find out more about getting afloat. Contact activities@scout.org.uk
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Water ways
The Discovery Sailing Project is a Scout-based organisation, with its headquarters on the River Hamble, providing offshore sail training in fully certified ocean-going yachts to young people, either as individuals or in groups. Please visit www.dsp.uk.com for further details
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Water ways
narrow boating
The Grand Union Canal
‘There is nothing like being captain of your own ship, and a day out on a canal with your Scouts can be a great team-building event. With frequent locks to work, your crew will be kept very busy and will enjoy the responsibility of opening and closing the heavy, wooded gates, winding the paddles up and down and working the ropes. There is also the chance to steer the 23-metre (75ft), 20-tonne craft – a significantly bigger machine than any of them will have been allowed to drive before!’
Distance 16km (10 miles) • Bodies of water travelled The Grand Union Canal • Start Hillingdon (west London), Copper Mill Lock • Finish Kings Langley (south of Red Lion Lock) • Map Waterways guide 1: Grand Union, Oxford & the South East (published by OS-Nicholson, 2006)
DIRECTIONS The Grand Union Canal
links Birmingham to London. Completed over 200 years ago, it was the M1 of its day with 220km (137 miles) and 166 locks separating the two cities. To plan our journey we add the number of miles (ten) to the number of locks (15) and divide by three. We need to allow over eight hours. We start at Copper Mill Lock, home to Hillingdon Narrowboats, which has three boats ideal for Scouts. From here, the canal turns north east and skirts around Rickmansworth, where a large Tesco has moorings for nautical customers. We pass Watford through wooded parkland known as Cassiobury. The canal continues with some sharp turns as it follows the River Grade. We reach Hunton Bridge 11km (7 miles) into our trip – a lovely village and home of South West Herts Narrowboats, a community boat charity. Soon we are passing under the M25 and into the final lock of the day. Our moorings are 1km (½ mile) below Red Lion Lock, on a stretch of the canal that allows the Scouts to try their hand at ‘winding’ (turning the boat around).
Risk Assessment Both the RYA and particularly the National Community Boat Association run courses, which provide good training to take Scouts afloat. You will need an activity permit to lead narrow boating. For more details see the factsheet Narrow Boating (FS120655) and the Assessment Checklist (AC120924). Top Tips Organise a rota that gives everyone a chance to do all the different jobs. Have a team to work the locks, a team to prepare food in the galley and encourage your Scouts to steer and navigate. Look after your windlasses or lock keys. You can’t take a narrow boat through a lock without one, as they work the paddles that let the water in and out of the lock. More of the same Climb Neptune’s Staircase on the Caledonian Canal; cross the Pennines on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal; explore the Garden of England on the River Medway.
Chris Nagle is a narrow boating enthusiast and a Scout Leader in Southgate, Greater London North
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I
t’s eight o’clock on a summer evening in Bushy Park, London. You can just make out the deer as they peek up above the bracken and beyond are the magnificent Tudor towers of Hampton Court Palace. Around the lake, Mandarin ducks waddle about in search of scraps and somewhere further back the park’s yoga group is starting its warm up. In the middle of this, two teams of Scouts from 1st Teddington are testing their navigation skills: ‘Are we cheating if we look at the map at the park gate?’ one of the Scouts asks Scouting magazine. ‘Not if I look the other way…’
Ed The Scout Leader I’ve been Scout Leader with the Group for three years now and the highlights are definitely the nights away events. We recently took the Scouts to Jersey where we did sea-kayaking, shelter-building, cooking and climbing as well as activities with a local Group. Closer to home, we did the ShelterBox Challenge, in which Scouts navigated their way around London, carrying a large green box to raise awareness for the charity ShelterBox. The parents were really encouraging and liked the fact that it encouraged Scouts to be independent and use their initiative. Our sights are now set on North Wales where we’ll be staying at Greater London South West’s
mountaineering base. The accommodation is a converted chapel that can take up to 30 people right in the middle of the Snowdonia mountain range. The warden is on the mountain rescue team and he’s going to lead a mountain walk. It’s exactly what young people join Scouting for – and I know we’re fortunate to be in a position to offer this level of adventure. In terms of challenges, like many other Groups, we need more adult leaders. Having said that, parents are very supportive.
Tim The Cub Scout Leader The Cub Scout Pack has changed dramatically in the last year. We’ve gone from five to 20 in just 12 months. The renewed success of the Beaver Colony has fed into the Pack and along with friends of friends joining, it’s now a real success story. For me, a highlight has been the camp and Thames river expedition a few weeks back. For all but one or two of the Cubs, it was their first night away. The parents came along and helped put up the tents, and we used the trip as an opportunity to work on some badges. The Cubs put on a play, which helped them earn their Entertainer Activity Badge. I got involved as an adult volunteer when I was 17. To be honest, back then it was just something to put on my CV, but it’s developed into something really special. I’ve been Akela for more
Parklife
When Chris James joined 1st Teddington Scouts for their Wednesday meeting, he found a Group focused on the outdoors, with growing sections and an ambitious programme planned. But who invited the deer?
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Group in focus
Would you like to be our Group in focus? Let us know why at scouting.magazine@scout.org.uk
than three years now and I get a huge amount out of it. Obviously, as leaders, we get to go on camps too!
Karen The Beaver Scout Leader I was doing Beavers for quite a while, then I took a break to have my son. About ten months ago I got involved again. I was overwhelmed by the renewed interest in Scouting. We did
a leaflet drop and we soon had a large number of Beavers in the Colony. I first got involved with the section at 17 as a Venture Scout. I needed to do something for the community as part of my Queen’s Scout Award. I eventually became an Assistant Leader at 19. I really enjoy working with young people and I’m quite creative, which helps in Beavers. We’ve recently been doing countries
of the world, which we combined with a cooking activity, making our own pizzas. We also did an evening on New Zealand when we impersonated volcanoes! The whole thing wouldn’t work without our parents (we have a rota system) and not forgetting our Young Leader, Josh, who’s 15 and is brilliant at running games and supporting group work. www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 57
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Kayaking is just one of several water activities on offer at tre Hawkhirst Activity Cen
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Adult support
mp on social backgrounds to ca nt re ffe di m fro ys bo ok 20 outing was not When Baden-Powell to ar commitment that Sc cle a as w e er th , 07 19 day? Brownsea Island in Scouting as accessible to is , ks as h elc W re ai Cl w. just for the privileged fe asons, local social
the Freem Rotary and Lions Clubs, s. police and social service the es etim som clubs and at d hel ds fun nt gra the Another place to look is opment Grants Board vel De The s. ter uar adq He ple ds, both for young peo fun manages a number of e pat tici par port them to and adults in need, to sup les of help include mp Exa ies. in Scouting activit nt p fees, international eve the cost of uniforms, cam iod per a s hap per al event, fees, travel costs to a loc port to a camp or a sup er car e, enc esc of conval and are treated individually training event. All cases ible to ess Scouting remains acc confidentially to ensure other An . rier not become a bar all and that finances do trict/ Dis up/ Gro centage of the option is to reserve a per ney mo The d. nee in financial County income for those er eth wh , ion pat ple’s partici could finance young peo ending on the need. dep y, sid sub t par as a full or hardship can be difficult The subject of financial uting It s. is important that Sco and emotive for familie es issu and deals with these is seen as approachable is us nce. Every one of sensitively and in confide ple lp he r barriers so all young peo fo t ng ou ovi g Lookin responsible for rem be k can thin ible to ess is acc us g for utin challenge Funding to help make Sco can access Scouting. The external l era sev are re The ys. wa riately. gained in a number of creatively and act approp : en help individuals locally oft o wh ups gro g din fun
S
ue for money compared couting offers good val viders. Our experience to other youth activity pro oyable programme has taught us that an enj at great expense. Take, does not need to come nteering game – both orie or an for example, a campfire e. This ies, costing relatively littl popular Scouting activit d pon e we provide can res means that the Programm the to e abl activity and is afford sensitively to economic ng you p hel . But how do we majority of young people e? pat tici par to d disadvantage people who are financially s Thi it. for get bud ate it and Firstly, we need to anticip ing hav and get bud ney in the means setting aside mo ng ble us to respond to you ena to ce pla in strategies aware de ma be uld sho s ent Par people in financial need. icies in pol h sound and sensitive of the help available, wit rating ope inistration. If you are place to facilitate its adm to d nee l wil deprivation, you in an area of economic ring sha an me ld ghly. This cou prepare and plan thorou . ups Gro or ts tric y, other Dis resources with the Count
! n i y d o b Every CASE STUDY
ding to afford.’ Geoff got fun wanted to nd, Fu t en vol When Geoff Hewlett ne Be from the uts for a l grants available take the 1st Consett Sco era sev of e on ter, he d this weekend on Kielder Wa from Gilwell Park, an lude exc uld wo t cos the knew cost per head to the d uce red applied some members, so he an affordable level. nt. gra ers art archery, qu ad for a He ‘We put on kayaking, a the All . ing ‘Consett used to have hik d an climbing ustry, thriving steelworks ind since asked, “W hen ve ha uts Sco closed ya king at but when the fac tories can we go again?” Ka tow n a e am bec t tre on fas it Cen 0, in 198 Hawk hirst Ac tiv ity wadays, lly rea ter wa of h of huge deprivation. No etc str a large ple are m to improve a large number of peo the ed ng lle cha s, and funding on minimum-wage job their ski lls.’ Securing ent, ym plo em un meant p ing ris cam with for the weekend ome harder activities for kids bec
end, that everyone cou ld att afford ld cou o wh se not just tho from wn gro s ha up Gro e Th it. last 20 members to 70 in the re mo d an rs, yea ee thr ed. cha llenges are plann Scouts,’ ‘I’m ver y proud of my d rke wo ve ey’ ‘Th . says Geoff up Gro the d ne tur d an rd ha vers and around. Now when Bea look lly Cubs come in, they rea bit of a ’s ere Th . uts up to the Sco k and do awe that they can coo and it things for themselves, keep at it.’ ma kes them want to www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 59
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Adult support
cently Adult Training Team re The City of Coventry’s recruit odule 29: Presenting, to M g sin es dr ad y da a t spen ty . Mike Pitham, the Coun new trainers to the team ts an lked to three particip ta ), TM (C er ag an M ng Traini ed ed and what was achiev about why they attend
g n i s s e r d Ad e room th
Mike (MP): Why did you agree to attend the course?
Sarah: I was asked by the Deputy CTM. Ash: I needed the module as part of my first aid trainer training. Dave: I used to be involved in training and this seemed the ideal way to refresh my skills.
MP: Did you have any concerns about attending?
Dave: Just the normal nerves regarding the presentations and hoping they would go as planned. Ash: Yes, I was nervous too‌ it was weird having formal training on something I have done before at work, especially as there were going to be some experienced presenters listening and watching!
MP: Which part of the day was the most interesting?
Sarah: The breakout groups where we looked at the range of resources that are available.
Ash: The new equipment made available from Development Grants Board funding, which takes us into the 21st century, and will make training much more accessible! Dave: The wealth of information now available, the training notes and factsheets on the CD of data that we all took away with us. This can be used in other roles such as being a Training Adviser (TA) so that we know what has been covered on training courses, enabling better validation.
MP: Will the session help you carry out your role better?
outside the box for novel and interesting presenting. Dave: I recognise that planning is the key. The better planned, the easier it is to present.
MP: As new members of the training team, what has the day equipped you to do?
Dave: The evidence gathered for module validation will confirm that I am doing the role correctly. Evaluation tools are preparation tools as well. Sarah: It has given me more confidence and guidance for planning and being a presenter.
All: Yes!
MP: What important issue will you take away from the day? Ash: To try and keep my presentations varied. Sarah: I recognise the need for the use of varied media and thinking
more info Get to grips with adult training at www.scouts.org. uk/training and order a free module matrix from the Scout Information Centre
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WATERSPORTS fun for everyone • •
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The project was founded in 1981 and in 2006 received the Queen’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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Adult support
Fresh starts
for Fellowship Steve Brownless takes a new look at Fellowships, and plans for the future
B
eing part of a Fellowship means adults can support Scouting in a flexible way that suits them. This can be ideal for parents and other adults or former leaders who are unable to give the time commitment to a leadership role. Fellowship members can also extend their own skills by specialising in an activity, such as climbing. Not only is this an opportunity for the individual but it also benefits the Group, District or County, as new skills undoubtedly enhance the level of support the Scout Fellowship can give.
Specialist support If you need some support or advice for any events you are organising over the coming year, there are more than
20 National Scout Fellowships that are only too willing to support you. We also have two new National Fellowships: the Association of Methodist Scouts and Guides (AMSAG) and the Fellowship for Lesbian and Gays in Scouting (FLAGS). AMSAG provides support and resources for Methodists in The Scout Association and Girlguiding UK, while FLAGS provides active support on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues to all Members and people associated with Scouting.
A new-look Fellowship In the autumn a fresh, new-look Scout Fellowship will be launched, building on the active support that Scout Fellowships are already giving across the UK. We will be unveiling this in the next issue.
more info For more information or to contact a National Scout Fellowship please email fellowship@scout.org.uk with the Fellowship you would like to contact in the subject line.
LONDON PRIDE Scouts were at London Pride in July, handing out stickers. Frazer Mountford, from FLAGS, relives the day. ‘It was fantastic and well received by the public – we ran out of stickers and leaflets! The organisers gave us the privilege of carrying the Pride flag at the front of the parade, as it was the first time we’d had a presence there. We were well applauded and cheered as we went past and there were comments on how amazing it was to see Scouts in a gay parade. ‘We had many leaders come up to us who didn’t know FLAGS existed and wanted to join.’
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WEAR THAT BADGE WITH PRIDE Would you deny Beethoven a Musician Badge because he can’t listen to a tune? Would Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson miss out on an Athlete Badge because her event is not represented? As Sue Burton explains, when it comes to Activity Badges, a flexible approach is required
more info Shine Awards www.avivashineawards.com, Special Needs Office at Gilwell Park: call 0845 300 1818 or email special.needs@scout.org.uk
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Health & wellbeing
A
sk most Scouts what they think of badges and they say that they like getting them! There’s plenty of choice (more than 150 across the five sections) so there should be something for everyone. Everyone? Yes, everyone. Not every Scout will earn every badge. The big range is there to involve and encourage – it’s not a contest to see who can get them all. There should be opportunities for just about anyone who wants to have their achievements and interests acknowledged. The bonus is that this range of badges focusses on what individuals can do, rather than what they can’t. When others point to a badge being worn the question is usually, ‘What did you do to get that?’ – a positive focus. Occasionally, the Special Needs Team is asked whether Scouts with disabilities qualify for such-and-such a badge. We usually ask, ‘What have they done?’ and as the leader begins to reel off a list of achievements, they realise that the Scout in question has far exceeded the requirements of the badge apart from one or two small details, but what they have done instead is often as, if not more, challenging. ‘Can they have the badge?’ Of course!
Look at it another way Renowned percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie’s deafness would prevent her from fulfilling the requirement to, ‘Listen to a tune and then beat or clap out the rhythm.’ Should this rule her out from gaining a Musician Badge? No! What about refusing a
Writer Badge to the poet John Milton, who didn’t compose his epic poem Paradise Lost until he was totally blind? Certainly not. Just as Van Gogh’s behaviour shouldn’t obstruct his path to the Artist Badge, the special needs of Scouts in your section need to be accommodated to allow them to achieve the badge they’ve got their heart set on. Badge requirements need to be flexible, because it’s impossible to cater for the countless combination of situations that could apply to a young person in your section. When changes were made to all the badge requirements in 2006, it was critical to make sure they were clear, concise and easily understood. I remember the conversations we had about making the badges accessible to all. We thought long and hard about how to achieve this, and decided on a flexibility statement (see below) to encompass commonsense adaptations. After all, the best people to decide on the level of effort and challenge for any young person are those closest to them locally.
ENT FLEXIBILITY STATEM The requirements for the Activity Badges provide a wide range of choice. Most Scouts will be able to access the badges of their choice. There will be a number of young people with special needs who will need further flexibility to gain their Activity Badges. Adaptation may be required specific to the needs of the young person concerned. The aim in each case should be to improve access to the Badge rather than to reduce the challenge of its requirements.
Six key tests | Follow this process to make badges accessible for everyone
1 2
4
3
5
Look at the requirements. What is the badge trying to measure? Talk through what limitations or difficulties a particular individual may have. Don’t make the requirements easier or water them down. Find an appropriate alternative, which will still be a challenge, and allow them to achieve.
Get help within Scouting. There may be someone in your District, County, Area or Region who can advise you, or you can contact the Special Needs Office at Gilwell Park. Ask the experts. For some badges there are other avenues of help, eg UK Athletics operate the Shine Awards Scheme to help Scouts with special needs gain their Athlete Badge.
6
Get equipped: it may just be a matter of using different equipment or extending timings – it may need some flexible thinking. Every young person, whatever their section, interest or ability, when asked, ‘What did you do to get that badge?’ should be able to reply with pride, knowing that it was earned through the same level of effort as all their friends.
www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 65
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16/07/2009 17:12
Health & wellbeing
A
sk most Scouts what they think of badges and they say that they like getting them! There’s plenty of choice (more than 150 across the five sections) so there should be something for everyone. Everyone? Yes, everyone. Not every Scout will earn every badge. The big range is there to involve and encourage – it’s not a contest to see who can get them all. There should be opportunities for just about anyone who wants to have their achievements and interests acknowledged. The bonus is that this range of badges focuses on what individuals can do, rather than what they can’t. When others point to a badge being worn the question is usually, ‘What did you do to get that?’ – a positive focus. Occasionally, the Special Needs Team is asked whether Scouts with disabilities qualify for such-and-such a badge. We usually ask, ‘What have they done?’ and as the leader begins to reel off a list of achievements, they realise that the Scout in question has far exceeded the requirements of the badge apart from one or two small details, but what they have done instead is often as, if not more, challenging. ‘Can they have the badge?’ Of course!
Look at it another way Renowned percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie’s deafness would prevent her from fulfilling the requirement to, ‘Listen to a tune and then beat or clap out the rhythm’. Should this rule her out from gaining a Musician Badge? No! What about refusing a
Writer Badge to the poet John Milton, who didn’t compose his epic poem Paradise Lost until he was totally blind? Certainly not. Just as Van Gogh’s behaviour shouldn’t obstruct his path to the Artist Badge, the special needs of Scouts in your section need to be accommodated to allow them to achieve the badge they’ve got their heart set on. Badge requirements need to be flexible, because it’s impossible to cater for the countless combination of situations that could apply to a young person in your section. When changes were made to all the badge requirements in 2006, it was critical to make sure they were clear, concise and easily understood. I remember the conversations we had about making the badges accessible to all. We thought long and hard about how to achieve this, and decided on a flexibility statement (see below) to encompass commonsense adaptations. After all, the best people to decide on the level of effort and challenge for any young person are those closest to them locally.
ENT FLEXIBILITY STATEM The requirements for the Activity Badges provide a wide range of choice. Most Scouts will be able to access the badges of their choice. There will be a number of young people with special needs who will need further flexibility to gain their Activity Badges. Adaptation may be required specific to the needs of the young person concerned. The aim in each case should be to improve access to the badge rather than to reduce the challenge of its requirements.
Six key tests | Follow this process to make badges accessible for everyone
1 2
4
3
5
Look at the requirements. What is the badge trying to measure? Talk through what limitations or difficulties a particular individual may have. Don’t make the requirements easier or water them down. Find an appropriate alternative, which will still be a challenge, and allow them to achieve.
Get help within Scouting. There may be someone in your District, County, Area or Region who can advise you, or you can contact the Special Needs Office at Gilwell Park. Ask the experts. For some badges there are other avenues of help, eg UK Athletics operates the Shine Awards Scheme to help Scouts with special needs gain their Athlete Badge.
6
Get equipped: it may just be a matter of using different equipment or extending timings – it may need some flexible thinking. Every young person, whatever their section, interest or ability, when asked, ‘What did you do to get that badge?’ should be able to reply with pride, knowing that it was earned through the same level of effort as all their friends.
www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 65
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20/07/2009 16:56
Health & wellbeing
A
sk most Scouts what they think of badges and they say that they like getting them! There’s plenty of choice (more than 150 across the five sections) so there should be something for everyone. Everyone? Yes, everyone. Not every Scout will earn every badge. The big range is there to involve and encourage – it’s not a contest to see who can get them all. There should be opportunities for just about anyone who wants to have their achievements and interests acknowledged. The bonus is that this range of badges focuses on what individuals can do, rather than what they can’t. When others point to a badge being worn the question is usually, ‘What did you do to get that?’ – a positive focus. Occasionally, the Special Needs Team is asked whether Scouts with disabilities qualify for such-and-such a badge. We usually ask, ‘What have they done?’ and as the leader begins to reel off a list of achievements, they realise that the Scout in question has far exceeded the requirements of the badge apart from one or two small details, but what they have done instead is often as, if not more, challenging. ‘Can they have the badge?’ Of course!
Look at it another way Renowned percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie’s deafness would prevent her from fulfilling the requirement to, ‘Listen to a tune and then beat or clap out the rhythm’. Should this rule her out from gaining a Musician Badge? No! What about refusing a
Writer Badge to the poet John Milton, who didn’t compose his epic poem Paradise Lost until he was totally blind? Certainly not. Just as Van Gogh’s behaviour shouldn’t obstruct his path to the Artist Badge, the special needs of Scouts in your section need to be accommodated to allow them to achieve the badge they’ve got their heart set on. Badge requirements need to be flexible, because it’s impossible to cater for the countless combination of situations that could apply to a young person in your section. When changes were made to all the badge requirements in 2006, it was critical to make sure they were clear, concise and easily understood. I remember the conversations we had about making the badges accessible to all. We thought long and hard about how to achieve this, and decided on a flexibility statement (see below) to encompass commonsense adaptations. After all, the best people to decide on the level of effort and challenge for any young person are those closest to them locally.
ENT FLEXIBILITY STATEM The requirements for the Activity Badges provide a wide range of choice. Most Scouts will be able to access the badges of their choice. There will be a number of young people with special needs who will need further flexibility to gain their Activity Badges. Adaptation may be required specific to the needs of the young person concerned. The aim in each case should be to improve access to the badge rather than to reduce the challenge of its requirements.
Six key tests | Follow this process to make badges accessible for everyone
1 2
4
3
5
Look at the requirements. What is the badge trying to measure? Talk through what limitations or difficulties a particular individual may have. Don’t make the requirements easier or water them down. Find an appropriate alternative, which will still be a challenge, and allow them to achieve.
Get help within Scouting. There may be someone in your District, County, Area or Region who can advise you, or you can contact the Special Needs Office at Gilwell Park. Ask the experts. For some badges there are other avenues of help, eg UK Athletics operates the Shine Awards Scheme to help Scouts with special needs gain their Athlete Badge.
6
Get equipped: it may just be a matter of using different equipment or extending timings – it may need some flexible thinking. Every young person, whatever their section, interest or ability, when asked, ‘What did you do to get that badge?’ should be able to reply with pride, knowing that it was earned through the same level of effort as all their friends.
www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 65
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20/07/2009 14:22
WEAR THAT BADGE WITH PRIDE Would you deny Beethoven a Musician Badge because he can’t listen to a tune? Would Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson miss out on an Athlete Badge because her event is not represented? As Sue Burton explains, when it comes to Activity Badges, a flexible approach is required
more info Shine Awards www.avivashineawards.com, Special Needs Office at Gilwell Park: call 0845 300 1818 or email special.needs@scout.org.uk
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Health & wellbeing
A
sk most Scouts what they think of badges and they say that they like getting them! There’s plenty of choice (more than 150 across the five sections) so there should be something for everyone. Everyone? Yes, everyone. Not every Scout will earn every badge. The big range is there to involve and encourage – it’s not a contest to see who can get them all. There should be opportunities for just about anyone who wants to have their achievements and interests acknowledged. The bonus is that this range of badges focusses on what individuals can do, rather than what they can’t. When others point to a badge being worn the question is usually, ‘What did you do to get that?’ – a positive focus. Occasionally, the Special Needs Team is asked whether Scouts with disabilities qualify for such-and-such a badge. We usually ask, ‘What have they done?’ and as the leader begins to reel off a list of achievements, they realise that the Scout in question has far exceeded the requirements of the badge apart from one or two small details, but what they have done instead is often as, if not more, challenging. ‘Can they have the badge?’ Of course!
Look at it another way Renowned percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie’s deafness would prevent her from fulfilling the requirement to, ‘Listen to a tune and then beat or clap out the rhythm.’ Should this rule her out from gaining a Musician Badge? No! What about refusing a
Writer Badge to the poet John Milton, who didn’t compose his epic poem Paradise Lost until he was totally blind? Certainly not. Just as Van Gogh’s behaviour shouldn’t obstruct his path to the Artist Badge, the special needs of Scouts in your section need to be accommodated to allow them to achieve the badge they’ve got their heart set on. Badge requirements need to be flexible, because it’s impossible to cater for the countless combination of situations that could apply to a young person in your section. When changes were made to all the badge requirements in 2006, it was critical to make sure they were clear, concise and easily understood. I remember the conversations we had about making the badges accessible to all. We thought long and hard about how to achieve this, and decided on a flexibility statement (see below) to encompass commonsense adaptations. After all, the best people to decide on the level of effort and challenge for any young person are those closest to them locally.
ENT FLEXIBILITY STATEM The requirements for the Activity Badges provide a wide range of choice. Most Scouts will be able to access the badges of their choice. There will be a number of young people with special needs who will need further flexibility to gain their Activity Badges. Adaptation may be required specific to the needs of the young person concerned. The aim in each case should be to improve access to the Badge rather than to reduce the challenge of its requirements.
Six key tests | Follow this process to make badges accessible for everyone
1 2
4
3
5
Look at the requirements. What is the badge trying to measure? Talk through what limitations or difficulties a particular individual may have. Don’t make the requirements easier or water them down. Find an appropriate alternative, which will still be a challenge, and allow them to achieve.
Get help within Scouting. There may be someone in your District, County, Area or Region who can advise you, or you can contact the Special Needs Office at Gilwell Park. Ask the experts. For some badges there are other avenues of help, eg UK Athletics operate the Shine Awards Scheme to help Scouts with special needs gain their Athlete Badge.
6
Get equipped: it may just be a matter of using different equipment or extending timings – it may need some flexible thinking. Every young person, whatever their section, interest or ability, when asked, ‘What did you do to get that badge?’ should be able to reply with pride, knowing that it was earned through the same level of effort as all their friends.
www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 65
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The Faiths and Beliefs Team is now up and running… Bijal Bhagwan explains what support is available
I
n the last issue, we introduced our Faiths and Beliefs Team. This edition we’re featuring some of our current projects to get your views and let you know what you can look forward to in the future. There’s also an environmentally friendly game for you to try out!
Current activities Our team is split into three specialist groups: Programme, Diversity and Adult Support. • The Programme Group provides direct and active support to Beliefs and Attitudes in the Programme. It is currently writing new programmes for Programmes Online (www. scouts.org.uk/pol), as well as producing and collating examples of Promise ceremonies, Scouts’ Owns and St George’s Day activities. • The Diversity Group aims to develop Scouting within a greater number of faith-based communities. It also supports the wider work of The Scout Association to ensure it is suitable for all faith groups. Their current projects include working with the Minority Support Team, advising on Scouting issues specific to faith-based communities, and developing programmes and a faith trail for Gilwell Park. • Our Adult Support Group supports the work of the faith-based Fellowships, chaplains and faith contacts, and develops links with external organisations. Currently it is reviewing and updating the Chaplain Role Description and supporting the work of faith-based Fellowships. As well as all this, we answer specific questions regarding spiritual development, the Promise, the religious policy of The Scout Association and much, much more!
66 Scouting August/September 2009
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Faiths & beliefs
Question of the month
Why do we have Scout Groups for people from specific religions? The easy answer to this is that things aren’t always what they seem. There are a growing number of Scout Groups around the country that would seem by the make-up of their members to be faith-specific. However, on closer inspection you will find that the majority of these Groups are ‘open’ and will accept members of all faiths. The Scout Association aims to reflect the communities in which it works. It is, therefore, highly likely that in some Groups, the majority of the members will come from the same religious and cultural background. There can be advantages to this in that it is perhaps easier to ensure that the religious and cultural needs of the Members are easily met. There are, of course, a vast number of Groups across the country whose membership covers a wide range of cultures and religious practices. As should always be the case, we should strive to offer Scouting to all religions and cultures.
GAME
Turn it off!
Ask a question – we’re here for you The Faith and Beliefs
This game emphasises energy Support Team strongly saving. It’s most suitable for Beaver believes that its role is and Cub Scouts. You need pictures not to be a ‘talking (displayed around your meeting place) of electrical equipment such as: television, shop’ but to offer CD player, computer, Sky box etc. These real and practical appliances usually have a standby button support and advice. but to save energy we should turn them off. Please feel free Organise the young people in teams and give each member a number. When a to contact us with number is called, everyone with that specific requests that number runs to every picture and we may be able to add taps them (to turn them off). Play until everyone is to our ongoing work. worn out! We would also welcome
your comments and ideas and copies of resources, ideas and examples of good practice which you are using within your own sections. To get in touch with us contact adult.support@scout.org.uk
THE FUTURE
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SALE TIME
NOW’S THE TIME TO GRAB SOME CRAZY BARGAINS AND GET GEARED UP FOR YOUR NEXT ENDEAVOUR Regatta Crusoe sandals for men, women, boys and girls Up to 45% off RRP From £8.25
Selected travel shirts from Berghaus and Craghoppers Up to 30% off RRP From £17.50 Selected walking boots and shoes from Berghaus and Regatta Up to 40% off RRP From £27
Berghaus Tech Tees Up to 25% off £20 RRP
Vango Wilderness sleeping bags Up to 25% off RRP From £15
Selected tents from Vango and Gelert Up to 44% off RRP From £24.99
Available while stocks last. For more offers, see www.scouts.org.uk/shop. All Scout Shops profits are returned to Scouting
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Shopping
Order online at www.scouts.org.uk/shop or call 01903 766921 N
S
SCOUT SHOPS
Save £10
EQUIPPED FOR ADVENTURE
Selected waterproof jackets from Berghaus, Sprayway and Regatta Up to 37% off RRP From £30 Bullfinch double-burner stove Retail price £75
Our price £65
Ref: 1023773
1/3 off RRP Gelert 9W remote-control rechargeable lantern RRP £29.99
Our price £20
Ref: 1024835
Selected rucksacks, daysacks and luggage Up to 25% off RRP From £20
Save £21 off RRP
Silverpoint Trio solar torch RRP £29.99
Our price £8.99
Ref: 1026912
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Promos & resources
for the big adventure
AUTUMN ADVENTURES After a fantastic summer of big adventures, it’s time to get prepared for the coming months of outdoor activities The cooler months are a great time to go hiking, climbing and walking. Visit your local Millets store for some expert advice on how you and your group can continue to enjoy the outdoors throughout autumn and winter. Make sure you’re fully prepared, whatever the weather.
A couple of top tips 1. Once a year make sure you reseal the seams of your tent. This will not only prolong its life but will prevent any potential leaks appearing during your camping trip. 2. To make your footwear go further, protect it with an appropriate cleaner and proofer, which are specifically designed to restore the inbuilt properties of outdoor fabrics without harming the material. Scouts will continue to benefit from Big Adventure Open Evenings and preferential discounts throughout 2009.
WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF GPS
Garmin’s latest handheld Global Positioning System is the Dakota. This mini waterproof GPS navigator tracks your location on a rugged 2.6-inch bright touch-screen The new device from Garmin is set to cause something of a stir. It has a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with Hotfix™, which means it maintains its GPS signal, even if you’re hunting for a geocache in heavy woodland or deep valleys. The pocket-sized GPS is packed with features including a barometric altimeter, which helps you gauge elevation as you hike up hills, while warning you about the changing weather. A three-axis, tilt-compensated electronic compass shows your heading even when standing still.
Help on the hills The Dakota will wirelessly share routes, tracks, waypoints and geocaches with other select Garmin devices. Preloaded with a worldwide basemap, it is also compatible with Garmin GB Discoverer mapping which shows you an Ordnance Survey map in your GPS! For your Scouts to complete their Garmin Hiker Activity Badge they’ll need a GPS device. Why not let them experience fantastic GPS navigation in the palms of their hands with a Dakota? See www.garmin.com
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Promos & resources
A glittering success Two years on since Rolls-Royce first sponsored the Cub Scout Scientist Badge and over 110,000 packs have been sent out. The company has now renewed its commitment to Scouting, writes Gill Fennell
R
olls-Royce sponsored the Scientist Activity Badge in 2007, initially for a two-year period. The objective was to help the Cub Scouts and their leaders do some simple science investigations – and have fun in the process. But why the Scouts? The manufacturing company – which provides integrated power systems for use on land, at sea and in the air – is concerned about the falling numbers of students taking science subjects at school and, later, at degree level. Sponsoring the Scientist Badge is part of a programme of investment the company is making, promoting science, technology, engineering and maths to young people.
Looking back, looking forward The sponsorship has been a resounding success from both sides of the partnership. The Scientist Badge resources developed by Rolls-Royce have been received enthusiastically and the sheer number of Scientist Badge Activity Packs requested reveals the popularity of the partnership
locally. Feedback from leaders has been positive, with activities being completed during meetings, at camps and by Cubs at home. ‘We found the Scientist Pack brilliant,’ said one leader. ‘It’s relevant, easy to build a programme around, and includes activities we need to do for the badge.’
Employee engagement For Rolls-Royce, working with The Scout Association presented a number of opportunities to involve employees. Firstly, they have given well over 450 hours of their own time during the life-span of the partnership, delivering science activities for more than 1,200 Cub Scouts. This has happened at both national Scouting events – such as the Beaver and Cub Scout Fundays – and local events hosted by the company. Secondly, the partnership has given Rolls-Royce the opportunity to connect with employees, as parents of Cub Scouts or leaders/helpers, by hosting special events for local Packs. These took place at some of the company’s sites during National Science and Engineering Week.
Order your free packs
You can order the free packs online and a number of new resources are also available to download from www.scouts.org. uk/sponsor Scientist Badge Activity Pack
Copyright © 2007, The Scout Association, Reg. Charity No. 306101, scouts.org.uk
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AD
H E IN OLLA ND
M
As summer draws to a close, Scouts are thinking about going back to school – but there’s no need to settle for a boring packed lunch. The Edam wedge presents some great ideas for a different, tasty and healthy lunch break
L
OV
ED
RE
EDAM EVERYWH
E
Edam – made for lunches Edam Chef Badge Activity Book
Registered Charity Numbers
924_CP Edam Activity_COVER.in
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Copyright © 2009 The Scout Association 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland)
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924_CP Edam Activity_COVER.in
he Edam wedge, sponsors of the Cub Scout Chef Activity Badge, is a nutritious, naturally ripened cheese which has a deliciously creamy and mild flavour that young people love. It is also packed with calcium (14% more than cheddar) so it’s perfect for strong, healthy bones. The Edam wedge is very versatile. Not only can you slice it into a sandwich or have it as a small wedge with fruit, it can also be grated, melted and grilled – adding some muchneeded variety to a traditional packed lunch.
Order your Chef Badge Activity Packs If you haven’t yet tackled the Chef Activity Badge, why not get your Cubs to don their chef’s hats, grab an Edam wedge and rustle up something delicious? Log on to www.scout.org.uk/edam to order the Chef Badge Activity Pack, play games and search for tasty lunchbox ideas.
Did you know?
The original Edam wedge, a favourite with families, is easy to spot with its famous ball shape, red wax coating and wedge serving. The cheese, which has 25% less fat than cheddar, originates in Holland and is named after the Dutch port town of Edam, located just outside Amsterdam. It is produced and ripened in the classic Dutch cheese-making tradition, using milk from the famous Frisian cows.
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Promos & resources
Lunchbox idea Sweet Red Onion & Edam Tart
This delicious tart combines sweet caramelised red onions, with thyme and Edam. Delicious served cold as part of a lunchbox. Serves six. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes Ingredients • 25g (1oz) butter • 3 large red onions, thinly sliced • 30ml (2 tbsp) freshly chopped thyme • 350g (12oz) ready-made shortcrust pastry • 330ml (12fl oz) reduced-fat crème fraîche • 3 medium eggs • Pinch of nutmeg • 150g (5oz) Edam wedge, grated • Extra thyme sprigs to garnish Method 1. Melt the butter in a large pan, add the onions and thyme, cover and cook for 30-35 minutes. Stir occasionally, until the onions start to caramelise. Allow to cool. 2. Preheat oven to 190ºC, 375ºF, gas mark 6. Roll out the pastry and use to line a 23cm (9”) loose-bottomed quiche tin. Cover the base with baking paper and fill with ceramic baking beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and beans, and return to the oven for five more minutes until golden. 3. Place the crème fraîche, eggs and nutmeg in a bowl and beat together. Stir in the onions and half the cheese and pour into the bottom of the pastry base. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and thyme sprigs. 4. Bake for 30 minutes until the top is golden and the filling set. Cool for five minutes, then cut into slices. Serve with a tomato and mixed-leaf salad. Cook’s tip • Once you’ve lined the tin with the pastry, put it in the freezer for 15 minutes. This sets the pastry so it holds its shape when cooked. • Ceramic baking beans can be used over and over again for blind baking. Alternatively you can use dried beans, peas or pasta. For more delicious Edam wedge recipes, log on to www.edammade.co.uk www.scouts.org.uk/magazine 73
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Competition Answer our simple question to win one of 13 fantastic DVD box sets Watch the Chief wrestle an alligator on Born Survivor: Bear Grylls Series 3
win!
Win Bear on DVD! We’ve heard a lot of Chief Scout, Bear Grylls, in recent
months and now you can follow his unnerving adventures in the comfort of your own home. We have 13 box sets of Born Survivor: Bear Grylls Series 3 to give away
Surely by now, Bear Grylls needs no introduction. But just in case you’ve forgotten about his ‘day job’ as explorer, survival expert and adventurer, you can catch up with his exploits on DVD in the third season of his critically acclaimed series Born Survivor: Bear Grylls.
From Namibia to Transylvania In the series, Bear travels to the furthest ends of the earth in search of action and adventure, from the jagged peaks of the Baja peninsula to the scorching sands of Namibia. As if the environments weren’t hostile enough, watch the Chief as he wrestles with an alligator in the Louisiana swamps, battles a deadly diamondback rattlesnake, reacts violently to a bee-sting in Mexico, and eats a tarantula for breakfast. Watch (if you dare) him delve into an underground tunnel while hunting for porcupine with San bushmen and coming face to face with a brown bear in Transylvania.
Out in the wild True to form, Bear Grylls is out tackling some of the most varied and harshest locales on the planet, venturing
from the deserts and wildernesses of Mexico and South Dakota, to the swamps and jungles of the American Deep South and Belize; from the frozen wastes and mountains of Yukon and Turkey to the foreboding caves of Hell’s Canyon in Oregon. His is a not a quiet life. Bear pushes himself constantly, all in the name of demonstrating survival skills and taking things, as always, to the very limit of human endurance.
Answer this question to win
For a chance to win one of these great box sets, simply answer the following question. In which year did Bear Grylls make his first record-breaking ascent of Mount Everest? Please email your answer to scouting.magazine@scout.org.uk by 30 September 2009. Winners will be drawn at random from those sending the correct answer.
more info
Born Survivor: Bear Grylls Series 3, a five-disc DVD box set, is available now courtesy of Demand DVD. RRP £39.99 (nine hours’ running time).
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Round our place
Back to Scouts Scouting editor Elis Matthews returns to the birthplace of his Scouting journey, and finds it just as he left it
T
he 1st Osterley Scout Group meets in a leafy suburb of Middlesex, down a track off a wide, tree-lined avenue in the shadow of the spired church where I got married. As I sit in the car outside, memories of my Scouting days come flooding back: abseiling off the roof; potholing through a course built of ladders and trunks in the store room and patrol den; games of stave hockey going late into the night; and being (literally) thrown over a rope by Akela to the Scout Leader – the Group’s interpretation of the Moving-on Ceremony.
Hidden treasure Tonight I’m going back to my old Troop, and as Tony the Scout Leader opens up the hut, I can instantly see that very little has changed. ‘It’s had a fresh lick of paint, the posters have been updated to show the current badges, but everything else is the same.’ He’s right… it’s as robust and no-nonsense as I remember it: the perfect hideaway location for a thousand
The 1st Osterley Scout Group, post bike ride
adventures. Like many across the country, I suppose, if you didn’t know the Scout hut was there, you’d never discover it.
On yer bike! The Troop are off on a cycle wide game, navigating a circular route around Osterley Park, crossing over the M4 and coming down the Grand Union Canal towpath. I get on my bike to follow Badger Patrol, a mixed bunch of Scouts united by a common purpose: to beat the other three Patrols. It is this sense of friendly rivalry, teamwork and diversity that resonates with my own experience. As a proud Bulldog, I strove to emerge victorious from whatever challenge, but always play by the rules. The meeting finishes with flag down and photos outside the meeting place. As I thank the Scouts for indulging my nostalgia trip, they reply with a hearty ‘B.R.A.V.O. Bravo!’ the Troop’s trademark way of congratulations. It’s as recognisable as the hut itself, and I feel like I never left.
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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
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SUPPLIERS SEA SCOUTS KNITTED SEA SCOUT JUMPERS AT COMPETITIVE PRICES. FREE DELIVERY ON LARGER ORDERS. CONTACT MIDGE AT 01239 612560 www.seascoutsweaters.co.uk
Tolley
CAMPING Haringey District Scout Park Gordon Road London N11 2PB Eight-acre site near underground for exploring Central London. Ideal for Pack/Troop/Unit Camping. Patrol camp. Beaver Fun Days. Indoor Accommodation for 36+ with hall kitchen. Good toilets and shower facilities plus special need toilet. Climbing Wall/ Archery/Rifle Range/Pioneering/Canoes – Nature Watch centre. Large Hall and kitchen for events. Meeting Rooms and Wi - Fi. For details send A5 sae to Shirley Fort, 95 Sydney Road, London N10 2ND or telephone 020 8883 4375 scouting.shirval@tiscali.co.uk
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camping directory
Yr Hafod The Scout Mountaineering Centre In the heart of Snowdonia
www.yr-hafod.org.uk
uniforms
‘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 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
To advertise here, please contact Sonal Mistry on 020 8962 1252 or email sonal@thinkpublishing.co.uk
has 23 secluded camping glades in deep woodland with easy parking nearby, good toilet facilities.
insurance
Good local climbing areas, low ropes course, water activities on Rudyard Lake.
BE PREPARED! FOR LOW-COST QUALITY INSURANCE
HIGHLY COMPETITIVE COVER FOR MINI BUSES
Hiking and Caving in the Peak Park. Alton Towers down the road.
Plus The Endeavour Scout Policy for •Equipment •Premises/Scout Huts •Scout Centres •Campsites Contact us now: Tel: 020 8345 5500 Fax: 020 8482 2000 Email: scout@stevenikessler.co.uk Quotations also available for Northern Ireland
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ACTIVITIES & ACTIVITY CENTRES RIDING/TREKKING/CAMPING
in the wild mountains of wales. Beautiful back to basics campsite, with tree-lined, clear-water stream. Exhilarating riding on kind responsive horses. Join in grooming and tacking up, demonstrations and advice always given. W.T.R.A. Approved. A.A.L.A. Registered. W.T.B. Accredited. Est over 50 years.
GRANGE TREKKING, Capel-y-ffin, Abergavenny, Mon, NP7 7NP Wales www.grangetrekking.co.uk 01873 890 215
01403 734424 adrian@southwatersports.co.uk www.southwatersports.co.uk
Kayaking Kayak Coaching Windsurfing Sailing Raft Building for groups & individuals Children’s Holiday Courses
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
FIRST AID
• 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
ONLINE RETAILER MGD Products Ltd Caravan & Camping 12v, Mains & Gas Camping Fridges, Cool Boxes, Gas Boiling Rings, Stoves, Ovens, Tea Urns, Water Boilers & Lamps, Portable Toilets & Utility Tents
Freephone 0800 970 9486 www.mgdcaravancamping.co.uk www.mgdcoolers.co.uk
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
WEB DIRECTORY MANUFACTURERS AND RETAILERS 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 www.glasgowscoutshop.com Equipping you for your Scouting adventures! www.pennineoutdoor.co.uk Make your own gear. Specialist outdoor fabrics and fleece, buckles, webbing and zips plus all the patterns you will need to make or repair your own gear.
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
I’m quite sure there are plenty of other ways to get the Troop’s photo in the newspapers...
…and does anyone know why this is called a ‘stinging nettle’?
Perfectly pitched, but completely inside out
Well I don’t see how cleaning the GSL’s car improves our ‘life skills’...
Been there. Done it. Got the T-shirt.
You’re right, there’s absolutely no mention of an activity badge for bomb disposal
I think for some people, next year’s Programme will have to be quite challenging
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